"Yeah, Ethan's decent, but way too uptight. Still holding a grudge after all these years. If he ever needs Jason and Summer? Good luck."

Jason waltzed over, fake smile in place, pride flashing in his eyes. He raised his wine glass and stopped right in front of me.

"Ethan, don't let them get to you. I'm still your cousin. If you ever need anything, I'm here."

Summer let out a snort. "Seriously, grow up. Learn how to deal with people. Just look at you—total train wreck."

My parents were shaking with anger. I held them back, forcing a smile.

"You're right. Every word."

Then I guided them to a table and sat down.

The food started rolling out, and so did the toasts. Everyone kept pushing Summer to spill about her time overseas.

"There must be tons of musicians out there. Had to be tough standing out, huh?"

Summer leaned into Jason, kissed his cheek, then beamed.

"It was rough, but Jason always believed in me. Without him, I probably would've quit and ended up stuck in some tiny office forever."

"A perfect pair. You two just click!"

"Honestly, dumping Ethan for Jason was the smartest thing she ever did. Total glow-up."

They took turns hyping her up while throwing shade my way. To them, I was just the guy she ditched to level up.

Mom's eyes went red with fury. She leaned over and muttered, "She's just playing some violin. What's she even bragging about?"

I gave her a calm look. "Everything's gonna be fine when Lydia shows."

Just saying her name made my chest feel lighter.

Right now, though? Everyone was huddled around Summer, acting like this party wasn't even my parents' idea in the first place.

We kept our heads down and waited.

It wasn't until a server politely mentioned all the dishes were out that anyone even looked our way.

Summer glanced around the hotel, taking in the downtown vibe—gallery paintings on the walls, crystal chandeliers, and fancy guests scattered around like a magazine shoot.

She turned to me, smirking. "Wait... you booked this place? Does your salary even cover a single drink here? What is this, sketchy money from your law firm? Trying to flex or something?"

I didn't say a word. Just walked off to settle the bill.

On the way, Lydia Lambert called. Said she might be late and told me to keep things smooth with the relatives. We talked for a bit, then I headed back.

Right as I reached the door, Summer stepped in front of me.

She gave me a once-over, eyes dripping with judgment, then dropped a fat wad of cash at my feet.

"Stop pretending you've got money. Here—use this. Don't say I never helped you."

I pushed it back. "Keep it. I'm good. And this money—"

"Save it," she snapped. "You think I don't know what you make? I told you after the divorce—quit that dead-end job. It's hard, it's thankless, and the pay sucks. What's the point?"

I didn't say a word. Just walked into the private room.

Two steps in—ran straight into Jason.

"Ethan, let's get this straight. Stop hanging around Summer. She's my wife now. Don't think I don't see through this little dinner stunt. If your life's a mess, that's your problem. Quit using 'family' as an excuse to creep into ours. Cut the crap. You're only making us hate you more."

I raised a brow. No point arguing.

"Noted."

***

After Summer and Jason left, the spotlight finally swung to my family.

Uncle Tony jumped in first. "Kelly, Brian, this wasn't some big event—why host a family dinner outta nowhere?"

My parents shared a grin, then grabbed my hand. "Actually, we've got some good news. Thought we'd celebrate with everyone."

I was just about to spill it when the door flew open.

Jason stormed in, fuming.

"Ethan, did you smash Summer's violin? That thing's worth like 800 grand!"

Summer rushed in after him, clutching the wrecked violin, eyes blazing.

"I actually felt sorry for you and tried to help—and this is how you repay me? You trashed my violin at the front desk! How could you be such a jerk, Ethan?"

I looked at the thing. A few busted strings, some nasty scratches. It wasn't totaled, but it definitely wasn't looking concert-ready.

I stayed chill. "I never even touched it. If you've got time to throw shade, maybe use it to check the security cams and find out who actually did it."

I was wiped. Just wanted to drop the news and bounce.

But Jason kept pushing. "Summer and I always have security with us. The violin was left at the front desk. You're the only one who went out there. It had to be you."

The relatives freaked and jumped in.

"Ethan, you're the only one who left. Just apologize to Summer and Jason. We're family—they'll let it go."

"Yeah, come on! That thing's worth $800k! If they make you pay, you're screwed. Just say sorry and be done with it!"

Jason tilted his head, eyes ice cold. "Tell you what—kneel and apologize, and I'll cut you a deal. Just pay a hundred grand."

Summer chimed in fast.

"Say sorry the right way, and I'll forgive you. Otherwise, see you in court."

I shoved down the heat bubbling up, rubbed my temples.

"I already said it wasn't me. If you really think it was, go ahead—call the cops."

The arguing pulled in the hotel staff, but none of them stepped in.

Every server had gathered at the door—quiet, waiting.

Then a woman slid in, hugging me from behind.

With a calm, clear voice, she asked, "Babe, what's going on here?"