Noelle was secretly sent abroad.


    Eliza only realized what had happened after Noelle was already gone.


    She was fuming and stormed off to confront Joshua.


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    Right then, Joshua was hanging out in Xylia’s office, watching her talk to the movers, getting everything ready for the big move tomorrow.


    He had his elbow propped on the sofa’s armrest, and honestly, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from Xylia <b>as </b>she worked.


    ‘People always look their best when they’re totally focused on something,‘ he thought.


    ‘Man, Xylia looks like she’s glowing right now,‘ Joshua couldn’t help but think.


    The sunlight nted through the window, wrapping her in this soft golden light.


    ‘How can someone possibly be this gorgeous?‘ Joshua thought, feeling as if even the sunlight was jealous of Xylia.


    ‘Every single strand of her hair feels like it’s wrapped around my heart,‘ Joshua added to himself.


    Xylia was too busy to notice Joshua’s lovestruck expression.


    She didn’t mind Joshua’s clinginesstely and had no ns to push him away.


    The sudden ring of a phone cut through the room, snapping both of them out of their thoughts.


    Xylia looked up from her busy work and nced at Joshua.


    Joshua shot Xylia a look and motioned that he was heading out to take the call.


    Xylia nodded.


    With his phone in hand, Joshua made his way downstairs and left the studio.


    Eliza called out, “Joshua!”


    “Why did you send Noelle overseas? She’s Nelson’s little sister, the Garcia family’s adopted daughter—she’s your sister too!” Eliza’s words came out sharp with anger.


    Joshua just lounged there, his tone allzy and almost mocking, like he hadn’t even noticed Eliza’s anger. “She <b>actually </b>went after Xylia’s life. Am I supposed to pretend she’s family after that?”


    Eliza went silent on the other end.


    Joshua then ran through what had happened yesterday, keeping it short.


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    “Mom, I get it. You like Noelle, and you feel guilty because her brother saved my life. But we can’t keep covering for her every time she messes up. If Nelson found out, he’d probablye back from the dead to kick my ass,” Joshua said.


    “Don’t worry. I’ve got everything set up for her overseas–school, a ce to stay. The Garcia Group will keep sending her money until she gets married. Even if she never ties the knot, we can afford to take care of her. But I can’t risk Xylia’s safety. Do you get that?”


    Eliza rarely ever heard Joshua talk this much.


    And when he called her “Mom” like that, it was clear–he wasn’t going to budge on this.


    Eliza sighed. “Noelle’s really painted herself into a corner. Once she’s settled abroad, I’ll head over and check on her.”


    Joshua knew Eliza had agreed. He tossed off a few more casual words and hung up.


    It was getting close to lunchtime, and seeing just how swamped Xylia was, Joshua figured there was no way she’d make it to the restaurant.


    So, he just ordered delivery for them.


    Kaden frowned the moment he saw that invitation from the Jennings family.


    All these years, the Sadler family and the Jennings family never had anything to do with each other–not even a single word exchanged.


    ‘So why would they suddenly send something like this to our house?‘ Kaden wondered, feeling more uneasy the longer he stared at the envelope.


    Hudson couldn’t help but roll his eyes when he saw it.


    “Seriously, what kind of weird stunt is Howard Jennings trying to pull, inviting us? Is he hoping we’ll show up and wreck his party? Isn’t he worried his old man might just keel over from the shock?” Hudson scoffed.


    Kaden shot Hudson a frosty look, not hiding his annoyance. “The invitation’s for Xylia,” he said, his voice t.


    “What?” Hudson blinked, totally lost.


    Hudson practically snatched the envelope from Kaden, only to see it for himself–sure enough, the name “Xylia” was printed right there. He stared, a little dumbfounded.


    His expression turned more serious.


    “So, just because Xylia saved Howard’s daughterst time, he’s inviting her to his grandfather’s birthday party? What kind of weird way to say thank you is that?” Hudson snarked.


    Kaden shook his head. “I doubt this <b>is </b>Howard’s idea–someone else must be behind it.”


    :


    He’d never had any direct dealings with Howard himself,


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    but both the Sadler family and the Jennings family were top–tier in the city, and they’d crossed paths more than once at high–profile business events.


    As far as Kaden knew, Howard was steady, professional, and had a reputation for integrity.


    His character was praised by just about every business partner he’d ever worked with.


    Kaden didn’t think Howard was the type to repay kindness with betrayal.


    “Let’s call Xylia back and ask if she’s up for it,” Kaden said.


    Hudson made a face.


    “Xylia hasn’t even set foot at hometely. ims she’s mmed with work, but every single time I swing by, she’s practically attached at the hip with Joshua,” Hudson grumbled.


    Kaden knew exactly what was up.


    It wasn’t like Xylia had been stuck at the office this whole time–she and Joshua were basically glued together, always off on dates.


    ‘They’re still in the honeymoon phase. I get it,‘ Kaden thought.


    ‘But seriously, nevering home? That’s going a bit too far,‘ he told himself.


    Kaden nodded. “I’ll call her in a bit.”


    Right as the workday was winding down, Xylia’s phone buzzed–it was Kaden calling.


    After hanging up, she turned to Joshua. “I’m heading home tonight.”


    Joshua’s face fell instantly.


    When Joshua dropped Xylia off at the Sadler family home, he was acting downright clingy, almost like he couldn’t get enough of her. He wrapped her up in a long, lingering kiss,pletely reluctant to let go, and only released her when she promised he’d be able to pick her up first thing tomorrow.


    Xylia’s cheeks flushed red as she finally pushed Joshua away, feeling both flustered and secretly pleased, before hurrying inside.


    Cyrus was tied up with a surgery, and Leon had some event to go to, so tonight it was just Kaden and Hudson holding down the fort.


    As soon as Xylia stepped inside, she found Hudson standing in the doorway, arms crossed, face set in a hard stare–blocking her way like a statue.


    Xylia startled, taken aback by his intense re.


    “What’s with you? Trying out for bouncer duty now?”


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    She let out a long breath, tossed her bag onto the entryway cab, grabbed her slippers, and settled onto the cushioned bench to swap out her shoes.


    “Joshua dropped you off?” Hudson asked, still blocking the doorway with his arms crossed.


    ‘Here we go again–family watchdog mode kicking in just because I’m dating someone, Xylia grumbled inwardly.


    ‘No use denying it, