Tyler immediately called Yale.

"Yale, go check if there’s still any evidence at the scene proving Howard assaulted and tried to rape someone, and bring Sheryn to the hospital. I have questions for her."

"Yes, sir."

After hanging up, Tyler saw Rachel looking anxious. He reached over and pinched her cheek.

"What? Don’t trust your boyfriend? I can handle something like this."

Rachel shook her head. "It’s not that. I just don’t want to cause you more trouble."

Tyler pinched her cheek again, gently. "Rachel, when are you going to learn to lean on your boyfriend? You really don’t know how to enjoy being taken care of."

Rachel felt like he was about to lift her right off the bed. "Ouch."

Tyler chuckled and released her.

"Now you’re acting like I hurt you on purpose. I didn’t even use any force."

Rachel had half a mind to grab her phone and check if her face was red–only to remember that Tyler still had her phone. She reached out for it.

"Where’s my phone?"

Tyler searched around the bed before handing it back to her.

When Rachel took it, she noticed the screen was cracked and the back was scratched up.

It was obvious the phone had been dropped.

She didn’t know exactly what had happened, but judging by the damage, Tyler must’ve been in a pretty rough situation. The fact that the phone was still in one piece was impressive, considering his condition.

She stared at him for a moment. Suddenly, she leaned over and kissed his cheek.

A flicker of surprise crossed his usually calm, deep eyes.

"Well, look at that. Getting bold now, Rachel. I’m impressed."

Rachel rolled her eyes at his expression, like she had just done something world-shaking.

"It was just a kiss. Don’t look so thrilled."

Tyler narrowed his eyes slightly. A playful smile appeared on his face.

"Next time, could you be a bit more proactive? I wouldn’t mind. You can do whatever you want, I’ll play along."

Rachel looked him up and down.

"Given the state you’re in, shouldn’t you be focused on recovering instead of filling your head with R-rated junk?"

Tyler spoke with absolute confidence.

"Rachel, you really don’t get it. This is my way of acknowledging your charm. Would you rather your boyfriend see you and feel nothing?"

Rachel remained silent.

She seriously wondered if something was wrong with her brain–because somehow, she could never win an argument with him. His nonsense always sounded just reasonable enough to leave her speechless.

Tyler glanced at the clock.

"This has gone on long enough. You haven’t had enough rest. Close your eyes for a while and rest."

Rachel really was tired, especially after what had just happened. She tried not to think about it, but the moment the memory surfaced, her heart clenched painfully as if someone had a hand wrapped around it.

The suffocating feeling washed over her like a wave.

Not wanting Tyler to worry, she quickly turned her back to him and laid down.