Ren has somehow calmed down even after what he did to those thugs, telling himself that he had to do that. He isn't ready to cross that line yet.
But, no-one knows what the future holds. {Except me, of course}
At the same time, everyone is busy at the restaurant, though there's still an air of dread hanging over them.
People are working, trying to move on from the chaotic morning, but the nagging question lingers: what did Ren do to the thugs that caused them to be hunting for him so relentlessly? Yet, no one seems to care anymore. They all know, even if Ren comes back, he'll be kicked out on the spot, no second chances.
Eva is at the center of it all, though clearly rattled by the events earlier. Her face is pale, and her eyes are still wide with unease as she works, occasionally glancing over her shoulder as if expecting trouble to come barging through the door any moment.
The memory of the thug's boss kissing her forcefully disgusts her to the core. She didn't want it. She didn't ask for it. All of this – this mess, this humiliation – she blames on Ren.
She clenches her fists behind the counter, a look of hatred flashing across her face. If Ren hadn't done whatever it was to get the thugs after him, none of this would have happened to her. He's the cause, she tells herself. He's to blame.
"Eva?" Leah's soft voice interrupts her thoughts. Leah is the only one who seems genuinely worried about Ren. While everyone else shrugs it off, Leah has a concerned look on her face.
"Shouldn't we file a report to the police? About what happened… for Ren's sake? He might be in some serious trouble if those guys are after him."
Eva spins around, her voice sharp and furious.
"Like I care what happens to him!" she snaps, her frustration and fear pouring out. "And don't you dare file any report to the police, Leah? If those thugs come back here because of some complaint, you'll be fired. You understand?"
Leah opens her mouth, but no words come out. She stares at Eva, wide-eyed, realizing she can't push this any further. Slowly, she turns back to her work, feeling powerless, her worry for Ren gnawing at her.
Eva takes a deep breath, trying to shake off her fear and irritation, but her mind is still swirling with thoughts of Ren. If he hadn't crossed those thugs, she wouldn't be in this situation.
Far away from the chaos, at a certain hospital, the atmosphere is much calmer, though tension is lingering in the air.
An elderly man, Mr. Caldwell, is sitting up on a hospital bed with a little girl and an old man on the adjacent beds. Two imposing men in bodyguard outfits are standing just beside the door, while a man in formal attire stands beside Mr. Caldwell, his posture respectful but alert.
The door opens, and a doctor walks in, holding a clipboard. He smiles reassuringly at Mr. Caldwell.
"Mr. Caldwell, I have good news. There are no major injuries, just a few minor ones that will heal with time. As for your granddaughter," he glances over at the young girl,
"she's completely unharmed. With a bit of rest, she'll be back to normal. She is lucky to be unharmed."
Mr. Caldwell nods, though his expression remains serious.
"Lucky, huh?" he mutters under his breath, his eyes drifting to his granddaughter, and a small smile tugs at his lips. "She is."
The doctor takes a few steps back, ready to leave. "If you need anything else, sir, please call me."
"Thank you, doctor," Mr. Caldwell says, and the doctor leaves the room, closing the door behind him.
Mr. Caldwell turns to the man standing beside him, his expression more serious now.
"Find the man who saved us. Use my name if you have to. He called the ambulance, so look into the call records and trace him through that."
The man nods. "I'll handle it, sir."
As the man is about to leave, Mr. Caldwell adds, "And remember, don't get too close to him or offend him in any way. He's our savior. If you cross him, you're fired. Understood?"
The man's face tightens with seriousness. "I'll do my best, sir."
With that, he walks out of the room, leaving Mr. Caldwell in silence. The old man leans back against the pillows, his eyes narrowing as he thinks about the man who mysteriously saved them from the car accident.
"Who are you?" Mr. Caldwell wonders aloud. He can't shake the image of the man from his mind.