That evening at the Foster mansion, Irene and Mia were just arriving. As they pulled up, Irene unfastened her seatbelt and shot Mia a sly grin.

“I’ll go in first and give you lovebirds some space,” Irene teased with a wink, slipping out of the car before Mia could protest.

Mia rolled her eyes but didn’t stop her. “She’s so dramatic,” Mia muttered under her breath, her heart still fluttering from her conversation with Evander.

Inside the house, Tristan stood waiting in the foyer, his arms crossed. His expression was calm, but his sharp gaze missed nothing. As soon as Irene walked in, his eyes narrowed.

“Where’s Mia?” Tristan asked, his voice cool and direct.

Irene gave a small smirk and mumbled under her breath, “Cold-blooded, just like my brother.”

Feigning innocence, she gave him a sweet smile. “Oh, Mia? She’ll be here in a minute,” she said playfully, hoping to avoid his questioning gaze.

Tristan wasn’t buying it. “Stop smiling and tell me why she’s not with you,” he demanded, the familiar coldness creeping into his tone.

Thinking quickly, Irene came up with an excuse. “She’s on a phone call,” she said, waving it off like it was no big deal.

Tristan’s eyes darkened with suspicion, but before he could press further, Mia stepped out of the car. Irene noticed immediately—and so did Tristan.

Mia smiled brightly as she hugged Evander one last time before saying goodbye. The sight made Tristan’s jaw tighten, his eyes narrowing at the two. Irene could almost hear his thoughts: These two are going to be dead.

Completely unaware of her brother’s gaze, Mia walked toward the house, her mind still lost in the happy buzz of her time with Evander.

She didn’t even notice Irene or Tristan standing there until she nearly bumped into Irene. “Oh!” Mia gasped, looking up. “Irene, what are you doing here?”

Irene gave her a knowing look and simply pointed behind her. Mia froze.

“Brother…” she whispered, her heart skipping a beat. “When did you get here?”

Tristan’s expression was cold and unreadable. “Why were you in Evander’s car?” he asked sharply. “And why did you hug him?”

Mia’s stomach dropped as her mind raced. She looked desperately at Irene for help, but Irene only gave her a sympathetic shrug. You’re on your own now, her look said.

Mia took a deep breath and tried to find her words. “That… Brother, I…” Her voice faltered under Tristan’s intense gaze, and she could feel her pulse quicken.

Gathering every ounce of courage she had, Mia blurted out, “Evan’s a nice guy! He likes me, and I think it’s worth giving him a chance.” She swallowed hard, her voice shaky but determined. “I’m dating him.”

Irene’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Mia has guts, she thought, admiring her friend’s bravery.

Mia stood there, silently praying their father would arrive and save her from Tristan’s inevitable wrath. And as if on cue, Matthew appeared from down the hall, his brows furrowing as he looked between his children.

“What’s going on here?” Matthew asked, his voice gentle but curious.

Tristan remained silent, his cold expression never wavering. But he stepped aside as Matthew ushered them all into the house.

Just as Mia was about to follow the others, Tristan’s voice stopped her. “Mia. Wait.”

She turned back to him, and before she could say a word, Tristan wrapped her in his arms.

“Do you like him?” he asked quietly, his voice no longer cold but filled with hesitation. “Better yet… do you trust him?”

Mia’s heart softened at her brother’s sudden shift. She smiled against his shoulder. “Yes. I trust him, brother.”

Tristan sighed deeply, as though releasing a burden he’d been carrying. To everyone’s surprise, he relented. “Fine,” he said reluctantly. “But if he hurts you, Momo…” He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. “What do you want me to do?”

Mia smiled, her heart swelling with affection for her overprotective brother. “You don’t need to worry. Evan is good.”

Tristan nodded, though a flicker of doubt lingered in his eyes. “Just… be careful, okay? Don’t trust anyone too easily.”

Matthew, who had been watching the scene unfold with a warm smile, clapped a hand on Tristan’s shoulder. “Come on, son. It’s late. Let’s have a quick dinner, and then everyone should get some rest.”

As Mia and Matthew headed toward the dining room, Irene stayed back, watching her brother with amusement. “You know, Tristan,” she said teasingly, “you give everyone these weird nicknames. Momo, Coco… What would you even call me?”

Tristan gave her a rare smirk. “Haven’t figured it out yet. But don’t worry—I’ll come up with something.”

Irene rolled her eyes playfully. “Well, whatever it is, it better not be embarrassing.”

Tristan chuckled softly. “Don’t tempt me.”

As they followed the others to dinner, Irene couldn’t help but glance back at Tristan, a thought lingering in her mind. He acts so cold, but deep down, he cares more than anyone I know.

With that, the family gathered at the table, the tension from earlier melting into the warmth of shared food and laughter. For the first time in a long while, things felt… almost normal. And as the night wore on, the future, however uncertain, didn’t seem so daunting anymore.