Kyle Grant's words reached Sophia Laurent's ears with crystal clarity.

A swirl of complex emotions rose in her chest.

Ethan Sullivan ended the call, his tone laced with playful arrogance and a hint of grievance. "That brat's bold enough to tease me to my face now. You're my childhood betrothed—he's the one who came barging in halfway."

Sophia couldn't suppress a laugh. "It's good that Kyle speaks his mind now. I hope he finds the right person soon."

Ethan's eyes darkened. "Unlikely, with his temperament."

"You never know. Look at Adrian—he never dated before meeting Luna, and now he's blossomed."

"Adrian had never been in love. Kyle's loved you since his teens. It's different."

"Fate works in mysterious ways."

They entered the collection room.

Sophia meticulously examined the recovered antiques—blue-and-white porcelain, bronze artifacts, gold and jade pieces, including the Ashoka Pagoda and Bronze Bird Zun she'd restored.

Each was priceless.

Ethan called Shane Prescott. "Most of the antiques you handled have been recovered. They're at Phoenix Cove."

A brief silence hung on the line.

"I'll be right there."

Shane arrived swiftly.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he surveyed the treasures. "How much did it cost to reclaim them? I'll repay you."

Ethan clapped a hand on his shoulder. "With Sophia and Prof. Moore's help, it went smoothly."

He emphasized "Sophia" deliberately.

Shane shot her a grateful look. "What will you do with these?"

Ethan was blunt. "Handing them to the police could reduce your sentence."

Shane pressed his lips together. "My adoptive father saved my life. I can't betray him."

Ethan sighed. "You've done enough for Silas Prescott. Your grandparents are waiting for you. Luna also needs you to have a clean slate."

Shane lowered his gaze. "If he's convicted, it's life imprisonment. I..."

"The path's laid out. The choice is yours."

After Shane left, Sophia shook her head at his retreating figure.

Outwardly rebellious, yet bound by loyalty deeper than most.

She understood such dilemmas better than anyone.

That evening, Kyle called.

"Silas Prescott lost millions overnight at a Myanmar casino."

Ethan scoffed. "How many days will three million last him?"

Hanging up, he turned to Sophia. "Have Luna talk some sense into Shane."

She handed him her phone. "You do it. You're more persuasive."

Ethan refused. "I'm a married man. Boundaries matter."

Sophia arched a brow. "Then why no boundaries when sending Iris red envelopes?"

"Does Iris even count as a woman? She's more macho than Zane."

Sophia had no rebuttal.

When the call connected, she concisely explained the situation.

After a pause, Luna replied, "I'll try."

Their date was set at a five-star hotel's buffet.

They wrestled over paying—Shane won.

At the table, he silently peeled shrimp while she quietly shucked oysters.

"Mission tomorrow."

"Northwest the day after."

Their dialogue was terse as telegrams.

Nearby, a couple cooed sweet nothings, making Luna's skin crawl.

She fetched two ice cream cones.

Attempting to mimic romantic gestures, she couldn't bring herself to take a bite.

Shane simply handed his to her. "Both yours."

Clutching both cones, Luna found dating harder than combat drills.

After dinner, Natalie texted: Bro, haunted house! Last time I jumped straight into Alexander's arms!

Shane took the bait.

Darkness engulfed them inside.

"Stay close. I have night vision," Luna said.

A ghoul leaped out.

They stared blankly.

The specter slunk away, defeated.

Nearing the exit, Luna suddenly turned.

"Do you like me?"

Shane's ears burned. "Y-yes. You?"

"Wanted to protect you since our second meeting. Does that count?"

His chest warmed. "I should protect you."

"To protect me, you need the right to."

Shane fell silent.

Luna seized his hand, stood on tiptoe, and kissed him.

Electricity coursed through Shane's body, freezing him in place.

His heart hammered like thunder.