Any advice would just bounce off him.

Opting for silence, Lyndon crouched to lift Sheldon into his arms, slid a hand around Tilda's waist, and gave a subtle nod to the manager to show them inside.

As they walked away, Rita's gaze clung to Lyndon's retreating form, her eyes shimmering with quiet hurt.

He hadn't even flicked a glance her way!

With her striking resemblance to Rosanna, and all the pain Corrine had heaped on her, didn't he feel even a twinge of pity?

"Rita, Let's get you settled in the hotel room first. Don't let your thoughts spiral-take it easy here," Casper said gently.

He had insisted she come because the relentless media storm had sunk her into depression.

He worried she might do something drastic if left unchecked, so he banked on the peaceful surroundings to buoy her mood.

"Casper, it seems Like Lyndon doesn't want me here. Maybe I should just head back?" Rita's voice was deliberately soft, tinged with hesitation.

Casper quickly reassured her. "Don't overthink it. He is hosting an important client today. And he's probably annoyed that I brought you here, as it might distract me from my work."

Rita bit her lip, feigning uncertainty. "Are you sure it's okay for me to tag along?"

"You don't have to stick with us," Casper said easily. "Just enjoy yourself."

A flicker of cold amusement flashed in Rita's eyes, though she kept her expression neutral.

Enjoy herself?

She hadn't come here for leisure. Her only goal was to make sure Lyndon noticed her.

Still, she played her part flawlessly, her voice soft and grateful. "Casper, thank you. You're such a kind person. If it weren't for you, I might not even be alive right now."

She lowered her gaze, her expression downcast.

Casper's heart softened. He thought of all the online harassment she had endured, the cruel messages and relentless attacks. A trace of pity flickered in his eyes.

"Don't mention it," he replied gently. "Just look around—see how beautiful the world can be. Wouldn't it be a shame to miss out on all of this?"

Rita gazed off into the distance, her smile faint, almost forced.

"Is the world really beautiful? I doubt that."

Casper sighed inwardly. He knew she was still struggling with her depression.

"Alright, let's not dwell on it. Like I said, you've got me. Everything will be okay."

Rita nodded lightly, murmuring, "Okay." "Let's go," Casper said. "Alright."