The Foster mansion was bustling as everyone gathered in the dining room, except for Camilla, whose absence went unquestioned. Andrew took a seat beside Tristan, his eyes serious as he started, “Tristan, we need to finalize the designs today.” Irene watched the two men with interest, noticing an unusual sense of camaraderie between them. For once, they seemed aligned, and she thought there might finally be a chance for a real bond.

“To keep everything safe, we won’t work at the company today,” Andrew continued, casting a suspicious glance toward some of their more unreliable staff. This launch was critical, and he wasn’t about to risk another setback.

Turning to Eva, he softened. “You should stay here and rest. I’ll pick you up in the evening.”

Eva, however, was not one to back down. “I’m coming with you.”

“Coco, listen to Andrew. You need your rest,” Tristan chimed in, his voice gentle but firm.

“I’m fine,” she replied with conviction. “It’s just a minor wound. Stop treating me like a child!” She stood, her gaze unwavering. “I’m coming, and that’s final.”

With a defeated shrug, Tristan let out a small laugh, exchanging a look with his father, who just shook his head, smiling. “She’s stubborn, just like you, Tristan. Take care of her.”

“Don’t worry, Dad. I will,” Tristan replied, pride and affection in his voice.

Just then, Evander walked in, tossing his car keys into the air with a grin. “Morning, everyone.”

Before he could settle in, Irene dragged Mia forward and ushered both of them toward the door. “We’re leaving,” she announced, effectively cutting off Evander’s quick claim over Mia. “Wait, let me take my sister,” Tristan insisted, stepping toward Mia protectively.

Evander’s grin faded as he straightened, his tone cooling. “I’m taking them.”

The two men’s argument escalated until they finally came to a reluctant compromise to drive together. Watching them from the doorway, Andrew sighed, muttering, “Idiots,” before following Eva out to the car.

Mia slid into the passenger seat of Tristan’s car, only for Evander to claim the driver’s seat with a triumphant grin. “I’ll drive.”

“Fine.” Tristan tossed him the keys, retreating to the back with Irene.

As they headed toward the college, Irene leaned forward with a groan. “Can you both stop your PDA? Singles like us are suffering back here.”

Mia turned, amused. “Singles like us?”

“Yes,” Irene replied, glancing at Tristan. “We’re both single, aren’t we?”

Tristan gave a nonchalant shrug, keeping his eyes on his laptop. “I’m perfectly content,” he murmured before adding, “until the right one comes along.”

Evander smirked knowingly. “We’ll see about that,” he muttered under his breath, amused by Tristan’s calm, guarded response.

After dropping off Irene and Mia, Evander and Tristan continued to bicker on their way to the office. “Driver,” Tristan taunted, “I need to be on time.”

Evander took a deep breath, determined not to lose his cool. “Would you mind sitting in the front? I’m not a chauffeur.”

Tristan suppressed a grin. “As long as you keep that goofy smile in check.” The two settled, somewhat grudgingly, and arrived at the office.

The meeting room was soon filled as Andrew, Tristan, Evander, Adrien, Kai, Aurora, and Elina gathered around. As they finalized the designs, Adrien provided updates. “Everything’s coming along well, but we’re short on models.”

Andrew glanced at Eva, who had just returned from freshening up. “Any idea where Madeline is?” he asked her.

“She’ll be here soon,” Eva replied, and, as if on cue, Madeline walked in, her gaze distant. Andrew stood and extended an apology for the previous misunderstanding, which Madeline accepted quietly, avoiding eye contact with everyone.

To solve their shortage of models, Andrew glanced around the room. “Elina and Aurora, you’ll both model for the show, along with Madeline,” he declared. “Aurora has experience, so she can guide you.”

Elina stammered, “I’ve never modeled before, sir…”

“Don’t worry,” Andrew said with a reassuring nod. “Aurora will help.”

Still, the issue of numbers loomed over them. Adrien reminded the group, “We need at least five models for fifteen designs.”

Andrew’s gaze turned to Eva. “You’ll model as well.”

Tristan’s protective instincts flared. “Coco, you don’t have to do this,” he protested, but Eva cut him off, determined. “Brother, I want to help,” she replied, surprising everyone with her quiet resolve.

Aurora and Kai exchanged stunned glances, realizing Tristan and Eva’s sibling relationship, and Kai’s heart sank a bit deeper.

For the final spot, Andrew summoned Evander, instructing him to bring Irene. “I’ll go,” Evander said with an eager smirk, heading out to fetch her and Mia.

Half an hour later, Irene arrived, practically glowing with excitement. She rushed to hug Eva. “I can’t believe this! My dream of modeling is finally happening!”

Aurora watched them from afar, feeling a pang of envy at their closeness. Elina leaned over, nudging her playfully. “Rumor has it, our boss has a crush on one of them.”

Aurora’s gaze darted toward Irene, a smile spreading across her face as she caught on.

Across the room, Madeline sighed, trying to remain inconspicuous. Her spirits lifted slightly when Aurora approached her, asking softly, “How are you?”

“I’m fine,” she replied quietly. Eva soon joined them, wrapping her arms around Madeline, whispering, “Everything will get better, I promise.”

Nearby, Kai watched, a twinge of regret stirring within him. James approached Eva, mentioning that Andrew was looking for her, and she left.

Aurora nudged James with a smirk. “Mr. King’s too protective, don’t you think?”

James grinned. “She is his wife, after all.”

Aurora’s jaw dropped. “Wife?”

Kai, who’d overheard, froze, realizing the reality he’d been avoiding. A somber expression crossed his face as he finally accepted the truth, though Madeline, watching him, felt her heart ache. She knew, deep down, that Kai’s heart would never belong to her.

With the final lineup, Andrew smirked, turning to Tristan with a challenging look. “Are we set on everyone?”

Tristan glanced around at the assembled team, including Eva, who had surprised him by volunteering. “We’re ready,” he replied with confidence.

As the meeting wrapped up, everyone felt a shared sense of anticipation and tension. But for Andrew and Eva, a newfound closeness lingered—a subtle reminder of the depth that had been building between them, slowly weaving them together in ways that neither of them had anticipated.