Ralph hadn't expected to see Heather so soon. He couldn't avoid her; they were face to face. Surprise flickered across her eyes before she coldly asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I..." He awkwardly shifted his arm, forcing a laugh. "Ha, ha!" He thought, You should see what you've done to me, but he hadn't anticipated her surprise at his injured arm. She even asked, "Are you hurt?"

"It's all because of—" He paused, noting her expression, then changed tack. "It's fine. I wasn't standing properly."

Her innocent expression fueled his anger. How could she act like nothing happened? She was the one who was so rough with me! She saw me fall when she dragged me! He dared not voice these thoughts, fearing her retribution.

"No, no, it's definitely me. I lost my balance," he said sarcastically. He looked up, noticing they stood before the neurology department. A smile touched his lips as he asked, "What are you doing here?"

Hannah panicked, the momentary lapse obvious. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm here to get some medication for a friend. I'm leaving. Goodbye."

He hurried after her. "Friend? Your friend must be quite sick to need a neurologist." He aimed to uncover her purpose and witness her embarrassment. The hospital setting, he reasoned, would deter any violence.

Heather didn't attack. Instead, she quickened her pace. "I guess. I'm not very sure, though. I'm only here to collect his medication."

"It seems you have a close relationship with your friend, collecting his medication personally. I'm kind of jealous," Ralph ventured, emboldened by her lack of anger.

Walking beside her, he continued, "I admit you were right. That book was a fake, but I assure you, I'm not going to lose!"

"Yeah, sure," Hannah retorted quickly, hurrying on without a glance. She seemed rushed.

"I know you don't believe me, but just watch. The Russell family will soon be mine!" he declared eagerly, anticipating her regret. "One more thing: if my book is fake, how can you be so sure yours is real? Alexander is sly. If he could trap me, he could trap you. How do you know you haven't fallen into his trap?" He aimed to unsettle her, to erase that smug look. He still resented her deception.

Hannah reached the elevator and was about to press the button when she heard him. Turning, she asked in confusion, "What was it?"

Her expression showed she believed him. Ralph smiled, satisfied. You think so too, right? he thought. I advise you to carefully check that book. Besides, you could work with me. Together, we could bring down our enemies. Even if we're not a couple, we could be friends! You've been on the island too long. Alexander isn't an easy opponent.

Hannah remained silent, lost in thought. As Ralph prepared to continue, the elevator doors opened. Hannah stepped inside, and before she could prevent it, Ralph rushed in behind her. Others quickly filled the elevator, pushing them to the back. Ralph found himself dangerously close to Heather.