"Yeah, every time I walk past that place, I practically drool. Still wondering why the universe decided rich people couldn't include me." "Hahaha, my turn to be blessed at last. This meal's worth at least a month of my salary." "But seriously, why? Where did this mystery rich guy even come from?" "You don't know? It's the owner of Unit 1601 in Building 2—the one who's been harassed lately." "Her husband ordered breakfast from Prestige Palace for the whole community to thank us for helping chase that creep away." "Holy crap! That's insane! Just that one move must've cost a fortune." "I've been meaning to say—every time that man shows up, it's in a Bentley or a Maybach. And he doesn't flaunt it, either. You can just tell. Definitely some hidden tycoon living among us." "Handsome, rich, totally whipped for his wife, and generous on top of that. With a man like that, and that shameless guy still dared to claim she was his fiancée? Absolutely pathetic." "Right? I noticed that woman when she first moved in—drop-dead gorgeous, like a goddess. But she keeps to herself. I've been wanting to say hi forever, just never found a chance. And honestly, I've never seen that creep visit her once." "Please, trust the fangirl radar. It never fails." "The people know what's up. Just a few days ago, my boyfriend and I saw the couple from 1601 walking downstairs. They were so sweet together." "I saw them too! That level of looks should be illegal. I couldn't stop staring." "Heh, who didn't?" "Prestige Palace really lives up to the hype. This food is divine. I could cry.""Come to think of it, we should thank that scumbag from yesterday. If it weren't for him, we wouldn't be eating like royalty today." "I officially declare myself the personal bodyguard of the most beautiful, perfect couple in the world—Unit 1601! That loser better not show his face again!" … Without Claudia even realizing it, Sterling's new label as her husband was now official neighborhood lore. She only found it odd that everyone seemed unusually friendly that day. All morning long, neighbors dropped off plates of homemade snacks, desserts, and local specialties. Since the group chat had exploded overnight, she didn't bother scrolling back. Instead, she scratched her head and turned to Sterling. "Do we need to return the favor or something?" Of course, Sterling already knew what was going on. He lounged lazily on the couch, watching her unwrap the snacks one by one like a happy little hamster. "No need. Just normal neighborly exchange. Take it easy and enjoy." Claudia sighed. "You sound more like the owner here than me." Seriously—listen to that tone. "Normal neighborly exchange"? Did he even remember whose apartment this was? Whose neighbors these were? He was supposed to be the guest, yet somehow he acted more like the man of the house. Sterling just chuckled, reaching out to pinch her puffed cheek while she chewed. "Am I wrong, though? Who's been cooking, cleaning, doing the laundry here? Be honest—what would you do without me, Claudia?" She swatted his hand away, eyes wide. "Stop, stop, stop! Personal space!" She wanted to say she'd been just fine before he showed up. But something deep inside warned her this kind of closeness was dangerous. For someone as guarded as she was, she'd never imagined she could get this comfortable with a man she barely knew—a man who was supposed to be dangerous, no less. And Sterling… he was confusing, too. From what she'd seen of how he acted around Clint and the others, she could tell he wasn't the same man when he was with her. Something between them was shifting—quietly, inevitably. "Sterling, when are you leaving?" Sterling's smile vanished instantly. His gaze darkened. "So eager to kick me out already? What, your ex hasn't come sniffing around for a while, and now you're trying to clear space for him?" Claudia blinked. "Are you being sarcastic?" "I'm saying your judgment when it comes to men sucks." "When did I ever say it was about him?" He didn't answer. Claudia exhaled, steadying herself. "That's a separate matter. I'm just asking what your next plan is. It has nothing to do with Jasper. I don't do second chances. When I break up, that's it—no looking back." She hadn't seen him since because she refused to leave loose ends. Claudia was the kind of person who repaid every kindness, but once she shut someone out, her heart was locked tight. Disappointment didn't happen overnight. The failed proposal had only been the final straw. She had loved Jasper once, but his score had hit zero long ago. She wasn't the type to retake an exam she'd already failed. Looking straight at Sterling, she said seriously, "You're the golden boy of the Romero family. You can't possibly stay in my tiny apartment forever. I've got my own stuff to deal with too. Don't you think this whole setup is… a little weird?"Her bluntness, oddly enough, only made Sterling's smile return—slow, dangerous, and amused.