The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

Ronald had settled in for a hearty dinner that evening.

As they ate, both of them tried their best to act as if nothing had happened.

But there was still an awkwardness hanging in the air.

Willa, ever so perceptive, sensed something was off. Seizing the moment when Ronald went to grab more food, she nudged Kari, "Haven't you and Ronald made up yet?"

Kari, feeling a bit helpless, replied, "Mom, we really didn't have a fight."

"Really?"

Willa was skeptical.

Kari, with a hint of exasperation, assured her, "Really."

Ronald returned with his plate, catching the tail end of their conversation, and chimed in, "Kari and I really didn't argue. We just had some disagreements, but we've come to an understanding now." Kari immediately nodded in agreement.

Only then did Willa relax.

After dinner, Ronald suggested it was time for him to leave.

"Kari-" Willa hinted at Kari to walk him out.

"It's late, and I wouldn't feel comfortable with Kari walking back alone. No need to walk me out."

Ronald politely declined.

After he left, Willa still looked worried, "I've seen on the news that the Malone family hasn't been too kind to him. God knows how much hardship Ronald has endured over the years—" "Mom, don't worry, he... he has his own plans," Kari felt a bit odd calling him 'brother'.

Willa started to ramble, "You and that Jarvis boy are definitely off the table. Better start looking for someone else. While I'm still young, I can help you with the kids."

Kari's head ached at the mention of marriage, "Mom, I'm not considering marriage at the moment."

Not to mention she had just gone through a breakup.

She really didn't have the energy to start a new relationship.

Willa wanted to ask if she was still hung up on Nathan, but swallowed her words at the last moment, "It's a matter of time, just think it over." Ronald was a man of his word.

He hadn't shown up at the Malone family's for nearly a month.

Kari wasn't idle during that month.

After Grace Salter passed away, she

spent days comforting Brittany.

Once the funeral was over, Brittany and Isaac Salter headed to Craneville, looking to clear their minds.

After seeing them off, Kari threw herself into a new round of work.

With the studio buzzing with activity, she was swamped, barely finding time to eat. Over time, her stomach issues flared up again. After nearly passing out in the office one day from the pain, Kari called Ronald, her voice trembling, "Bro, my stomach hurts-" Ronald panicked on the other end, "Where are you?"

"At the studio."

Not wanting to worry Willa, Ronald was the first person Kari thought of.

"Just wait for me."

Ronald halted a video conference, grabbed his keys and jacket, and dashed downstairs.

It had been over a month since he last saw Kari, missing her terribly Yet, he knew he had to make good on his promises if he wanted to win Karl's heart.

He sped to Bri-jeweled Studio.Original from NôvelDrama.Org.

The studio was almost empty by then. Ronald, leaving his car, hurried to Kari's office. Upon opening the door, he saw Kari curled up on the couch, resembling a little shrimp. "Kari-"

Rushing over, Ronald scooped her up in his arms and made for the stairs.

Kari, barely conscious from the pain, nestled into Ronald's embrace, her body trembling.

He rushed her to the hospital, where the doctors administered pain relief after a thorough examination, easing her agony.

After sending the doctor away, Ronald took off his jacket, watching over Kari as she drifted into sleep.

A month apart had left Kari noticeably thinner.

These past weeks hadn't been kind

to her.

Cames, he'd loiter around

the Malone family's building, just to a glimpse of her. Co

But what was a mere glimpse against weeks of yearning?