Karina, relieved after examining the X-ray and report, responded calmly to Jackâs inquiry.
âAs he just mentioned, he is Carlow,â she explained, meeting Jackâs gaze steadily.
Jackâs frown deepened.
His curiosity wasnât merely about the manâs name; it delved into the essence of their relationship.
âKarina, you two.
â
âIâm Karinaâs neighbor, and Iâm pursuing her,â Barlow interjected, his hand resting gently on Karinaâs shoulder as he spoke, timing his words perfectly.
Barlowâs words took Jack by surprise.
He glanced at the hand Barlow had on Karinaâs shoulder and found it incredibly irritating.
âMr.
Tucker, please remove your h
and from Karina.
â
Barlow snorted.
âWhy should I take my hand off her? Iâm just putting my arm around my girlfriendâs shoulder.
Is there a problem?â
Jack was left speechless and glared at Barlow with frustration.
Barlow just stated that he was currently Karinaâs suitor.
But now he claimed to be her boyfriend?
âYour girlfriend? Karina, are you really his girlfriend?â Jack inquired.
He couldnât believe the nonsense Barlow was spouting!
Karina glanced sideways at Barlow, attempting to free herself from his grip.
However, he tightened his hold on her shoulder and grinned.
It seemed as though he was signaling her not to expose his falsehood.
Karina had intended to clarify her relationship with him, but now she swallowed her words as she remembered that Jack had feelings for her.
She decided that this was the way to get Jack to give up on his feelings for her.
âJack, why are you getting so worked up? Doesnât your wound hurt anymore? Iâll check with the doctor.
â
With that, Karina removed Barlowâs hand, turned, and walked away.
The agent gave Jack a look of sympathy and followed Karina out.
Now only Jack and Barlow remained in the room.
One smiled faintly while the other looked quite upset.
Jack confronted Barlow and said, âYouâre aware that Karina has a lover, right?â