Kristina smelled the soup and praised, “Smells good.”

Jared looked at the soup hesitantly. ‘It looks nice, but...‘ “Are you sure this is edible?" he asked, unconvinced. Debbie had cooked for

Carlos before, and it had been a disaster.

She patted Jared's head and said menacingly, “Eat it and see if it's hazardous."

Jared's jaw dropped.

"Seriously? Tomboy, you will lose your beloved

Jared if you keep acting this way."

"Ugh, Jared, you are making me sick," Debbie complained. Kristina and

Kasie burst into laughter. Kristina blew on her soup and took a sip.

Debbie took off her apron and told her friends apologetically, “Sorry, guys. I'd love to hang out with you, but Carlos is still in the hospital. I need to bring him this soup. You guys leave after finishing the soup. I'll treat you to dinner some other day. Deal?"

Carlos' wound had still been bleeding when she had left the hospital.

She was really worried about him.

Kasie, Kristina and Jared exchanged knowing looks. Recalling what

Carlos had told them, Jared suggested, “Tomboy, don't worry about

Carlos. My brother is there, and the nurses will take good care of him.

Have some fun with us tonight, and go to the hospital tomorrow. I'U drive you there myself, okay?"

Kicked by Jared under the table, Kasie echoed, "He's right. Tomboy, we've missed you a lot. Come with us, please! We've already booked a private booth."

Kristina ate her soup silently. After a while, she said in a low voice,

“Dixon has been gone for more than a month. We've never been separated for so long. Debbie, keep us company tonight."

Debbie felt weird. It seemed like people around her all wanted to drag her away from the hospital and keep her at the manor.

“Something is off. Or is it just my imagination?’ she thought. But she shook off her strange thoughts and said, “I'm really sorry, guys.

Carlos' shoulder was still bleeding when I left the hospital. I can't leave him behind and have fun with you. I need to bring him some food.

Guys, you're my best friends, and I know that you won't blame me for not keeping you company tonight. When his situation is stable, I'll treat you to a sumptuous meal.”

Not daring to look Debbie in the eye, Jared continued to persuade her into staying.

"Damon just called me. He said Carlos was all right.