After leaving Sophia's room, Natalie walked briskly toward Shane's quarters.

She had never been good at hiding her emotions, eager to share her joy with those closest to her.

Pushing the door open, she waved her left hand in front of Shane. "Look at my ring!"

The pink diamond sparkled brilliantly under the light.

Shane's gaze softened. "It suits you."

"Alexander proposed to me!" Natalie's eyes shone with excitement.

Shane pulled out his phone and transferred $99,999 to her.

Seeing the notification, Natalie immediately refunded it. "I don't want money—I just wanted you to be happy for me."

"Keep it," Shane insisted, sending it again. "May your love last forever."

Unable to refuse, Natalie finally accepted. She threw her arms around him. "Thank you, Shane!"

He patted her back gently. "Alexander is a reliable man."

"Of course!" She nuzzled against his shoulder. "You're so much better than my stingy brother. He won’t even let me hug him."

Just then, her phone chimed again.

Natalie pulled away and stared at the long string of digits on the screen, her eyes widening.

"One, ten, hundred... ten million?!" She counted three times to confirm. "That jerk just sent me ten million!"

Shane chuckled. "Call and ask?"

When the call connected, Ethan's voice came through: "So you won’t keep calling me cheap."

"I only said it a few times..."

"Be honest."

Natalie counted on her fingers. "Okay, maybe seven, eight, nine, or ten times."

"Then return it."

"Dream on!" She hung up quickly and stuck her tongue out at Shane. "Capitalists will always be capitalists. You’re still the best brother."

A faint smile touched Shane's eyes.

This vibrant, spirited sister was the warmest gift in his life.

As she stepped outside, Natalie nearly collided with Willow and Kyle.

Her smile froze instantly.

Kyle asked his mother to return to her room first, then turned to Natalie. "Talk?"

They stood in silence.

Finally, Natalie spoke first. "Kyle, I know it’s not your fault. Just give me some time, okay?"

Warmth flickered in Kyle's heart.

This seemingly spoiled sister was far more understanding than he’d imagined.

"I’ll always be your brother," he said softly.

Natalie’s nose tingled with emotion.

She remembered all the patience Kyle had shown her over the past two years.

"My dad has his flaws, but he’d never do something like that," she blurted out.

Kyle’s expression cooled. "A good father doesn’t mean a good man."

"If he wanted women, he could have anyone. Why commit a crime?" Natalie’s voice trembled with intensity. "My mom is one of a kind!"

Kyle didn’t argue further. "I’ll see my mother off now."

Meanwhile, Alexander was overseeing the loading of wedding supplies onto the yacht.

Wedding dresses, suits, and bridal gowns hung neatly in custom wardrobes.

A locked briefcase filled with cash was carefully stored in the secure cabin.

Once everything was ready, he called Ethan.

Sophia had just stood up when Ethan swept her into his arms.

"Put me down!" she whispered in protest.

Ignoring her, he carried her down the hallway.

Staff members turned to watch as they passed.

Sophia buried her face against his chest, her ears burning.

In the VIP cabin, Sophia grew increasingly seasick.

Ethan let her lean against his shoulder, gently massaging her temples.

A knock sounded at the door.

Adrian entered with two glasses of orange juice. "Heard you weren’t feeling well. Vitamin C might help."

"Leave it there," Ethan said flatly.

Adrian set the glasses down and asked casually, "Where’s Kyle?"

"He had business to attend to."

Adrian smirked meaningfully. "Last night, I saw him standing guard outside your door all night. How... devoted."

He emphasized the last word.

Ethan’s expression remained neutral. "That’s what good friends do. I’m sure you have plenty like that, Adrian."

Adrian stiffened.

His so-called friends were only interested in what they could gain from him.

A phone ring saved him. Claiming poor signal, Adrian hurried out.

On the deck, the sea breeze picked up.

Adrian returned the call. "Grandfather?"

"You haven’t done anything reckless, have you?"

"Ethan’s defenses are too tight, and Kyle’s like a watchdog—"

Before he could finish, the yacht lurched violently!

A massive wave crashed over the railing, sending Adrian tumbling overboard!

"Help—!"

His cries were swallowed by the roaring waves.

In the wheelhouse, Shane gripped the helm with steady hands, his gaze icy.