Keeping her gaze steady and unblinking, Kaelyn looked Andrew over from head to toe, studying the man she once trusted. He had rushed to shield Xenia without a second thought when it mattered most—and somehow turned everything around so she was painted as the unreasonable one, cold and harsh.

Her fingers curled tightly at her side before a soft, almost mocking laugh slipped past her lips.

She hissed back, "You know I've never liked her. And I'm the one who got hurt, so why should I play nice?"

A deeper crease formed between Andrew's brows, the tension in his expression sharpening as his irritation became impossible to hide.

A flicker of dry amusement crossed Kaelyn's eyes as she reached for the crutch resting beside her.

"If my words bother her that much, there's an easy solution." Leaning her weight against the crutch, she pushed herself upright, her soft waves spilling over her shoulders as they framed her composed, almost indifferent face—an effortless, dangerous kind of charm lingering in her posture. "Move out, Xenia. Dad's always been generous with you anyway. I'm sure he won't mind footing the bill."

Phillip had never hesitated to lavish money on Xenia, and ever since he brought her back into the family, he'd indulged her every whim without question.

Even Andrew had fallen right into line, orbiting around her as if drawn by the same pull.

Just as Andrew opened his mouth to respond, Xenia smoothly stepped forward, slipping herself between them with practiced ease, playing peacemaker.

"Kaelyn… this is really on me. If it weren't for me, Dr. Hudson wouldn't have been held up and delayed getting your steak. I'm sorry. Please don't be upset."

Her voice carried a careful gentleness, as though she'd rehearsed every word to sound considerate.

Yet the more considerate she appeared, the sharper Kaelyn's irritation burned, that delicate act only stoking the heat simmering beneath her calm.

"So you want me to forgive you? Here's your chance," Kaelyn said with a cold, mocking curl of her lips. "Since the cook's off tomorrow, why don't you make the meal yourself?"

"Kaelyn." Andrew's voice dropped, sharp with warning. "Don't push this too far."

"I really don't mind, Dr. Hudson," Xenia replied with a gentle smile, though the faint resentment in her eyes was impossible to miss. "I used to cook for myself all the time. It's okay—I'll make something for Kaelyn."

With Xenia putting it that way, Andrew had nothing more to say.

He shot Kaelyn a long, unreadable look before turning back to Xenia, his expression softening at once. "Get some rest tonight. I'll go with you to pick up groceries tomorrow morning, and I'll help you. I'm actually not half bad in the kitchen."

Around the crutch's handle, Kaelyn's fingers slowly tightened, a dull ache spreading through her chest.

Andrew actually knew how to cook?

That was surprising.

The next day, Kaelyn was heading downstairs when the sound of activity in the kitchen drew her in. She turned—and froze at what she saw.

Never once had she imagined that a man of his standing would step into a crowded, noisy market, then return home to tie on an apron and move about the kitchen with such practiced ease—like a devoted husband who had done it a hundred times before.

During their three years together, Andrew had always taken care of her with careful attention, yet his obsession with cleanliness meant he never once set foot in the kitchen himself.

So it wasn't that he lacked the ability. The truth was far simpler—and far colder. He just hadn't wanted to cook for her.

From a distance, Kaelyn stood watching the warm glow of the kitchen, her gaze lingering as conflicting emotions quietly tangled in her chest.

"Kaelyn… you're finally up." Noticing her, Xenia leaned lazily against the doorframe, a bright, almost sugary smile spreading across her face. "Go wash your hands and come down for lunch. Dr. Hudson made a whole spread—it smells incredible."

At the stove, Andrew moved with easy familiarity, sleeves rolled, the faint curl of steam rising around him. When he turned slightly, Kaelyn caught the soft curve of a smile lingering in his eyes.

Without looking away from the pan, he said, "Can you hand me the sea salt, Xenia?"

"Oh—right away!"

Springing into motion, Xenia opened the cabinet and reached up for it, her movements light and eager.

After a brief pause, Andrew's gaze flicked toward Kaelyn, the warmth fading almost instantly. His tone cooled as he said, "Did you wash up yet? If you have, come sit down and eat."

No reply came from Kaelyn. Leaning on her crutch, she moved forward in slow, measured steps, descending the stairs one careful step at a time.

Lately, her body clock had been a mess, and she hadn't dragged herself out of bed until noon.

In her mind, she could picture the whole cozy scene—those two heading out for breakfast, picking up groceries together, then coming home side by side to cook.

