Alex leaned back in his chair, a sly grin playing on his lips as he replayed the recording of Jessica’s conversation.

“So, Robert Lewis was behind the warehouse fire,” he muttered to himself. The name sent a wave of satisfaction through him. “Jessica, do you think you can keep messing with me and escape unscathed? I’m not my stupid brother, Andrew.”

For Alex, revenge wasn’t just about Jessica’s downfall—it was about restoring his own sense of control. Picking up his phone, he tapped out a quick message to Anthony:

“Robert Lewis is the one behind the fire. It’s time we end this.”

At the King Mansion, the early evening sky cast a soft orange glow across the terrace. Mia stood at the railing, her hair blowing gently in the breeze. Evander wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her close.

“My cutie pie,” he whispered, his lips brushing her ear before nibbling it playfully.

“Evan,” Mia breathed, her heartbeat quickening at his touch. “I love this place.”

She turned in his embrace, facing him with a teasing smile. “Do you remember the last time we were on the terrace, playing Truth or Dare?”

Evander chuckled. “Of course I do. And now I want the answer to the question you dodged back then.”

Mia tilted her head. “What question?”

“Who was the guy you had a crush on and followed on social media,” he smirked. “And don’t think you’re going anywhere until you answer.”

Mia bit her lip, her cheeks flushing. “Fine, but promise you won’t laugh.”

“I swear,” Evander said, his curiosity piqued.

“When I was 15, I was at a party with my dad. Some boys were teasing me, and this guy stepped in to help. I had a crush on him ever since,” she admitted, her voice soft.

Evander raised a brow. “Did you ever see him again?”

Mia nodded shyly. “Yes. He came as a guest to my college a few years later.”

“And?” Evander pressed, leaning closer.

“It’s you, stupid,” she blurted, looking down, embarrassed.

“Me?” Evander’s expression turned from confusion to delight. “You’ve loved me for five years?”

“No,” Mia corrected quickly. “That was just a crush. Crush and love are two different things.”

“And now?” Evander asked, stepping even closer, their lips a breath apart. “Do you love me?”

Mia’s heart raced. “Evan, let me go. I already told you.”

“I want to hear it again,” he murmured huskily.

“I... I love... you,” Mia stuttered, her cheeks flaming.

Before she could say anything else, Evander’s lips claimed hers in a deep, passionate kiss. When he finally pulled back, he gazed into her eyes with a smile.

“Let’s get married soon. I can’t wait much longer,” he said, his tone filled with sincerity.

Caught in the warmth of his embrace, Mia couldn’t argue. Evander scooped her into his arms and carried her inside to a nearby couch. They fell asleep together, content and tangled in each other’s arms.

The next morning, Tristan stood on the balcony sipping his coffee, his gaze sharp as it landed on the sleeping couple. His jaw tightened, his eyes darkening with irritation.

“Evander,” he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with displeasure.

Tristan leaned against the railing, brainstorming ways to make Evander miserable. While he loved Mia and wanted her happiness, the sight of his sister so closely entwined with Evander fueled his overprotective instincts.

Downstairs, Evander stirred awake and smiled as he caressed Mia’s hair. “I can’t wait anymore, cutie pie,” he whispered.

A cold voice shattered the moment.

“You can’t wait, then wait until my death,” Tristan said, stepping onto the terrace. “Meet me downstairs. Now.”

Evander looked up, startled, as Tristan turned on his heel and walked away without waiting for a response.

Left alone, Evander sighed. “Kidnapping Mia might be easier than dealing with her stubborn brother,” he muttered to himself.

Mia’s sleepy eyes fluttered open. “What are you muttering about?”

Evander glanced at her, a sheepish smile spreading across his face. “Your brother. He’s single and acting like a jerk.”

Mia sat up, frowning. “Being single doesn’t make him a jerk, Evan. Don’t talk about him like that.”

Her tone had shifted from affectionate to defensive, and Evander groaned inwardly. “What have I done now?” he muttered as Mia stood up, glaring at him before storming off the terrace.

Downstairs, Tristan waited in the study, his arms crossed and a scowl plastered on his face. Evander entered, bracing himself for the worst.

“Care to explain why I found you sleeping on the terrace with my sister?” Tristan’s voice was calm but dangerous.

“We fell asleep after talking,” Evander said honestly. “You know I love her and plan to marry her.”

Tristan’s jaw tightened. “Loving her doesn’t mean I’ll let you do as you please. Mia is my little sister, and I won’t have anyone disrespect her.”

“Tristan, you know me better than that,” Evander countered. “You’re just being stubborn because you don’t want to lose control. Let her make her own choices.”

Tristan glared at him but didn’t respond, knowing there was some truth in Evander’s words. Finally, he sighed. “If you hurt her, I’ll make you regret it.”

Evander nodded, understanding Tristan’s protective instincts. “I’d expect nothing less.”

Tristan smirked. “Now get out of my sight before I change my mind.”

As Evander left the study, he muttered, “The man needs a love life of his own. Maybe then he’d stop meddling.”

Back upstairs, Mia sat on the bed, arms crossed, still fuming. Evander slipped into the room, cautiously approaching her.

“Cutie pie,” he began, kneeling in front of her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Mia huffed, refusing to look at him.

Evander took her hands in his, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “Forgive me. I’m just frustrated with your brother.”

Mia’s expression softened as she looked into his sincere eyes. “He’s only protective because he loves me.”

“And I love you too,” Evander said. “More than anything.”

Mia sighed, her lips twitching into a small smile. “You’re impossible.”

Evander grinned. “Impossible to resist?”

Rolling her eyes, Mia leaned forward, brushing her lips against his. “Just behave yourself.”

“For you, anything,” Evander promised, sealing his vow with another kiss.