"Just because you helped me does not mean I will change my feelings toward you."
Marcus's voice broke the silence.
Kathrine stilled.
She had thought he was still unconscious, but now his eyes were open, watching her with the same cold detachment he had always carried. His tone held no warmth, no gratitude. Only distance.
Kathrine met his gaze calmly.
"You do not have to," she replied. "I did not help you because I wanted anything from you. I simply did what needed to be done."
Her voice was steady, neutral. Not harsh, but not soft either.
Because the truth was simple.
When she had seen him collapse, her body had reacted before her mind could interfere. Whatever Marcus was to Ethan, whatever he was to her, in that moment he had simply been a man in need of help.
And she had helped him.
Not for approval.
Not for forgiveness.
But because it was the right thing to do.
Marcus watched her in silence.
