Chapter 169

Ben froze, staring out the window as he lowered his phone in confusion. Outside, Denise spotted a sharp, commanding figure orchestrating the scene. Wait… wasn’t that Nina? Again? Yep, it was her alright—coming through right when Denise needed someone the most. Once the crowd and reporters finally started to clear, Denise got out of the car and made her way over to Nina. “Nina? What are you doing here?” she asked. “Jason sent me. He figured things might get messy out here and told me to step in if needed,” Nina replied calmly. So that’s what it was—Jason had thought this far ahead. “Still, thank you. I mean it,” Denise said sincerely. Given everything that had just happened, Nina’s support was something she deeply appreciated. “The situation outside’s a bit chaotic right now,” Nina said, sounding concerned. “Best thing you can do is stay home, wait it out. Don’t listen to what people say—it’s all nonsense. As long as you and Jason are okay, that’s what matters.” Denise was touched. She