Chapter 73: Independence and Self-Reliance

The elevator dinged, stopping at Abigail and Sean's floor. Victor was about to help Abigail out when Sean interrupted. "I live next door," he said. "I can help her; you can take the elevator down."

Abigail glanced at Sean. Seeing his cold expression, Victor, remembering their previous online controversy, quickly released her wrist. "Well, then, I'll be going," he said politely to Sean.

Sean stepped forward, assisting Abigail with a nonchalant grunt. His expression remained icy as he led her from the elevator. As they exited, Abigail attempted to pull away, but he grabbed her wrist. His eyes were chilling. "What's wrong?" he asked. "Upset I interrupted your little rendezvous? You seem pretty angry."

Abigail's face remained impassive. "Whatever," she replied.

Sean's jaw tightened slightly. He held her waist, his gaze icy. "So, once you have the draft, you're ready to abandon me? Without leverage, you don't care. Is that it?"

Feeling wronged, she looked at him, took a deep breath, and smiled. "Mr. Graham, what are you saying? I'm afraid Joan might think we're too close and get jealous, giving her another reason to slander you and Alana." Without pause, she continued, "I'm aware of my limitations. I don't expect anything from you, especially after you left me injured to check on Joan. I believe in independence and self-reliance."

Sean finally understood. She's upset about me leaving.

"I won't argue," he said, extending an arm toward her. "Let's go back and check your injury."

Abigail pushed his hand away. "No need. I can walk myself."

As she took a step, Sean swiftly wrapped an arm around her waist, lifting her onto his shoulder. Dizzy and nauseous, she clung to his clothes, kicking her legs. "Put me down!"

His hand landed on her hip. His voice was calm, neutral. "You can shout louder, wake everyone up, and let them witness this. It might solidify the idea that Alana and I are close."

Abigail immediately covered her mouth, struggling to free herself. "Don't move!" His hand briefly touched her buttock, reddening her face, already flushed from being lifted.

"Abigail, if others think I'm favoring Alana, I won't help you, nor will I explain myself," he threatened.

Her head heavy, Abigail clung to his shirt, trying to restore blood flow. His new suit was crumpled. Uncomfortable, she swung her legs, her body tilting as she hugged his neck, breathing heavily. "My head hurts"

He let her remain there, her long hair swaying. He carried her back to the room, gently placing her on the bed. She collapsed, silently feeling the blood return to her body.

Sean stood by the bed, removing his jacket and loosening his tie, throwing them aside. Abigail's hair spread across the bed. As she regained her senses, she saw him rolling up his sleeves. She swallowed nervously. "What are you doing?"

He looked at her with deep, mysterious eyes, but didn't answer. His exposed muscles gave him a powerful appearance. As she watched him unbutton his shirt, she sat up, placing a hand on his waist. "Sean, what are you doing?"

"What do you think?" He slowly unbuttoned another button, his gaze intense.

Abigail felt flustered, clutching the sheets. "I didn't do anything with Victor. There's no need for this. I haven't held anything against you, so you shouldn't hold anything against me, right?"

He undid another button, revealing his collarbone and chest. His fair skin gleamed. She sat straighter, her hand still on his waist. "It was you who left me in the garden. I found help. What's wrong with that?"