Chapter 323

As time went by, under Verena's patient guidance,Isaac slowly learned to catch the rhythm of walking.

She supported him with steady arms,softly counting,"One,two,one,two..."

Matching her cadence, Isaac adjusted his steps.

Bit by bit, his movements grew steadier. They still carried a tremor, but no longer the helpless wobble of the beginning.

Step after step-each as heavy as climbing a mountain,each demanding most of Verena's strength to keep him upright-yet at least he was finally able to summon his own willpower and press forward.

Watching him push against his limits, Verena couldn't hold back her praise. "I knew you'd manage. Look how far you've come."

With her support, Isaac had already covered a surprising distance.

Lowering his gaze, he noticed the strain in her slender arms, veins rising faintly against her skin, and beads of sweat glistening on her smooth forehead.

A pang of heartache stirred within him. He gently clasped her delicate arm, his breath uneven, and said,"That's enough for today. Let's take a break."

Verena nodded with a smile. "Alright, let's rest for a while. You must be exhausted."

She guided him carefully to the sofa.

Once seated,she poured him a glass of water,passing it to him with quiet insistence. "Here, drik.You need to replenish your strength."

She took a sip from her own glass, and then said warmly, "Isaac, at the pace you're recovering,your legs will heal completely. Walking as you once did is only a matter of time."

Setting down her glass, she turned slightly,unable to hide her joy. "Just think-in such a short while, you've already managed to walk with your own strength.The speed of your progress is remarkable. If we keep to this rhythm, together with the healing methods we're using, it won't be long before you can walk, even run,freely again."

Walk...run...

Words he once shunned, words he dared not hope for. But now...

Isaac lifted his eyes, filled with longing, and gazed at Verena.

Her eyes glimmered with a soft radiance, her smile so tender that he wished to shield it for life.

That gaze of hers struck the most fragile corner of his heart, as if it carried a spell only she could weave.

Love surged through him. He quickly set his glass aside.

In the next breath, he wrapped his strong arms around her waist, drawing her close as though he were cradling the most precious treasure on earth.

He lowered his head, pressing his cheek gently against her rounded belly, feeling the warmth and faint pulse of life.

In that embrace, words became unnecessary.

Closing his eyes, lsaac let the quiet warmth soak through him.

This-this was the home he had longed for.

With her by his side, with their love's creation within her,the shadow of pain and despair dissolved like mist at sunrise. Drawing in a deep breath of her familiar scent, he whispered, "Verena, thank you... for all of this."

Her heart swelled at the sight of him. Love filled her gaze.

She combed her fingers through his hair,bent low,and murmured near his ear, "Isaac, from here on, things will only get better for us."

Isaac smiled faintly, nuzzling against her waist in quiet reply.

Just then, a thought crossed Verena's mind.

Her lips curved into a playful smile, her voice carrying a note of gossip. "I can't help wondering what will become of Luis and Miranda. Do you think they'll last?"

The words stirred a spark of jealousy in Isaac.

He had been resting contentedly against her belly, but now he lifted his head, feigning a pout as he leaned so close their faces nearly touched.

Half-playful, half-complaining, he said, "Instead of worrying about Luis' tangled romance, shouldn't you be more concerned with our love story?"

His gaze fell on her lips, holding her there.

Verena caught the glimmer of desire rising in his eyes His playful and jealous demeanor reminded her of the times they spent together in Clokron.

Thinking of this, she smiled tenderly and leaned in to kiss him...

...

As for Sherwood, Venera knew action could not be delayed.

That evening, she instructed her assistant to book the earliest flight to Ochrerayd for the following morning.

When dawn had yet to break and the city lay in slumber, she left with her portable laptop in hand.

At the airport, she moved through check-in and security with quiet determination.

The plane took off, piercing the clouds, and a few hours later descended smoothly onto Ochrerayd's runway.

While waiting earlier, she had already contacted the Sampson family driver.

So the moment she stepped out of the terminal, she spotted the familiar black vehicle waiting at its designated spot.

The driver, neatly uniformed, had clearly been there for some time.

To her surprise, one of Luis' assistants was also present.

Upon seeing her, the driver quickly stepped forward,respectfully opening the rear door.

Verena nodded in acknowledgment and slipped gracefully into the car.

The door closed with a soft click, and the car eased onto the main road.

Seated in the back, Verena furrowed her brow slightly,turning over in her mind the matters she would soon discuss with Luis.

Her fingers tapped lightly on the window frame before she asked the assistant, "Patrick,is Luis busy right now?"

She asked because she didn't wish to stumble into another awkward scene-charming though it might have seemed the first time, she had no desire to witnessit again.

The car rolled to a gentle halt at a red light.

Patrick Hayes, sitting in the passenger seat,turned to reply with calm courtesy."When Mr.Sampson learned of your visit and the importance of your discussion,he moved his morning meetings to the afternoon. He should be in the office now,awaiting you."

Verena gave a small nod.

Seeing no further questions, Patrick turned back,sitting upright.

The light turned green, and the car resumed its smooth pace.

Half an hour later, they pulled into Sampson Group's exclusive underground lot.

The driver quickly stepped out to open her door with respect.

Verena alighted, straightening her attire.

Patrick led her through the first-floor lobby and into the private elevator.

With a soft "ding," the elevator doors opened.

He stepped aside, motioning for her to go ahead.

The carpeted hallway carried her to the door of Luis 'office.

Patrick knocked lightly. At the call of "Come in," he opened the door and smiled, gesturing for her to enter. Verena stepped inside. Luis, standing by the window, turned as she entered. "Verena, you're here. You caught such an early flight-you must be tired. Come,sit and rest a while."