Dulcie bit her lip awkwardly, her voice barely above a whisper.
âMy legs⦠theyâre numb.
I canât⦠I canât get up.
I didnât mean toâ¦â
Her cheeks flushed crimson as she trailed off, overwhelmed by embarrassment.
Just moments ago, she had claimed she could manage on her own, yet now she found herself unable to stand.
Kyson couldnât help but chuckle at the irony of the situation.
She had been fearlessly facing off against those men, and now here she was, unable to stand in his presence.
Despite his slight disdain for her apparent need for attention and care, Kyson remained committed to his plan.
Returning to Dulcieâs side, he gently lifted her up, finding her weight surprisingly light in his arms.
As he cradled her against his chest, her disheveled appearance only served to heighten her vulnerable charm.
With her bloodied hair and fragile frame, Dulcie resembled a broken doll in Kysonâs arms, her pitiful state tugging at his heartstrings and evoking an instinctual desire to protect her.
For a moment, Kyson simply gazed at her, his mind elsewhere despite the scene before him.
In reality, he was lost in thoughts of Lucinda.
Lucinda, too, had been delicate and slender.
In their youth, he had held her just like this, promising to protect and care for her always.
But now, she no longer needed him; their paths had diverged irreversibly.
Under the subdued lighting of the private room, Kysonâs piercing blue eyes held a shadow of introspection.
Dulcie, oblivious to his inner turmoil, averted her gaze, feeling self-conscious in her disheveled state.
âLetâs go, Mr.
Shaw.
Iâd like to go home,â she murmured softly.
In Kysonâs embrace, Dulcie timidly tugged at his shirt, feeling his warmth.
Kyson, regaining his composure, wordlessly carried Dulcie out of the room.
As they reached the corridor, they encountered several officers from the National Security Bureau, led not by Sonny but by Fletcher, the leader of the ninth unit.
Upon seeing Dulcieâs bloodied state, Fletcherâs concern was evident as he inquired, âMr.
Shaw, what happened to her?â
Before Dulcie could respond, Kyson spoke up, his tone firm.
âShe was attacked.
When the perpetrators learned the police were called, they fled.
Thereâs no need to go to the private room.
â
Fletcher insisted on following protocol.
âWe still need to review the surveillance footage.
Those responsible will face consequences.
â
Kyson nodded in acknowledgment.
âThank you.
Iâll ensure she receives medical attention.
â
Although he had agreed to let those men go, Kyson knew he had little control over the situation if the National Security Bureau intervened.