Bonnie’s eyes curved as she brought the bottle to her lips and took a sip. The creamy sweetness lingered on her tongue.
“It’s really good. I think I’ll pick some up when I go home,” she said.
Aiken grinned. “If you like it, just drop by here and I’ll get you more. Oh, and my supervisor mentioned you last time. She wants to invite you to the station for our New Year’s party.”
Bonnie couldn’t quite meet Aiken’s gaze, the warmth in his eyes making her self-conscious. She lowered her head and replied softly, “Okay.”
Aiken reached out and ruffled her hair. “Come on, I’ll walk you out. Things have been crazy busy at the station lately. Once things settle down, let’s go out for dinner. You need more than just studying in your life.”
Bonnie nodded, and the two of them walked side by side toward the exit. Just as they reached the doorway, someone hurried inside. Their gazes met for an instant, both caught off guard.
Abbot had been about to greet her politely, but before he could say anything, Bonnie looked away, falling in step with Aiken as they walked out, talking quietly.
It was like she didn’t know him at all.
Abbot let out a silent sigh. That sigh turned into something bitter the moment he spotted Lawrence, standing with his arms at his sides near the reception room, head down and shoulders slumped.
Abbot walked over, keeping his voice low. “Lawrence, all the paperwork’s done. Should we go see Nana now?”
Lawrence nodded slightly and started towards the door with Abbot, still not looking up. Abbot noticed the tired shadows beneath Lawrence’s eyes and couldn’t help but say, “Lawrence, you really need to rest. If you’re having trouble sleeping, I can take you to the hospital for something to help.”
“No, that’s not necessary,” Lawrence replied, voice rough. “Just keep an eye on the posts online. Anything that needs to be deleted, delete it.”
Abbot understood right away. They couldn’t let any slander about Bonnie or twisted rumors spread.
“Hannah’s account… you wiped it?”
The question hit Abbot with a complicated mix of feelings. When Lawrence called him to The Hamilton, the whole living room had been a disaster zone.

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