Rising Fire    

Rhea glanced up, her eyes widening as she noticed the bracelet she had seen C.C. wear so often.

"It's a charm bracelet that greatly boosts your confidence and charisma," Cain explained, his tone firm yet gentle.

"But . . . it's yours," she protested weakly, disbelief flickering in her eyes. She knew that it held some kind of sentimental value since C.C. always wore it.

"You need it more than I do right now. And I'm not taking no for an answer. Return it to me when you find your confidence again. Right now, however, you need to be your best. Think about the people who believe in you."

With slightly trembling fingers, Rhea reached out for the bracelet, her heart racing as she felt the weight of his trust in her.

She didn't notice C.C.'s hand trembling as he withdrew it with lightning speed, his movement so swift and controlled that it almost seemed like a flicker in the air.