The airplane slowly regained control, but Roxanne's mind remained blank. It wasn't until the plane landed that she slowly came to her senses, still fearful of what had just transpired.

"I told you we would land safely," Lucian said, his words seeming to hold hidden meaning. "Since we've landed, you can let go of me now, Ms. Jarvis?" Roxanne was surprised. She had been so terrified she'd completely forgotten the man beside her. Let him go? What was he talking about?

Just then, something moved in her left hand. Looking down, she saw her hand intertwined with Lucian's on the armrest—or rather, she realized she had been clinging to his hand for dear life, her fingernails even leaving marks on his skin. Her grip had been so tight, her hand stiff, that she hadn't noticed.

Shock held her captive for a few seconds before she snapped back to reality, instantly releasing Lucian's hand as if it burned. He chuckled lightly, unsurprised.

Only after releasing his hand did Roxanne realize she was drenched in a cold sweat, her palms clammy. Seeing him use a tissue to wipe his own sweat-covered palm, she felt a wave of embarrassment.

Calming down, she recalled Lucian's comfort during the flight. Regardless of her desire for distance, she couldn't deny her gratitude. It was fortunate he'd been there. Snapping out of her reverie, she looked at him seriously. "Thank you for comforting me earlier. Otherwise..." she trailed off. Lucian discarded the tissue and met her gaze, noticing the sweat on her forehead and frowning.

Roxanne, however, thought he was bothered by her attitude. She pursed her lips, unsure what to do. She was supposed to treat him as a stranger, yet he had been there for her. She couldn't maintain her usual cold exterior.

Two tissues appeared before her. "Here. Wipe the sweat. The plane has landed; there's no need to be afraid." Lucian's voice was calm. Roxanne accepted the tissues, wiping her forehead. "Thank you. It was my first time experiencing something like that. I was terrified," she said, looking at him. Lucian raised an eyebrow. "And then? Is that how you're going to thank me?"

Roxanne's eyebrows furrowed. "How do you want me to thank you, Mr. Farwell?"

Lucian's lips twitched. "I want you to stop avoiding me. We're strangers, you said. You don't need to avoid a stranger, Ms. Jarvis."

Roxanne was taken aback, casting her gaze downward. She was incredibly grateful, yet she still intended to keep her distance.

Lucian fell silent, then rose, his expression unreadable. "Forget it if you can't," he said coldly, and left the plane.