"Dustin, Conrad's a grown man. He must own up to his choices,

" I voiced my opinion with a casual shrug., Whether Herschel kicked him out or cut ties with him was Conrad's own doing.,

"I get it, but seeing him and Dad at odds like this worries me. Plus, Conrad's leaving the firm will shake things up,

" Dustin tried to explain his concern., I couldn't help but smirk lightly.

"Aren't you still here?

", The shock in Dustin's eyes was unmistakable.

"Felicia, I never planned on running the firm. I would've stayed otherwise.

", Whether he had considered it or not wasn't for me to say., But I shared my thoughts anyway.

"Herschel has his reasons. He knows the firm can survive without Conrad if he's letting Conrad go.

", My tone was rational, adding an even more grounded perspective.

"The world doesn't stop spinning for anyone.

", Dustin was speechless, managing only a wry smile,

"Guess I've been too narrow-minded.

",

"Dustin, you care too much,

" I offered, giving him an out., He looked at me with a mix of admiration and surprise.

"Felicia, you've changed so much in four years.

", Four years? He was making it sound like a joke, but even a kid can mature into a thoughtful teenager during that time.,

"It's called growing up,

" I said with a light laugh., Dustin let out a soft sigh, his eyes revealing a mix of complex emotions.

"Yeah, little Felicia has grown up.

", That term, little Felicia, struck a chord. After my parents passed, the Wagner family took me in, and both Dustin and Conrad used to call me that, teasing yet endearing. But it had been ages since I'd heard them say it.,

"Dustin, let them handle it. Getting too involved isn't good for you,

" I said, moved by his nostalgic reference., He nodded.

"I know.

", He paused, looking concerned.

"Are you okay? If you need anything, remember I'm always here for you. I'll...

", His words were cut off as the door swung open., Ernest stepped in with a food tray, not surprised to see Dustin, and nodded., Dustin stood up and asked,

"Hasn't Felicia eaten yet?

", I was about to answer when Ernest spoke for me.

"She's about to.

", He was hinting for Dustin to leave. Usually so reserved, Ernest had a way of being direct and effective when he did speak.,

"Then I'll let you eat. Take care, Felicia,

" Dustin said, understanding the cue., There was a moment of awkwardness, but I didn't try to keep him.

"Drive safe, Dustin.

", Something flickered in Dustin's eyes as he nodded, sharing a brief look with Ernest before leaving., When Ernest turned to me, asking if I preferred to eat in bed or sit up, I was about to get up myself.,

"I'll sit up,

" I said, moving to the edge of the bed., But Ernest was already there, scooping me up before I could protest., I pushed against him lightly.

"I can walk.

",

"What if I said I wanted to hold you?

" Ernest's words sent a blush creeping up my cheeks.,

"Mr. Collins, there's something...

" Just as I was about to continue, Dustin reappeared, having returned for something he forgot., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.