The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

Chapter 1264

Kari couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort as she bridged the decade-long gap between now and the image of Ronald as a youthful figure from ten years ago.

"You should smoke less," she blurted out, immediately feeling she had no right to say it. But the last thing she wanted was for Ronald to fall ill, especially from something as harmful as smoking. "Okay," Ronald agreed instantly, as if quitting smoking was akin to climbing Everest.

Kari knew all too well the struggle of kicking the habit. After a moment's thought, she offered, "I've picked up some snacks recently. I can get you some. If you're ever feeling edgy, they might help take the edge off." Ronald caught the care in her voice, his lips curling up in a slight smile. "Sure."

"I'll walk you up."

Ronald, still concerned, asked, "How will you get back down?"

As they stepped into the elevator, Kari yawned, "A nurse's rounds woke me up."

"I saw a car I recognized downstairs when I got up."

Ronald, smiling, shared, "I left the Malone family gathering late. Didn't want to disturb you, nor did I feel like going back, so I thought I'd just hang around downstairs."

felt like an

kept her expression neutral, "Got

to her room, Ronald settled on the sofa as she climbed into bed. It had been ten years since they last shared a room. Though physically exhausted, Ronald's mind was buzzing. Watching Kari sleep soundly, he swallowed hard before finally

have forgotten her earlier reticence, no longer avoiding Ronald. And Ronald, on his part, didn't

stomach issues. Whenever he had free time, Ronald would personally prepare and bring her healthy broths, making it common knowledge within the studio that

Who was Ronald?

the heir to the Malone family,

Kari's side didn't

Ronald a chance, considering him to be quite the catch. Influenced by their encouragement, Kari found

her place to make the first move, leading them into

when she received news of Brittany's accident. Learning of her friend's plight, Kari immediately canceled all her engagements and booked a flight

from a business trip and hadn't yet had the chance to meet Kari before hearing about

her chest, "Don't worry, Brittany

hearing she wasn't

a pause, he