As Irene slid into Andrew’s car outside of Foster Industries, she greeted him with a cheerful smile. “Hi, brother.”

Andrew’s eyes briefly flicked to the rearview mirror as he began driving. “What were you doing here?” he asked, his tone casual but laced with curiosity.

Irene hesitated for a moment, remembering the scene with the receptionist. She had seen Andrew earlier, his sharp eyes catching the woman hastily packing her things into a box and shooting her a dark look. Irene knew her brother was no fool.

“Are you not going to answer me?” Andrew pressed, his tone firm but calm.

“It was nothing important. I was just meeting Tristan,” Irene replied with a forced smile, hoping her answer would suffice.

“Really?” Andrew raised an eyebrow, disbelief written all over his face. Irene cursed inwardly, knowing she wouldn’t get away with such a vague explanation.

“Actually, the receptionist told me everything,” Andrew lied smoothly, testing her reaction.

“Everything?” Irene shouted, her voice laced with panic. She realized her brother was setting her up, and there was no point in hiding the truth. With a sigh of defeat, she began spilling every detail of her encounter with Miss White.

“White Corporation, huh?” Andrew repeated, his mind already racing with solutions. “I’ll make sure Alex ties up every loose end nicely.”

“Thanks, brother,” Irene said, her voice light again. “By the way, I miss Eva.”

“You’re not the only one missing her,” Andrew replied, his voice softening, a flicker of longing crossing his face.

Irene smiled knowingly. “Can I ask you something?”

“Go ahead,” Andrew replied, his eyes still focused on the road.

“Why didn’t you and Eva ever have a honeymoon? Don’t tell me you didn’t want one,” Irene teased.

“Of course I did,” Andrew admitted, a small smile playing on his lips. “I’ve been secretly planning.”

Irene squealed in delight. “Oh, this is so exciting! I hope you’re ready to give me a niece or nephew soon!”

Andrew chuckled but couldn’t help but think about the possibility of having children with Eva. His thoughts brought a soft smile to his face. “We’ll see,” he said evasively.

“You’re blushing! I can tell you’ve been thinking about it,” Irene teased.

“Get out of the car,” Andrew said, pulling up to their home and ending the conversation with a playful sigh.

“Don’t forget to tell Eva I said hi!” Irene called out, winking at her brother before running into the house.

Andrew shook his head, smiling as he drove off, his mind now filled with thoughts of his angel. He would first need to switch his car out for his bike. He was heading to Foster Mansion, eager to see Eva.

Meanwhile, Alex arrived at a beautiful home nestled in the forest. “You may get out,” Alex said, glancing at Ariana as he parked the car.

Ariana looked around, admiring the secluded yet elegant estate. “Is this your place?” she asked, limping slightly as she stepped out.

“Yes,” Alex replied, his tone even. Seeing her struggling, he walked up to her and scooped her into his arms effortlessly.

“Put me down!” Ariana protested, wriggling in his grip. “I can sue you for harassment.”

“Really?” Alex said, unfazed, as he carried her up the stairs. “You’re hurt, and there are too many stairs. Stay still.”

Ariana huffed but stopped fighting, realizing he wasn’t going to let her go. Alex gently placed her on the plush couch in the living room. Standing over her, he met her glare with a calm expression.

“Look,” she began, her tone sharp. “I agreed to work for you, but that doesn’t mean you can take advantage of me.”

Alex didn’t reply. Instead, he walked away and returned with a first aid kit. Kneeling in front of her, he began cleaning her wounds with gentle care.

“Did you hear me?” Ariana snapped. “Don’t you think you should respond when I’m talking?”

“I’m listening,” Alex said simply, his focus never wavering from tending to her injuries. Before she could protest further, he stood up, having finished bandaging her wounds.

“What?” Ariana looked down at her neatly bandaged arm and leg. “When did you do this? I could have handled it myself.”

“You’re welcome,” Alex said with a smirk. “Your room is next to the kitchen. The maids will bring you dinner.”

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Ariana stunned and fuming. “Unbelievable,” she muttered under her breath.

A moment later, Alex reappeared at the doorway. “Should I carry you again?” he asked with a teasing smile.

“No, I can walk myself,” Ariana snapped, standing up gingerly.

Alex nodded, satisfied, and disappeared into his own room. Ariana limped to her assigned room, exhaustion catching up to her as soon as she sank onto the bed. Within moments, she was fast asleep.

Later that night, Alex quietly opened the door to her room. He stepped inside, his eyes softening as he saw her sleeping form. “My little devil,” he murmured with a fond smile. “Don’t get hurt like that again.”

Tiptoeing closer, he gently brushed the hair from her face, taking a moment to admire her features. He leaned down, pressing a feather-light kiss to her cheek. “You will be my queen,” he whispered, a sense of determination filling him.

With that, Alex turned and left, closing the door behind him. As he walked back to his room, he began planning the next steps for their future together, his heart filled with a rare sense of contentment.