?Chapter 541:


    Thinking about it only made Dn feel more suffocated, and a chill crept into his features. Meanwhile, his eyes grew even redder as a wave of anger, pain, and distress washed over him for the very first time.


    Oblivious to Dn’s inner turmoil, Christina only noticed his expression shift.


    She had no idea what was causing such aplicated look on his face. “I am exhausted. I need to take some rest,” Dn’s voice was cold as he turned away from her.


    Perplexed, Christina stared at him, trying to figure out how his mood could shift as quickly as a passing storm. She couldn’t tell if she had done something wrong. Had she hurt him when changing his bandage without realizing it? Still, Dn was not the type to hold onto grudges, was he? It was always hard to guess what went on in the mind of someone like him, who had grown up with power and wealth since childhood.


    Without another word, Christina decided to sleep in a different bed.


    As she turned away, Dn’s voice called out from behind her. “Christina.” That rough, low voice, carrying a strange charm, seemed to brush right past her ear.


    “Yes?” She turned around and found herself staring into eyes that were rimmed with red. Something sharp and unfamiliar twisted in her chest at that moment, stirring a sensation she couldn’t ce.


    “I understand what you said, and I appreciate it. Thank you for staying here with me.” Sincerity filled both Dn’s gaze and his tone.


    Somehow, in just a few moments, Dn had managed to find a little peace within himself. No matter how much Brendon meant to her, he felt grateful to have her close by right now.


    “There’s no need for all the formalities. Since you hired me to be a caregiver, looking after you is simply what I’m supposed to do,” Christina said, waving off Dn’s words.


    Disappointment settled in Dn’s chest. The truth hit him—Christina stayed only because it was her responsibility, not because of any feelings or concern for him. “Alright. You should go get some rest,” he answered, his voice rough as he lowered his eyes.


    He let his eyes close, his heart twisting with distress. The love tactics Ralphy had taught him—acting vulnerable, seeking sympathy—seemed futile, with only the self-inflicted injury trick having a slight effect. Winning Christina over was proving to be a long and difficult road. Inside, he let out a sigh as he wondered what he could try next.


    Behind him, Christina’s voice broke the silence. “You need to change your clothes.”


    The moment he heard her, a new n formed in his mind. He rolled over, making sure to bump his injured arm on purpose.


    “Ouch!” A sharp gasp escaped him as his brows knitted in pain. He pressed his hand to his chest where the injury was, and his face twisted with even more difort.


    “What’s wrong?” Christina quickly leaned forward, worry in her voice. After checking him over and realizing he was fine, she let out a breath of relief. Maybe he had just tugged at his wound by ident, but at least it wasn’t anything worse.


    “I’m fine, but my hand just feels a little numb…” Dn looked up at her, his eyes, usually cold, now holding a touch of innocence.


    “Let me help you get up and change your clothes,” Christina suggested. “It won’t befortable for you to sleep in that shirt. I’ll help you put on a clean hospital gown instead.”


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