Dinner concluded, and Nathan departed swiftly with Andrew and Ethan.

This was his customary birthday tradition—morning hours dedicated to family, evenings reserved for friends.

They were nearly out the Davis Villa gates when Yulia intercepted them.

"Nathan," Yulia declared. "Take Cora with you."

"My night will be ruined if she tags along," Nathan protested, frustration evident.

"She'll blend right in. Let her join the celebration."

"But it's a guys' night..."

"Precisely why I want Cora to supervise," Yulia stated firmly. "She's your responsibility tonight."

"Why me?" Nathan fumed. "Ethan's practically her uncle. He should watch her."

Ethan shot Nathan an unimpressed look—his friend was clearly dodging duties.

"I don't care about specifics. Just ensure her safety. Nancy and I have poker plans. If anything happens to her, you'll answer to me," Yulia threatened.

She thrust Cora toward them without awaiting further objections, then disappeared inside.

The four stood in awkward silence after her departure.

Cora kept her gaze lowered, shoulders slightly hunched, radiating nervous energy.

Nathan sighed in resignation.

Just as he prepared to concede, Ethan interjected, "Nathan, Andrew—go ahead. I'll drive Cora."

Nathan's eyes widened in comprehension.

Years of friendship had forged unspoken understanding between them.

He recognized Ethan's intention to escort Cora home immediately.

Nathan playfully punched Ethan's shoulder, a grin spreading across his face.

"Don't take too long."

"Won't."

Nathan and Andrew departed first.

Ethan turned to Cora. "Let's go."

"Okay."

The car interior felt oppressively silent during their drive. Cora opened her mouth several times, but words failed her.

"I'm taking you home," Ethan stated abruptly. "Our activities aren't suitable for you."

Disappointment shadowed Cora's features. She bit her lower lip. "Uncle Ethan... do you despise me?"

Ethan's knuckles whitened around the steering wheel.

"I witnessed your injuries for Elizabeth's sake. You even left the Levine family because of her..."

"No, I don't hate you," Ethan cut in coldly.

"Do you believe I shouldn't have returned to the Levine family?"

"You're Nancy's daughter. The Levine family is your birthright."

"Yet you make me feel like I'm stealing Elizabeth's life," Cora whispered mournfully. "If I had choices, I wouldn't want to replace anyone. I just want to belong somewhere permanently. The memories of my adoptive family still haunt me..."

"No explanations necessary." Ethan's grip tightened further.

Cora still trembled recalling that household, while Elizabeth now endured its horrors.

"I hold no authority in the Levine family. My opinions are irrelevant. There's no need to seek my approval." Ethan's tone remained detached.

Cora's teeth sank deeper into her lip. His resistance toward her was unmistakable.

Silence reclaimed the vehicle until Cora gathered her courage. "Could you pull over please?"

Ethan frowned but complied, steering the car to the roadside.

"I'd like to buy an apple pie," Cora murmured. "When I was little and poor, my greatest joy was when my foster mother brought home leftover apple pie after her night shifts."

Ethan initially planned to wait in the car.

His gaze drifted toward the shopfront. This was the same establishment where Elizabeth had once purchased midnight desserts.

He remembered her venturing out during freezing winter nights for this specific treat, and he'd always wondered about its appeal.

"I'll just get it to go..." Cora worried about inconveniencing him.

"I'll join you," Ethan surprised them both by offering. Cora blinked, stunned by his unexpected generosity.