Yet, she couldn''t decipher anything from the depths of his gaze, nor did she dare make any wild guesses.


    Her breaths became heavier, more rapid. Ufortably, she nodded, "Yes, pretty much."


    She was practically gasping for air at that point. How could it not be bad?


    Her cheeks med up uncontrobly.


    His voice, husky and close to her ear, asked, "Did you apply any ointment?"


    "No."


    It wasn''t even a scrape. What was she supposed to do, go to the pharmacy and say what exactly? That she got a swelling from a kiss?


    She didn''t even know what kind of ointment to look for.


    "Um, can I just sit up myself, please?" Ste muttered.


    If his feelings for her were truly just brotherly, he needed to start setting some boundaries. Otherwise, what would happen when he found the woman of his dreams? That wouldn''t be good, would it? Just the thought of Ronald with another woman made Ste''s heart suddenly feel stifled.


    Ronald uttered, "Hmm?"


    He pretended not to notice her turmoil, watching her struggle with a flicker of amusement in his eyes.


    Ste said, "It''s just not right, you know? If the person you like finds out about us being this close, it''s not good."


    "How is it not good?"


    Ste was speechless.


    Was he genuinely clueless or just feigning ignorance?


    "Ever heard of ''avoiding impropriety as the daughter grows up"?"


    Ronald remarked, "Am I your father?"


    No, but...


    She was at a loss for words. How could he not see the point? It wasn''t about him being a father figure or not.


    "Regardless of gender, once they''re grown up you''re supposed to maintain a certain distance with the opposite sex unless they''re your significant other. That''s what you taught me."


    Indeed, Ronald had taught her that, acting both like a father and a


    ???


    mother. Even though her foster mother had personally taken the responsibility as her guardian, he wasn''t relieved, still repeating what she had been taught emphatically.


    The mention of his past advice seemed to deepen the amusement in Ronald''s eyes.


    "So, you listen well to what I say?"


    "Yes, always have," Ste affirmed, nodding vigorously.


    Watching her obedient demeanor, Ronald affectionately ruffled her hair.


    "The Larkins reached out to Finley''s assistant, asking if Finley could treat Urs. What do you think?"


    "No way!" Ste didn''t hesitate in her response.


    They had gone behind her back to


    contact Finley. If he ended up


    treating Urs, they''d just spin it somehow, saying shecked


    After her resolute deration, Ste looked at Ronald, "Do you think I''m being too ruthless?"


    "I never asked you to y the saint."


    Ste remained silent, approving of what he said. She had learned everything from Ronald and Yvonne except for how to be overly amodating and benevolent. Especially after that kidnapping incident when she was thirteen. The lesson they drilled into her was clear, "If your life is threatened, don''t hesitate to strike back first." "So, no good deeds for me," Ste mumbled.


    Seeing her disy a hint of vengeance, Ronald''s eyes softened with even more affection.


    And so, Ste remained in Ronald''sp all the way back to Wave Residence.


    When it was time to get out of the car, he insisted on carrying her inside, just like when she was a child. Each time he returned to home, he would already carry her in his arms. Ste eximed, "Hey, I can walk on my own."


    As she spoke, she tried to squirm out of Ronald''s hold. Feeling her supple body, Ronald pinched her underarm, "Stop wriggling. Be good."