“Is that really sweet-talking?” Marvin asked, looking genuinely surprised.

Baylee was rendered speechless, unable to find the words to respond. Marvin, almost as if he could read her thoughts, leaned in so close that their noses were nearly touching.

“Baylee, I like you, and I’m going to love you even more as time goes on.” Baylee’s eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed red, something she hadn’t intended.

“I figured that’s what sweet-talking was all about.”

“Hey!” Baylee gasped, stepping back to put some space between them. But Marvin had already moved back.

“If you enjoy hearing it, I can keep going.”

Marvin’s smile reminded her of the days when he would innocently crash on her couch.

“I don’t want to hear that, okay? Cut it out!” Baylee felt her cheeks burning, wishing the warmth would disappear, but it stubbornly stayed.

“Let’s head out, Ellie and Kaiden are waiting for us.” Marvin smiled.

Before Baylee could take a step, Marvin grabbed her hand.

“Baylee, you’re blushing.”

With a blank expression, Baylee retorted, “Marvin, are you trying to pick a fight?”

Marvin, not bothered by her challenge or the hint of a fight, gently suggested, “Baylee, why not consider giving me a chance to be your boyfriend? Please, think about it.”

Baylee thought back to what Ellie had told her the previous night.

Ellie had said Marvin was the first to sense something was off after her accident. His urgency and worry almost broke through his calm voice over the phone. And he didn’t rush to the hospital from Critport, but because he was already in Glostin, waiting for her. Even if he had his own reasons for approaching her, his concern and protective instincts were real.

The warmth and affection she felt from him was genuine. “I need some time to think,” Baylee sighed.

“You’ve said that before.”

“But this time, I mean it.”

Marvin glanced at her, a hint of complaint in his eyes. “You were really offhand with me last time, huh?”

Baylee was at a loss for words.

Kaiden had already arranged for a private plane. During their return to Critport, Ellie and Baylee relaxed on the sofa, engrossed in dramas and enjoying their conversation. Kaiden and Marvin looked at each other before settling down to work on their paperwork.

“Baylee, you and Marvin…” Ellie whispered, giving Baylee a gentle nudge.

“What do you mean, him and me?” Baylee suddenly became defensive.

“The vibe between you two seems strange. Marvin had a certain look after you left the hospital room.” Ellie tried to find the right words. “Marvin’s expression mirrors the satisfaction Kaiden displays when he shares some intimate moments with me.”

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