Turning around, I saw Derek striding in.

His presence was ice-cold, his expression sharper than usual. Unusually enough, he was dressed in a suit with a tie he rarely wore.

And the tie was loose and askew.

From his appearance, it was clear he had rushed here straight from the Grant Group.

My panic and helplessness, which had consumed me only moments before, instantly melted away. I let out a long, steadying breath.

Derek came over and wrapped an arm around me. ...