Gavin looked at her, his gaze steady, and replied in a calm voice, “You’ve got the leverage to do it.”Oh…Jolie’s heart skipped a beat, her pulse momentarily thrown off rhythm.What was this feeling?It was as if someone was spoiling her, cherishing her unconditionally. Even though it was just a simple conversation, it carried a warmth she couldn’t ignore.For a moment, she realized that what she once thought was affection and care had been nothing but an illusion.A smile unconsciously curved on her lips as her eyes lit up. “Does this mean I can walk around Larbor City like I own the place?”Gavin raised an eyebrow. “Are you a crab?”Jolie burst into laughter, her mood instantly lifted by his quick-witted remark. Her earlier irritation dissipated, replaced by lightheartedness.Whether or not he meant it, the fact that he sided with her made her happy.”I’m full. Should we head out?” she asked, her appetite long gone after everything that had happened earlier.Gavin glanced at her plate, noting how little she’d eaten. She had clearly lost her appetite.”Alright,” he said without pushing her, grabbing his jacket as they stood to leave.Their flight was at ten that evening, and it was already seven-thirty. They had just enough time, but as the thought of leaving for Francia loomed over her, Jolie couldn’t shake the nervous energy building in her chest. Her phone suddenly buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. She glanced at the screen-it was Selena calling. “Hey, Sis,” she answered.”Where are you?” Selena asked.Jolie blinked in surprise. “I’m out having dinner. Were you looking for me?””Yeah,” Selena replied. “I wanted to check when you’re planning to leave.” “Tonight,” Jolie said casually.There was a brief pause before Selena asked, “What plan did you come up with?”Jolie glanced at the tall man beside her and said, “You’re asking when you already know the answer.””Oh, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Selena teased, her voice dripping with mock innocence.For some reason, Jolie felt their bond growing closer through the banter. She decided to share more. “It’s Gavin who’s helping me.””Tsk tsk, listen to how casually yousay his name, Selena said, nearly breaking character before catching herself. Clearing her throat, she added, “With him around, everything will be fine. Anyway, I’m about to leave Larbor City soon. Nothing else to say-bye.” “You’re leaving? When?” Jolie asked quickly.”In the next couple of days,” Selena replied.A pang of disappointment struck Jolie. If there were more time, she would’ve loved to see her sister before leaving.”Alright, then. When I get back, I’ll visit you in Cloudflare City. I’ve never been there before,” Jolie said, her voice tinged with regret.”Sure,” Selena said nonchalantly before hanging up.Gavin, noticing the faint sadness on Jolie’s face, asked, “What’s wrong?””I kind of want to see my sister,” Jolie admitted.Gavin’s sharp mind picked up on complexity of their siblingrelationship-layered and nuanneperhaps even more so than bto Aveline. “You could video call her,” he suggested.Jolie sighed, clearly unimpressed. “It’s not the same.”She exhaled deeply and added, “I’ll visit her when I’m back.”tiesThe driver opened the car door, and the two of them climbed in. As the vehicle made its way toward the private airstrip, Jolie gazed out the window, lost in thought. Suddenly, her hand was enveloped in warmth. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNøvel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Turning, she met Gavin’s deep, night-like eyes.”Don’t worry,” he said, his voice calm and reassuring. “I’ll handle everything.”