When Jiang Mielin started coughing, Snow immediately reached for a glass of water, helping her sit upright. Adrian stepped forward without thinking, steadying Jiang Mielin's back with one hand.
"Careful," he said quietly.
Snow froze for a moment, surprised by his gesture. Their eyes met briefly, and something unreadable passed between them. Then she quickly looked away. Snow Jiang believed it was all acting… Adrian Qinn wasn't capable of showing kindness.
Jiang Mielin caught the exchange and smiled faintly. "It's been a long time since someone other than my daughter helped me like that," she said softly. "Thank you, son-in-law."
Adrian gave a slight nod. "It's nothing."
After a few moments, Jiang Mielin leaned back against the pillows, exhaustion washing over her features. "You two should go… I need to rest."
Snow tucked the blanket carefully around her and brushed a strand of hair from her mother's forehead. "Are you sure? I can spend the night with you."
