As Lyndon came down the stairs, he caught a glimpse of his mother climbing back up, her face tight with disapproval.

He immediately got it-those harsh words hadn't been meant for the servant. They were meant for Rita.

It was a veiled warning—a message to Rita: don't overstep.

Don't think that past favors make her special.

If Rita tried anything around Lyndon, Brea wouldn't let her off.

As Brea passed him on her way up, she shot him a pointed look. He smirked and continued downstairs.

"Lyndon." Casper and Rita greeted him in unison. Rita stared at Lyndon, biting her lip, looking helpless.

She wasn't naive-she'd picked up on the sharp undertone in Brea's words.

That woman's disapproval of her was painfully clear.

Lyndon walked over and sat down casually on the sofa. “Casper, wait for me outside," he said. "I need to speak to Rita alone."

Casper hesitated. He glanced at Rita but didn't say anything. With a slight nod, he turned and left the room.

Rita's heart skipped a beat. She looked at Lyndon nervously. "What did you want to talk about?"

Lyndon looked at her, eyes calm but unreadable. "You helped me once," he said. "Is there anything I can do to repay you?"

Rita's eyes wavered as she shook her head. "Lyndon, I'm glad I could save you from harm, but I don't expect anything in return."

Lyndon eased back against the couch, his posture relaxed. "I don't like being in debt to anyone. If I were in your shoes, I'd seize this moment to say what I really want."

Rita's lip caught between her teeth, as though his words stung her pride. "What kind of person do you think I am? I don't do favors just to gain something."

Lyndon's face remained impassive. "As I said, I don't like owing anyone, especially not you. It's better if things between us are straightforward."

His gaze was steady, betraying no feeling. Rita's chest tightened. Was Lyndon pushing her away? Was he signaling she should abandon any hopes about him?

When she stayed quiet, a flicker of irritation crossed Lyndon's eyes.

"Have you made up your mind? If not, I'll decide for you. The five hundred thousand I lent you can serve as my repayment. You don't need to pay me back."

Rita's head snapped up, her fingers curling tightly. "No!"

Accepting the money as payment for saving him would diminish the sincerity of her act.

Lyndon's lips pressed into a thin line, his expression darkening.

Rita's voice trembled slightly as she continued, "I don't want your money, Lyndon. If you truly want to thank me, could you connect me with a skilled music teacher? I want to study music seriously and stand on my own. My goal is to earn a living through music and avoid being pushed out of the industry again."