The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Andrew and Eva's room, casting a warm glow over the couple still tangled in sleep. A sudden knocking broke the tranquility.

Andrew groaned, dragging himself out of bed, half-naked, to answer the door.

“I see billionaires can’t afford shirts,” Tristan smirked, arms crossed.

Andrew rolled his eyes. “It’s my room. I’ll do as I damn please.”

Tristan leaned casually against the doorframe. “Where’s Eva?”

“She’s still sleeping,” Andrew replied, rubbing the back of his neck. “Can this wait?”

“Meet me downstairs,” Tristan said, ignoring Andrew’s irritation. He turned and walked off, leaving Andrew muttering under his breath about disrupted mornings.

A while later, in the King Mansion’s backyard, Andrew sat on a bench, sipping his coffee, his mood sour from the interruption. Evander joined him, the two immediately diving into a casual session of bad-mouthing Tristan.

“Stop talking shit behind my back,” Tristan’s cold voice interrupted as he approached, handing each of them a piece of paper.

“A contract?” Evander asked, eyebrows raised.

Andrew scanned the document, his eyes darkening with each line. “What the hell is this?” he growled.

“To protect my sisters from you guys,” Tristan said calmly, his tone belying the audacity of his actions.

Andrew’s copy outlined his responsibilities toward Eva:

1. Her safety is his top priority.
2. He must provide a secure and stable home. Failure would result in lethal consequences.
3. Any threats must be reported to Tristan immediately.
4. If they divorced, Andrew was to ensure Eva’s financial security and personal safety.
5. Any breach of these conditions would result in Tristan taking "lethal action" against Andrew and his associates.

Evander’s version mirrored Andrew’s, except it referred to Mia.

“But I’m marrying Mia soon!” Evander protested, running a hand through his hair.

“Just sign it,” Tristan said flatly.

“This is ridiculous,” Andrew snapped, glaring at Tristan.

Tristan remained unmoved. “I’m doing this because I don’t trust you. If I’d been at Eva’s wedding, I’d never have allowed her to marry you.”

Andrew’s fists clenched. “I’ll agree to everything except the divorce clause,” he said icily. “I’m not signing it.”

“Then I’ll take Eva with me,” Tristan said smugly.

Evander, tired of the standoff, mumbled under his breath, “What a jerk,” as he signed the contract. Andrew glared at both men before finally caving, his signature joining Evander’s.

“Your turn will come,” Andrew warned Tristan with a sly smile.

Tristan scoffed. “I won’t give you the chance. And Evander—no physical touch before marriage.”

Evander laughed, shaking his head as he walked away with Andrew, both men still sour over the ordeal.

Tristan watched them leave, a satisfied smirk on his face. “Now I have control over you both.”

At breakfast, the tension lingered between Andrew, Evander, and Tristan. Andrew’s foul mood was evident as he stared into his coffee. Tristan, on the other hand, looked unnaturally cheerful.

“Andrew, come with me today,” Orion spoke up suddenly from across the table.

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” Andrew replied without even glancing at his grandfather.

Eva placed a gentle hand on Andrew’s thigh, pressing lightly. “Be respectful,” she whispered.

Orion tried again. “You’ll get answers to questions you’ve been asking.”

Andrew hesitated before finally agreeing. Jennifer smiled approvingly as Andrew and Orion left the table.

The drive led Andrew and Orion to a thick forest, its towering trees casting long shadows over the path. Andrew looked around, confused.

“This is a forest, Grandpa. What answers am I supposed to get here?” Andrew asked, irritation creeping into his voice.

“Be patient,” Orion said, pulling out his phone. “He’s on his way.”

“Who’s he?” Andrew muttered just as a sleek black car pulled up. His jaw tightened when Alex stepped out, a smirk plastered across his face.

“Hello, Grandpa,” Alex greeted Orion casually, sparing a glance at Andrew.

Andrew’s glare could have burned through steel, but Orion raised a hand to silence him. “Listen carefully, Andrew. This bastard caused you problems, yes. He’s the one who took Jessica away from your wedding. He’s also the one who sent her to undermine you.”

Andrew’s fury flared. “You did what?” he growled, stepping toward Alex.

“Yes, I did,” Alex admitted, his tone calm. “But I also discovered something you should know. Robert Lewis was behind the warehouse fire.”

Andrew processed the revelation, his fists clenched. “His daughter took all the blame,” he murmured. “What a pity.”

Alex smirked at Andrew’s reaction until Orion lightly smacked him on the back of the head. “Don’t antagonize him.”

Alex stepped forward, meeting Andrew’s fiery gaze. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice quiet.

Andrew’s eyes narrowed. “I didn’t hear you.”

“I said, I’m sorry!” Alex shouted. “I’m ashamed of what I did. I regret hurting you.”

Andrew’s expression softened, and without another word, he pulled Alex into a tight hug. “Idiot,” Andrew muttered. “I missed you.”

Alex laughed through the tears welling in his eyes. “Is this thanks for sparing you from marrying that witch Jessica?”

“Partially,” Andrew admitted. “But mostly because you’re my brother.”

They stood there for a moment before Alex teased, “You’re weak for forgiving me so fast.”

Orion watched the scene, a proud smile on his face. Andrew finally broke the hug and asked, “Are you coming home to see Mom?”

Alex’s expression shifted, and he quickly changed the subject. “I have a meeting. I’ll see you all tomorrow.”

As Alex drove away, Andrew turned to Orion. “What’s he hiding?”

“You’ll know tomorrow,” Orion replied. “He’s grown up, Andrew. He’s stronger than you remember.”

Andrew chuckled, the tension easing. “We’ll see.”