Lawrence exchanged a wary glance with Evelyn before responding. "I'm not sure that's the best idea, Robinson. Kiara is still quite shaken after her ordeal, and we'd prefer to keep visitors to a minimum for now."
Robinson's voice took on a persuasive tone. "Come now, Lawrence. As family, it's only natural that Mike should come pay his respects. I'm sure Kiara would appreciate the gesture."
Evelyn spoke up, her tone firm. "With all due respect, Robinson, this family matter is best left to us for the time being. Kiara needs rest and recovery, not additional stress."
There was a pause on the other end of the line before Robinson replied, his voice hardening. "I see. Well, I certainly hope Kiara has a swift recovery. Do keep me apprised of her condition."
"Of course, Robinson. We'll be in touch." Lawrence ended the call, exchanging a concerned look with Evelyn.
"Do you really think it's wise to keep Mike away? He is, after all, the prospective groom," Evelyn murmured.
Lawrence shook his head. "I don't trust Robinson's motives, nor do I want to subject Kiara to any more pressure right now. Her well-being is our top priority."
Just then, the doctor emerged from Kiara's room, a grave expression on his face. Lawrence and Evelyn rushed over, their hearts pounding with worry.
"How is she, Doctor?" Evelyn asked anxiously.
The doctor sighed. "I'm afraid Miss Davis is suffering from severe shock and trauma. The incident she witnessed has left her in a very delicate state, both physically and mentally."
Lawrence's brow furrowed. "Incident? You mean the body she discovered in the garden?"
The doctor nodded solemnly. "Yes. The police have been notified, and they'll need to speak with Miss Davis as soon as she's able. However, I must caution against any undue stress or pressure. Her recovery will be a long and fragile process."
Evelyn's eyes widened with alarm. "Does that mean...the killer is still out there?"
"I'm afraid so," the doctor confirmed. "Miss Davis's testimony will be crucial in apprehending the perpetrator. But for now, her health and safety must be the top priority."
Lawrence clenched his jaw, his protective instincts flaring. "You can count on us to ensure Kiara's well-being, Doctor. We won't let anything or anyone jeopardize her recovery."
The doctor nodded sympathetically. "I understand. Please, take all the time you need. I'll be back to check on her progress shortly."
As the doctor departed, Evelyn turned to Lawrence, her expression troubled. "This is a nightmare, Lawrence. Kiara shouldn't have to endure such trauma, especially not now."
Lawrence wrapped a comforting arm around his wife. "I know, my dear. But we'll get through this, together. Kiara is strong, and we'll do whatever it takes to protect her."
Evelyn nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I just hope Robinson and his son don't try to use this situation to their advantage. Kiara has been through enough."
Lawrence's jaw tightened. "If they so much as breathe a word out of line, I'll make sure they regret it. Kiara's well-being comes before any business deal or family feud."
Inside Kiara's hospital room, the young heiress lay curled on her side, her eyes vacant and haunted. The image of the brutalized body refused to leave her mind, playing on an endless loop. She shuddered, wrapping her arms around herself in a futile attempt to find comfort.
A soft knock at the door drew her attention, and she tensed, expecting another well-meaning but intrusive visitor. But when the door opened, she was surprised to see a familiar face.
"Mike?" Kiara croaked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mike stood in the doorway, his expression uncharacteristically somber. "Kiara. I, uh, heard about what happened. I wanted to make sure you were alright."
Kiara blinked, unsure of how to respond. After their last encounter, she hadn't expected any concern from the arrogant billionaire.
"I'm...I'm managing," she said, her gaze dropping to the crisp white sheets. "As well as can be expected, I suppose."
Mike shifted uncomfortably, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. "Look, I know we got off on the wrong foot, but...I'm sorry you had to go through that. It must have been horrifying."
Kiara's eyes widened slightly at his unexpected empathy. "It was," she admitted, a shudder running through her. "I can't seem to get the image out of my mind."
Mike hesitated, then tentatively stepped closer to her bedside. "I can't imagine what that must be like. But...if you need someone to talk to, I'm here. No judgments, no agendas. Just a listening ear."
Kiara stared at him, her expression a mixture of surprise and wariness. "Why are you being so...kind?" she asked, her brow furrowed.
Mike let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "Believe me, it's as much a surprise to me as it is to you. But after our little...incident, I realized I may have misjudged you. And now, with this tragedy..." He shook his head, his gaze softening. "No one should have to go through something like that alone."
Kiara studied him for a long moment, searching his face for any sign of deception. But all she saw was genuine concern, an unexpected vulnerability that made her heart skip a beat.
Slowly, she nodded, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "Thank you, Mike. I...I appreciate that."
Mike offered her a small, tentative smile. "Well, I'm here if you need me. Just try to rest, okay?"
As he turned to leave, Kiara found herself calling out, "Mike?"
He paused, looking back at her. "Yeah?"
"I'm sorry, too. For our, uh, rocky start." Kiara felt a faint blush creep across her cheeks.
Mike's lips quirked in a lopsided grin. "No need to apologize. I think we've both had enough drama for one lifetime, don't you?"
Kiara couldn't help but return his smile, a glimmer of hope flickering in her chest. Perhaps, in the midst of this darkness, she had found an unexpected ally.
Certainly, let me continue expanding on this developing dynamic between Kiara and Mike.
