Seeing Vesta's back, Desmond's smile vanished, replaced by a deep suspicion etched upon his features. A sense of calm cloaked his expression, but underneath, a chilling sensation crawled up his spine.
It wasn't just his reaction that made Desmond skeptical; he considered it more than a mere coincidence. Perhaps Desmond's previous assumption, that Vesta didn't care about him or his subordinates, would have remained unaltered if he hadn't noticed the subtle change in her countenance. But this sudden shift in attitude was far from ordinary... Could it be attributed to the battle they had just endured?
At this point, Desmond couldn't maintain his charade any longer. He gingerly cradled his injured hand with his free one, each step he took accompanied by a slight wince. Walking alongside him was Veronica, who carried Laura in her arms.