Slowly picking herself up off the ground, Elaine locked eyes with him.

She stared at the man she had once revered.

Her lips quivered as she finally broke the silence, her voice filled with a question she could no longer contain...

The driver impulsively kicked Elaine and spat out, "Are you out of your mind? Sleep-walking in broad daylight, are you? You ask Mr. Evans ‘why'? You have no right to even ask such things. Do you understand?"

Mark shot the driver a glance, and the latter immediately felt a twinge of embarrassment.

"Get back in the car," Mark ordered.

The driver had always been intimidated by Mark, but in this moment, he mustered the courage to speak.

"Mr. Evans, you shouldn't betray Miss Fowler. She's been genuinely good to you."

"What are you even talking about? Get in the car," Mark snapped.

Scratching his head, the driver complied.

Just then, a group of men hurried over. It seemed they had been searching for Elaine. Upon seeing Mark, they whispered frantically, “Mr. Evans, our apologies. We lost track of her, leading to this unfortunate incident."

They then moved to take hold of Elaine.

“Wait a minute," said Mark lightly.

The men paused, puzzled, but hope flashed in Elaine's eyes. Taking a few faltering steps forward, she said eagerly, "Mr. Evans, I'll do anything for you, just say the word."

"Including cooking for me?"

Mark responded, his tone icy.

Elaine's face blanched. She found herself at a loss for words.

Studying her, Mark spoke up calmly.

"Miss Shaw, we've never had any meaningful connection. I never professed any feelings for you. Yes, I had my wild years, but if anyone has the right to take this issue with me, it would be Cecilia. It's none of your business."

Elaine opened her mouth to speak but ultimately said nothing.