As Mike lingered in the hospital room, a palpable tension hung in the air between them. The animosity and distrust that had once defined their interactions had softened, replaced by a cautious curiosity and a dawning sense of understanding.
Kiara studied Mike, her keen gaze searching his face. Gone was the brash, arrogant facade he had worn during their previous encounter. In its place was a vulnerability, a genuine concern that caught her off guard.
"I have to admit, I'm a bit surprised by your visit," she said softly, her fingers plucking at the crisp hospital sheets. "After the way we clashed, I wouldn't have blamed you for staying far away."
Mike let out a self-deprecating chuckle, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Yeah, well, I'm as surprised as you are. But when I heard about what happened, I..." He paused, his brow furrowing as he searched for the right words. "I couldn't just stay away, you know? Not after..."
He trailed off, his gaze flickering away, and Kiara caught a glimpse of the turmoil lurking beneath his composed exterior. Slowly, she reached out and placed her hand atop his, offering a gentle, reassuring squeeze.
"Thank you, Mike," she murmured, her eyes meeting his. "I know we got off on the wrong foot, but...I appreciate you being here."
Mike's fingers curled around hers, a spark of warmth igniting in Kiara's chest at the unexpected contact. For a moment, they simply held each other's gaze, the world around them fading away.
Then, a soft knock at the door shattered the fragile silence, and Kiara reluctantly withdrew her hand as Lawrence and Evelyn stepped into the room.
"Kiara, darling, how are you feeling?" Evelyn asked, her brow creased with concern as she swept over to the bedside.
Kiara offered her a wan smile. "I'm...managing, Aunt Evelyn. The doctor says I need to rest and recover."
Lawrence's gaze fell upon Mike, his expression unreadable. "Mr. Robinson. I wasn't expecting you here."
Mike straightened, a hint of defiance flashing in his eyes. "I was just checking in on Kiara, making sure she's alright." His gaze flicked to Kiara, a silent plea for understanding.
Evelyn's eyes widened slightly, and she glanced between the two men, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Well, that's very kind of you, Mr. Robinson. Kiara could certainly use the support during this difficult time."
Lawrence's jaw tightened, but he said nothing, his gaze narrowing thoughtfully.
Kiara felt a surge of gratitude towards Evelyn, who seemed to intuit the fragile truce that had formed between her and Mike. She cleared her throat, drawing the attention back to herself.
"I appreciate you both being here," she said, her voice strengthening. "And I'm grateful for your concern. But the doctor said I need to rest, so perhaps we could continue this conversation another time?"
Evelyn nodded, her expression softening. "Of course, my dear. We'll let you get some rest." She leaned down to press a gentle kiss to Kiara's forehead. "We'll be right outside if you need anything."
As Evelyn and Lawrence made their way to the door, Mike hesitated, his gaze lingering on Kiara. "I'll, uh, I'll be around if you need me," he murmured, his words barely audible.
Kiara offered him a small, grateful smile. "I'll keep that in mind, Mike. Thank you."
With a nod, Mike followed the Davis elders out of the room, leaving Kiara alone with her thoughts. As she settled back against the pillows, a spark of hope ignited within her. Perhaps, in the midst of this darkness, she had found an unexpected ally in the most unlikely of places.
As Mike stepped out into the hallway, he found Lawrence and Evelyn waiting for him, their expressions guarded.
"Mr. Robinson," Lawrence began, his tone measured. "I must admit, I'm a bit surprised to see you here. Kiara is still quite fragile, and we'd prefer to limit her visitors for now."
Mike held up a hand, his brow furrowing. "I understand your concern, Mr. Davis. Believe me, I don't mean to cause Kiara any additional stress. I just...wanted to make sure she was alright, that's all."
Evelyn's gaze softened slightly. "That's very kind of you, Mr. Robinson. Kiara has been through a terrible ordeal, and she'll need all the support she can get during her recovery."
Mike nodded, his expression uncharacteristically somber. "Of course. I'll be sure to keep my distance, if that's what's best for her."
Lawrence eyed him skeptically. "Forgive me for being blunt, but your sudden concern for Kiara's well-being seems rather...out of character, given your previous interactions."
Mike let out a humorless chuckle. "You're right, Mr. Davis. Kiara and I didn't exactly get off on the best of terms. But after what she's been through, I realized how petty our squabbles must have seemed."
Evelyn studied him intently, her gaze searching. "And you have no ulterior motives in being here, Mr. Robinson? No...business interests to pursue?"
Mike shook his head, his expression earnest. "I can assure you, my only concern is Kiara's recovery. I have no agenda, no hidden schemes. I just...want to help, in whatever way I can."
Lawrence and Evelyn exchanged a loaded glance, their unspoken doubts still evident. But before they could respond, a nurse emerged from Kiara's room, her expression grave.
"Excuse me, Mr. and Mrs. Davis? The police are here to speak with Miss Davis about the incident in the garden."
Evelyn's face paled, and she reached for Lawrence's hand. "Of course. We'll be right there."
As the couple hurried back into Kiara's room, Mike lingered in the hallway, his brow furrowed with concern. He knew he should leave, give Kiara the space and privacy she needed. But a part of him couldn't bear the thought of her facing this ordeal alone.
Steeling his resolve, Mike strode towards the door, only to be stopped by Lawrence's stern voice.
"I think it's best if you wait out here, Mr. Robinson," the older man said, his gaze unwavering. "Kiara needs to focus on her recovery, not entertain any...distractions."