Startled, Elin turned to see who it was. A tall man walked in, his eyes immediately finding hers. Recognizing her, Erick approached quickly and draped his warm suit jacket over her shoulders.

Warmth surrounded her, yet it failed to rouse Elin from her daze.

Erick glanced at Elin, his face inscrutable, a visible chill tinged with inner conflict. He said to the uniformed officer, "She's my sister. I'm here to accompany her to the examination."

After completing the necessary paperwork, Erick extended his hand to Elin.

Elin hesitated, unsure of how to respond, until Erick gently lifted her to her feet. His eyes fixed on the red marks encircling her neck, his gaze intensifying as he softly asked, "Can you walk?"

Elin's hand found warmth in his grasp, nestled in his palm. She nodded. "Yes."

Erick leaned slightly and reached to button the blazer for her.

Throughout the drive to the hospital, silence lingered between them, an unsettling atmosphere settling in.

After the medical examination, Erick swiftly handed the documents to his assistant and instructed, “Find the top lawyer. Make sure Dayton's held accountable."

Seated in the car, Elin felt a fraction of her fear dissipate upon hearing Erick's directive, her heart finding some stability.

Once the assistant left, Erick adjusted the car's temperature to a comfortable level and handed Elin a cup of sugar water for calming.

Sipping slowly, Elin's emotions began to steady.

Erick explained, "Raegan tried reaching you at the studio but couldn't, so she requested me to come check on you." That explained his appearance.

Elin didn't need to ask since Erick had already provided the answers she sought.

“Farley has passed away, which allowed Dayton to come to Ardlens."

The demise of Farley, the only person who could discipline Dayton, nullified any previous assurances made to Erick.

Elin's hand trembled her hold on the cup weakening. This meant Dayton was now unrestrained. Their only option was a temporary detainment, which was insufficient to contain such a villain.

Witnessing Elin's distress, Erick felt a pang in his heart. Taking the cup from her hands, he enveloped her in a comforting embrace, murmuring reassurances, “It's alright, Elin. I'm here, and I won't let anything happen to you."

At his words, the tears Elin had been holding back finally spilled over. Her eyes turned red, resembling those of a frightened rabbit.

Fortunately, due to the timely intervention of the officers, Elin had not sustained more severe physical injuries besides those to her neck and arms.