Cassian chuckled and coaxed, "You're the best." Then he glanced at Theodore, who was following not far behind. "And what's this about being my aunt?" Natalie flicked a glance at the blond. "Just messing with that fool." Seeing Theodore come closer, she smoothly changed the subject. "You done with your errands?" Cassian nodded. "Yeah, more or less." He looked past her at the villa. "How's the place? You like it?" Natalie said, "Mm. Looks like it's been vacant for a long time. Most of the furniture's still new and ready to use right away." Behind them, Theodore had his ears pricked, eavesdropping shamelessly. He could not help blurting, "Cassian, your aunt's brutal. Just moved in and already killed two people." At that, Cassian's eyes shot straight to Natalie in concern. "Are you okay?" Natalie shook her head. "I'm fine." Theodore was dumbfounded. "I mean, come on. She killed them. How could she not be fine?" Cassian shot him a cold look. "I was worried she might've worn herself out. What, is that a problem?" Theodore choked on his words. Cassian turned back to Natalie. "Who gave you trouble?" Natalie replied, "Isabelle and her daughter." Cassian thought a moment. "Don't recall them."Natalie added, "They lived next door to the Ashfords." Cassian nodded, then asked, "What'd they do?" Natalie shrugged. "Nothing much. They tried to kick me out, so I handled it." Cassian did not press further. He turned on Theodore, frowning. "Why are you still standing here?" Hands in pockets, Theodore muttered, "I was bored at home, so I came out for some air." Cassian replied, "Then breathe all you want." With that, he led Natalie inside. Theodore stood there, not knowing what to say. "What, neither of you gonna invite me in?" His only reply was the door slamming shut in his face. Theodore was speechless. He tilted his head back at the blazing sun. After running earlier and now standing around under the heat, he was drenched in sweat. His shirt clung uncomfortably to his back. When had he ever suffered like this? He glanced once more at the tightly closed villa door, then sulked off, ready to head home for a shower. Still, he grumbled to himself the whole way. This Natalie—vicious hands, poisonous words, and lies that rolled off her tongue without blinking. Aunt? Please. He had seen clearly just now: those two were obviously a couple. The way they looked at each other was practically dripping with sugar.He had never, in his life, seen Cassian act that sickeningly soft. The stench of love was unbearable! Theodore shuffled to his own gate. Just then, the villa door behind him creaked open again. He spun around in delight. "What, changed your mind, gonna let me ... " It was Cassian. Expressionless, he said, "Forgot to close the courtyard gate." He strode up, gave Theodore a shove, shut the gate tight, and went back inside. Theodore gasped. "Damn it, Cassian! Dating turned you arrogant!" Inside. Cassian pulled Natalie close, murmuring, "Auntie." She eyed his half-smile suspiciously. "What are you up to?" "Nothing. Just feels like you're playing a brand-new kind of game." Natalie's ears went a little red. She shoved him away. "Clear your head of that nonsense! Go do some work. The place isn't all set yet!" Cassian did not move. "What's the reward?" Natalie raised a brow. "You want a reward just for working? If you don't want to work, go back to your own house." Cassian thought for a moment. "Fine, no reward. Just give me some motivation." Natalie narrowed her eyes. "And what kind of motivation?" Cassian pointed to his cheek.Natalie snorted. "Just be honest with your intentions. Don't dress it up as ‘rewards' or ‘motivation.'" He was about to tease her again when Natalie suddenly stood on tiptoe, hooked an arm around his neck, yanked him down, and planted a heavy kiss on his cheek. It was loud. "Smack!" Loud enough to send the three little ones upstairs tumbling down to see what happened. Cassian, for once, looked a bit embarrassed. After a pause, he cleared his throat. "That was pretty strong." Natalie chuckled. "So, you motivated now?" Cassian pressed his lips together. "Fired up." Natalie laughed. "Good. I moved house and painted walls today, so I'm wiped out. Sorting supplies and cooking? All yours." Cassian glanced around. The house was already clean, and the supplies were stacked up everywhere, just waiting to be organized. He led her to the couch. "Sit here. Take a break and put on a show. Leave the rest to me." Natalie hummed her agreement and sat down. However, instead of watching anything, she simply leaned back and rested her eyes. Cassian placed a few snack packs beside her so she would not get bored, then busied himself. Baron and Cash curled obediently at Natalie's side. Only Lucky, unusually excited, trailed Cassian eagerly as he worked.