Joah went still for a moment, then gave a slow nod. “Andrix, that car accident all those years ago—it wasn’t Mr. Robin’s fault. It was mine. I was running from debt collectors, and he had no choice but to come after us. Everything that happened… that’s on me. I let you down. I let Mr. Robin down.” “And what difference does that make? He still chased you to your deaths, didn’t he?” Andrix’s voice was like ice, sharp and bitter. At that, Joah’s tone hardened. “Andrix, you need to learn gratitude! Mr. Robin raised you all these years—gave you good food, good clothes, the best education—and even helped you become the director of the hospital. And you… you’re this ungrateful?” Andrix let out a hollow, humorless laugh. “You think saying that will make me forgive them? How laughable. My hatred isn’t just because they killed you; it’s for every slight, every humiliation I’ve endured since I was a kid. Everything that was taken from me—I’ll get it all back.” I couldn’t help the frown that creased my brow. “Andrix, what exactly do you think you’ve suffered?” He sneered, cold and sharp. “Say whatever you want; I will never forgive the Salvatore family.” Then his gaze swung back to Joah, filled with venom. “And I will never forgive you, either.” With that, Andrix shoved the door shut and stormed off. Joah collapsed onto the floor, his face ashen. “It’s my fault. It’s all my fault. Everything he’s become… it’s because of me…” I hurried over, helping him to his feet. “Mr. Joah, please don’t dwell on it. I told you before—Andrix has been twisted in his thinking since he was young. It’s not your fault you can’t reason with him.” Joah let out a long, weary sigh. “Then I’ll wait for another chance to talk to him. I’m his father; maybe… maybe I can still reach him somehow.” With that, Joah left, leaving only Aiden and me staring at each other in silence. “Aiden, what happened to him?” I asked, frustration creeping into my voice. Aiden’s expression was calm, almost detached. “Growing up in a powerful pack like the Eclipse Pack, it’s easy to get caught up in comparisons. I was the same when I was little.” That caught my attention. “Wait, you’re saying you used to feel bad about not being as good as the others?”A faint, nostalgic smile tugged at his lips. “When I was a kid, there were five of us. Academically, I was the best. Adam and Adrian practically worshipped me. Every time I topped the exams, Alex would rip up my test papers and tell everyone I got a zero. And every time, Dad would punish me by skipping my dinner.” I couldn’t hold back the laugh that bubbled up. “Alex was that vicious even as a kid?” Aiden shot me a wounded look. “I’m sharing something personal, and you’re laughing at me.” I quickly held up a hand in apology. “Sorry, sorry. Go on. I promise I’ll listen seriously. I won’t laugh… unless I really can’t help it.” “Then, late at night, after everyone was asleep, Andrix would sneak over to bring me food—afraid I’d go hungry.” I tapped my chin thoughtfully. “So… back then, Andrix still had a soft side.” “But the one ripping up my test papers was Andrix,” Aiden said evenly. My eyes widened. “But didn’t he bring you food at night?” “I don’t know why. I always thought it was Alex doing it—he mocked me every time, so it made sense. But once, I asked him, and he swore it wasn’t him.” “Maybe he was lying,” I suggested. “No,” Aiden said firmly. “Alex has a sharp tongue and enjoys gloating, but he’s never been able to lie. The moment he tries, his ears turn red. He can’t keep a lie going for three seconds.” I stared at him, stunned. “So what you’re saying is… Andrix has been jealous of you since you were kids. This isn’t really about thinking his parents died because of Mr. Robin—it’s years of resentment piling up, isn’t it?” Aiden reached over and ruffled my hair with a small, approving smile. “Exactly. That’s what I think, too. Which is why I suspect his sudden reconciliation with the Eclipse Pack has something to do with the Thunder Pack. And if that’s the case, it’s probably not going to end well for us.” A cold realization slid through me. “Have you told Mr. Robin? He needs to be on guard.” “It’s useless,” Aiden said, his tone flat but certain. “My father could never bring himself to be wary of Andrix. He raised him, Raelyn. Even if Andrix betrayed him outright, he’d never hate him.” I let out a heavy sigh. He was right. Mr. Robin, for all his ruthless efficiency in business, was far too soft-hearted when it came to family. There was no way he’d ever turn on Andrix. “Then we need to be ready,” I said firmly. “No matter what, we can’t let Andrix use him.”Aiden’s lips curved in a teasing smile. “Look at you—already worrying about your future father-in-law. Is that what they call loving the house and its crow?” I scowled at him. “Don’t twist it. I just… care about Mr. Robin. He’s been nothing but kind to me, and I don’t want anything to happen to him.” Aiden’s hand came up, warm and gentle as he ruffled my hair again. His voice softened. “I know you care, but you’re wearing yourself out, Raelyn. You’re always worrying about this, planning for that… maybe it’s time you start planning something for yourself.” I tilted my head, confused. “What do you mean?” His arms came around me, his chin resting against my forehead as his voice dipped low. “I mean… maybe it’s time to think about our sweet little world. Just the two of us. Don’t you think so, sweetheart?” Oh, no. My cheeks flared hot. I didn’t know how or why, but despite never having much experience with relationships, Aiden had a way of flirting that could leave anyone completely defenseless.