The next day—
Lina couldn't focus.
Her thoughts kept circling back.
Anonymous.
There was only one person who could do something like that.
But would he?
She glanced toward Adrian's office.
He was working as usual.
Composed.
Distant.
Untouchable.
It can't be him…
Still—
She had to know.
That afternoon, she entered his office.
"Sir…"
"Yes?"
She hesitated.
Then—
"…Did you… do something for me?"
He looked up.
Their eyes met.
A pause.
"What do you mean?"
"My mother's hospital bill," Lina said carefully. "It was paid."
Silence.
Adrian held her gaze.
Calm.
Unreadable.
"I see," he said.
"That's all?" Lina asked.
"Yes."
"…You don't know anything about it?"
"No."
She searched his face.
For a reaction.
For a hint.
For anything.
But there was nothing.
Just that same steady expression.
"…Okay," she said slowly.
But she wasn't convinced.
Not even a little.
As she turned to leave—
"Lina."
She stopped.
"…Yes?"
"If someone helped you," Adrian said, voice quiet, "accept it."
She turned back slightly.
"Not everything needs to be questioned."
Lina stared at him for a moment.
Then smiled softly.
"…I don't like owing people."
"Then don't."
"…That's not how it works."
A pause.
Then—
"I'll find out," she said.
And for the first time—
There was determination in her eyes that even Adrian couldn't ignore.
As she left—
He exhaled slowly.
"…Troublesome."
But not in a bad way.
Never in a bad way.