Chapter: 226

"I'm also Kaitlin's boyfriend. She told me about the incident. I appreciate what you've done," Alan stated.

Shawn simply nodded, and their gazes met, silently but intensely.

Aware of the undercurrents, Alan, who was often attuned to others' that Shawn was no individual. feelings, recognized ordinary.

He chose not to linger on the thought, as Shawn talked again.

“There's no need for thanks. As Kaitlin's business partner, it's my duty to look out for her," Shawn declared firmly.

This time, Alan accurately read the room. Shawn's tone and expression were unmistakably provocative.

Yet, Kaitlin remained oblivious to the mounting tension between the two men.

Suddenly, Alan pulled Kaitlin into his arms as if marking his territory. “It's just a collaboration," he addressed Shawn with a strained smile. "I didn't expect you to take it so seriously."

Shawn's eyes flicked between them before he turned his attention solely to Kaitlin. "Kaitlin, I'm entrusting this co-branding project to you. I'm looking forward to hearing about your success," he said.

"Don't worry, Mr. Murphy," Kaitlin assured him with a nod.

"I'll be on my way then," Shawn said, casting one final look at Alan before departing.

As soon as he left, Kaitlin shoved Alan's hand away and gave him a reproachful look. "What was that about?" she whispered sharply.

Alan reluctantly let his hand fall to his side, his jealousy palpable.

“You seem quite close to Shawn," he remarked.

"So what?" Kaitlin snapped back. "I need to return to the studio. There's a lot to do."

She turned to leave, with Alan trailing close behind.

"You should stay away from Shawn. I don't trust him," Alan insisted.

Kaitlin sped up, ignoring his words.

Despite her quick pace, Alan easily kept up.

"Having long legs really does have its perks," Kaitlin muttered.

After exiting the hospital, Alan offered Kaitlin a ride home in his car.

Despite the abundance of taxis in the area, lingering anxieties from a recent kidnapping incident made Kaitlin wary of taking one.

Without hesitation, she accepted Alan's offer.

From his car, Shawn observed them with a chilly smile.