His Destructive, Toxic Love

Dillon froze for a moment, words escaping him. Caroline's eyes narrowed. "Can't handle it?"

Keeping secrets had never been a problem for him. But deep inside, a sense of guilt gnawed at him. Guilt mixed with helplessness was a brutal combination, making him feel like he was roasting over an open flame. In the end, though, he was powerless. "I can... I can do it."

"Get out of the car," Caroline said in a chilly tone.

Dillon opened the door and stepped out, then gently closed it behind him. The car sped off without a hint of hesitation. His face darkened, and he let out a small sigh. Some things were just beyond his control, no matter how much he wished otherwise. Raising his hand, Dillon slapped himself, just as Casper was getting out of his own car.

"Whoa, what's up with Dillon? Hitting himself?"

Dillon quickly pulled himself together and approached. "Mr. Casper."

"I just saw Caroline leave. You two... had a spat?" Casper asked, tilting his head to get a better look at Dillon's downcast face.

"Mr. Casper, I wouldn't dare argue with Ms. Caroline. You must be joking."

Casper raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "It's not often I see you this rattled, Dillon."

"Mr. Casper, please, enough with the jokes. I have something serious to report," Dillon said, eager to change the subject. "It's about the Torres family."

Casper could guess where this was going. With his hands in his pockets, he started walking inside, his demeanor casual. "Go on."

"Susan took those meds and jumped from a window. Luckily, it wasn't a high fall, so she survived but broke her leg. The meds, though, messed up her organs and nerves. She's physically wrecked and mentally incapacitated."

Casper chuckled lightly. "Is that all?"Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

"She's ruined. But even now, Ronan's arranged another marriage for her to the eldest son of the Snyder family from North City."

Casper stopped in his tracks. The eldest Snyder son from North City... wasn't he known to have Down syndrome? Ronan really was some father. "And his wife agreed to this?"

"Susan's mother was paralyzed giving birth to her. She can't control Ronan's decisions. Even if she disagreed, no one would listen to her." Casper didn't say anything.

Dillon stepped closer, continuing, "Ronan's business dealings with Welton International are at a critical stage. I think-"

"Do we need to look into this?"

"I understand," Dillon replied, knowing exactly what Casper meant. Any misstep now, and the Torres Group would be in deep trouble. "Don't worry, I'll handle it." "Good. Now get to it. I need to spend time with Elle."

Casper hurried into Eliza's room. She

was sleeping peacefully, like a modern-day Sleeping Beauty. He gently kissed her forehead and

began recounting the day's events to

her

IMS

"Today, I took our son rock climbing. The poor kid was scared stiff and cried his eyes out, but he got the hang of it pretty quickly. I think he made a big breakthrough."

"Don't worry about our son. Robin's treatment is ongoing, and I'll do everything I can to make sure it works."

"These past few days, I've been

learning to bake. It's tougher than it

looks. Remember that box of

cookies you made for me? I couldn't

bring myself to eat them; I've kept them all this time. Once you're better, I'll have you try my creations."