Ethan stepped aside, his face darkening like a thundercloud.

His lips pressed into a tight line as he turned and walked inside without a word.

"Let's talk inside." Sophie beamed, stepping into the foyer where the aroma of food immediately greeted her.

She completely forgot to introduce herself, heading straight for the dining room. The sight of the table laden with Ethan's favorite dishes made her eyes light up.

"Jenna, did you make all this?" She turned to Jenna with delighted surprise.

In the Roscente household, their mother rarely cooked, leaving meals to the staff. Sophie had always admired women who could cook—a skill she could never master.

Jenna fidgeted slightly. "Yes, I did."

Sophie leaned over the table, inhaling deeply with an expression of pure bliss. "It smells amazing! You're so talented!"

"Would you like to join us? We were just about to eat," Jenna offered.

"Yes, absolutely!" Sophie agreed eagerly.

Jenna blinked. "Then... have a seat. I'll get the rice."

"I'll help!" Sophie chimed in, following her with honeyed words.

Ethan watched his sister's retreating figure, his brow furrowed.

In the past, he would've welcomed any distraction. But now, an inexplicable unease settled over him, fearing Sophie might say something wrong.

They returned to the dining room with bowls of rice.

Sophie immediately took her seat, greeting them before picking up her chopsticks.

Jenna handed Ethan his bowl. "Ethan, dinner's ready."

"Hmm." He took it without looking up.

Sophie gazed at her brother enviously. Getting to eat such delicious meals every day was pure happiness.

Midway through the meal, Jenna turned to Sophie. "By the way, I didn't catch your name?"

Sophie blinked. "I'm Sophie, Ethan's younger sister."

"So he has a sister." Jenna smiled lightly.

"We also have an older brother who's abroad," Sophie added.

Jenna's curiosity piqued. "Studying overseas? Your family must be well-off."

Sophie opened her mouth to reply when a sharp kick under the table silenced her. Meeting Ethan's warning glare, she quickly caught on.

"Actually... we're just average," she scrambled to improvise. "Our brother got sent abroad for training because of his outstanding work performance."

She shot Ethan a triumphant wink, as if seeking praise.

Jenna nodded. "Then your brother must be exceptional."