Autumn had a home gym in her 3,000-square-foot house, equipped with a treadmill, elliptical, StairMaster, and strength-training machines. Still feeling stifled by bowling, she opted to jog around her neighborhood, which was filled with greenery.

Adier completing a lap, Autumn slowed to a walk. Ahead of her, she noticed Tawton. She couldn’t ignore him, so she slowed her pace even more. Tawton was dressed in a white workout outfit, a long white tennis bag slung over his shoulder, one hand tucked into his pocket as he strolled at a leisurely pace. He looked like he had just finished exercising; the ends of his hair were slightly damp. Even so, his flawless skin and cool expression kept him looking fresh despite a light sheen of sweat. Beside him, Rico wore the same white outfit. He talked nonstop, while Dawson responded occasionally with a soft hum.

When their eyes met, she gave him a polite nod. She never liked greeting people she wasn’t close with, especially someone as distant as Dawson, who clearly didn’t enjoy being approached. After acknowledging him, she said nothing and continued walking. She planned to do three more laps before heading home.

To her surprise, Danson suddenly called out to her. Puzzled, she stopped and turned. “Mr. Faulkner,” he began. Without saying a word, Danson shot a cold glance at Rico. Feeling the weight of Dawson’s gaze, Rico sighed and approached Autumn. He spoke with rare sincerity.

“Autumn, I shouldn’t have said all that yesterday. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have joked around and made up a story about you two. That was wrong of me. I won’t do it again. Please don’t be mad.”

Autumn was speechless. It was rare to see Rico being so earnest. Of course, she figured Dawson must have pressured him into apologizing; otherwise, it was unlikely Rico would have. She’d endured worse at the Caldwell residence and heard nastier rumors about herself. Compared to that, Rico’s comment didn’t really faze her. She didn’t think he even needed to apologize; he is decent.

Discerning how serious he was, Autumn glanced at Dawson. He remained proud and aloof, the kind of man no one found easy to approach. And yet, he was… In the end, Autumn accepted Rico’s apology.

Riceagled in relief, immediately spilling everything. “Autumn, you’re amazing! If you hadn’t forgiven me, Dawson would’ve beaten the life out of me!”

“We don’t know what it was! He tortured me the entire tennis session and forced me to apologize. Do you know what that means? It means he really cares about you!”

“Oh, I don’t see them like this anymore. Seriously, someone as thoughtful as Mr. Dawson Faulkner? Race. So, you agree, right? Dawson’s pretty decent?”

Autumn was speechless. Clearly, it didn’t take long for Rico to revert to his usual flippant self. Before she could respond, Dawson placed a hand on the back of Rico’s neck and gave him a push. Though it looked effortless, Rico, who stood a full height taller, stumbled forward like a ragdoll. Just like that, Rico looked utterly helpless in front of Dawson.

Dawson glared at Rico. “One more word, and I’ll make you disappear.” His voice was calm, but the underlying threat was unmistakable.

Rico looked defeated. He clasped his hands together and gave Autumn a pleading look. Autumn found herself speechless again. She turned to Dawson. “Mr. Faulkner, I’ll take my leave.”

As she walked out of sight, Rico dropped the pitiful act. Ho immediately placed a hand on Dawson’s shoulder.

“Did you see that? She’s completely enamored with you. No reservations whatsoever. Mr. Faulkner, is it possible that she finds you alluring?”