registered was warmth-a deep, penetrating warmth that seemed to emanate from the plush mattress be

rstated, minimalist luxury. The air carried a faint, steady scent of cedarwood-the exact fragrance that had

licate silk pajama set that was entirely foreign to her. A frantic, quick pat-down confirmed sh

hite pills. Beside them lay a thick cardstock note, inscribed in s

wling penthouse, fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed a breathtaking, panoramic view of the ent

And where exactl

amiliar figure stepped into the room, and

he whisper

family faithfully for decades, smiled, her face softening with obvious relief. She held a s

texture of Maria's skin anchored her, a rare comfort in this al

sness," Maria explained in a gentle, soothing tone as she set the tray down on the nightstand. "A k

ently, the answer already ling

cautious and guarded. "I

lusive, powerful tycoon infamous for his ruthless, unyielding business tactics. She could not fathom

ersonally tracked her down. He'd offered her a well-paid, stable position in his staff, with no strings attached. The news only

ng chill of the snow and fever. Maria told her a private doctor had already visited and examined her thoroughly.

He had relayed every instruction regarding her care solely through his personal assistant, Ethan. It was a small, fleeting r

e charging on the antique dresser, but shook her head. "It suffered severe water and frost damage ou

her legs over the edge of the bed, ready to stand, but Ma

t of bed until your fever breaks. You must rest." There was a quiet

e. It was a massive, unpayable debt she had no way to settle. The memory of their brief encounter in the snow

enthouse, Ethan stood before his employer and delivered his report st

fixed on the sprawling sea of city lights below. An unlit cigarette reste

lans. He needed Elara to grow reliant on his kindness, to feel the weight of her debt, and come to him