Tiana sighed. "Of course we're worried! What happened? How did you end up with a stomach perforation all of a sudden?" "It's nothing, I just had a bit too much to drink," Maria explained, her voice light but tired.

"That's my fault," Herman interjected, his face filled with concern as he looked at Maria. "I should've made sure you ate something." Tiana's eyes widened as she turned to her brother. "Wait, you were with her when she was drinking?"

"Yeah," Herman admitted.

Tiana immediately gave him a light punch on the arm. "Why didn't you stop her? Drinking on an empty stomach is dangerous!"

"It's my fault," Herman said quietly.

"Stop arguing, I'm fine now," Maria said, waving her hand weakly. "I'll be more careful next time."

Tiana crossed her arms. "I don't care. It's my brother's responsibility to take care of you until you're fully recovered. If not, I'll tell Mom and Dad that he's been mistreating girls!" Maria was taken aback. "That's really not necessary..."

Tiana shook her head. "It's settled."

She turned to Herman. "Don't you think that's the right thing to do?"

"It's only

Maria sighed in resignation.

Fine then.

had been silent all this time, finally spoke

steady, though his eyes still held a

covered.

gaze shifted to Maria, silently waiting for her response. She had called him when she was in pain didn't that mean she trusted him, that she wanted

the room, quietly said, "Let's go with Tiana's

flashing in his eyes. He hadn't expected that response, and the disappointment

for you to do here. You should head back-someone has to manage the studio." With that, she practically ushered Sidney out

about Maria's cold, indifferent attitude. What was she

him first, yet now refused his help. It didn't

Sidney chose not to dwell on it further and left

the room, Tiana gave her brother a series of exaggerated winks before turning to Maria. "Get

Maria smiled weakly. "Thanks."

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