"Enough!" Dennis cut her off. "Claire's under my protection. You got no right to mess with her. If you disrespect her again, you'll regret it."
With that, he grabbed Claire's hand and started to leave.
Ivy stood there, her face twisted with anger and frustration.
Claire's cheek still bore the red, swollen mark of a slap. A defiant glint flashed in her eyes, but she stayed silent, heading upstairs.
Dennis grabbed an ice pack from the fridge and followed her.
In the bathroom, the sound of running water filled the air.
Dennis gently pressed the ice pack to Claire's face, his touch tender and careful.
Claire closed her eyes, letting the cold spread across her skin, while a wave of grievance surged in her heart.
"Dennis, you don't need to look after me anymore," Claire suddenly said, her voice trembling slightly.
Dennis frowned, a hint of confusion in his deep eyes. "Why?"
"Because every time I'm in trouble, you get hurt."
Claire opened her eyes, looking at Dennis's handsome, intense face, guilt welling up inside her.
She didn't know why she said that, but she knew she didn't want to see Dennis get hurt because of her.
Dennis gazed into Claire's clear, determined eyes. He didn't say much, just patted her shoulder gently before turning to leave the bathroom.
When Claire finished her shower and stepped out, she got a call from Sabrina.
Sabrina's anxious voice came through the phone, "Claire, your dad was in a car accident. He's in the hospital now."
"What?" Claire gasped, nearly dropping her phone.
Her heart raced, her mind went blank.
Without thinking, she rushed out of her room.
But when she pushed open Dennis's door, she was met with a sight that made her blush. Dennis was standing by the bed, wearing only his underwear, getting dressed.
His physique was strong and muscular, every line of his body clearly defined.
Claire screamed, covering her eyes and turning to run.
"Stop!" Dennis's deep, commanding voice rang out behind her. "Claire, don't you know to knock before entering?"
Claire froze, turning back awkwardly to face Dennis's stern expression. "I'm... I'm sorry, Dennis. I didn't mean to. I... I have an emergency and need to go home."
Seeing her anxious and flustered state, Dennis's anger subsided a bit. "What's so urgent?"
"My dad was in a car accident. He's in the hospital. I need to see him," Claire said, her voice breaking.
Dennis frowned, pondering for a moment before saying, "I'll take you."
"No, Dennis, I can take a cab," Claire quickly refused.
"Do you really think you can manage on your own right now?" Dennis's tone was firm and brooked no argument. "I'll take you and check on your father."
He grabbed his coat and car keys, heading out of the room.
Claire followed him, a warm feeling spreading in her heart.
She knew that in this moment, Dennis was the only one she could rely on.
At the hospital, the smell of disinfectant hung in the air, adding to the oppressive atmosphere.
Claire followed Dennis into the room and saw her father, Beck, lying in bed.
His leg was in a thick cast, his eyes closed, his face contorted in pain.
"Dad!" Claire rushed to the bedside, gripping his hand, tears streaming down her face. "How did this happen?"
Beck looked at Claire's worried face, a wave of warmth washing over him.
He forced a smile despite the pain. "Don't worry, I'm fine. It's just a fracture."
But Claire could see in his evasive eyes that it wasn't as simple as he made it out to be.
She was filled with doubt and unease, but knew now wasn't the time to press for answers.
Just then, Ivy appeared at the door.
She glared at Claire and Dennis, jealousy and anger flashing in her eyes. "Claire, who gave you permission to leave the villa? And you brought Dennis here too!"
The hospital corridor was dimly lit and heavy, the air seeming to thicken.
Ivy's voice echoed sharply through the empty hallway.
Claire turned to face Ivy's accusations, her gaze steady and unflinching. "Ms. Price, Dennis allowed it. My father was in an accident. As his daughter, shouldn't I come to see him?"
Ivy was momentarily speechless, her eyes wide with fury as she glared at Claire.
Dennis stood by, his sharp eyes seeming to pierce through Ivy.
"Don't think I don't know what you're up to!" Ivy sneered, her tone full of warning and threat.
"Dennis's family is returning soon. They won't let a scheming woman like you stay at the Gonzalez Villa! I've already reported you to the Gonzalez family. Prepare to be kicked out!"
Claire's heart tightened at Ivy's words, but she quickly regained her composure.
She knew Ivy was trying to scare her into leaving.
She looked Ivy in the eye and said seriously, "Ms. Price, you misunderstand. I have no ulterior motives towards Dennis. I'm just a maid. I'll leave in a year. You don't need to kick me out."
She then turned to Dennis, bowing deeply. "Dennis, thank you for bringing me here. You can go back now."
Dennis nodded and left the hospital.
As night fell, Melinda and Raymond sat across from each other at the Thomas Villa, so close they could feel each other's breath as they ate dinner.
Raymond occasionally placed Melinda's favorite dishes on her plate, his voice full of affection and care. "Eat more. You didn't have lunch, did you? Look how thin you are."
Melinda smiled, placing Raymond's favorite dishes on his plate. "You eat more too."
After dinner, Raymond took Melinda's hand for a walk in the garden.
The night was hazy, the moonlight like water, bathing them in its glow. Raymond held Melinda close, her head resting on his chest.
His chin gently touched the top of her head, savoring her scent and warmth.
"Melinda, do you know?" Raymond said softly, his voice filled with tenderness. "I've never been this happy."
Melinda's heart warmed at his words. She looked up at Raymond's deep, gentle eyes, a happy smile on her lips. "Me too, Raymond."
Suddenly, a cold breeze blew, and Melinda sneezed.
Raymond immediately took off his jacket and draped it over her, holding her tightly. "Don't catch a cold."
Melinda leaned into Raymond, feeling his warmth and care, her heart full of happiness and contentment. She knew she had found her home, the person she could rely on.
"What's wrong? Are you cold?" Raymond asked, tightening her collar.
Melinda shook her head, a playful smile on her lips. "Not cold. I just thought, getting sick isn't so bad. I get to be taken care of by you."
Raymond chuckled, tapping her nose affectionately. "You little rascal. You better stay healthy. I don't want to take care of you every day."