However, she suffered from psychological scars. Living like a prisoner for two years had deeply ingrained fear of Dayton in her psyche. Just the mention of his name was enough to send shivers down her spine, let alone encounter his actual presence and malevolence.

Dayton's understanding of Elin's timid nature had emboldened him to confront her without holding back.

Despite Elin's recent thwarting of Dayton's scheme, no one truly understood the immense courage it had taken her to stand up to him.

After the incident, Elin was so weakened that she had to be helped into the police car, barely able to stand.

It marked their first direct confrontation, leaving Elin uncertain about facing him again. She knew Dayton, the psychopath, would not stop his malicious actions. Especially now that he had been thwarted, which only fueled his rage and made him even more dangerous. As he was restrained on the ground by the officers, his gaze bore into her with intense hatred.

Elin dreaded the feeling of being enveloped in darkness again.

Erick held Elin, providing a safe haven for her to release her emotions.

Elin, always guarded, shed tears silently, adding to her poignant vulnerability.

Erick kept soothing Elin with gentle strokes on her back.

The subtle scent of sandalwood emanating from Erick's body enveloped Elin, offering a comforting embrace that seemed to ease her turmoil.

She held onto him tightly, as if he were the sole beacon of hope in her life's darkness.

Instead of returning to Elin's apartment, the car proceeded to Erick's villa.

Upon arrival, Elin remained in the car, gazing at the house but hesitant to step out.

Erick opened the car door and stooped to lift her, his arms supporting her back with a chivalrous touch, creating a sense of warmth and security. It was clear that he paid attention to every detail.

Once inside the bedroom, Erick gently laid Elin down and suggested, “I'll prepare a bath for you to relax in. Then, we'll have dinner together."

Elin clutched at his shirt and said uneasily, "I should go back..."

But Erick promptly vetoed the idea and asserted, "You'll stay here until we've sorted out the situation with Dayton. It's not safe for you to stay at your place."

With that, he proceeded to draw a bath before returning downstairs with a bag containing clean clothes, thoughtfully prepared by his assistant. After placing them by the bathtub, he left the room to give her privacy.

The warm bath eased Elin's tension, leaving her feeling much more comfortable.

The meal, skillfully prepared by the villa's housekeeper, was both light and nourishing.