The office was still.
The city outside glimmered faintly through the skyscraper windows, lights flickering like distant stars.
Sebastian Wolfe's eyes darted to Lillian again.
Hours had passed since he had helped her drink water in the office.
He had stayed by her side, kneeling beside the couch, brushing damp strands of hair from her forehead, whispering reassurances she barely heard.
But now, as he watched her weak chest rise and fall, a cold certainty gripped him: she wasn't getting better.
Her lips were pale.
Her skin, despite his gentle care, was flushed and sticky with sweat.
Her eyes fluttered half-open but immediately closed again.
"Damn it," he muttered under his breath.
His usual control giving way to sharp concern.
There was no time to debate, no time to hesitate.
He moved carefully, crouching beside her.
His large hands cradled her gently, sliding under her arms and around her waist.
Lillian's head lolled slightly against his shoulder, but she didn't protest.
"I'm taking you somewhere," he murmured.
"Somewhere safe."
Her whisper was almost inaudible.
"S…Sebastian…"
"I know," he said softly.
"I know."
Without waiting any longer, he lifted her into his arms.
Her body felt light, almost fragile, as if any sudden movement might shatter her.
Yet he carried her with ease, his movements precise, his every motion careful.
He paused for a moment, staring at the office door.
His mind flickered between two options: his mansion or Chloe's apartment.
His mansion was more private, but her belongings—her comfort, her life—were at Chloe's.
And Chloe… Chloe could help.
Decision made, he adjusted his grip and strode toward the exit.
The city streets blurred as he carried her to his car.
He lowered her gently into the passenger seat, making sure she was as comfortable as possible.
Her head rested against the seat, her hair falling loosely across her cheeks.
"Hold on," he said quietly, checking her pulse with a careful hand.
Her pulse was fast but steady.
"We're almost there."
The drive was tense, filled only with the quiet hum of the engine and his careful monitoring of her condition.
Finally, he arrived at Chloe's apartment.
Sebastian didn't hesitate.
He lifted Lillian back into his arms, careful not to jostle her.
His knuckles whitened slightly, the effort not in strength but in precision.
He knocked on the door, his heart tight with concern.
The door swung open.
"Mr. Wolfe?!" Chloe's eyes widened at the sight of him holding Lillian in his arms.
"Oh my god, what happened?!"
"She's not getting better," he said simply, his voice steady but tense.
"I need your help."
Chloe stepped aside immediately, guiding him inside.
"Of course, come in. Let's get her to the bedroom."
The apartment felt suddenly quiet, safe.
He carried her down the short hallway to Lillian's room.
The familiar space, normally comfortable, now seemed fragile with Lillian lying there, pale and shivering.
He gently placed her on the bed, adjusting the blankets around her.
She stirred slightly, groaning, but didn't awaken.
Sebastian glanced at Chloe.
"Can I have a bowl of cold water and a cloth?"
Chloe nodded, moving quickly to the kitchen.
"Of course. I'll bring them right back."
He knelt beside Lillian, gently brushing her hair away from her forehead.
The shivers that ran through her body made him frown.
"Shh," he whispered softly, stroking her hair.
"It's okay. Just rest."
Her lips parted slightly, a weak, almost unconscious sound escaping.
He murmured, "You're safe. I've got you."
Chloe returned, carrying the bowl and a damp cloth.
She froze for a moment when she saw Sebastian's careful attentiveness.
"Wow," she murmured quietly to herself.
"He really… cares."
Sebastian caught her glance but didn't look away from Lillian.
"I need to help her cool down." His voice was calm, steady, but low enough that only Chloe could hear.
Chloe bit back a smile.
"I can bring you a blanket or something too if you stay the night," she said softly.
"She's lucky to have you."
Sebastian inclined his head once, acknowledging the offer, but his focus remained entirely on Lillian.
"Thank you. That won't be necessary… not yet."
He dipped the cloth into the cold water, wringing it out carefully.
He pressed it gently against Lillian's damp forehead.
Her body shivered against the coolness, and he instinctively adjusted his hands, stroking her hair, whispering softly.
"It's okay, Lillian. It's just water. Just relax."
Her lips parted slightly again, a small groan escaping.
She was almost unconscious, too weak to protest.
Sebastian's chest tightened at the sight.
He replaced the cloth gently, wiping away sweat and pressing the cool dampness onto her skin.
He leaned closer, murmuring quiet reassurances.
"You're going to be okay," he whispered.
"I won't let anything happen to you. Not now, not ever."
Chloe watched silently, leaning against the doorframe.
She had seen Sebastian Wolfe in boardrooms, commanding rooms, fighting adversaries, but this… this tenderness was something different.
Something real.
Something warm.
Lillian's shivering slowed slightly under his careful touch.
Her breathing became more even.
Sebastian's large hand covered hers briefly, a grounding weight.
"You're safe," he murmured again, as if repeating it would make it true.
"I've got you."
Chloe finally moved quietly to the corner, giving him space.
"Do you want me to grab anything else? Medicine? Blankets?"
"I've got this," he said softly, his eyes never leaving Lillian's face.
"She just needs rest. That's all."
For the next few minutes, Sebastian continued to wipe her forehead with the cool cloth, adjusting the blankets, stroking her hair, whispering soft reassurances.
The silence was comfortable, filled with the quiet rhythm of her breathing and the occasional click of the water bowl.
He even made sure she stayed hydrated with his special method.
Chloe smiled faintly, seeing him there, patient, protective, and completely devoted in this moment.
"She really is lucky," Chloe whispered to herself, stepping back.
"Lucky to have him."
Sebastian finally set the cloth aside and rested his hand lightly over hers.
He leaned closer, murmuring quietly, "Rest now, Lillian. I'll stay right here."
Her eyelids drooped, and she relaxed, trusting him completely.
For the first time, Sebastian allowed himself to simply watch over her, letting the warmth in his chest grow without questioning it.
He knew he would do anything for her. Anything at all.
And at that moment, he silently vowed: she would never face danger or illness alone again.