His love

Willow suddenly turned, her eyes widening in disbelief as lan confidently approached the stage. 

She had never imagined that the person who would believe her unconditionally would be neither the man she had loved for years nor her trusted friend with whom she had experienced life–and–death situations, but rather a stranger. 

Ian rarely made public appearances, so Willow didn’t even know his name. She felt his presence to be powerful and cold. Yet, she believed that there was a passionate heart beneath his icy exterior. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have managed to cut through doubts and offer her his trust. 

Perhaps it was because she had endured plenty of skepticism and betrayal, and now, faced with someone who showed such firm belief in her, Willow felt an overwhelming urge to cry. 

She was the kind of person who was touched more by kindness than by sternness, and even the slightest show of support could touch her profoundly. 

Fighting back the urge to cry, Willow managed a broad smile and said to lan, “Sir, thank you! Thank you for believing in me. I’m truly grateful to meet you!” 

Willow extended her hand toward lan, seeking nothing more than a polite handshake from the stranger who had deeply moved her. 

Standing beside lan, Eric looked utterly shocked. Ian was known for his aversion to women. He couldn’t bear having them in close proximity to him. While Willow was undeniably attractive, her gesture–reaching out to shake lan’s hand–was akin to provoking a tiger. It seemed like a sure way to invite disaster. This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Eric was concerned that lan might react aggressively, possibly sending Willow flying with a kick. However, to his utter astonishment, lan, who usually avoided women as if they were the plague, took Willow’s hand. He wondered what on earth had gotten into lan that day. 

“Boss, are you okay?” Eric asked, his eyes filled with concern as he watched lan. 

He recalled an incident involving a lady from a prestigious family who had a crush on lan. One night, the typically reserved lady suddenly hugged lan. He then forcefully pushed her away and almost retched in 

response. 

Eric worried that lan might experience nausea again. However, lan didn’t even spare a glance at him. 

lan appeared captivated as he gently held Willow’s hand. Her hands, like her feet, were small. He reckoned it was probably not even half the size of his own. Her hand felt delicate and fragile, prompting him to hold it more securely. 

He unconsciously tightened his grip on her hand, squeezing so hard that it caused her pain. Willow instinctively let out a soft cry. Her cry jolted lan out of his trance. He quickly loosened his hold and looked at her with an unreadable expression. 

“Willow Sanford, welcome to your new role as the brand ambassador of Arena of Glory!” 

Willow was caught off guard. She never imagined that the imposing man standing before her was 

connected to the gaming company. It was a pleasant shock to learn that they had faith in her: 

She felt a surge of joy, knowing that Skyler and Wilhelmina couldn’t steal this endorsement from her anymore. Yet, she couldn’t shake off the feeling of someone glaring at her hand as if it could bore a hole right through it.