In the study, Oberon sat upright on the couch, his sharp gaze scrutinizing his son. "Aidan, you're not a child anymore. Starting tomorrow, you'll intern at the company. Since the office is far from home, you'll stay in the downtown apartment. Spend your weekends networking with friends. Don't concern yourself with family matters." "Dad! Are you seriously taking that girl's words to heart? What does she know?" Aidan's anger flared, frustration and indignation pouring out. "I've been planning this for a while. It has nothing to do with Seraphina," Oberon replied evenly. But rather than reassuring Aidan, those words only deepened his resentment. To Aidan, it sounded like Oberon was making excuses to protect Seraphina. Now that their biological daughter was back, they were ready to discard him and Linara. A seed of discontent quietly took root between father and son."And one more thing—stop spending so much time with Linara. You're siblings." Aidan flushed with embarrassment and anger as if his unspoken thoughts had been exposed. "Dad, did Seraphina say something to you? Linara and I are siblings—there's nothing inappropriate about us!" "Good. Keep it that way," Oberon said, his tone flat but carrying a note of finality. A flicker of something dark passed through his eyes. "You may leave now." Oberon's command left no room for negotiation. Aidan knew his father meant business. When he opened the door to leave, he was greeted by Linara's panicked figure just outside. "Linara," he called softly, stopping her in her tracks. She turned to face him, her eyes red and brimming with guilt. "Aidan, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault; I got you into this mess. I'll go talk to Seraphina. I'll beg her to convince Dad to let you stay home."Aidan grabbed her hand, gently wiping away her tears. His heart ached as he spoke. "There's no need. Begging her will only inflate her arrogance. No matter where I am, I'll always have your back. Don't be afraid. I'm here for you." Linara was so moved by his words that she threw herself into his arms. Aidan froze for a moment, feeling the warmth of her embrace. His hand hovered awkwardly in the air, torn between hesitation and desire. Finally, he gave in, wrapping his arms tightly around her. "What are you two doing?" Chloe's voice suddenly cut through the moment, making them spring apart hastily. Chloe's eyes swept over Aidan, then landed on Linara's tear-streaked face. "What's going on?" "Mom, can you please talk to Dad? Ask him to let Aidan stay home," Linara pleaded in a soft, pitiful tone. Chloe hesitated. She preferred having Aidan at home, but seeing her children hugging each other like that didn't sit right with her. "Your brother is an adult now. It's time for him to face the world. The family business needs him," she said gently, her refusal tactful but firm. Linara felt her heart sink. At that moment, both Linara and Aidan felt abandoned by their parents. They exchanged a glance, their connection deepening as they grew more certain that they could only rely on each other. In this house, they no longer had a place. "Mom's right. It's time I became independent. I'll visit often, so don't cry," Aidan said, managing a smile as he playfully pinched Linara's nose. His affectionate gesture didn't go unnoticed by Chloe, who found it unsettling. "It's late. Go rest." The next morning, Seraphina descended the stairs as usual for breakfast. As she approached the dining room, a sweet voice greeted her. "Seraphina, you're up! Come have breakfast," Linara said with a beaming smile.Seraphina paused, studying Linara's overly cheerful expression. The smile seemed laced with malice; something about it was deeply unnerving.