Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 306 Gratitude

"Mr. Kim, why torment a woman like this?" Faris asked coolly, toying with his lighter.

The other men quickly chimed in. "Faris is right. Why give a woman such a hard time?" Hearing Faris speak up, the man finally released his grip on Emily's hair.

Tears streaming down her face, Emily collapsed onto the floor as Peggy rushed to help

her up.

"Ungrateful bitch," the man spat.

Faris kept his eyes fixed on Emily, contemplative.

The man noticed Faris's stare and a knowing grin spread across his face. "Perhaps Faris wants this one. If that's the case, I wouldn't dream of competing."

He kicked Emily lightly with his foot. "Consider yourself lucky I'm letting you go for Faris's sake. Go on, sit beside him."

Emily knew she wouldn't escape that easily. But Faris seemed less threatening than that man, so she wiped her tears, stood up, and moved to sit next to Faris.

The space beside Faris was limited, forcing their arms to press together. She detected a subtle tobacco scent on him. Though she typically disliked smokers, strangely, his smell didn't repel her.

Unlike that man, Faris didn't immediately paw at her, but his silence made Emily nervous. Afraid of displeasing that man again, she poured Faris a drink.

"Thank you," she said earnestly before downing her own glass.

Faris studied her tear-stained face for a long moment. Only now, sitting so close in the dimly lit room, did Emily realize how handsome he was. His intense eyes were magnetic, impossible to look away from.

"What's your name?" he asked.

Emily looked down, responding softly, "Emily Glover."

thin line before turning upward slightly, his eyes

why he thought

privileged young men, Emily sensed he was

that man excused himself to the restroom. Faris leaned close to Emily's ear, asking if she

of room 808, drawing stunned looks from

sat nervously in the passenger seat, unsure where he was taking her, stealing glances at

parked by the riverfront and invited her to walk with him. They stopped at the railing, gazing at the water reflecting the city's vibrant lights. She stood

this job?"

a raw nerve, making her throat tighten. Faris lit a cigarette, the smoke drifting toward her before dispersing in the breeze. He waited patiently

answer.

attack during my sophomore year of college. I dropped out to work as a waitress so my brother could stay in school. He was always promising to take care of me someday. But last month, we discovered he has congenital heart disease with heart failure. He needs a transplant —an operation I can't possibly afford. I was desperate for money...

a million dollars here. Take it for your brother's surgery. This work isn't

sum terrified Emily. She stared at the card gleaming in the neon light, desperately

this

cigarette butt, its ember tracing

let you have it for

staring

smiled gently, his eyes

in love with him for his directness, his sincerity,

the card,

at the river, smoking one cigarette

was a man with stories to

breeze carried a damp chill from the river, and Emily shivered in her

Faris tossed away his final cigarette butt. "Let's go home,"

a beat, offering a warmth she hadn't

asked where she lived. She hesitated before giving her address- reckless, perhaps, but she trusted him