The day of the photoshoot dawned bright, the entire studio buzzing with activity. Edward scurried around, double-checking every detail. He noticed Aurora's skeptical look and smirked as she whispered, “I still don’t understand why Mr. King is making this shoot so secretive.”

“It’s because of the warehouse sabotage,” Edward replied. “He’s trying to lure out whoever’s behind it all.”

Aurora nodded slowly, “Complicated, but that makes sense.”

“Alright, everyone, let’s get started!” Andrew’s commanding voice rang out, drawing everyone’s attention. Adrien joined in, smiling as he delivered an encouraging pep talk to the models, lining them up for their turns.

“Madeline, you’re up first,” Adrien announced. “You’ve got the most experience here.”

Madeline took her position, slipping into professional mode with practiced ease, while Eva, standing nearby, looked on nervously, wringing her hands. Andrew noticed her unease and approached, placing his hands firmly on her shoulders. “Eva, look at me.”

She lifted her eyes, flustered, and mumbled, “I’m not sure I can do this, Andrew. I think… I think I’ve changed my mind.”

A smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. “You look incredible,” he said, catching her off guard. “You can do this.”

He lifted her chin gently with a finger, whispering, “Pretend you’re alone, just you and the camera.” Adjusting the neckline of her dress, he gave her an encouraging nod, ignoring Adrien’s teasing from across the room. Eva felt a strange warmth spread through her at Andrew’s words, but before she could overthink it, she took her spot. However, she started and came off as too stiff.

“Everyone, take a break. Turn around for a minute,” Andrew commanded in a tone that brooked no argument.

The team exchanged glances, then complied, giving Eva some privacy. She bit her lip, her nerves spiraling, wondering if she’d disappointed Andrew with her hesitation.

“Andrew, I’m sorry,” she whispered as he walked toward her.

“Eva,” his tone was unexpectedly soft. “Just follow my instructions.” He went over a few simple poses, demonstrating with calm confidence. “Now, try it.”

Tentatively, Eva copied his poses. As her confidence grew, she became more relaxed, her movements fluid and natural. Soon, her turn was over.

“Are we allowed to look now?” Tristan asked with feigned impatience.

Andrew cast him a mock glare. “Yes, you may.”

“Eva, you look incredible!” Adrien beamed, admiring the shots. Irene rushed over to see, gushing over her sister-in-law’s beauty.

Andrew watched them, a quiet pride in his gaze. “My angel,” he thought to himself. “My perfect wife.”

Noticing his smile, Eva flushed, escaping quickly to go change. Meanwhile, Aurora seized the opportunity to corner Kai, chastising him about his treatment of Madeline. “You owe her an apology,” she declared.

Kai sighed, acknowledging his mistake, and went to find Madeline. But when he approached her, she preempted him, her tone cold. “If you’re here to insult me again, you can save your breath.”

His shoulders slumped. “I shouldn’t have slapped you. I’m sorry.”

Her gaze remained icy. “You think that undoes everything?”

He opened his mouth to argue, but she interrupted, dismissing him with a quiet, “Please leave.” Her heart ached as she watched him go, her love for him fighting against the resentment she felt for his actions. When Aurora suggested they step out for fresh air, she agreed, hoping it would help calm her mind.

Just as they left, Edward dashed after Aurora. “You forgot about our dinner plans!” he grinned.

Aurora laughed sheepishly, glancing back at Madeline. “Go on,” Madeline insisted, not wanting to disrupt their plans.

Kai watched the exchange, then stepped forward. “I’ll take her home.”

Madeline nodded stiffly, determined not to let her inner turmoil spoil Aurora’s evening. As they walked toward the car, her eyes stung with unshed tears.

Meanwhile, Adrien finally called it a day, but Andrew wasn’t ready to wrap up. “We’ll shoot Irene now,” he declared firmly, ignoring Adrien’s tired protests.

Evander chimed in, “Come on, it’s been a long day.”

“Get it done now,” Andrew’s tone left no room for negotiation.

Irene immediately stepped forward, slipping into professional mode and posing with ease. Tristan watched her, an inexplicable chill settling over him. “Why does that outfit look so… revealing?” he muttered to himself, bothered by the sight of her exposed skin.

Adrien complimented Irene on her poses, suggesting she consider modeling professionally. Tristan’s eyes narrowed, his thoughts laced with possessiveness. “Over my dead body,” he thought, even as he tried to brush off the notion.

As the day finally wound down, Andrew noticed Eva dozing in a chair nearby. He approached her, crouching down to brush a strand of hair from her face.

“Eva,” he whispered softly, gently waking her.

She blinked, startled to find him so close. His tone was tender as he told her it was time to go. She sat up, her sleepy mind buzzing with questions, wondering if his kindness was genuine or merely gratitude for her help with the shoot.

“Just because I helped with the work…” she murmured to herself as they walked toward the exit.

Evander, in typical fashion, tried to score a ride home with Tristan, who promptly declined. Adrien chuckled, offering to take Evander instead, who accepted with a sigh.

The ride home was quiet, the events of the day replaying in Eva’s mind. She could still feel the lingering warmth of Andrew’s hands guiding her during her photoshoot, his presence so steady, his words so unexpectedly tender. A small smile crept onto her face, despite the lingering questions in her heart.

As they arrived at the King mansion, Andrew helped her out of the car. “Rest tonight. We have more work tomorrow.”

She nodded, feeling her cheeks warm as their fingers brushed briefly. Turning quickly, she hurried inside, Andrew watching her with a glimmer of something unreadable in his gaze.

Later that night, as Eva lay in bed, her thoughts drifted to the day’s events. She thought of Andrew’s supportive gaze, his reassuring words, the gentleness he’d shown when he’d coaxed her out of her fears. Her heart fluttered against her will.

In the quiet darkness, she whispered to herself, “I don’t know what to think about him.”

Meanwhile, Andrew lay in his room, staring up at the ceiling. He could still feel her warmth against him from that morning, her sleepy smile lingering in his mind. A quiet resolve settled over him as he thought of her.

“Eva,” he whispered, his voice soft in the empty room, “one day, I’ll make sure you never doubt how much you mean to me.”