The night was ink-black. Kyle Grant stood by the bed, his gaze heavy as he watched Sophia Laurent in deep slumber.

The faint furrow between her brows tugged at his heart.

The wall clock ticked toward 3 AM, yet sleep eluded him.

His phone vibrated abruptly.

He strode out of the bedroom, closing the door softly behind him.

"Hello," he murmured, voice hushed.

"Little brother!" Jessica Grant's bright voice crackled through the line. "I changed my flight to see you, and you're not even home?"

Kyle stepped onto the balcony. "I'm taking care of someone."

"Who?" Jessica's tone turned playful. "Don't tell me it's my future sister-in-law?"

"Sophia's drunk." He paused. "Can you come help? Her clothes are soiled."

Jessica burst into laughter. "What a perfect opportunity, and you're calling me?"

"Be serious."

"Fine, fine. Send me the address."

After hanging up, Kyle stared at the distant neon lights, lost in thought.

Forty minutes later, the doorbell chimed.

Jessica breezed in like a whirlwind, making a beeline for the bedroom.

Under the warm lamplight, Sophia lay peacefully.

Porcelain skin, delicate features—even the shadow cast by her lashes was perfection.

"No wonder you can't forget her." Jessica arched a brow. "She's truly exquisite."

Kyle's eyes flickered. "She's different."

"Alright, I'll help." Jessica waved him off. "Wait outside."

Once Kyle left, she efficiently changed Sophia into pajamas.

Exiting the bedroom, she spotted her brother carrying soiled clothes toward the bathroom.

"My, my, so domestic?" she teased.

Kyle didn't turn around. "The guest room is ready."

Jessica shook her head with an amused smile.

Water splashed in the sink.

As Kyle scrubbed the garments, his hands stilled abruptly.

A glint flashed outside the window.

His head snapped up—a shadowy figure vanished into the trees.

Drying his hands, he grabbed a T-shirt and bolted outside.

The night wind slapped his face.

The empty courtyard held only scattered, trampled leaves.

By noon the next day, sunlight filtered through sheer curtains onto the bed.

Sophia sat up, massaging her temples, then froze—she wore only undergarments.

Her mind cleared instantly.

Footsteps sounded in the living room.

Pushing the door open, she found a stranger bustling in the kitchen.

"Hello, I'm Jessica Grant." The woman turned with a bright smile. "Kyle's silly little sister."

Sophia's ears burned. "Last night—"

"Relax, I changed you." Jessica handed her a glass of honey water. "My brother kept watch all night."

Sophia cradled the cup, fingertips tingling.

An elegant breakfast adorned the table.

"Try my specialty." Jessica winked. "My brother's special request."

Sophia sipped her milk cautiously.

"Heard you're single?" Jessica leaned in suddenly. "How about considering my brother?"

Sophia choked.

"He abandoned the family business for you." Jessica propped her chin on a hand. "A man like that—what a waste to let slip by."

Sophia coughed violently, cheeks flaming.