Joan seemed calm as she watched Sabrina tuck the box containing the watch into her purse, but deep down, her heart squeezed tightly. She had just bought the watch, a difficult decision due to its high price. However, a small sacrifice was necessary for fame.

"Oh, by the way, I have a few photos. See if you can use them," Joan said, selecting a few pictures from her phone. Sabrina glanced through them; they were all of Joan and Sean, though only Sean's profile was visible.

"Send them to me," Sabrina said with a satisfied look. Joan understood. Taking out her phone, she said, "You can leave the rest to me. Give me your social media accounts. I'll have a team of professionals manage them."

"Okay."

Later that day, nearing the end of her workday, Abigail set aside her design drafts and, as if under a spell, opened her chat with Sean. Yesterday's conversation filled the screen; there were no new messages. She typed, "Are you coming home tonight?" After hesitating, she sent the message. She waited, but received no reply.

Abigail only realized it was dark when Luna patted her shoulder. "Isn't that fellow picking you up tonight?" Most of the studio was empty. Luna had only noticed Abigail was still working when she came upstairs.

"It's just as well he's not," Abigail sighed, tidying her desk. "Saves you the trouble of calling me a fool in love."

"The production team will officially announce our partnership on Twitter tonight. Remember to retweet it later," Luna said, noticing Abigail's anxiety.

"I got it," Abigail replied, grabbing her purse and calling Ana lise. Even as she started her car, Ana lise didn't answer. A bad feeling washed over Abigail. Various scenarios flooded her mind—her grandmother's unfamiliarity with the gas stove, the possibility of an unnoticed fall.

The usually half-hour drive took fifteen minutes. Rushing into her empty living room, shoes still on, she heard noises from the kitchen.

"Grandma! Are you alright?"

She burst into the kitchen, finding Sean sorting vegetables while Ana lise cooked.

"What's the matter with you? Why are you so clumsy? You should learn from Sean. Even as company president, he's helping an old lady cook. You should be nicer to him!"

Ana lise turned, her kind smile reassuring Abigail. Abigail stared at the dirt on Sean's hands, momentarily dazed. Was this the same proud, haughty Sean she knew?

Sean ignored her, calmly sorting vegetables.

"I kept calling, but you didn't answer, so I thought…" Abigail trailed off, revealing her fear that something had happened to her grandmother.

"Oh, the car hood is loud, and my phone was in the bedroom," Ana lise explained. "Hurry, change your shoes and help Sean with the vegetables."

Abigail nodded, quietly heading to the hallway.

During dinner, Sean, as usual, cared for Ana lise, but paid little attention to Abigail. Even when she tried to talk to him, he gave short answers. Ana lise sensed the tension but remained silent.

After dinner, Ana lise rested, leaving Abigail and Sean to clear the table.

"Thank you for taking care of my grandmother these past two days," Abigail said hesitantly, watching Sean wipe the table.

"No need to thank me," Sean replied, his gaze hidden behind his lashes, his lips pressed together.

"If you're not used to staying here, I'll tell Grandma you left for a business trip," Abigail offered, taking the rag from him.

Sean didn't respond, but eyed her for a moment before offering a smile that didn't reach his eyes. Abigail felt nervous. Afraid of disturbing Ana lise, Sean left for the bedroom before Abigail could speak further.