Vincent Valentine was left speechless.

He took a long moment to compose himself before speaking. "Why are you so stubborn? You're just as much a Sullivan as he is. What makes you inferior? Why should you step aside for him?"

A cold smirk tugged at Shane Prescott's lips. "If it weren't for Ethan's financial support and connections, my adoptive father would have died in Myanmar. If he hadn't worked tirelessly to recover those artifacts for me, I'd still be in prison. After everything he's done for me, you expect me to seize power while he's ill? I won't stoop to such despicable behavior."

Vincent heaved a sigh. "You're too damn honorable!"

The call ended abruptly.

Listening to the dial tone, Vincent grew increasingly agitated.

Who exactly had the boy been calling an animal?

Himself? Or me?

Vincent stomped his foot in frustration.

His well-intentioned advice had been thrown back in his face!

The ancients said every man for himself, but this fool was obsessed with protecting his brother!

He'd never met anyone so stubborn.

Pacing furiously around his study, Vincent suddenly stopped and headed downstairs.

In the living room, Luna Valentine was packing her suitcase.

"Business trip tomorrow?" Vincent asked.

Luna paused mid-motion. "Yes. To Hunan."

"What's the mission?"

"Reports of supernatural activity. We're being sent to investigate."

Vincent narrowed his eyes. "Does Shane know?"

"I told him this morning."

"He didn't ask to see you?"

A shadow crossed Luna's eyes. "He's been swamped since joining the company. We barely see each other anymore."

Vincent wrung his hands anxiously. "Then you go to him! If the man won't make the first move, you have to!"

Luna took a deep breath. "Everything was fine until you interfered."

Vincent smacked his forehead. "I'm trying to help him! How much money can archaeology bring in? Dealing with corpses all day is terrible for his health. The corporate world is far more comfortable."

"I respect his choices."

Vincent waved impatiently. "Go see him now! Don't let someone else snatch up such a golden opportunity!"

Luna turned and walked into the kitchen.

Tying on an apron, she began baking Shane's favorite durian cake.

Once it was done, she carefully packaged it.

His phone went unanswered when she tried calling before leaving.

The office wasn't an option, so she drove directly to Moon Bay.

As night fell, warm gusts of wind brushed her face.

Sitting in her car, Luna watched the neon lights flicker outside, her heart heavy.

Before knowing Shane's true identity, their love had been pure and passionate.

Those had been beautiful days.

The more her parents objected, the deeper their bond grew.

Now that her family approved, everything felt tainted.

After twenty minutes of waiting, her phone rang.

"Was in a meeting," Shane's voice carried exhaustion.

"I made durian cake. Not sure how to get it to you."

"Where are you?"

"Outside your place."

"The code's my birthday. Go inside and wait. I'll be there in half an hour."

Luna carried the cake inside.

She stored it in the refrigerator before stepping onto the balcony for air.

Across the river, lights twinkled like a galaxy.

Vincent's video call came soon after.

"Show me his place."

Luna reluctantly panned the camera around.

"This balcony is bigger than our living room!" Vincent marveled. "You must hold onto him! Rich young men have tempers—be more accommodating."

She hung up immediately.

Thirty minutes later, the lock clicked.

Shane walked in loosening his tie, weariness etched between his brows.

"Rough day?" Luna approached.

He collapsed onto the sofa. "Dealing with those old foxes is more exhausting than tomb raiding. All smiles hiding daggers—not a word of truth."

"If you're unhappy, don't do it."

"Ethan's not fully recovered. I have to help."

Luna handed him water. "You two are really close."

"He's been good to me. I owe him." Their fingers brushed as he took the glass.

Standing behind him, Luna began massaging his shoulders.

"Where'd you learn this?" Shane closed his eyes.

"My grandmother taught me as a child." Her fingers worked with practiced strength.

Suddenly, Shane grabbed her hands.

He wanted to kiss her, but Vincent's ambitions flashed through his mind.

If that old fox gained power, who knew what chaos he'd unleash?

Shane released her. "It's late. I'll take you home."

Luna's expression darkened.

They used to cling to each other—now he couldn't wait to send her away.

"Don't want me anymore?" She met his gaze directly. "Just say it. I won't cling."

His chest ached. "That's not it."

"Then what?"

"Your father's reach extends too far." His voice turned grave. "Marriage isn't just between two people."

Silence stretched between them.

Luna stood. "The cake's in the fridge. Let it sit before eating."

At the door, strong arms encircled her.

Shane's breath warmed her ear. "Luna, you're the only one who's ever moved my heart. That hasn't changed."

"And in the future?" Her voice trembled.