Samantha stood frozen, staring at Ryan.

He continued explaining. "My superiors arranged for me to remain in Crestwood permanently. I won't be going overseas anymore. Though I might occasionally travel to the capital for headquarters meetings."

"That's wonderful. You'll be working close to home," Samantha replied with a soft smile.

"It's late, Ryan. You should get some rest," she said gently.

"...Alright," Ryan murmured, holding back what he truly wanted to say.

Samantha returned to her bed but found sleep elusive despite her exhaustion.

Even with her eyes closed, chaotic thoughts swirled through her mind, leaving her frustrated.

She ended up staring at the ceiling until dawn broke. Then she washed up and prepared for work as usual.

The rest of the family was already gathered at the dining table for breakfast.

Sydney Collins—the young woman Ryan had brought along—joined them, but Andrew was absent, as he typically slept until noon.

"I apologize for the misunderstanding earlier. I thought you were Ryan's girlfriend." Lindsay smiled warmly.

Secretly, she wished that were the case—while she supported Ryan's career, she also hoped he would start a family soon.

"I'd love that, but Ryan isn't interested. Don't worry though, ma'am—I'll do everything I can to win his heart," Sydney responded with equal brightness.

Having spent more time abroad than locally, she possessed an open-minded and straightforward nature.

"Really?" Lindsay's smile widened.

"Enough," Ryan interjected sternly. "You're only twenty-one. I'm too old for you."

"But I prefer older men," Sydney insisted stubbornly. Ryan simply shook his head, having no comeback.

Samantha sat quietly among them, eating her breakfast without comment.

After the meal, Lindsay pulled Samantha aside. "What did Andrew say last night?"

"He's resistant to the idea," Samantha admitted.

"That hopeless boy," Lindsay muttered under her breath. "They're both my sons, but he's nothing like his brother."

Samantha remained silent while Lindsay continued, "I'm sorry for the trouble, Samantha. I'll have a serious talk with Andrew about this."

"Okay." Samantha offered a faint smile. "I should head to work now."

Just as Samantha reached her car outside, Ryan suddenly appeared. "Mind if I catch a ride?"

Samantha noticed Sydney trailing behind him, grinning like an excited child.

"I want to explore Crestwood with Ryan," Sydney explained. "I've heard the city has developed beautifully—even rivaling some metropolitan areas abroad."

"Of course." Samantha nodded, taking the passenger seat while a chauffeur took the wheel, following Elise's advice.

Throughout the journey, Sydney chattered incessantly, though Samantha didn't find it bothersome.

She simply felt a pang of nostalgia for that carefree age when one could do anything without restraint.

The chauffeur first dropped them at an upscale mall in the city before taking Samantha to Saunderia.

Samantha worked through her usual routine, but during a break, she couldn't resist texting Elizabeth.