Irene beamed as she looked at Mia, whose smile lit up the entire room. Her happiness was infectious, and Irene couldn’t resist teasing her. “Something good must have happened,” she said with a curious tilt of her head before noticing the glimmering diamonds on Mia’s left hand. Her jaw dropped.

“Oh my gosh, Mia! Did he propose?” Irene grabbed Mia’s hand, her excitement overflowing as she examined the ring.

Mia’s cheeks turned pink as she nodded shyly. “Evan asked me to marry him, and I said yes.”

“I knew it!” Irene squealed, pulling her into a hug. “I’m so happy for you both. He’s got good taste—not just in rings but in women too.”

Their joy was short-lived as Tristan entered the room, his face clouded with a grim expression. The girls froze.

“Brother,” Mia started nervously, but Tristan raised a hand to stop her.

“You don’t have to look so worried,” he said after a moment, his tone softer than his expression. “I trust your choice, Momo. Go get some sleep.”

“Thank you, brother,” Mia said with a kiss on his cheek before heading to her room, leaving Irene standing awkwardly under Tristan’s icy gaze.

“You, stay here,” Tristan said, his voice colder now as he gestured toward his study. Irene gulped, unsure of what she’d done to deserve his ire, but followed him obediently.

As Irene started toward Tristan’s study, her steps faltered when she saw Jessica approaching Mia. Irene’s protective instincts kicked in immediately.

“Well, well, sis,” Jessica said with a saccharine smile. “I see you’re in love.”

“It’s none of your business,” Irene snapped, her voice cold.

Jessica’s smile twisted into a sneer. “She’s my sister, of course it is. Who are you to think you have a say?”

“Jess, please don’t argue,” Mia interjected, her voice pleading.

Jessica scoffed, her tone dripping with malice. “An outsider staying free of charge should know their place. Or maybe the great Leonard King can’t afford to house and feed his daughter anymore.”

Irene’s eyes blazed with fury. “You have no right to mention the name King,” she said, her voice steady but sharp.

Mia tugged on Irene’s arm, pulling her away. “Let’s go. She’s not worth it.”

Jessica smirked triumphantly as they left, basking in her small victory.

In the study, Irene knocked before stepping inside. Tristan looked up, immediately noticing her swollen eyes and tear-streaked cheeks.

“Irene,” he began, his tone surprisingly neutral. “I think it’s best you return home now.”

Her heart sank. “What?” she managed to say, her voice cracking.

“An unmarried woman shouldn’t be staying in someone else’s home for an extended period,” he explained, his words cutting deeper than he intended.

Irene clenched her fists, her watery eyes narrowing. “Fine. Don’t worry, Mr. Tristan Foster. I wouldn’t want to ruin your precious reputation.” She turned on her heel, slamming the study door behind her.

Tristan rubbed his temples, sighing heavily. He had only wanted to keep her safe. He hoped she’d understand in time.

The next morning, Irene stood in the Foster mansion’s living room with her luggage, waiting for her father to pick her up. As soon as Leonard King arrived, she ran into his arms, burying her face in his chest.

“Papa,” she sobbed.

“What’s wrong, my princess?” Leonard asked, his voice laced with concern as he stroked her hair.

“Nothing,” Irene lied. “I just missed you.”

Leonard smiled softly, though his eyes flickered with worry. “Hello, Mr. Foster,” he greeted Tristan as the man approached. “Or should I say, nephew?”

“Hello, Uncle Leonard,” Tristan replied, shaking his hand.

“Just call me Uncle,” Leonard said warmly.

Camilla entered the room, her polished facade firmly in place. “Mr. King, welcome. My husband is still away on business, but I’m sure he’d love to see you.”

“Hello, Mr. King!” Mia greeted cheerfully, her smile brightening the room.

“Ah, Mia. Evan’s been telling me all about you two,” Leonard said, his pride evident. “I’m so happy. Now I just need to find a man for my Irene.”

“Papa, don’t embarrass me,” Irene said, laughing to cover her discomfort.

Jessica sauntered down the stairs, her lips curling into a smirk. “Hello, Father-in-law,” she said smugly.

Leonard’s expression darkened instantly. “Who is your father-in-law?” he demanded coldly. “Don’t call me that. I don’t like you.”

Jessica blinked in mock surprise. “Mr. King, why—”

“Don’t play coy, girl,” Leonard interrupted. “The wedding was your call, and you ran. I’m happy you did because it blessed us with Eva. She is the beautiful daughter-in-law we wished for.”

Jessica’s mask slipped, her sneer returning. “Eva is a piece of shit. No one is worse than her.”

The room fell silent for a beat before the sharp crack of Tristan’s slap echoed through the air. Jessica staggered back, stunned.

“I’m tolerating you,” Tristan said, his voice low and furious. “You have no right to demean my sister.”

“Mrs. Foster,” Leonard added, his gaze slicing through Camilla. “You need to teach your daughter some manners.”

Camilla fussed over Jessica, trying to calm her down, but Jessica only grew more frustrated. “Just you wait,” Jessica hissed, her voice trembling with anger. “I’m going to snatch everything from you and Eva. It all belongs to me.”

With that, she stormed out of the room, dragging Camilla with her. Leonard turned to Tristan, his brows furrowed. “What’s going on here?” he asked.

“Don’t worry, Uncle,” Tristan replied. “I’ll handle it.”

After Leonard and Irene left, Mia sat in the living room, her face glum.

“Brother,” she said, her voice small. “I miss Irene.”

“Don’t worry,” Tristan said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “She’ll be back—and staying for good.”

“For good?” Mia asked, confused.

Tristan muttered under his breath, his smirk growing. “You’ll see soon enough.”