Across the room, Sarah watched but carefully. “She’s good for him,” Helen said beside her. Sarah didn’t respond immediately. “She stabilizes him,” Helen added. “That depends,” Sarah replied quietly. Helen frowned slightly. “On what?” Sarah’s gaze lingered on Steven. “On whether he lets himself be stabilized.” A pause. “And whether the world around him allows it.” Helen exhaled softly. “You always think too far ahead.” Sarah’s lips curved faintly. “And you don’t think far enough.” Helen scoffed and went on about her business, hoping to find someone who would at least look at her. Harry stood a few steps away and was silently observing. His eyes moved from Steven, to the guests, to the subtle alignments happening beneath the surface. And for a moment, something uneasy flickered across his expression a little bit of guilt. Because whatever he had stepped into by betraying his own son, was killing him. Back at the center of it all, Steven stood

The night after the grand engagement party, Riverage City glowed like a jewel under the velvet sky. The towering skyline shimmered with golden lights reflecting across the calm river that cut through the city like a ribbon of silver. Cassandra leaned slightly against the glass railing of the private yacht, her hair dancing softly in the wind as she looked out at the breathtaking view. “This city is beautiful…” she murmured, her voice soft with awe. Princewill watched her instead of the view. To him, she was the most beautiful thing in sight. “I figured you'd like it,” he replied calmly, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. Cassandra turned to him, her lips curving into a gentle smile. “You figured right. I’ve traveled to a lot of places… but Riverage somewhat feels different.” Princewill’s gaze softened. “Riverage has a way of doing that,” he said quietly. The yacht glided smoothly across the river, passing elegant bridges lit with soft amber lights. Soft

The following evening, Riverage City was alive again. Soft golden lights illuminated the streets, and the river reflected the glow like scattered diamonds. Cassandra stood on the balcony of Princewill’s penthouse, her arms folded lightly across her chest as the cool breeze brushed her hair. She seemed thoughtful and quiet. Princewill stepped outside, two glasses in hand. He handed one to her. “You’ve been quiet.” Cassandra took the glass but didn’t drink. “I was just thinking.” “About?” She hesitated. Then sighed. “Javier.” Princewill didn’t look surprised. “I figured.” She leaned slightly against the railing. “I didn’t expect to see him here… especially not like that.” Princewill studied her carefully. “How do you feel about it?” Cassandra frowned slightly. “I don’t know.” That was honest. Princewill remained calm. “You don’t know?” She shook her head. “I thought I was over everything… over him… over what happened between us. But seeing

The house was quiet, too quiet. Dianna Guler Milton sat at the edge of her bed, her fingers loosely clasped together, her eyes distant. The evening sun filtered softly through the curtains, casting long shadows across the room. She had told everyone she was fine. She had smiled. She had reassured her father. She had reassured herself. But she wasn't fine. Not even close. Her thoughts kept circling back to one question. How did her father find out? Her chest tightened. Her father wasn't the type to investigate things personally. He was powerful, yes but distant. For him to show up at the restaurant… to pull her out forcefully… to speak with that level of disappointment… Someone told him, and there was only one person who knew. Steven. The thought made her stomach twist. She shook her head slowly. “No… he wouldn’t…” But deep down… She knew he would. Not out of cruelty. But because Steven always believed he was doing the right thing. Her jaw

Luisa didn’t respond to that, instead, she sent something. His phone buzzed and he looked down. It was an email from Luisa in which he quickly opened it due to curiosity. His eyes scanned the first image, then the second, then the third and his jaw tightened. The photos of him and Dianna leaning close. Talking privately, standing close and from the angles it was taken, it looked intimate way too intimate. Steven exhaled sharply. “This isn't what it looks like.” Luisa’s voice came cold. “It never is.” Steven ran a hand through his hair. “She asked to meet… she said she needed help… that’s all.” Luisa didn’t sound convinced. “And you thought it was appropriate to meet her alone?” Steven frowned. “I didn’t think it would be an issue.” Luisa’s tone sharpened. “Everything is an issue when you’re about to marry my daughter.” Steven’s jaw tightened. “Luisa come on, I assure you—” “Do you still have feelings for her?” The question cut through the ai