From the outside, they looked exactly like a happy couple.

Lowering her gaze, Kaelyn forced every bitter, tangled feeling back down.

By then, Andrew had already finished the last dish, while Xenia carried it to the table and showered him with bright, breathless praise.

Moving around busily, she set each plate in place, then looked at Kaelyn with eager eyes. "Kaelyn, can you stop being upset with us now?"

Before Kaelyn had the chance to say a word, Andrew's voice came from behind her. "It's been a whole night. I'm sure Kaelyn's not still upset. Come on, let's eat."

With that, he walked right past Kaelyn and sat down across from Xenia.

A flicker of caution crossed Xenia's face as her eyes moved between him and Kaelyn, her voice dropping to a tentative murmur. "Looks like… Kaelyn's still upset."

A faint, strained smile curved Kaelyn's lips as she replied coldly, "If you already know that, then try harder."

After that brief exchange, she fell silent, lifting her fork with steady, deliberate movements.

The food wasn't exactly appetizing—the tastes were all over the place, some sharp, some bland, and the uneven cuts betrayed a novice hand in the kitchen.

Without a word, Kaelyn continued eating, her expression composed, as soft conversation drifted between the other two.

Lowering her tone on purpose, Xenia spoke as though walking on thin ice, careful not to provoke. "Dr. Hudson, you're incredible. I only mentioned a couple of things I like, and you actually learned to cook them. Kaelyn's so lucky to have someone like you. I'm honestly happy for her… makes me wonder when I'll find my Mr. Right."

Warmth filled Andrew's eyes as he looked at her, his affection unmistakable.

Softening his tone, he murmured, "He'll show up soon enough."

A sharp clatter cut through the room. Kaelyn slammed her fork down against the plate, the sound crisp and jarring as she rose to her feet, a brittle laugh slipping past her lips. "Xenia, spare me the fake congratulations. Didn't he just go through all that trouble to prepare your favorite dishes? You look plenty satisfied already."

Turning slightly, she faced Andrew at her side, her eyes flickering with something raw and restrained. "And you..."

A sudden sting burned at the bridge of her nose, threatening to betray her, but she swallowed it down, forcing her expression back into cool indifference.

"Back when I asked you to cook, you acted like it was impossible—like I'd asked for the world. So what changed? Did you sneak off and take cooking lessons behind my back?"

"Kaelyn…" Xenia's voice wavered as tears spilled freely down her cheeks. "Please don't blame Dr. Hudson. This is all on me. I just said I missed home-cooked meals…"

A sharp laugh slipped from Kaelyn, cold and cutting. "Of course it's your fault. If not for you, how would this whole ridiculous, nauseating mess even exist?"

The truth struck her like a wave she couldn't escape—Andrew had only drawn close to her because of Xenia.

Each time that realization surfaced, a bitter sickness twisted in her stomach.

Squeezing her eyes shut, she swallowed the rising disgust, no longer willing to waste another word.

With a sudden scrape, she shoved her chair back and turned away, intent on heading upstairs.

Before she could reach the staircase, hurried footsteps closed in behind her. Xenia rushed up and caught her arm, fingers tightening as her voice broke. "Kaelyn… is it really… no matter what I do, you'll never accept me? Everything I try just ends up wrong, doesn't it?"

Without the slightest pause, Kaelyn turned her head and fixed Xenia with a cold, unwavering stare. "Yeah. Whatever you try, it just gets under my skin. Your whole existence feels like a mistake. You irritate me every single time you show up."

That glacial look cut straight through Xenia, leaving her visibly shaken.

A faint tremor caught in Xenia's breathing, her lashes lowering to hide the flicker of something dark and unreadable in her eyes.

A soft scoff slipped from Kaelyn's lips as she tilted her chin. "You're still holding on?" she mocked lightly.

"Kaelyn!" Clutching Kaelyn's wrist with both hands, Xenia shook her head frantically, her voice trembling. "My mom and I had nothing to do with what happened to your mother. We're sisters—why can't we just get along?"

Kaelyn's hands curled into fists.

Had Xenia lost her mind? Of all things, she dared to bring up her mother?

Pressure hammered behind Kaelyn's temples, a violent pulse building until it felt like something inside her might snap.

Her arm snapped upward before swinging hard, sending Xenia stumbling sideways until she crashed into Andrew, who had just come up behind them.

A dangerous glint cut through Andrew's eyes as they narrowed. "Kaelyn. Apologize. Now."

