The hospital room smelled of antiseptic.

Isabella's slender fingers slowly unbuttoned her blouse with deliberate grace, as if unwrapping an exquisite gift.

Adrian reclined against the headboard, his gaze tracing her curves. "I'm not at full strength," he rasped.

"That's alright," she purred, crimson lips curving. "Let me take care of you."

Her fingertips trailed down his chest. "I didn't bring any... distractions today."

Adrian arched a brow. "Bold move."

"Safe window," she whispered against his ear, warm breath teasing. "Last time worked out fine, didn't it?"

His Adam's apple bobbed. After cheating death, he needed release—and this temptress was the perfect outlet.

Isabella slipped beneath the sheets with practiced ease.

Adrian hissed through his teeth. "Easy."

She adjusted instantly, like a well-trained pet.

Eyes closed, he tangled fingers in her thick hair. "Stay with me. Fifteen grand a month."

Her movements faltered. Fifteen? Pocket change!

She increased pressure deliberately, drawing a muffled groan.

"Twenty," he conceded.

A cold smile curled internally. She'd remember this insult.

Thirty minutes later, Adrian collapsed into exhausted sleep.

Isabella slid from bed, smoothing her dress before the mirror. Her palm brushed her flat stomach as a calculating gleam lit her eyes.

Safe window? Today was peak fertility.

——

Moon Bay Estates

Shane's SUV rolled to a stop. Ethan noted the familiar bridal bouquet in his hands.

"Seeing someone?"

"For Iris," Shane said flatly.

Inside, Iris was arranging flowers with Sophia when she spotted Shane. She launched forward.

"Bro!" Her fist thumped his chest.

Unfazed, Shane produced the bouquet like a magician.

Iris gaped. An exact replica of the wedding toss bouquet!

"Thanks, bro!" She leaped onto him, legs wrapping his waist.

Ethan frowned. "Get down."

"Why?" She kicked her feet defiantly. "He doesn't mind."

Ethan sent a digital red envelope. Iris's eyes narrowed at the amount—$250.

"Cheapskate," she muttered.

——

That night, Sophia unfastened Ethan's cufflinks.

"Professor Moore requested my help," she murmured. "The Western Zhou tomb was looted."

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "That old fox?"

"I want Shane to come." Her eyes sparkled. "He's the expert."

"Too dangerous."

"It's his chance for redemption." She squeezed his hand. "Don't you want him living openly?"

Warmth flooded Ethan's chest. His wife always thought of others.

——

Three days later, at the airport:

Ethan crushed Sophia in an embrace. "Come home soon."

"I'll bring souvenirs." She winked. "Like... a millennium-old corpse?"

He pinched her cheek. "You're incorrigible."

——

Northwest excavation site:

Shane strode toward the entrance, cap pulled low. A firm hand gripped his shoulder.

"Freeze!"

Instinct took over—he flipped his assailant in a perfect shoulder throw.

The female officer rolled upright, handcuffs glinting. "Assaulting an officer?" Her almond eyes flashed.

Shane's fingers hovered near his throwing knives. Tension crackled.

Sophia intervened. "Misunderstanding! He's our consultant."

"Apologize!" The officer jabbed a finger at Shane.

Iris popped between them. "Officer, are you single? Wanna be my sister-in-law?"

Shane's ears burned crimson. The cop froze, cuffs clattering to the dirt.