She walked onto the balcony, eyes fixed on the bathroom door, while lowering her voice: “Natalie, do you have any spare cash? Could you lend me some? It’s urgent.”

She’d checked her savings–still a few million short of fifty million. Borrowing from friends seemed the only option.

Natalie sounded incredulous: “What do you need money for? Are you that strapped? Why not ask your brother-in-law? He’d definitely help.”

“Brother-in-law” meant Kieran Argent. Ever since Natalie learned Rose was pregnant, she’d seen Kieran as Rose’s husband and naturally adopted the title. Rose loved hearing it; Kieran never objected. So Natalie kept calling him “brother-in-law.”

Rose briefly explained Sammy Durant and the recording. Natalie’s frown deepened with each word.

“Alarieka’s demanding fifty million from you?” Natalie’s voice sharpened. “How dare she demand such an exorbitant amount?”

The volume made Rose tense. She glanced toward the bathroom, whispering, “Keep it down. Kieran’s still here. I haven’t told him.”

Natalie, ever perceptive, knew such shady dealings shouldn’t reach Kieran’s ears. Paying off Alarieka seemed the cleanest solution. But the sheer audacity of fifty million made her blood boil.

“Didn’t you notice Sammy recording you?” Natalie pressed.

Rose seethed at the memory. Her carelessness had given Alarieka leverage. Worse, Alarieka had spotted Rose’s own recorder, crushing it underfoot before Rose could react–leaving her powerless.

“Forget that,” Rose murmured. “Do you have five million? Lend it to me. I’ll repay you next month.”

“I do.” Natalie hesitated. “But shouldn’t you tell your brother-in-law? He might handle this.” She knew Rose owned five percent of Kierose Group and could repay easily. Yet swallowing this injustice galled her–Alarieka’s shameless demand was infuriating.

Rose longed for Kieran’s intervention too. He cherished her; he’d act if she asked. But she couldn’t bear tarnishing his image of her. This humiliation, she’d endure alone.

Gloom shadowed Rose’s eyes. “If he learns of this, he’d never say it, but he’d think less of me. Just transfer the five million. I’ll return it next month.”

Natalie understood. A heavy sigh escaped her. “Fine. Sending it now."

Relief softened Rose’s features. “Thank you, Natalie.”

“Don’t mention it.”

The call ended just as the bathroom door swung open. Steam billowed around Kieran as he stepped out, towel slung over his damp hair. Water droplets traced paths down his forehead. He scrubbed the towel haphazardly across his head. Meeting her gaze, his voice warmed the room. “Go take your shower.”

Roschelle nodded, taking the same style bathrobe as Kieran’s before entering the bathroom. When she emerged, she found Kieran still drying his hair with a towel.

“Why not use the hair dryer?”

Kieran replied, “It’s broken. Staff are looking for a spare.”

Roschelle walked over, gently taking the towel from his hands. “Let me help. Sit down.”

Kieran obediently settled onto the sofa. Standing beside him, Roschelle pressed the towel against his head with both hands, her movements gentle and tender.

After exchanging casual remarks, Roschelle’s gaze drifted unconsciously toward the solitary king-sized bed dominating the room.

Only one bed. Where would Kieran sleep tonight? They shared the same shower gel, their skin carrying identical scents.

A sudden possibility made Roschelle’s heart skip. Cheeks flushed crimson, she bit her lip and looked down at Kieran. Moments later, summoning courage, she whispered, “Kieran… where will you sleep tonight?”

His voice came out husky, “Where would you like me to sleep?”

Roschelle bit her lip. Obviously, sharing the bed with her...

The final was scheduled for two days later. Alarieka stayed in her room, experiencing smooth sailing–no prior chaos, no unwelcome disturbances. Regarding Sammy Durant, since his public online apology, the scandal’s heat steadily faded, rarely discussed anymore.