Karla sighed, a blend of irritation and amusement in her expression. "You're unbelievable, Duncan. One of these days, your prank will be the end of me."Duncan, still holding her close, grinned mischievously. "But admit it, it was a good one."Karla, torn between annoyance and affection, finally managed a smile. "Fine, it was a good one. But promise me, no more acting like you're unconscious. Ever." Duncan nodded, his eyes reflecting sincerity. "Promise. Now, can we get back to a less dramatic evening?" Karla rolled her eyes, but a small laugh escaped her. Letting go of her previous worry, Karla took a deep breath, attempting to compose herself. "You're always worried about me, Karla. I don't appreciate that," Duncan said, releasing his grip on her. "Quit doing that, okay?""No. I won't," she replied firmly, her gaze unwavering as she looked directly into his eyes."Why…?""It's because I love you so much, and you know it.""Karla, I know, but…""It's fine." She held up her ha

Returning her gaze to the bed, Abigail pointed at the person who unfortunately turned out not to be Duncan. "Who's this?" Avoiding Abigail's gaze, Karla took a step forward. "He's my…" she paused and cleared her throat. "My driver." "What the heck is going on?" Abigail was confused. "You got your driver to pretend to be on this bed as Duncan?" "Obviously." Karla shrugged. "And where is Duncan?!" "He left." "What the heck do you mean? Where did he go?" "To handle the presentation." "For the Lennart family? How's he going to do that?" Karla quietly stared at her as her driver excused them. "Tell me everything…!" "Yes, just bring your voice down. Relax. Okay?" Abigail exhaled and nodded, folding her arms. "Go on, I'm all ears now." Karla sighed and looked away as she thought of where to start explaining. However, back in the personalized meeting room, Lady Zelda and Babette dropped their gaze to the foot of the person, who sported a nice pair of Italian shoes. Lifting thei

Duncan tried to keep his composure as Zinnia walked up to him. He faked a smile, turning to face her. "What do you mean?" he asked, attempting to sound casual.Zinnia took off her glasses, her gaze fixed on Duncan. "I remember you," she stated. Duncan's heart skipped a beat as he asked, "From where?"Zinnia smiled knowingly, "You were the other guy I saw in the hallway when I was leaving after my presentation the other time." Duncan chuckled, glancing away. "Oh, that was you," he said with a feigned surprise. Inwardly, he let out a silent sigh of relief, grateful that she didn't notice the tension he had been hiding. Duncan made a short prayer of thanksgiving in silence, grateful that Zinnia had recognized him without revealing his undercover identity. Returning his gaze to Zinnia, he noted the hardened expression on her face."Good to see you again, Miss," Duncan greeted, trying to maintain a composed demeanor."Miss? Don't you know me?" Zinnia questioned, her tone challenging.

Zinnia stared determinedly at the road ahead through the windscreen, her grip tight on the steering wheel. The weariness of her hands couldn't deter her determination as she drove with all her might, navigating through traffic with a fierce sense of purpose. "Duncan, what are you now? It can't be you trying to fool me as Dunstan Ark. No!" She slammed the car horn impatiently, provoking angry shouts from other drivers as she sped past them. "No. If you're supporting the Walton Group in one way or another, then you're going to pay dearly for it, Duncan. I can't be fooled!" Zinnia took a sharp turn, opting for a faster route to the hospital, her mind consumed by the urgency of discovering Duncan's supposed deceit. "I just need to get to the hospital soon and discover your plans and everything, then I will make sure my grandmother kicks you to the pit of hell," she sneered, determination fueling her relentless pursuit. Just then, her phone rang, and she tapped the connected wireless air

Duncan, now fully recovered, stood up from the bed, acknowledging the questioning glances of those in the room. With a wry smile, he decided to reveal the mystery of his timely arrival. "You see," Duncan began, "I happened to be closer than anyone thought. While Zinnia was dealing with her misconceptions outside, I managed to slip into the hospital, thanks to Karla here." He nodded appreciatively toward Karla. Babette, still puzzled, asked, "But how did you get here so quickly? We didn't see you around nor did we see you walk into the hospital." “Exactly,” Abigail added. “You're confusing us, Duncan.” Duncan's smile widened as he explained, "Karla, being quick on her feet, delayed Zinnia from entering the room immediately. It gave me just enough time to pretend I was unconscious. When Zinnia finally came in, I was ready to play my part." Karla chimed in, "I bought him a few extra seconds by not letting her in right away. Teamwork, you know?" Babette's eyes widened in reali