Eva stepped into Tristan’s office, her heart lighter as she saw her father and brother. “Papa, where’s Matthew?” she asked, glancing around.

Asher smiled warmly. “He stepped out for a bit, dear.”

Eva picked up her phone and called Matthew. He arrived a few minutes later, his eyes red and teary. “Dad, what’s wrong?” Eva asked, worry etched on her face.

Matthew shook his head, brushing it off. “Nothing, dear. It’s fine.”

“Is this about me not being your biological daughter?” Eva asked softly, her voice filled with affection. She stepped closer and hugged him tightly. “Even though my papa is back, you’ll always be my dad. You raised me with love and care, and that means everything to me.”

Matthew’s throat tightened with emotion. “It’s not that, sweetheart,” he said, his voice cracking.

Eva decided to redirect the mood. “Well, enough serious talk. Let’s eat lunch,” she said, tugging Matthew toward the dining table.

The family gathered around the table, the atmosphere lively as laughter and conversation filled the room. Andrew sat beside Eva, his demeanor casual but his actions anything but. As the meal progressed, his hand slipped under the table and rested on Eva’s thigh. She coughed, nearly choking on her food, and grabbed her water to cover her shock.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Tristan asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

“I’m fine,” Eva stammered, her cheeks flushing. She tried to push Andrew’s hand away, but he was too strong.

Andrew leaned closer, his voice a seductive whisper. “It’s your punishment.”

“Not now, Andrew. Please,” she whispered back, her tone pleading.

“Hmm… I’ll consider it,” he replied with a mischievous grin, his hand shifting slightly closer to her forbidden zone.

Eva’s breath hitched, her body reacting despite her embarrassment. Summoning her courage, she abruptly stood up. “I’ll be leaving now,” she announced, desperate to escape.

“Why leave? Stay with me,” Tristan suggested, oblivious to her discomfort.

“She’s my personal assistant and needs to return to work,” Andrew interjected, his tone curt.

“You could just resign and work here,” Tristan offered to Eva.

“I will, but I still have a contract,” Eva replied, trying to calm the situation.

Andrew’s jaw tightened, his glare bouncing between the two. “I have a meeting to attend. Let’s go,” he said coldly, pulling Eva behind him as they left.

The car ride was tense, the silence thick with Andrew’s simmering frustration. His grip on the steering wheel was firm, his gaze fixed ahead.

“You told me we had a meeting, but where are we going?” Eva asked, noticing they weren’t heading toward Kings Corp.

Andrew didn’t answer. Instead, he abruptly pulled the car over and leaned toward her. Before she could protest, his lips captured hers in a deep, passionate kiss, his frustration pouring into the act.

At first she was returning his kiss, but then suddenly started hitting his chest with her small fists in anger.

“Andrew!” Eva exclaimed, pushing at his chest. “What are you doing?”

He smirked, unrepentant. “What?” His tone was casual, teasing.

“Just drive,” she huffed, turning away to stare out the window, her cheeks flushed.

Andrew chuckled internally, amused by her fiery reaction. “Her moods are all over the place. Maybe it’s her time of the month,” he thought with a sly grin.

A few minutes later, Eva suddenly shouted, “Stop the car!”

Andrew’s heart jumped. “What happened?” he asked, worried.

“Look over there,” Eva said, pointing at a restaurant. Andrew followed her gaze and spotted Alex sitting with a beautiful dark-haired woman.

“Alex?” Andrew muttered, narrowing his eyes.

“Is he on a date?” Eva asked excitedly, already unbuckling her seatbelt. “Let’s find out!” She jumped out of the car and ran across the street.

“Angel, wait!” Andrew called, quickly following her.

Inside the restaurant, Alex was grinning ear to ear as he looked at Ariana. “It’s our first date,” he said cheerfully.

“It’s just lunch,” Ariana corrected, rolling her eyes, but hiding a small smile.

“Fine. Then I’ll take you somewhere better for a proper date,” Alex teased.

Before Ariana could respond, a voice rang out. “Alex!”

Eva stood before him, her face lit up with happiness. Alex quickly stood, surprised but glad to see her. “Eva!” he greeted warmly.

Ariana glanced between them, her curiosity piqued. Who was this woman, and why was she hugging Alex so freely? Jealousy bubbled beneath the surface.

“You came alone?” Alex asked, hugging Eva back.

“Hey, idiot, maintain some distance,” Andrew’s sharp voice interrupted as he appeared, pulling Eva into his protective embrace.

“Don’t mind him, Alex,” Eva said with a sigh.

“Join us for lunch,” Alex offered.

“We already ate,” Andrew replied curtly. 

“But who’s this pretty lady with you?” Eva asked, turning her attention to Ariana with a warm smile.

“She’s my girlfriend,” Alex said proudly.

“No, I’m not,” Ariana shot back, glaring at him.

“But you were jealous when I hugged him, right?” Eva teased, laughing lightly. Ariana looked away, embarrassed.

Before anyone could say more, Eva’s face suddenly paled, and she swayed on her feet. “Eva!” Andrew shouted, catching her just as she collapsed into his arms.

“Alex, call Anthony! Tell him I’m on my way to the hospital!” Andrew barked, his voice laced with panic.

Alex quickly dialed as Andrew carried Eva to the car, his heart pounding in fear for his sister-in-law.