The night was ink-black as a convoy of black sedans snaked along the winding country road, their headlights slicing through the darkness.

The motorcade split at the fork. Victor Sullivan escorted Audrey Sullivan back to their apartment, while another group headed north toward the city outskirts.

As they passed Moon Bay, Ethan Sullivan rolled down his window. "Go home first. I need to check on the situation. Luna left in such a hurry—I'm worried there might be conflict."

Sophia Laurent nodded. "Go ahead."

He leaned over to press a kiss to her forehead. "So understanding."

When his fingers lingered at her waist, Sophia gently swatted them away. "Our brother rarely opens his heart to anyone. We should help if we can."

"He's stubborn and sensitive. If the Valentines object, this will get complicated."

Sophia couldn't suppress a laugh. "And you're one to talk?"

Ethan cleared his throat. "I handled things better than he would."

She chose not to remind him how he'd nursed a misunderstanding for four years before finally speaking up—now acting like some romance expert.

The convoy halted at Moon Bay.

After watching bodyguards escort Sophia inside, Ethan continued following Shane Prescott's car.

At the Valentine residence gate, Vincent Valentine stood with hands clasped behind his back, his expression stormy.

Seeing his daughter step out, he glared at Shane. "My daughter won't marry you. Abandon this fantasy now."

Luna Valentine frowned. "That's not what Mom said on the phone."

"What do you know?" Vincent lowered his voice. "After years of dating, guess who gets left with nothing?"

"I know what I'm doing."

Vincent scoffed. "A tomb raider? Worthy of you?"

"His knife skills are unmatched. He's brilliant with antiquities, reliable, and..." Luna hesitated, "...kind of adorable."

Shane's six-foot-three frame and sharply angled face radiated defiance—Vincent failed to see anything adorable.

"I'll treat Luna well," Shane said quietly.

Vincent smirked. "Could an archaeologist's salary even afford a closet in this city?"

Shane relaxed slightly. "I own a place in Moon Bay."

Vincent's pupils contracted. That neighborhood's land value was astronomical—a villa there cost over a hundred million.

"Where'd the money come from? Stolen artifacts must be surrendered!"

"It was a gift."

"From whom?"

Shane pressed his lips together.

Ethan stepped out of his car. "Mr. Valentine, love shouldn't be measured by utility."

Recognizing him, Vincent immediately smiled. "Mr. Sullivan! We parents must consider our children's futures."

"Shane is more capable than you think," Ethan said mildly. "Take the long view."

Vincent muttered internally—aside from looks and combat skills, what exactly qualified this punk for his daughter?

That villa was probably dirty money.

Luna tugged her father toward the house, waving back at Shane.

Long after they disappeared inside, Shane remained rooted in place.

Ethan clasped his shoulder. "Sophia and I had it worse. This is nothing."

Returning to Moon Bay, Ethan offered, "Stay with us tonight."

"Not worried I'll steal your position?"

Ethan chuckled. "If you want it, I'll hand everything over right now."

Shane's chest tightened.

In the guest room, Shane slid his throwing knife beneath the pillow.

Tossing restlessly, Vincent's contemptuous gaze and Ethan's respectful demeanor alternated in his mind.

His mouth twisted wryly.

Near dawn, footsteps sounded outside.

Shane snapped awake, blade in hand. "Who's there?"