ONE HUNDRED AND ONE

RAYMOND'S POV

As we settled into the back seat of the car, I put my arm around Sylvia, and she rested her head on my shoulder. I gazed out the window, the city lights blurring past, lost in my thoughts. I knew I needed to be there for her, to support her through this ordeal. But I couldn't ignore the nagging feeling in the back of my mind—the awareness that I had to compete with Grayson. As much as I didn't want to admit it, being back in New York brought those insecurities to the surface. Grayson had a way of making me feel... threatened.

We drove to Sylvia's workplace, where she gathered her staff together. I watched as she thanked everyone, her voice strong and steady despite the day’s events. "Prepare for tomorrow," she told them, her tone filled with determination. Her strength amazed me.

Once we were back in the car, I took the wheel and we drove back to her apartment. The ride was mostly silent, both of us wrapped up in our thoughts. I could see the fatigue in her eyes, the wei