Mag-log inThe preparations felt less like an upcoming family gathering and more like the calm before a war.By late afternoon, Lydia began helping Naomi study some of the basic etiquette required for facing the Chen family elders.“Don’t openly argue with them,” Lydia advised while opening a thin notebook ins
“The right pavilion has been prepared for you, Miss Chen. Meanwhile, Master Kai and Mrs. Lydia will stay in the left pavilion.”Naomi frowned deeply. “Why are they so far apart? Move my room closer.”“That’s not possible, Miss Chen. Master Kai and Mrs. Lydia already—”Ah.Naomi suddenly understood e
“You’re… serious?”The question slipped out the moment Naomi stepped into the dining room. She had just overheard Cale informing Lydia that for the next few days, they would be staying at the Chen family’s main residence.Naomi had thought Lydia would disagree.But instead…“Yes, I think you’re righ
Naomi drew in a small breath.The way Cale said it sounded painful. As though the memories he spoke about had truly happened right in front of him.As though he had personally witnessed all of it.“So I really was troublesome even as a child?” she asked softly, trying to ease the tightness growing i
The mansion felt far quieter than usual that night.The rain that had been falling since the afternoon had faded into nothing more than a soft drizzle outside the windows. Most of the lights throughout the house had already been turned off, leaving only dim pools of light along the main corridors an
A moment later, Brandon entered with an expression far more serious than usual.“Is this one of your new habits now?” Cale asked without lifting his gaze from the report he still hadn’t finished reviewing. “You should know I’m starting to hate it.”Brandon let out a quiet laugh.He then asked everyo
“Dinner is ready, Miss Eli. Would you like to eat now?”Silvia’s voice, accompanied by a soft knock on the door, made Eli flinch. She quickly slipped the box containing the watch Josh had given her under the blanket—even though Silvia might not actually come in. Still, Eli was afraid that someone mi
“Can I… talk to you for a moment?” Eli asked quickly. “If you don’t mind.”Josh glanced around, then looked back at her. “Now?”He could already tell how many eyes were on them. How could they not be? Eli stood out in her Saint Loisse uniform. Her school was known as SunRise Academy’s biggest rival.
“Not directly involved, but his movements are suspicious,” Chris explained. “There were several periods when he was nowhere to be found. It looks like he was searching for the man you’re holding, Daven. I don’t think he’s just someone hired to stir up trouble here and there. His role is significant—
“Yes,” Nathan nodded. “And you should know—your age now is almost the same as his was when he first dared to talk back to me. Your tone, the way you hold back your emotions… it’s remarkably similar.”Josh fell silent for a moment. Something warm settled in his chest every time his grandfather spoke







