"I could help with that show too."

"No, it'd be counterproductive with you there." With Tylor's acting in the show, Lance believed Corless would let him marry Bettie right away. But if Royce got involved, Corless might worry about upsetting the Nelson family and decide to keep him and Bettie apart.

“You need to make amends for Miss Ramirez. She was hurt by your sister, after all," Royce suggested.

“I know."

The night after the ordeal, Bettie and Sabrina stayed together.

Waking up and seeing Sabrina, Bettie closed her eyes again, relishing the comfort. "I'm finally getting some cozy time."

Sabrina simply smiled.

In the morning, they went to get Bettie a new phone and SIM card and did some shopping.

After the fright she had, Bettie felt like treating herself, soon laden with bags and boxes.

At lunchtime, Lance met Bettie for a meal, while Sabrina visited Jennie in the hospital.

In the car, Bettie fiddled with her new bracelet, asking, “Isn't it beautiful?"

Lance looked at her and nodded. "It's nice."

Bettie's wrist was delicate and pretty, but it bore a red mark from being tied up the day before.

“Let's go somewhere nice for lunch. It's my treat as a thank you for helping me yesterday. Pick any place you want," Bettie offered.

“Anywhere is good with me," Lance replied.

Noticing her unaffected demeanor, he grinned and asked, "Of the three houses we checked out yesterday, which one caught your eye?"

Bettie took a moment to think and then gave her opinion, “We should choose a house with enough room so we can have our own space. It should have areas for relaxation and fun, too. Silver Garden is nicely located in the city center, but it seems a bit cramped. Lanting Pavilion is far from my place and its design is just okay. Fixing it up to our taste would cost a lot, though its price is reasonable. And then there's River Mansion..."

"What's the issue with that one?"

"It's perfect in many ways, but it's quite pricey. And since it's only us two..." Her voice trailed off, showing her reluctance to dismiss it.

"If you had to pick one, without worrying about other things?"