Pervis stood frozen in the doorway of the dining room, completely astounded by Cristina's observation. He'd expected to come home, grab some food, maybe update his sisters on the hospital situation, and then head to bed. He definitely hadn't expected to be subjected to an inquisition about his personal life."I—I don't know what you're talking about," Pervis stammered, but even he could hear how unconvincing he sounded.Cristina's smile widened, sensing victory. "Oh, you definitely do. Come on, Pervis, we're family. You can tell us!"The attention of all three sisters was now fully focused on him like spotlights, and Pervis felt increasingly uncomfortable under their scrutiny. Grace was practically vibrating with excitement, while Aria leaned back in her chair with an amused expression that suggested she was enjoying his discomfort far too much."Actually," Aria said casually, her sharp eyes traveling over Pervis's appearance, "now that Cristina mentions it, there is something off abo

The question was casual on the surface, but there was an undercurrent of something else—concern, maybe, or suspicion. Pervis had been so caught up in his new job, in dealing with work drama, in helping Alicia, that he hadn't really noticed how long it had been since he'd seen his parents. But now that he thought about it, their absence was beginning to feel unusual.Aria and Cristina exchanged a quick glance—so brief that Pervis almost missed it. But he caught it, and it made his suspicions sharpen."They're traveling," Aria said smoothly. "Business meetings in Europe. You know how it is with international deals—they can take weeks to negotiate properly.""Europe?" Pervis repeated. "For weeks? Without mentioning it to me?""They did mention it," Grace jumped in. "Remember? At dinner that first night you moved in? Dad said something about potential expansion opportunities."Pervis tried to recall that dinner, but so much had happened since then that the details were fuzzy. Had his fath

"Isn't it?" Chris challenged. "I work for Whitewater too, remember? And I have to say, I find it very interesting that this particular employee—who's been causing trouble at work, who has connections he shouldn't have, who somehow gets protected from consequences—is apparently living here. That raises a lot of questions about favoritism and professional boundaries."The three sisters exchanged quick glances, each trying to figure out how to handle this without revealing Pervis's true identity. They'd agreed to keep his status as the Coleman heir private until his parents returned and made the official announcement. But now Chris was pushing, demanding answers, and they were caught between protecting their brother's secret and defending his right to be here."Chris, you need to leave," Cristina said firmly, her lawyer instincts kicking in. "You've shown up uninvited, at an inappropriate hour, and you're now questioning our household arrangements. That's completely out of line.""Is it?

"I'm serious," Chris continued, ignoring her reaction as he addressed Pervis. "I've seen how these things go. Staff members getting ideas above their station, thinking that working for a family means they can pursue romantic interests with family members. That's not going to happen here. Grace is off-limits to you. Completely off-limits.""Chris, what are you talking about?" Grace demanded, her voice rising with indignation."I'm protecting you," Chris said, finally looking at her with what he probably thought was noble concern. "From someone who might try to take advantage of your kindness. You're too trusting sometimes, Grace. You might not see the warning signs when someone like Tyler tries to get close to you for the wrong reasons."He turned back to Pervis, his expression hardening. "So let me spell it out for you, housekeeper. Grace is mine. She's going to be mine. We're from the same social circle, the same level of society. Our families have been friends for generations. You'r

"From what?" Grace challenged. "From a housekeeper you've decided is beneath me? From making my own choices about who I spend time with? Chris, that's not protection—that's control. And it's exactly why I can't be with you."Chris's face flushed again. "That's ridiculous. I'm being reasonable—""No, you're being possessive," Grace countered. "And honestly? Even if Pervis wasn't here, even if this situation hadn't happened, I still wouldn't accept you. Because you fundamentally don't respect me as an equal. You see me as something to be won, to be claimed, to be controlled. And I deserve better than that."She took a breath, softening her tone slightly. "My answer is no, Chris. It will always be no. Not because of anyone else, but because you and I are fundamentally incompatible. I need you to accept that and move on."Chris stood there, his jaw working as he processed Grace's words. She could see the conflict in his expression—wounded pride warring with genuine feelings, anger competi