"Stay at my place for now," I said, and everyone looked at me in surprise. Especially Lucas—his gaze was like he didn't even recognize me.

　　I looked at Bethany and said generously, "You're a young girl, unfamiliar with South City. It's not safe for you to stay at a guesthouse, let alone a hotel. It would be better for you to stay at our place, that way someone can look out for you."

　　Bethany looked at Lucas, a mix of anxiety and expectation in her ...