Athena let out a soft, humorless laugh—almost pitying the foolish girl she used to be. She shifted her wheelchair, ready to turn away, when Lewis's voice sounded behind her. “Athena.” He walked forward slowly, tall and imposing, stepping right into her path. Athena looked up at him, her eyes calm, detached—empty. "I know you regret it," Lewis said with full confidence, as if he knew her better than she knew herself. "You don't need to keep stirring up trouble. What I told you yesterday still stands. Move into the villa. Don't stay in that rundown place." With that, whatever faint trace of emotion Athena still held for him completely evaporated. That "rundown place" was her parents' house. Old or not, it was still her place to call home. Her safe haven. There was nothing left to say between them. "And if I refuse?" Athena asked, her voice unshaken. Lewis frowned, annoyed—like she was being unreasonable. He genuinely believed he'd already compromised. He inhaled sharply, looking like he was granting her another mercy. “Fine. If you won't move in, I'll crash at your place for two days a week." Athena stayed silent. Since she didn't agree, he took another step back. "Three days. That's the most I'll offer." His "final offer." As if she should be grateful. As if she didn't know her place. Athena almost burst out laughing at the sheer absurdity of it. Lewis really thought he could have it both ways—floating between two homes like some self-proclaimed king, showing up wherever he pleased, expecting both women to line up like concubines awaiting his favor?Unfortunately for him, she wasn't one of them. Her voice turned ice-cold. "Lewis, your arrogance is sickening. We're getting divorced. Go spend your time with Nina." Let him stay tangled up with Nina and their child—it was exactly where he belonged. "Lewis…" A soft, trembling voice came from behind him. Nina stepped out, eyes watery, face pale and fragile. Lewis immediately spun around. “Nina? Why'd you come out? Didn't I tell you to wait for me inside?" Athena's lips curved into a mocking little smile. She didn't waste another second and left. The moment Athena disappeared, Nina finally dropped the act. She had been terrified that Athena might win Lewis back. That was why she rushed out to check—and sure enough, Athena had been trying to claim Lewis's attention again.Nina wrapped her arms around Lewis's neck. "Lewis, now that your mom knows I'm back, will she try to come after me?" His brows tightened. "Don't worry. I'll protect you." Nina leaned in and kissed his cheek. She pouted pitifully. "It's all Athena's fault. She tattled. Otherwise, your mom would never have found out. I bet she still wants you back—she's just playing games so you'll chase after her first!" Lewis remembered Athena's cold attitude just moments ago. He scowled. "She can dream." Nina smiled quietly to herself. Lewis only used Athena. He would never love her. Later, after Lewis soothed Nina and went back to look for Athena, she was already gone. His expression hardened. She had actually said they should divorce.Ridiculous. As long as he disagreed, she would always remain his wife. ... Athena drove her motorized wheelchair slowly toward the gate, her mind drifting. For a moment, it had been satisfying—putting Lewis and Nina in their place. But the feeling faded quickly, leaving her hollow. It wasn't enough. Nothing she did could compare to the pain Lewis had caused her. "Athena." A clear voice snapped her back. She turned and saw Teri standing a few steps away, smiling brightly. Athena blinked. “Teri? What are you doing here?" "I live here with Dad!" the girl chirped. Athena remembered—this whole neighborhood was filled with sprawling mansions. The Storms and the Belmonts were on the same level. Teri ran toward her, eyes sparkling. "Athena, did you come to see me?" "Oh… not exactly…" Athena began, but she didn't finish. A tall figure stepped into view. Black dress pants. White shirt. Every line clean, sharp, expensive. The leather belt cinched his narrow waist, and his long legs carried him with effortless confidence. He radiated cool distance and quiet authority—like someone always out of reach. Zaden. He stopped in front of her. "Looking for Lewis?" he asked casually. Athena felt awkward—she didn't know how to answer. "Didn't go too well, did it?" Zaden added.Athena almost choked. Was he seriously gossiping? Did he enjoy watching her get pushed around by Lewis? Her expression chilled. She was about to excuse herself when Teri suddenly piped up: "Athena, do you know how to make crafts?" Athena looked at her, confused. "A little. Why?” Teri's little brows scrunched in worry. "We have a craft project at school. The teacher said we have to make it with our mom. But… I don't have a mom." The words dropped like a stone. Athena looked at Teri—small, fragile, head lowered. The sight tightened her chest. Teri was just a child. If the teacher required each kid to work with their mom, she couldn't let her dad cheat and do it.Seeing Athena here was probably the first time she'd felt hopeful. Athena lifted her gaze toward Zaden, her eyes full of silent blame— Isn't this something a father should already know? Zaden spoke, voice low. "Teri never told me." Teri looked back at Athena, eyes pleading and bright. "Athena, can you help me?" Athena nodded before she could think. “Sure.” Ten minutes later, Athena found herself inside Storm Villa. The place was so quiet it felt almost empty. No housekeepers, no cleaners—just Zaden and Teri living here. Zaden personally handed her a glass of water.He noticed her confusion and explained, "I let the staff go. I'm still looking for someone new to help with Teri." Athena thought of the times Teri had been sick—probably from allergies or sensitivities. Not uncommon in wealthy families. No wonder Zaden kept the house controlled. Athena didn't want to intrude into their personal matters, so she simply lifted the glass and took a sip. Soon, Teri rushed back in with little scissors and a stack of bright-colored paper. She spread them out across the table. "Athena, the teacher wants us to make a picture with these!" The project was simple—nothing challenging. Athena smiled. “Alright. I'll cut the pieces, and you glue them on. Sound good?" "Deal!" Teri beamed. Athena picked up the scissors—but then noticed Zaden watching her.She paused. "…Is something wrong?" Caught staring, Zaden didn't even look away. A faint smile tugged at his lips. "Nothing's wrong," he said calmly. "I just thought…" He paused for a moment, then added openly, “You're very patient with kids, Ms. Hall."