Today had already been a whirlwind for Yulia, and she had simply assumed Nathan’s impromptu visit was driven by

his notorious appetite for a free meal.

She hadn’t expected things to escalate so quickly. Or so dramatically.

She was utterly blindsided. Completely unprepared.

Though she and Nathan had laid their feelings bare the night before, Yulia had carefully skirted around the subject

of Anya.b2

Her fear was palpable—if something were to happen between her and Nathan, at least he wouldn’t be quick to hold

Anya back. Now, it seemed she was being cornered into acknowledging Anya’s parentage. It wasn’t paranoia if she

felt like she’d been set up today, was it?

But who could have masterminded such a scheme? Damon and Chloe? A glance at the pair revealed nothing amiss.

Nathan?

If he’d orchestrated this whole scenario, surely he’d have avoided the potential smackdown from his brother, right?

Or was it a conspiracy between Nathan, Damon, and Chloe? Shaking her head, Yulia doubted Nathan would go that

far.

Despite the suddenness of the situation, it seemed to be unfolding quite naturally, but the more natural it felt, the

more Yulia sensed something was off. Yet, without proof, she was stuck in her suspicions.

Her wary gaze lingered on Chloe, who was merely holding her phone with a casual smile. To suspect her of any

wrongdoing felt like a cardinal sin.

“This is a bit hard to explain,” admitted Yulia with a sheepish grin.

Chloe chuckled. “They don’t need an explanation. As long as they’re sure Anya is their beloved granddaughter,

that’s all that matters. As for whatever’s going on between you and Nathan, that’s between the two of you. They

don’t need to be involved.”

Yulia felt the sting of truth in Chloe’s words. Indeed, Nathan’s parents had never meddled in the younger

generation’s love lives. Whether it was Damon, Nathan, Chloe, or herself, none had faced scrutiny or judgment

from them.

Considering Damon and Chloe’s own journey, it was clear their parents were supportive. As long as Damon’s mind

was made up, they had no objections. On the contrary, they showered them all with love. It was rare to find such

understanding family.

a few seconds, Chloe seemed to understand her stance and dialed the

without further ado.

Nathan descended the stairs to find the living room silent, everyone

Anya, who clung to Damon’s leg with wide,

drew everyone’s attention. A single glance from

and keeping a safe distance, he shuffled over

unscathed, left Damon’s side and ran to him, hugging his legs and

said you were feeling

twitched in annoyance, shooting his brother a sardonic look. He never

such tales to

Anya into his arms, feigning injury. “The bleeding’s

a bit.”

gently on his nose. “There,

She didn’t

she looked up and asked softly, “Does

shook his head slightly, nuzzling Anya’s forehead with a gentle motion. “Just a little bit,” he

Anya offered, her hands cupping his face, her

face, the emotions swirling in his gaze as intense as a tempest roaring at

expression was not lost

watched with cold disdain, his look

The natural bond between a father and daughter could

hardest

walls she’d built around herself crumbling bit by bit. Her lips twitched

she’d been clenching in front

out of the corner of her eye, focused

wider.

patted Nathan’s cheek gently. He grinned weakly,

shiver ran down his spine,

something urgent.

business has been doing well these past few days,” Damon interjected

hesitated. “It’s personal. It’s really important

be here soon.” His brother’s tone was calm yet firm. “What personal

important than seeing them?”

he sought an excuse. But his brother’s piercing gaze

and Nathan’s resolve wilted. Defeated, he settled back down next to

clambered off Nathan and returned to Damon’s side. Ever

snuggle close.

eager to dote on Anya, then bent down and lifted Anya onto

halted by Damon, who gently pressed

glancing at Chloe.

with a wide grin, reaching out to caress

“My sister-in-law!”

to change how you address me,” Chloe said with a

now on, it’s

Anya blinked, “Aunt Chloe?”

Nathan, who had been silent, suddenly looked up at

and continued to smile at Anya, “Yes, that’s right. Call me

blinked again,

and turned

Damon

slightly off but utterly

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