Chapter 138: THIS IS WHAT YOU DO

When Archer thought she had fallen asleep, Xina was far from it. How could she rest peacefully with so much weighing on her mind? There was too much at stake, too many questions she couldn’t ignore, and too many emotions stirring inside her. The room was quiet, but Xina’s thoughts raced, tangled in frustration and fear. She had grown familiar with the sound of Gary’s footsteps, and the moment she heard them approaching, her body tensed. What did he want now? Archer had been right—Xina should have eaten more. She needed her strength if she was going to face Gary. But the thought of food felt secondary to the storm brewing within her. Gary’s steps grew closer, and Xina’s discomfort deepened. She didn’t want him near her. Not right now, not when she felt like this. There was an unease in his presence that she couldn’t shake off. Before he could assume she was still asleep and continue his approach, Xina turned on the lamp by her bedside, casting a warm glow around the room