The night was ink-black as the clock struck ten.

Ethan Sullivan's car pulled up outside Kyle Grant's apartment building.

The elevator doors slid open, and he strode toward the familiar door with his long legs.

The doorbell chimed three times.

Shane Prescott opened the door, droplets still clinging to his damp hair.

His black tank top clung to his muscular frame, while the casual trousers accentuated his lean, powerful legs. His bronze skin glowed healthily under the light.

Ethan's gaze lingered on the crisscrossing scars on Shane's arms.

Those jagged marks felt like a blunt knife slowly carving into his heart.

"Coming here so late—something wrong?" Shane handed him a dry towel.

Ethan took it, his knuckles whitening.

"Just wanted to see you."

Shane arched a brow. "Do I have flowers growing on my face?"

The study door suddenly swung open.

Kyle leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "If you want a hug, just do it. Stop being awkward."

Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed. "Not everyone is as shameless as you."

"Hah." Kyle scoffed. "Some people don’t even dare hug their own brother."

"Sophia is my wife now."

"Childish." Kyle slammed the door shut.

Shane chuckled. "You two..."

"Ice water, thanks."

A brief silence settled over the living room.

Ice cubes clinked softly against the glass.

Ethan traced the rim of the cup. "Have you considered turning yourself in?"

Shane's muscles tensed instantly.

"Adoptive father—"

"Three years max, probation." Ethan cut him off. "Return the artifacts, pay the fines, and you can start fresh."

Shane's knuckles turned white.

"I need time."

"Call me anytime." Ethan stood, straightening his suit.

As he reached the foyer, Kyle's voice came from behind: "Wait until he and Luna are stable before moving out."

Ethan glanced back. "Miss him already?"

"Safety reasons." Kyle's gaze was sharp. "The killer from thirty years ago is still at large."

The night breeze brushed against Ethan's coat.

He dialed Victor Sullivan's number. "Be good to Kyle."

"Did your mother put you up to this?" The voice on the other end sharpened.

"He deserves it."

"I’m already keeping my distance!" Victor coughed in agitation. "Your mother—"

"You care about her."

The line fell silent.

Only heavy breathing remained.

By the time he returned to Moon Bay, it was deep into the night.

Sophia lay against the headboard reading, the warm yellow light tracing the soft contours of her face.

"Going to Hong Kong?" She closed her book.

Ethan loosened his tie. "To help Shane redeem those antiques."

"Old Man Li won’t be easy to deal with."

"That’s why I need you." He leaned down to kiss her earlobe. "He’ll have to respect the national hero’s face."

Sophia lightly punched his chest. "Shrewd businessman."

"There’s more where that came from." Ethan suddenly swept her up into his arms.

"Put me down!"

"Beg me."

Sophia’s ears flushed pink. "...Husband."

A week later, in a luxury mansion on Hong Kong’s hillside.

Old Man Li sipped his tea, his gaze shifting between the three of them.

"Double the price?" He set the cup down.

An assistant hurried over, handing him a phone.

After listening, Old Man Li’s expression darkened instantly.