"You really have the nerve," Angel whispered, her voice barely above a breath but sharp enough to cut through the tense air, just loud enough for him to catch every word. "To protect me… when I know you're the one who stole from me?"
Her eyes locked onto his with a mixture of disbelief and accusation, the weight of her words hanging heavily between them. For a moment, she watched intently as his expression flickered — surprise, confusion, and something like guilt flashed across his face, leaving him momentarily stunned by the bluntness of her claim.
Just then, Derrick, who had been standing a few feet away, seemed to sense the rising tension and stepped forward, ready to intervene. But before he could fully approach, he froze mid-step, his brow furrowing deeply. His gaze dropped sharply to the hand gripping the collar of his shirt — a rough, unyielding grasp that sent a chill down his spine.
