Felicia couldn't help but laugh. If it were any other time, she would have retorted, but today, exhaustion and disinterest prevailed. She responded coldly, "Do we have a close relationship? Do I really need to report to you?"

Arnold initially assumed she was his fiancée. How could she speak to him like that? But with onlookers present, he couldn't admit their relationship. He changed tack, saying, "I'm the team leader. If something happens to you, wouldn't I be responsible? Besides, we've been looking for you, and you didn't even thank us. Do you have a conscience?"

"Oh, thank you then," Felicia replied indifferently. The gratitude was genuine, but her illness weakened its delivery.

Arnold and Kayla perceived her response as dismissive. Kayla said pitifully, "Felicia, we were really worried. We didn't sleep all night looking for you!" Only the bodyguards and drivers, along with villagers, had actively searched; she had made it sound more dramatic. Moreover, they were exhausted from searching all afternoon.

Felicia, sensing a misunderstanding, added, "Thank you for your kindness. I'll treat everyone to a meal when I can. It's late; you should all rest. I need to rest, too."

Felicia, holding Cloud, turned to leave. Kayla, unwilling to drop the matter, hadn't expected such polite responses from Felicia. She didn't want Felicia to reconcile so easily with others.

Just as Kayla was about to speak, Olivia pointed to the neighboring house. "Wasn't Felicia staying next door? Why does it look like they're holding a funeral?"

Arnold froze. He'd been focused on Felicia, but he turned and saw the funeral preparations. Had Macey passed away? He recalled Felicia's close relationship with Macey – cooking together, a warm grandmother-granddaughter dynamic. While he knew they weren't related by blood and Felicia had only lived in the village for a few years, their bond seemed remarkably strong. Felicia was usually cold and indifferent, even to her parents. Macey seemed to be the exception.

Seeing Felicia's swollen eyes and pale face, Arnold understood her weakened words. She had endured a terrifying ordeal. Instead of concern, he'd lectured her. He swallowed, his tone softening. "Rest well. I'll help you get leave from the vice principal for the next few days."

She was surprised but too exhausted to analyze his motives. She nodded, returned to Aya's house, closed the door, and rested. Kayla stared at Arnold in disbelief; others exchanged knowing glances. He, oblivious, simply left.