Chapter 7

Vincent first went to the doctor's office to inquire about Anna's test results. When he returned to the room, Tiffany was awake. She was bent over as she tucked Anna in. When she heard someone approaching behind her, she turned around. Her eyes were still bleary from sleep. "Mr. Lewis." Her soft voice sounded unexpectedly soothing in the darkness. Vincent nodded slightly. "Thank you for taking care of my grandma." He could tell why Tiffany hadn't left the hospital yet. Besides, Anna didn't praise people easily, so Tiffany must have some admirable qualities. "You don't need to thank me; I didn't do much. Besides... I had your tomato soup for lunch." She meant that since he had been kind to her by offering her the soup, it was only right of her to return the gesture and look after Anna. Vincent glanced at her. "How was the soup?" "Huh?" Tiffany hadn't expected that question. She blinked awkwardly before replying, "It was alright, just a bit bland." "Oh," Vincent replied to her feedback calmly. He explained, "Elderly people can't have food that's too salty, so I used less salt." Tiffany looked surprised. "You made the soup?" Before Vincent could answer, Anna chimed in, "He did. Not only can he stew soup, but he can also cook, do laundry, change light bulbs, and fix appliances. You should come over sometime and try his cooking." Tiffany turned to see that Anna, who had seemed fast asleep before, was now smiling at her and Vincent. After hearing Anna's words, Tiffany had to compliment Vincent. "Mr. Lewis is very capable." She had seen many business tycoons who were inept at dealing with the most basic things in their daily lives. But it seemed that Vincent wasn't like them. He was self-sufficient, setting him apart from the typical CEOs. Vincent didn't respond. Instead, he opened the food container he had brought for Anna. But Anna waved it off. "I've already had dinner." "You have?" Vincent was surprised. Anna was a picky eater and never ate outside food carelessly. Anna smiled. "Tiffany's sister brought dinner for her, and I ate with them." Vincent put away the food container. "Then, let me wipe your face." "No need. Tiffany already helped me freshen up and soaked my feet. I don't need you." Vincent was rendered speechless. Tiffany picked up her bag. "Mr. Lewis, it's getting late. I'll head back now. Goodbye, Mrs. Lewis Senior." "Goodbye." Anna waved with a smile. Once Tiffany left, Vincent chuckled. "You seem quite taken with her." "I do like her a lot. What about you? Do you like her?" Now that they were alone, Anna didn't waste time beating around the bush. "I've already asked her. She broke up with her boyfriend, so she's single now. If you're interested in her, you better make a move." Vincent gave her a resigned look. … Tiffany stood in the hospital lobby, waiting for her ride. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew by, bringing with it cold raindrops that hit her face. She instinctively raised her hand to shield herself, but another hand pulled her back. The man's cool scent invaded her senses. Tiffany stared dazedly at the person before her. "Mr. Lewis?" Vincent gripped her wrist. Her soft skin under his palm was more delicate than he had imagined. For some reason, he had the urge to squeeze it tight. Suppressing the urge, he asked, "Why do you blush every time you see me?" Tiffany felt her face burn with embarrassment. "N-No, I don't. I... I just... " She stuttered for a while, unable to explain herself. Vincent didn't interrupt her; he merely observed her reddened cheeks with growing interest. A breeze blew, and he caught a whiff of Tiffany's distinct scent. His eyes narrowed slightly. With a little tug, he pulled Tiffany firmly against his chest. Before Tiffany could react, he tilted his head and sniffed her neck. "Mr. Lewis!" Tiffany's eyes flew open in shock. She felt a chill as his nose grazed along the sensitive skin of her neck, creating an ambiguous atmosphere. Flustered, Tiffany shoved Vincent away and ran into the downpour. … 40 minutes later, Tiffany returned to the dorm, drenched from head to toe. As she dragged her soaked body upstairs, she took out her keys to unlock the door. Halfway through, she saw a figure standing outside her dorm room. Tiffany's legs went weak. She froze on the spot, unable to move forward. Vincent stubbed out his cigarette and strode toward her. His towering frame approached her. Tiffany wanted to flee, but her legs felt heavy, rooted to the spot. She could only watch as he came closer. Finally, she managed to whisper hoarsely, "Mr. Lewis." Tiffany was soaked to the bone. The rainwater dripped from her hair and clothes, forming a puddle on the floor. Her eyes were red, and she was shivering—whether it was from the cold or something else, she wasn't sure. "Why did you run?" Vincent's irritation seemed to dissipate the moment he spoke. It was impossible for him to stay angry when he saw how fragile Tiffany looked. It made him want to protect her. Vincent felt guilty for scaring her earlier at the hospital. He said, "Sorry, I went too far earlier. I didn't mean anything by it. I just happened to smell your perfume... Tell me, was that you that night?" His piercing gaze felt scorching. It was as if it could instantly set Tiffany ablaze, even though she was thoroughly drenched. Tiffany shook her head and backed away. "I-I don't know what you're talking about." Vincent caught her wrist, gripping it firmly to prevent her from retreating. His eyes locked on hers as he asked point-blank, "That night at the campsite, did you sneak into my tent?" "It wasn't me..." Tiffany denied vehemently. Vincent fell silent momentarily. Then, he nervously swallowed before asking, "Can you prove it to me?" Tiffany's eyes widened, her pupils flickering. Then, she forced out a single word. "Yes!" … As the door to the dorm closed, the room plunged into darkness. Tiffany turned on the desk lamp, casting some light around them. She slowly turned her back to Vincent and began unfastening the buttons of her shirt, one by one. Vincent stood behind the door, his unwavering gaze fixed on her back. If Tiffany was that woman, there were bound to be marks on her body!