Lewis brought Nina to one of his villas. The instant she stepped inside, her whole face lit up. She spun around, taking in the polished floors and the high-end decoration, her voice full of delight. "Lewis, this place is gorgeous!" Lewis slid a hand into his pocket, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "From now on, this will be our home." Nina rushed over and pressed a kiss to his cheek. The warmth of her lips startled him—and for one ridiculous second, he thought of Athena. She had always been quiet, restrained, distant… never the type to initiate anything, let alone kiss him with open affection like this. Realizing his thoughts had drifted to her, Lewis let out a dry smirk. Why the hell would she cross my mind now? "Lewis!" Nina tapped his arm. "What are you spacing out for? Did you even hear me?" “What?”"I said, to celebrate our move, I want Cajun boil for dinner tonight!" Lewis paused. Athena used to forbid him and Dion from touching spicy food. She'd claim it would hurt his stomach, then force herbal soups on him instead. He'd hated the taste, but drank them anyway. And come to think of it… his stomach problems hadn't come back for years. Maybe she exaggerated those warnings. Maybe she'd just wanted to play the caring, controlling wife. Lewis smiled gently at Nina. "Whatever you want to eat, we'll eat." Dion piped up immediately, trying to sound grown. "I want it too! If Nina likes spicy food, I want to learn to like it too!" Nina laughed, warmed by the attention from both father and son. "Alright, but don't come crying when your tongue burns." "I won't! I'm a man!" Dion declared proudly. … Meanwhile, Kit drove Athena to the apartment under her name—a small place her father had left her. It wasn't huge, but the location was great. After marrying Lewis, she moved out. She never rented it out; the place held too many memories of her parents. It was the only thing they left behind. As she was getting out of the car, Kit peeked at her through the rearview mirror, grinning. “Ms. Athena, feeling down because of the divorce? How about I take you out to eat tonight?" Athena paused, then corrected him flatly, "No. I'm in a fantastic mood. Leaving a jerk feels amazing. But I will need your help cleaning." They climbed the old five-story building together—no elevator, just narrow stairs. Years ago, Athena had replaced the lock with a fingerprint system, so she could still get inside despite losing everything else. Dust blanketed every surface. She had just opened her mouth to speak when her phone buzzed. An unfamiliar number. Frowning, she answered silently. A deep, magnetic voice flowed through the speaker. “Athena?”"You are…?" Something about his voice tugged at her memory. Familiar, steady, low. "Where are you?" he asked. "You're Zaden!" Her brows dipped. "What do you want?" How did he even get my number? A soft, controlled breath came through the line. Then, calmly: "Teri had another episode. The family doctor couldn't help her this time. You treated her before—could you look at her again? Since your leg is injured, we'll come to you." She remembered how he'd noticed her cast earlier. Instead of summoning her over, he offered to bring his daughter to her door. That alone left a surprisingly good impression. She thought of the fragile girl at the hospital—and her heart softened. Years ago, she'd lost her own daughter, taken from this world too soon—before she ever had the chance to see it. Maybe that was why she felt an instinctive tenderness toward Zaden's little girl. She couldn't refuse. "…Alright," Athena said quietly. "Come over." She gave him the address and hung up. Kit stared at her in shock. “Ms. Athena, is this your new guy? Zaden… that name sounds familiar." Athena flicked him on the forehead. "Don't be ridiculous. Just a patient." Thirty minutes later, Zaden showed up carrying his tiny daughter. Athena had already prepared a makeshift bed. Teri lay on it, pale and sweating, small whimpers slipping out of her. The sight hit Athena hard—Dion used to look exactly like this. She'd nursed him through countless episodes. Every time he cried or threw a tantrum, she held him steady… while Lewis stood on the side, frustrated and impatient, accusing her of torturing the boy or pestering her about when Dion would finally recover.Zaden stood at the bedside, tall and sharply built—long legs, broad shoulders, a trim waist. His presence filled the small room instantly. "She felt sick after dinner," he said. "The family doctor checked her—it's the same issue." Helplessness edged his voice. Over the years, he had sought the best doctors, but none helped. Athena was the only one who brought relief so quickly. "Alright, let me look." Athena calmed Teri and began the treatment. Ten minutes later, the symptoms eased. Soon, Teri relaxed completely. Her big dark eyes blinked open, staring at Athena with quiet curiosity. Not a single complaint, not a single tear. Such a sweet child. "Your name's Teri, right? Don't be scared—all better now." Teri nodded timidly. Athena grabbed her crutch and slowly stood. "Normally, after one episode, she shouldn't relapse so soon. She must've eaten something that triggered her allergy." Zaden's expression darkened. He dialed immediately. "Check tonight's dinner." When the call ended, the room fell silent. “Mr. Storm, you can go—" Growl. Her stomach betrayed her with an unmistakable, hungry roar. Athena froze. Heat crawled up her neck. She wished she could disappear into the floor. Of all possible moments… She hadn't eaten all day. She'd cooked earlier, waiting for Lewis and Dion… only for everything to fall apart. Then the hospital. No wonder she was starving. Zaden let out a low chuckle. “Ms. Hall," he said, voice gentle, "sorry for taking so much of your time tonight." "It's fine." She forced composure.If they left now, she could still cook a quick bowl of pasta. But Zaden didn't move. Her head was spinning with hunger. Finally, she gave up on pretending. “Mr. Storm, I haven't eaten all night. I'm afraid I can't entertain you—" "I already ordered food." He settled onto her couch, long legs crossed casually. "Hope you don't mind the liberty." Athena stared at him, speechless. You already did it—what can I possibly say? … Meanwhile, at the villa, Lewis, Nina, and Dion were tearing into a Cajun seafood boil. Dion, desperate to impress Nina, stuffed his mouth until his face flushed red and his lips went numb. Still, he forced a brave grin, insisting the spice didn't bother him. With Nina cheering him on, Lewis ate more than he should've too. After dinner, Lewis leaned back on the sofa, closed his eyes—and a sharp, familiar pain twisted in his stomach.His vision darkened. His stomach problem was back.