As they drove farther away, Kieran nced into the rearview mirror. Vince was no longer in sight.


    Meanwhile, Nicole was sitting with her inws while waiting for L. Worried that the elders would grow impatient, she suggested going outside to check if L had arrived.


    Hazel smiled warmly. "There''s no need to rush. It''s a good thing that L''s so dedicated to her work."


    Frances, however, frowned in disagreement. "Work might be important, but definitely not enough to neglect her health like Kieran does."


    Nicole watched the two of them bicker, as they often did like children. Shaking her head with a smile, she got up and left the room.


    Deep down, she knew both of them doted on the kids more than anyone else and supported the youngsters in pursuing their dreams unconditionally.


    After all, they didn''t seem concerned at all even when Noah decided to pursue a career in e-sports.


    Instead, they happily watched tournaments they barely understood and celebrated his team''s victories as though it was theirs.


    The memory brought an exasperated smile to Nicole''s face.


    Leaving the room, she walked down the corridor. As she approached the ss doors, she saw two figures approaching together.


    L was saying something, so Kieran leaned in to hear better. Their good looks made them a surprisingly good fit together.


    This realization startled Nicole, and she silently berated herself for having such thoughts.


    She med her messy thoughts on that photo album.


    She tried convincing herself that it wasn''t unusual for Kieran to keep an album documenting L''s growth since he had always been protective of her.


    But she failed.


    "Yeah, right!" she thought. "Not when the only person in the photos was L!"


    L was so busy talking that she didn''t notice the uneven pavement ahead, and she tripped.


    Kieran reacted instantly, circling her waist with his arm while his other hand steadied her by the wrist.


    "Careful there."


    His rich, smooth voice sent a shiver down her spine.


    Abruptly, memories of him pinning her against the wall and kissing her came flooding back.


    Her breathing grew erratic, and she quickly wriggled out of his hold. "T-Thanks. Let''s go inside."


    She purposely sped up and put some distance between them.


    Kieran didn''t say anything. He was busy staring at the hand he had circled around her waist that barely filled his grasp.


    Nicole, who watched the whole scene unfold, was speechless.


    Dear Lord, she might have made a groundbreaking discovery.


    She truly adored L and had even hoped that Noah and L would be a couple one day.


    That way, L could officially be part of the family.


    Yet, over the years, the pair''s rtionship remained tonic.


    For the past two years, Nicole had graduallye to terms with this. She


    convinced herself that L was a daughter to her regardless of whether she married into the family.


    Now, she discovered that her seemingly aloof brother-inw might have feelings for someone. However, that person...


    Nicole shook off the thoughts and quickly turned back toward the room.


    She told herself to remain calm and pretend she saw nothing. Perhaps she was just overthinking.


    But before she reached the room, L spotted her.


    "Aunt Nicole!" L called out sweetly, her voice cutting through the fog in Nicole''s head.


    Still, Nicole was still quite stiff when she turned to face them.


    Then her gaze fell on Kieran.


    There was no way she could smile like nothing had happened.