C14 This Was a Misunderstanding

Kiefer watched as Hilda unreservedly exposed her most disheveled state, all to prove her innocence. He couldn't help but furrow his brow, "I witnessed it myself, could it be false?"

Norma realized the situation was dire and her expression immediately turned grave. She pointed at the two men on the ground and rebuked sharply, "You idiots, I asked you to bring Hilda back politely, and you dared to lay hands on her behind my back!"

The two men didn't dare to contradict Norma and silently acknowledged their fault.

Norma then turned to Kiefer with an apologetic look, "It's all a misunderstanding."

No sooner had Norma spoken than Hilda stepped forward and slapped Aimee across the face.

"Smack!"

The slap was forceful, leaving Aimee's cheek instantly swollen. "You dare to hit me!" she exclaimed.

As Aimee was about to strike back, Kiefer intervened, halting her actions.

With a sardonic smile, Hilda echoed, "A misunderstanding, indeed."

"How can this possibly be a misunderstanding!" Aimee bellowed, fuming with anger.

Hilda's demeanor suddenly turned icy as she retorted, "If you can't believe this is a misunderstanding, how can you expect me to believe that everything else is?"

Norma was at a loss for words, unsure of what to say next.

Kiefer then interjected, "I suspect this was deliberate harm. The police will handle the investigation and subsequent actions."

Neither Norma nor Aimee had anticipated the situation escalating to such an extent that the police would be involved.

However, Hilda clearly had no interest in further engagement. She tugged at Kiefer's sleeve and murmured, "Let's leave."

Kiefer nodded in agreement. Then, as if something occurred to him, he told Hilda, "Just a moment."

Hilda was unsure of Kiefer's intentions but nodded nonetheless.

Shortly after, Kiefer returned, holding the high heels that Hilda had lost during her abduction.

As Hilda reached out to retrieve her shoes, Kiefer unexpectedly knelt before her. He gently lifted her foot and used his handkerchief to clean the sole before carefully slipping the high heel onto her foot.

"Your handkerchief..."

Kiefer gave a knowing smile, as if he anticipated Hilda's concern. "Don't worry about it. Any gentleman would do the same to prevent a lady from standing barefoot for too long."

Hilda couldn't help but think of Kimball. Kimball, she was certain, would never do such a thing.

The sound of sirens filled the air as Kiefer guided Hilda away from the elevator.

It wasn't until after she had been treated in the doctor's office that Hilda realized, "You're the doctor here?"

"Yes."

"Thank you for earlier."

"No need for thanks. The police are still gathering evidence downstairs. If you'd prefer not to be seen, you're welcome to stay here for a while."

"Thank you for that."

Her demeanor was now polite and gracious, a stark contrast to how she had acted in the parking lot.

Kiefer brought over some tea and snacks that he knew girls often enjoyed. "Have some," he offered.

"Thank you." Hilda took a cranberry cookie and nibbled on it delicately.

But after just one cookie, she didn't reach for more.

"Is it not to your liking?"

Hilda quickly shook her head. "No, it's delicious. I just haven't had much of an appetite lately."

"Has this been going on for a while?"

"Yes."

"I notice there are dark circles under your eyes. Are you having trouble sleeping?"

Taken aback, Hilda nodded. "Yes, I've been experiencing some insomnia. I only sleep deeply when I'm extremely tired."

"Do you ever feel anxious, inexplicably down, or even a bit of self-loathing?"

"What are you getting at?" Hilda asked, her guard rising.