Tammy’s POV After Raelynn left, I looked at Brandon’s face, my heart full of disappointment. Still, he was my cousin. I sighed and said, “I really don’t understand. Why would you do something like this? If you needed money, why didn’t you just ask me? Why borrow it from someone else?” Brandon kept his head down, his face flushed red. “How could I ask you? What kind of man borrows money from the girl he likes… from his sister?” "Likes?" That word hit me hard. I stiffened. "You don’t mean… Brandon, you’re my cousin!" He clenched his jaw. “I’m not your cousin. Your real cousin died at birth. I’m the kid your father adopted from the orphanage.” I froze in shock. “Even so, I’m still your cousin in name. We’re family, Brandon.” “And why can’t I have your love? Just because I’m your so-called cousin? I don’t accept that. I partnered with Lawson Corp not just for money, but to force you out of the entertainment industry. You’re famous now, too many people are watching you… Adrian’s one of them. I could never compete. But if you left the spotlight, then maybe… maybe I’d have a chance. Tammy, I love you…” As Brandon spoke, his expression twisted into something unhinged. Alarm bells rang in my head. I reached for my phone and blindly dialed a quick-access contact. “Tammy, you can only belong to me. I’ve watched you grow up—you’ve always been mine!” Suddenly, Brandon lunged at me, trying to tear at my clothes. “Tammy, you’re an adult now… you can finally be mine…” His grip was strong. I couldn’t break free—so I bit down on his wrist as hard as I could. “Ah—!” He cried out in pain and let go. I kicked him and bolted for the door in panic. He chased after me, close on my heels. Just as he reached for my wrist, a foot flew in out of nowhere and slammed into his chest. Brandon flew backward, crashing to the ground. I spun around and saw—Adrian, holding his phone. My name was still on the screen.He must’ve answered the call I made. I burst into tears. “Adrian… I was so scared…” “Don’t be. I’m here now.” Adrian gently stroked my hair, then glared at Brandon, still groaning on the floor. “You’re a damn monster.” Brandon sneered, “Monster? Adrian, at least I have the guts to say I love Tammy. You? You can’t even admit it. That makes you worse—a coward.” Adrian scooped me up in his arms without looking back. “So what?” His sheer dominance made my heart pound. I buried my face in his chest, too embarrassed to meet his gaze. “I’m taking you home,” he said, and carried me away. Raelynn’s POV Aiden and I returned to the office. With the design director position now vacant, Aiden proposed a new plan—promote the most outstanding newcomer from the intern pool. It’d be a great way to bring in fresh talent for Eclipse Corporation. I agreed, and we immediately began interviews that same day. As expected for a top-tier company, countless applicants showed up. One after another, we interviewed young designers from all over. “Next—last candidate, please.” The moment the final girl walked in, Aiden’s expression changed. I raised an eyebrow and turned to look at her. She was smiling sweetly, with the soft, innocent charm of a first love. Her eyes curved into crescents as she gazed at Aiden, not looking away for even a second. My stomach dropped. The resemblance… It was unmistakable. Aiden’s first love—Geraldine.That was the kind of aura she had. She even looked a little like that girl I saw during the last round of interviews. The girl opened her mouth to speak, and I saw Aiden shift. His composure slipped slightly, his energy suddenly unsteady. “Aiden, what’s wrong?” I asked. He shook his head lightly. “Nothing.” But his hands kept fidgeting with the documents in front of him, clearly distracted. I flipped through the candidate’s resume—and froze. Awards, accomplishments… and her name: Geraldine. My chest tightened. I could barely breathe. What were the odds? The same style, same charm, and now even the same name—off by just one letter. I glanced at Aiden. “What do you think of her?” His face gave nothing away. He nodded steadily. “She’s got design credentials and international awards. Compared to the rest, she’s clearly the best. I think we should offer her the position.” He wasn’t wrong, but my chest still ached faintly. “Don’t you think it’s too early? Maybe we should let her intern a bit first before handing her such a key role.” Aiden frowned. “Didn’t we agree to choose someone from the intern pool?” “Yes,” I replied evenly, “but at the very least, she should go through our onboarding process. If word gets out we made her a director on day one, it could cause internal friction.” Seeing the logic in what I said, Aiden didn’t push back. He waved over the assistant to escort the candidates out. According to Eclipse Corporation protocol, senior executives would personally mentor the incoming interns. And wouldn’t you know it—Geraldine was assigned to me.