Audrey Sullivan gazed at Shane Prescott's weary face, gently brushing aside the stray hairs on his forehead.

"These years must have been hard for you."

Shane shook his head, his eyes steady and clear.

"Finding you is the greatest blessing I could ask for."

Audrey's eyes reddened, her voice trembling. "You've surpassed all my expectations."

"I inherited the best from you." A faint smile touched Shane's lips.

The words shattered Audrey's composure. Tears spilled down her cheeks.

They talked late into the night, oblivious to the passing hours.

Audrey glanced at her watch and rose. "It's too late. I should go."

Shane instinctively moved to escort her but winced as his injured arm protested.

The bedroom door swung open. Kyle Grant stepped out.

"I'll take you home." His tone brooked no argument.

Audrey waved him off with a smile. "No need. Victor's people are probably nearby."

Kyle grabbed his car keys and pushed open the front door without hesitation.

Under the ink-black sky, they walked side by side.

Audrey retrieved a check from her purse. "Thank you for looking after Shane all this time."

Kyle scanned the amount before tucking it back into her bag.

"I didn't help him for money."

Silence stretched between them.

Finally, Audrey spoke softly. "That fire... it truly had nothing to do with me."

Kyle's steps faltered slightly.

"I despised your mother, yes. But I'd never harm a child." Her voice tightened. "I was a victim too."

"That's all in the past." Kyle stared into the distance.

"Thank you for protecting Shane."

"That's between Ethan, Sophia, and me."

After ensuring Audrey's safe return, Kyle had barely stepped inside when his phone rang.

"I heard you're harboring some stranger?" Willow Grant's sharp voice pierced the line.

Kyle frowned. "Who told you that?"

"Never mind that. When will you stop worrying me?"

"I know what I'm doing."

Willow scoffed. "Twenty-seven and still unmarried—that's your idea of responsibility?"

"Not before thirty."

"Sophia's already remarried. What are you waiting for?"

"Marriage isn't a game."

Willow changed tactics. "Sylvia Laurent would be perfect. Our families are well-matched."

"No chemistry." Kyle ended the call abruptly.

Turning, he found Shane holding out a steaming glass of milk.

"Helps you sleep."

Kyle drained it in one go.

"Your knife skills are impressive?"

Shane smiled modestly. "Just basics."

"I served in Special Ops. Firearms are my specialty." Admiration flickered in Kyle's eyes. "Teach me when you're healed?"

"Sure." With a flick of his wrist, a blade danced between Shane's fingers. "It's all about practice."

"Come to my shooting range when you recover?"

"I'd love to."

Kyle realized, with some surprise, how effortlessly comfortable he felt around Shane.

"Ever considered working at the auction house?" he proposed. "We need an appraiser with your expertise."

Shane's expression darkened. "My background..."

"We only care about ability." Kyle clapped his shoulder. "Remote work is an option."

Shane gripped his hand firmly. "Thanks, brother!"

The corner of Kyle's mouth lifted.

In his heart, he replied: We're already brothers by blood. No thanks needed.