Poised at the top of the staircase, Kaelyn held herself with effortless elegance, the silky slip dress clinging to her figure and casting a dangerously alluring silhouette.

Something about her presence felt almost unreal—radiant, untouchable, and impossible to ignore.

Without blinking, her steady gaze locked onto Andrew and Xenia below. "So, you want an apology?"

Resting near her was a decorative pillar topped with a potted plant. With a sudden, decisive motion, she seized it and flung it straight at Andrew. "In your dreams!"

"Stop!"

A sharp cry cut through the air, followed by a heavy, sickening thud.

At the last possible second, Xenia threw herself in front of Andrew, taking the full impact as the pot slammed hard against her back.

Shock drained the color from Andrew's face, panic flaring unmistakably in his eyes. "Xenia!"

Raising his head toward Kaelyn, he fixed her with a savage glare, as if he could rip her apart on the spot.

Not a single word left his lips before he bent down, scooped Xenia into his arms, and rushed out with urgent strides.

From behind, Kaelyn caught his sharp command to the driver, his voice tight with fear. "Get in—now. We're going to the hospital."

A faint twitch pulled at Kaelyn's cheek as she slowly shut her eyes and let out a measured breath.

Deep down, she knew all too well—when it came to men, their attention always circled back to the one they truly cared about.

Well, since she had already made up her mind to end things with Andrew, none of this mattered anymore.

Drawing in a steadying breath, Kaelyn forced herself upright, walked upstairs to change, then headed out without looking back.

As one of the city's most upscale malls, Vanguard drew a steady stream of well-dressed shoppers—people with money and influence alike.

Up front, Erika rolled to a smooth stop in a black Mercedes G-Class, the engine humming low. Her sleek, cropped hair framed her face perfectly, while diamond studs at her ears caught and scattered the light.

With an easy flick, she slid off her sunglasses and angled her head toward Kaelyn.

A playful smile curved across her red lips as she called out, "Hey, gorgeous—need a ride?"

Instead of playing along, Kaelyn's expression stayed cool as she gestured to a nearby security guard. Turning back, she spoke flatly. "Get down here. I'm covering everything today."

At once, Erika's eyes brightened with interest as she swung out of the car.

Without missing a beat, she tossed the keys toward the guard, her tone turning teasing again as she faced Kaelyn. "Wow, someone's clearly not having a great day. What? Did Dr. Hudson reject you in bed again?"

Drawing in a slow breath, Kaelyn stayed silent, her lips pressed into a thin line.

How was she supposed to tell Erika the truth? That Andrew had never loved her—that the one he truly cared for was her half-sister? Especially when she'd been so sure just days ago that there was no way he didn't love her.

Noticing the shift in her face, Erika's playful demeanor faded. She studied her closely before asking with cautious concern, "Don't tell me you actually broke up with him?"

"Yeah."

A quiet laugh slipped from Erika's lips. "Wait—seriously? Is he actually impotent?"

With a bitter scoff, Kaelyn crossed her arms. "If only that were the worst of it."

Piece by piece, she laid everything out—the truth about Andrew and Xenia—until the story hung heavy in the air. Swearing under her breath again and again, Erika shook her head in stunned disbelief. "He's the Hudson heir—big name, big power. Of course he knows exactly how to play people. Still, you handled it well. Honestly? You should've hit him even harder for it."

Dropping her gaze, Kaelyn kept her face carefully blank, not letting a single emotion slip through.

"Come on, there are plenty of better men out there," Erika said with a breezy laugh. "Why waste another second thinking about him?"

Hooking an arm through hers, she tugged her forward with playful insistence. "We're finding you ten upgrades today. And we're paying with his card—call it compensation."

Earlier, Andrew had handed her a card without a second thought.

Back then, she'd assumed he didn't earn much, which was why she never felt right using his money.

Only after uncovering his real identity—and quietly confirming it—did she realize the supplementary card came with no spending limit at all.

Considering how long he'd used her, she figured taking a piece of his wealth in return was only fair.

Kaelyn and Erika swept through the mall in a whirlwind, drifting from one high-end boutique to the next as they selected whatever caught their eye. Each purchase required nothing more than a casual swipe of the card, the staff promising to deliver everything straight to their doors.

Exhaustion eventually set in, and they retreated into a café to rest.

Slouched deep in her chair, Kaelyn tilted her head back, her unfocused eyes lingering on the ceiling as if lost somewhere far away.

