Dusk settled over Phoenix Cove.

Natalie Sullivan burst through the doors with an armful of fragrant lilies.

"Sophia!"

She shoved the bouquet at Maggie before plopping onto the sofa across from Sophia.

"Don't stress yourself out."

Sophia looked up from steeping tea. "Did Ethan send you?"

"Obviously." Natalie propped her chin on one hand. "That iceberg of a brother hides a mother hen's heart. He panics if you so much as sneeze."

Amidst the curling tea steam, Sophia's jade-like fingers poured amber liquid into a cup. "Try this. My father's prized Bingdao tea."

Natalie took a reluctant sip and grimaced.

"Sophia, if all else fails, I'll have two babies and give you one."

Sophia laughed. "You'd really do that?"

"Absolutely!" Natalie thumped her chest. "You're my sister-in-law!"

Warmth flooded Sophia's chest as she pulled the younger woman into an embrace.

"Sophia..." Natalie's ears turned pink. "Ugh, Dad confiscated my ID to stop my marriage license! He even has people tailing Alexander and me!"

Sophia chuckled. "Let me take you to dinner."

As they stood, Iris Evans descended the staircase.

"Joining us?"

Iris waved her phone. "It's my brother's birthday. Gotta celebrate."

Thirty minutes later at Tang Palace...

Natalie spotted Iris and Shane Prescott by the host stand.

Shane wore his signature baseball cap, sharp jawline shadowed beneath the brim.

"Shane!" Natalie bounded over. "Join us!"

Iris waved her off conspiratorially. "Can't. Planned something special for my brother."

When the "Full Moon" private room door opened, Natalie's eyes widened.

A scarlet-clad dancer undulated across the round table, sheer veils doing little to conceal her curves.

To the strains of a pipa, she fluttered her lashes at Shane.

The man kept his gaze fixed on his drink, not even glancing up.

"Like her, brother?" Iris nudged his arm.

"Get rid of her." Shane's voice was gruff.

Natalie whistled. "Impressive self-control."

Iris whispered, "Thirty-year-old virgin here."

Shane choked on his whiskey, ears burning crimson.

The dancer slithered closer. "Shall I wait upstairs, Miss Evans?"

As Iris opened her mouth to agree, Shane shot to his feet and strode out.

"Brother! I already paid!" Iris stomped in frustration.

The elevator doors parted—revealing Victor Sullivan.

Their eyes locked. The air turned to ice.

"Stay away from these people," Victor snapped at Natalie. "What kind of decent man digs up graves?"

Shane's gaze turned arctic.

Steel flashed as a throwing knife left his hand.