Chapter 117

Chapter 117 Gary chuckled helplessly. Why was he blaming him?

Menu I sat on the couch, hugging a pillow, sighing and brooding. The feeling of being protected, of walking on clouds, because he’d dealt with the Crowe family for me, had vanished. I’d been foolish. Him saving me, protecting me, didn’t mean we were equals.

He was the boss. He could be kind and gentle, or sharp and cold, depending on my words... If I was hurt by that, it only meant I hadn’t understood my place. I needed to be clearer. His kindness didn’t mean he was approachable or wanted to be friends. And definitely not to assume he had feelings for me!

I spent an hour clearing my head. I went to the kitchen and made myself noodles. A few bites in, my phone rang. It was Gary. A sense of dread washed over me; he was usually Evan’s messenger.

I answered.“Hello, Gary.”

“Ms. Frost, are you busy tonight?”

“Uh...”

“The CEO needs someone to change his bandages. Zach can’t come today. My wife called me home, so... I’ll need your help.”

My heart sank when he spoke. I’d just left, still feeling awkward. I wasn’t going to quit over a few words, but I wasn’t strong enough to be nonchalant.“Gary, can someone else do it? Maybe a nurse?”

Gary paused.“The CEO is just stubborn and kind. He thinks highly of you. He likes you.” He was trying to comfort me, but it sounded like: the CEO values you, you’re his secretary; just do it. If he hadn’t been injured saving me, if he hadn’t saved my life, I would have scoffed and quit on the spot.

“Fine. I’ll come up after dinner.” I agreed. I lost my appetite. After some mental preparation, I went upstairs. Standing at Evan’s door, I took a deep breath and knocked.“Come in,” his usual cold voice said. I entered, closed the door, and approached the bed, maintaining a calm smile.“I heard you need help with your bandages.”

Evan looked at my forced smile and the formal tone.“...Mm.”

“Where’s the first–aid kit? I’ll change it now.”

“Over there.” He pointed to the dressing room.

I went to the dressing room, found the kit, brought it to the bedside table, and laid out the supplies. Everything was ready. But when my eyes fell on him, my mind blanked. I remembered a crucial detail. His injury was near his lower back. He was in a robe... should I remove his top...? Or lift his robe...? Or should he remove everything...?

“You’re going to change my bandage,” Evan said calmly.

“...Take off your robe,” I said resolutely.