The next morning, the dawn slipped through the curtains, casting a soft glow over Eva and Andrew as they lay entwined in each other’s arms. Andrew opened his eyes first, gazing down at the woman curled tightly around him. With her hair tousled and face softened in sleep, Eva looked peaceful, even vulnerable. Andrew’s fingers traced a gentle line through her hair, his voice barely a whisper. “I love the way you make me feel, Eva,” he murmured, planting a soft kiss on her head. “You’re making me lose my mind.”

Eva stirred slightly, a small frown creasing her brow. Andrew quickly closed his eyes, feigning sleep, but when she blinked awake and realized how tightly they were wrapped together, a blush flooded her cheeks.

“If I move, he’ll wake up,” she thought, watching him as he lay still. She sighed softly, lost in thought as she studied his relaxed face. “How different he looks like this…quiet, calm…almost kind. It’s strange how people can change.”

A deep voice cut through her thoughts, startling her. “Stop staring at me.”

Andrew opened his eyes, his gaze playful as he lightly pinched her nose. “Ouch!” she cried, rubbing her nose as she glared at him, her cheeks red with embarrassment.

“Why are you in my bed?” she demanded. “Did you come in here on purpose?”

“Maybe,” he replied, unbothered by her frustration.

“Just…go,” she stammered, averting her eyes as she realized he was shirtless. Her gaze dropped before she could stop herself, and she quickly looked away, face burning.

“Like what you see?” Andrew teased, his lips curving into a grin.

“No!” she retorted, though her reddened cheeks betrayed her. “Now, please, go!”

“I can’t,” he said, glancing pointedly at her arms still wrapped around him. “You’re the one holding on.”

She immediately let go, rolling off him and jumping out of the bed. But before she could get far, he pulled her back, gently pinning her to the bed as he hovered above her. “Does it hurt?” he asked softly, his fingers tracing the faint red marks on her cheek.

“No…no, I’m fine,” she replied, flustered as her eyes fell again to his bare chest, unable to resist the magnetic pull.

Andrew smiled, slowly standing as he watched her, bemused by her shock. “Sweetie,” he called in a low voice, “do you want me to come back?”

“No, absolutely not!” she spluttered, taking a step backward.

“I think you do,” he said, advancing toward her until she was backed up against the window.

“If you come any closer, I’ll throw you out this window!” she threatened, her voice wavering as he leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek.

“Hmm,” he murmured, glancing over his shoulder at the drop below. “Wonder if it’s worth the fall.”

Unable to handle his playful banter, Eva dashed to the bathroom, and he let out a deep laugh as she fled. Watching her disappear, Andrew chuckled, “She has no idea how much she’s affecting me.”

Meanwhile, the previous night had brought its own storm to Anthony’s home. The dim light of his study cast shadows across his face as he regarded Madeline with barely-contained anger.

“In my study. Now.” His tone was cold as he gestured for her to follow. She entered the room, her face pale, her hands trembling as he shut the door behind her.

Anthony turned on her, his voice rising with each word. “Tell me everything, Madeline. Now.”

Tears filled her eyes, and she took a shaky breath. “Someone has been blackmailing me,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

“You waited until everything had fallen apart to finally tell me?” he snapped, pacing the room in frustration. But his expression softened as he saw her tear-streaked face. Guilt pooled in his stomach as he took her hands in his. “I know everything now. I wish you’d trusted me sooner.”

“I’m so sorry, Anthony,” she sobbed, burying her face in his chest. “I didn’t know what to do. I swear it was Natalie who set me up.”

Anthony hugged her tightly, comforting her as he let go of his anger. “It’s okay now. From now on, you have to be honest with me. Promise me.”

She nodded, whispering, “I promise.”

With a heavy heart, Anthony stepped back, reaching into a drawer to retrieve a small wooden box. “Here,” he said, handing it to her. “Take it. You should be the one to end this.”

Madeline’s breath hitched as she opened the box, finding the photos that had haunted her. Her face turned crimson with shame as she realized he’d seen them. “Anthony…you saw these?”

“No one else did,” he assured her softly. “Now, burn them. Take back your power.”

She took a lighter, watching the flame flicker before she set it to the wooden box. The fire consumed the photos, the smoke rising as if carrying away the remnants of her shame inside the waste basket. Exhausted and emotionally drained, Madeline swayed, collapsing into her brother’s arms.

Anthony carried her to her room, gently laying her on the bed. He brushed her hair from her face, kissed her forehead, and whispered, “I’m sorry. I should have protected you.” He watched her as she drifted into sleep, his heart aching with a vow for vengeance on Natalie for all she’d done.