The person you’re talking about… is that really me?

The atmosphere was always strange—serious, but not quite serious enough, and yet too tense to fully relax.

This was a perfect reflection of Miss Alice's inner turmoil. She was conflicted. She knew Ryan wouldn't hurt her, but his behavior was so confusing.

Before she could urge Ryan again, her delicate eyebrows suddenly furrowed, and her nostrils flared as she glared at him with clear disdain.

"What's wrong?"

Ryan was caught off guard by Alice's sudden change in expression. It was almost like… she thought he smelled bad?

Confused, Ryan lifted his sleeve and gave it a sniff. There wasn't any bad smell, though. In fact, thanks to Mia hugging him earlier, his clothes still carried a faint, pleasant scent of oranges.

"Come here."

Alice didn't answer his question directly. Instead, she reached into the drawer of the coffee table.