Chapter 236 Let Me Do It
With the proceedings concluded and the evidence duly gathered, Kate turned her gaze to find Eric, who stood some distance away, engaged in a conversation of evident gravity.
His countenance bore the cold sternness of one burdened by weighty matters. Though his voice was hushed and distant, the tension was unmistakable.
Sensing her scrutiny, Eric glanced her way, promptly concluding his call with a few terse words before striding towards her.
“Kate, how did it fare?” His eyes, shadowed with concern, met hers. “Do you require my assistance?”
Drawing a deep breath, Kate shook her head with resolute firmness. “Ric, this is something I need to resolve on my own.”
From the very inception of HN Studio, Kate had anticipated the inevitable trials that would accompany its rise. She had steeled herself to confront these challenges, recognising that this was but the dawn of her journey.
Her determination to navigate these trials unaided was unwavering, and she would not burden Eric with her struggles.
The influence of the Davison Group would, she knew act as a formidable deterrent to those who might seek to undermine her. Their power would temper the discontent of rivals, curbing any impulsive actions against her nascent enterprise.
Eric regarded her with a penetrating gaze, the silence between them laden with unspoken understanding.
At length, he spoke, his voice gentle yet firm. “Take care, always”
After a pause, he reached out, his hand tenderly tousling her hair. “Remember, no matter the hour or the trial, I am your steadfast shield.”
His words, imbued with earnest sincerity, brought a soft warmth to his eyes. Kate embraced him, her voice muffled as she nestled against his chest. “Ric, thank you.”
Without Eric, she mused, the Lowe Group might have long since crumbled, and she herself would have remained ensnared by the deceptions of Simon and Ruth, doomed to a tragic fate. Eric’s arrival in her life had been nothing short of providential.
Reflecting on her previous life, she was struck by her ignorance that had led to Eric’s downfall, a mistake she vowed never to repeat.
Eric, with a playful glint, tapped her nose lightly, affection evident in his gaze. “Why speak of thanks?”
He hesitated, then his expression grew grave. Taking her hand, he led her aside, away from prying cars. *Kate, I must soon depart for Bastilla to attend to pressing matters. I fear I may be gone for some time.”
Kate’s heart skinned a hear “What has
hannened? How lone will von he away?“.
Balance 1404
286
Eric exhaled, his breath’a whisper of resolve. “I shall see to these matters with all possible haste and return to you forthwith.”
Kate, poised to assent, found her thoughts interrupted by a sudden realisation. If her memory served her true
Her hand tightened instinctively upon his sleeve, her voice quavering, “Ric, must it be Bastilla?”
Eric, perceiving the turmoil in her countenance, touched her cheek with a tender hand, concern shadowing his features. “What troubles you, my dear?
Her fists clenched, Kate drew a deep breath, summoning her courage. “I hold no fondness for Bastilla. I wish for you not to venture there.
“Are there not others who might undertake this task? Can they not be dispatched in your stead?”
Her words faltered as her gaze swept the disarray of HN Studio, her voice softening to a fragile whisper imbued with an almost childlike trepidation. “After all that has befallen HN Studio… I am filled with fear. I need you beside me.”
Her plea, tender and trembling, stirred Eric’s heart. Enfolding her in his arms, his tone was suffused with gentle resolve. “Very well, as you wish. I shall not go.”
Kate’s eyes sought his, questioning, searching for certainty. “Truly?”
Eric nodded, his expression steadfast. “Truly,”
He bestowed a delicate kiss upon her lips, a soft smile curving his mouth. “I shall remain by your side, Kate. Nowhere else will I go.”