As he drank, his Adam's apple moved up and down in a way that Rosalynn found irresistibly attractive.

“You're staring. Come, sit with me."

Brian noticed her gaze and made room on the sofa.

Rosalynn swallowed her emotions and took a seat next to him. Brian wrapped an arm around her and began toying with her hand.

“What was it you wanted to talk about?"

Brian's voice was gentle, and the warmth from his shower still clung to him like a second skin.

It could have been such a cozy moment, but Rosalynn knew that after today, such moments might become rarities.

Gathering her thoughts, she opened her mouth to speak, but Brian's phone buzzed to life.

“Hold on. I need to get this," he said, patting her hand.

Rosalynn watched him rise and answer the call.

It was Deanna on the line.

“Deanna, what's going on?" Brian queried.

“Brian, hurry to the hotel. Mom's passed out!"

Deanna's voice was shaky, teetering on the edge of tears.

Brian's expression changed instantly.

"What? Why did she faint?"

"I don't know. I walked in and found her on the floor." Deanna sobbed.

“Okay, don't panic. I'm on my way. Keep your phone on," Brian replied, his voice like ice.

He hung up and immediately called for an emergency car, then darted back into the bedroom to change.

A chill crept into Rosalynn's heart.

Could it be that Noemi had seen the message from Hutton and this was the result?

“Rosalynn, my mom's in a coma. I need to leave right now." Brian changed his clothes and walked out of the bedroom.