C2 Press Her Down.

As they made their way to the parking lot, a familiar voice suddenly called out from behind, "Is Mr. Francis in such a rush to leave?"

Startled, Edna turned to find Helmer striding toward them, coming to a halt in front of the pair.

"Mr. Francis, it's been a while since we last met."

"Isn't that what we're doing today?" The two men exchanged a perfunctory handshake, their eyes locking in a silent battle. Flames of anger danced in Helmer's eyes; he was livid that Edna hadn't sought him out upon her return to the country, hadn't even gone home, yet here she was with another man.

Releasing their handshake, Helmer's gaze shifted to Edna, his lips curving into a faint, mocking smile. "Long time no see."

Surprise flickered across Edna's face as she took his hand with great reluctance, replying slowly, "Long time no see."

Under her breath, she muttered, "Like a bad penny..."

Helmer's grip tightened, causing a sheen of cold sweat to break out on Edna's forehead.

He let go, his smile deepening with hidden meaning. "Edna, we need to talk."

Once Burke had departed, only Edna and Helmer remained outside the GIO entrance.

Three years had passed since he last saw her. The once calm and timid Edna was now replaced by someone more defiant and dazzling.

She used to be a meek kitten in his presence, never daring to defy him. But now, she barely gave him a glance.

"Are you avoiding me, Edna?" Helmer coolly asked, hands in his pockets, the dim light casting sharp angles across his face, his eyes ablaze with fury.

Did he still see her as that little girl? The one he could pressure into submission at every turn?

With a cold laugh, Edna retorted, "Helmer, aren't you overestimating yourself?"

His anger flared at the sight of the coat draped over her shoulders.

Helmer seized her arm and stepped closer, forcing Edna to retreat unexpectedly, until she collided harshly with the car behind her.

Neon lights from the street reflected in Helmer's eyes as he fixed his gaze on Edna, like a hunter zeroing in on his prey. "Is Burke your man?"

The memory of Burke draping a coat over her shoulders sparked an unwelcome twinge of jealousy in Helmer's heart.

"It's none of your business," Edna said, her hands pressing against Helmer's chest. Her voice was steady, but her pulse raced.

Helmer leaned into her, his strength making it hard for Edna to breathe. She turned her head, trying to back away, seeking distance from him.

"You've come a long way in the past few years, Edna," Helmer said with a sneer, his smile tinged with mockery.

Yanking off the coat she wore, Helmer glared at her furiously. "Tell me, now that you're back in Jongvale, why haven't you gone home?"

"Are you referring to the Andrews Family estate, Mr. Andrews?"

Helmer had never truly considered her part of the Andrews Family, yet now he was asking her, "Why don't you go home?" The question seemed absurd to her.

"Edna, you've been gallivanting abroad for three years, and now you don't even recognize your own mother?" Helmer's brow furrowed, his eyes icy, his presence chilling.

"I was just on my way to visit my mother and Uncle Dalton. I don't need your reminders."

Pinned down by him, Edna's back was pressed against the cold car.

Helmer's dark eyes settled on her delicate face. They say a girl changes greatly as she grows, and Edna had indeed transformed significantly over the last three years. She was no longer the docile young girl she once was.

Helmer's gaze lingered on her face, his irritation growing as he watched her evasive eyes. "So now you've decided to return?"

While speaking, Helmer's arm encircled Edna's waist.

"When did you start associating with Burke? Are you unaware of our family's history with the Francis Group?"

Edna shivered, defiantly responding, "Mr. Andrews, I think it's time you reassessed your position. What makes you think you can lecture me?"

"Feeling bold, are we? Daring to talk back to me like this?"

Edna turned her head, biting back her words, but before she could gather her thoughts, Helmer had leaned in and captured her lips with his. Her eyes widened in alarm as she tried to wriggle free, but her hands were firmly held in his grasp.

He dominated her lips with an intense suction, laced with a hint of longing and a profound sense of punishment.