"Hey," Erika called, extending her foot to lightly tap Kaelyn's ankle, her tone probing. "What are you going to do next? Are you seriously planning to go confront Andrew?"

"No."

"Then what's your plan?"

"I'm getting married."

"What?" A flash of disbelief snapped across Erika's face as she jerked upright. "What did you just say?"

Remaining perfectly still, Kaelyn looked almost eerily composed. "When my grandfather was still alive, he had a close friend. Back then, they made an agreement—a marriage between our families. After my grandfather passed away, no one brought it up again. But they got in touch with me recently. It's because…"

"Because of what, exactly?"

"Because the grandson of my grandfather's friend has lost his sight."

A flicker of unease crossed Erika's face, her brows knitting together. "Lost his sight? So they're struggling to find him a wife, and suddenly they remembered this old engagement?"

"That's right."

"Your family has two daughters. Why does it have to be you?"

"Do you really think my father would ever let Xenia marry someone who can't see?"

The answer hung unspoken between them. Of course he wouldn't.

If he had any intention of marrying Xenia off, he wouldn't have dragged his feet and dodged the arrangement for so long.

"What a scumbag…" Erika finally muttered under her breath, her lips curling with quiet disgust. It was unclear who exactly she was condemning.

Silence settled over Kaelyn as she said nothing more, her gaze drifting upward, the mottled ceiling reflected in her eyes.

With the last sip of coffee, their mood for shopping quietly disappeared.

After a meal together, they drifted off on their own paths.

Reaching the entrance of Reynolds Manor, Kaelyn's eyes immediately caught the car parked in the driveway—it belonged to Phillip.

For a brief second, she stilled, then pushed the door open with steady hands.

Inside, a heavy tension hung in the living room like a storm waiting to break. Still dressed in his suit, Phillip sat rigidly on the sofa, not even bothering to change, his posture sharp with restrained anger.

The instant he saw Kaelyn walk in, his heavy stare shifted toward the seat across from him. "Kaelyn, come here and take a seat."

Without a word, Kaelyn strolled over and lowered herself onto the sofa, then crossed one leg over the other. "What's up?"

Irritation flickered across Phillip's face as his gaze swept over the mountain of glossy shopping bags beside her, and he finally snapped, "Take a look at yourself… your sister's still lying in a hospital bed, and you're out shopping like nothing happened? Do you have any conscience at all?"

Without the slightest hesitation, Kaelyn shook her head, her lips curving faintly. "No, I don't."

After a beat, she lifted her eyes and added, "So tell me… is she dead?"

Rage surged through Phillip in an instant. His palm crashed against the tabletop with a sharp crack, making the cups rattle. "What kind of nonsense is that? She's your sister!"

A cold laugh slipped from Kaelyn's lips as she leaned back. "My mother only ever gave birth to me. I don't recall having any sister."

"You!" Color flooded Phillip's face, his raised hand trembling in midair as if he might strike her at any second, barely holding himself back. "Kaelyn, listen carefully. This is the last warning you'll ever get. If you lay a finger on Xenia again, you're out of this house. Do you understand me?"

In truth, she would be leaving soon anyway.

Reading the tight lines around his mouth, she could tell the Murray family hadn't reached out yet.

It was better to keep him in the dark—let him and Andrew cling to the illusion that they still had a way to save Xenia.

It would be a spectacle when their carefully plotted schemes unraveled into nothing in the end.

"Is there anything else?" Lifting her eyes to meet his, Kaelyn's gaze remained utterly calm, stripped of any warmth. "If you're done, I'm going upstairs. I'm exhausted."

A sharper rebuke rose to Phillip's lips, yet he swallowed it down, fully aware that neither reason nor authority had ever managed to bend Kaelyn's will.

Clearing his throat twice, he shifted in his seat, a flicker of unease passing through his eyes. "Well… the company's been struggling lately. I may need your mother's firm to step in and help. I'll have my assistant send over a document for you to sign."

Concerned she might refuse outright, he hurried to reassure her, softening his tone. "You don't need to worry. I won't let you take any losses. We're family—what belongs to you will always be yours."

A faint, almost inscrutable smile curved at Kaelyn's lips as she gave a small, compliant nod. "Of course, Dad… You're absolutely right. Still, you've been pushing yourself so hard these days—it's painful to watch. I'll take care of this for you and lighten your load."

Caught completely off guard, Phillip blinked, unable to tell whether her sudden willingness came from sincerity or some hidden motive.