Adam carried Clave into his Rolls-Royce Phantom and placed her on the passenger seat. Then, he moved to the driver's seat. His slender fingers gripped the steering wheel as he floored the accelerator. The car sped swiftly down the road.

Celine's lithe frame was wrapped snugly in Adam's coat, enveloped by his clean, refreshing scent and body heat. Her button nose was red at the sides as a strange stirring arose in her heart. She hadn't thought he would come. He hadn't come all those years ago, but he had come this time.

Celine turned to Adam's chiseled face and said, "Thank you, Mr. Alvarez."

Adam's slender fingers tightened on the steering wheel as he pursed his lips. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Celine stammered, "I—I—"

"I asked you so many times! Why didn't you tell me? I could have arrived later; do you know what could have happened?" Adam's tone was cold and harsh.

Celine felt his anger; her red-rimmed eyes filled with tears. "Why are you yelling at me?"

Adam was speechless. He turned and saw her trying to hold back her tears. She was about to cry, feeling wronged. How could she even feel that way? When he found her, that scumbag was already on top of her. Her clothes were torn to shreds. If he had arrived even a little later…

However, seeing her aggrieved expression, Adam couldn't express his anger. He was afraid she would burst into tears. She was truly delicate, as fragile as dew.

He turned up the air conditioning and adjusted the temperature. "Are you still cold?"

Celine shook her head. "No."

"Celine," Adam said abruptly.

Celine looked at him. "What is it?"

"I have something to ask you. When you were younger, have you ever been to…"

Adam couldn't wait to know if Celine was the young girl from years ago. However, it suddenly began raining heavily. Big raindrops pattered noisily against the car.

A weather broadcast on the car radio announced, "A Category 5 tornado will hit Mercity tonight, accompanied by thunderstorms and heavy rain. The public is advised to stay indoors."

A tornado was coming. They were on the highway, two hours from home. It was pouring heavily. Continuing their journey would be dangerous.

Adam gripped the steering wheel, turned the car around, and stopped at a nearby bed and breakfast.

"We have to stay here tonight for safety. We'll go home tomorrow."

Celine nodded in agreement.

The B&B was humble, incomparable to starred hotels, but at least it was relatively clean.

When Lyla Rogers, the owner, saw the lanky, dashing Adam, her eyes gleamed as she ushered him in. "Do you need a room, handsome? Are you here alone?"

Celine was speechless. Wherever Adam went, he attracted attention. He looked handsome in his smart button-down shirt and slacks, exuding a powerful air of authority. No wonder Lyla was impressed.

Adam remained stoic, clearly used to this. "I need a room for my wife and me."

Celine, who had been hidden behind Adam's lanky frame, quickly stepped forward. She gave Lyla a bashful smile.

Lyla was initially disappointed to hear Adam was married, but seeing Celine's beauty and sweet smile, her mood brightened. "What a good-looking couple," she thought.

Lyla handed Adam a room key card. "You're in room 501, handsome. Items on the bedside cabinet are chargeable; prices are listed." Adam nodded and took Celine to the room.

Celine was confused. "What did she mean by 'chargeable items'?"

Adam glanced at Celine's innocent, curious eyes and looked away. He didn't answer.

They entered room 503. It was clean, but there was only one bed. Celine looked down, her eyelashes casting a shadow. How would they sleep with only one bed?

"Celine," Adam called from behind her.