……….

The slender woman recoiled, nearly losing her balance, but Hayne swiftly caught her arm, steadying her.

"Be careful," he murmured, a gentle smile returning to his face.

Cold sweat clung to her forehead as she swallowed hard, her gaze unsteady beneath Hayne's scrutiny. After a pause, she forced a broad smile and spread out her palms for him to see.

"Nothing," she replied.

Hayne's eyes lingered on her, amusement flickering across his face as he observed her in silence.

"I see," he said at last. "I must've been mistaken." He chuckled, and the woman joined in, though her laughter lacked ease.

"But…" he continued, drawing her attention once more, anticipation flickering in her wary eyes. "You shouldn't attempt anything reckless—because HE sees everything." His words came with a soft smile, yet they carried a weight that made her expression falter.

Feigning confusion, she plastered another forced smile on her face.