Kieran gently gathered L''s long hair, tying it into a neat ponytail with light, careful movements.


    L turned to look at him, seriously considering what he had just said before responding, "I like everyone in the Morgan family."


    As soon as the words left her mouth, she hopped out of bed, slipped on her slippers, and headed toward the bathroom.


    "We need to hurry. Aunt Nicole always wakes up early, and I overslept today. Why didn''t you wake me up?"


    The moment she said it, she realized her words sounded a little too usatory.


    Popping her head back out of the bathroom, she quickly added, "It''s mostly my fault, my sleep schedule is all over the ce."


    Kieran''s smile was soft, and his voice was warm and reassuring as he said, "No rush. If we don''t get everything done this morning, we can finish the rest after picking up Aunt Jasmine and Bryce this afternoon."


    "That works, but it''s better to get the main things now ande back to double- checkter," L agreed.


    She didn''t waste any more time, quickly brushing her teeth and washing her face.


    Kieran joined her at the sink, and L nced at him with a teasing smile. "Uncle Kieran, I''ll have to trouble you to wait here a little longer while I go change."


    When she finished getting dressed and opened the door, she found Kieran waiting patiently just there.


    She couldn''t hold back herughter.


    Oh no, why did he look like a loyal little puppy waiting for its owner toe home?


    The thought hit her out of nowhere, and she instantly felt like she was losing her mind.


    It had to be the stress of everythingtely. Clearly, her brain was malfunctioning.


    "L," Kieran said as he stepped out of the bathroom. "Let''s focus on having a happy New Year first. Everything else can wait until after the holiday, and I''ll take care of it. Okay?"


    He knew that bringing up the topic would dampen her mood.


    But rather than letting her keep it bottled up and weighing her down, he preferred to address it openly.


    As he expected, L''s cheerful expression faltered slightly, the corners of her upturned eyes lowering.


    After a moment, she nodded. "Alright. This year, let''s have a happy New Year together as a family."


    She knew she couldn''t uncover the truth on her own, but she trusted Kieranpletely. If he said he''d handle it, he absolutely would.


    With everything out in the open, L felt a little lighter inside.


    After breakfast, Nicole called for L and Noah to head out.


    Noah, looking half-asleep, scratched his head groggily. "Why do I have to go?"


    "Who else is going to carry everything?" L teased with a grin.


    "Aren''t there still..." Noah nced at Alfredo and Kieran, then quickly shut his mouth.


    Fine. It was clear, he was the only one here without a "real job".


    Once they were in the car, L leaned over and asked, "Did you stealst night or something? Why are you this tired?"


    Noah yawned and shot her a re.


    L blinked, confused.


    Why did it suddenly feel like she was being med for something?


    Seeing her baffled expression, Noah huffed in frustration.


    "After I dropped Ruby offst night she made me y games with her until the middle of the night. I swear, it''s like she doesn''t get tired, but I was dying over here."


    L frowned. "If you were that tired, why didn''t you just tell her?"


    "It''s not that simple! She has so much energy, and if I didn''t y games with her,


    what if she decided to go find Uncle Kieran instead?" Noah groaned.


    "I mean, what if she interrupted you two? You''re newlyweds, your rtionship is still fragile. A third party with ulterior motives could easily shake things up."


    Slouching back in his seat, he added, "Anyway, just know that I sacrificed a lot for you."


    L nodded and stayed quiet for a moment, tilting her head slightly in thought. Then, out of nowhere, she asked, "Do you think Ms. Clemence really likes Uncle Kieran?"


    Noah, who had beenzily slumped in his seat, immediately sat up straight. "Wait,


    what? What''s that supposed to mean?"


    "I mean, I can sense that Uncle Kieran treats Ms. Clemence a little differently. But Ms. Clemence..."


    She paused, tilting her head again with a puzzled expression.


    "She''s too proper. No matter what she does, she never shows personal emotion.


    If I had to guess who she likes, I''d say it''s you, not Uncle Kieran."


    Noah''s jaw practically hit the floor. "Hold on-wait, what? Let me process this for a second!"