I'm more than willing to offer my assistance

Chen Lin felt a knot tighten in her stomach.

She wasn't sure whether she should explain herself to Sun Liqin about her words regarding Liu Yanmei. After all, the woman was pregnant, and no matter how frustrated Chen Lin felt, she would never actually hurt her. But explaining herself felt like it would only make her seem guilty.

She didn't want Sun Liqin to think poorly of her. Out of everyone she'd known, he had been the one person she could talk to without feeling judged—especially not because of the scandals surrounding her. That simple connection meant more to her than she wanted to admit.

As she pondered how to handle the situation, Sun Liqin's voice broke through her thoughts.

"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation," he began. Chen Lin immediately assumed he was referring to her earlier comment about slapping Liu Yanmei.