In that instant, Mark's eyes darkened.

He loosened his grip on her.

Cecilia struggled to maintain her composure.

“Could you please release me now? Mr. Evans, you are a man of charm and I'm certain there is no shortage of women vying for your attention."

“Mr. Evans? Cecilia... Once upon a time, you used to call me Uncle Mark."

“In my youthful naivety, I failed to understand things better."

Cecilia placed her hand on his chest, exerting gentle pressure as she pleaded, "Rena will be here soon. Release me, I implore you. Let us maintain a modicum of decency in parting ways."

Mark relinquished his hold on her.

With a firm grip on the doorknob, she clenched her teeth, summoning her strength to open the door. Behind her, in a raspy voice, he murmured, “Cecilia, are you truly forsaking me? We can resurrect our former bond. You may refer to me as Uncle Mark once again, and I will watch over you."

He had always owed her.

He believed that if she found her true love, he would offer his blessings. But before that, he wanted to look after her.

He would be prepared to grant her every desire.

Cecilia raised her head ever so slightly, her restraint palpable, before finally uttering in a hushed tone, "No. I have no need for it."

She would never forget the events of the past.

She had embarked on a secret journey to Czanch, intending to surprise him, only to be ensnared by kidnappers.

Alone in a darkened room for 36 agonizing hours, she endured thirst and denied even the simplest bodily needs. Bound to a chair, she suffered in such a manner...

The kidnappers had demanded the chip in Mark's possession.

Fear had gripped her.

She had believed he would spare no effort to rescue her.

However, when she had heard his calm voice over the phone, he'd merely uttered, "Sorry, I do not know her."

And then she had finally been saved...

She had anticipated his arrival, hoping she would still hold a place in his heart. But as she emerged from the dilapidated cottage, it was not his embrace that awaited her. Instead, she witnessed a picturesque tableau of him standing side by side with another woman.