Celine was taken aback by Adam's unexpected return. Moments earlier, Carly had arrogantly requested his company by phone, yet he'd chosen not to go. Carly always held a special place in his heart; in the past, she'd even summoned him with a call, even while Celine was drugged. This was the first time she'd failed. Given Carly's temperament, it was certain she would spiral into despair and chaos that night.

Adam looked at Celine. "What were you thinking?"

He stood silently behind her, observing as she lowered her head and remained still. Her quietness left him pondering her thoughts. At that moment, memories of a girl from a cave years ago flooded back. She had been just as withdrawn and solitary. This sparked a deep desire within him to cherish and love Celine. He couldn't understand why he saw the shadow of that girl in her.

Celine refused to share. "Nothing."

Adam didn't ask further. His gaze fell on his drenched shirt and trousers. Moments earlier, as she turned, water from her glass had splashed onto them. She quickly retrieved a tissue to help him clean his clothes. "Sorry. I didn't mean to do that."

The damp white shirt clung to his physique, subtly revealing his toned body. Celine, using a tissue, delicately wiped his torso, over the black belt around his waist, and down to his soaked trousers.

"Celine," he called out hoarsely.

Celine, focused on cleaning, absentmindedly answered, "Yes?"

"Did you do this on purpose?"

Celine paused, her cheeks burning as she caught sight of the unmistakable outline of his trousers. She instinctively stepped back, stammering, "I–I didn't mean to…"

He glanced at her and remarked, "I'm soaked. I'm heading inside to shower. Leo will drop off my clothes later. Could you please help me with that?" He turned and entered the bathroom. Soon, the sound of running water filled the space.

Celine's cheeks flushed bright red. She never intended for things to go that way. Why did he?

A knock echoed at the door, and Leo entered. "Mrs. Alvarez, I've brought Mr. Alvarez's clothes."

"Alright." Celine reached into the bag and pulled out a fresh shirt and trousers. The maid had meticulously hand-washed, softened, and ironed them; they appeared sharp and sophisticated.

Celine knocked on the bathroom door, holding the clothes. "Mr. Alvarez, your clothes have arrived."

The continuous sound of running water filled the air as his deep voice resonated, "Come in." Celine opened the door and stepped inside. He was showering behind a frosted glass door. She placed the clothes on the sink. "Mr. Alvarez, your clothes are here."

As she attempted to leave, he suddenly asked, "Where's the shower gel?" She averted her gaze. He was searching for shower gel, and she'd left hers on the sink. She picked it up and walked over to him, saying, "Here you go." The frosted glass door swung open. Celine cast her gaze downward and extended the shower gel. He left it untouched. Her hands ached; her curiosity piqued. Why hadn't he accepted it? Raising her head slightly, a touch of confusion crossed her face.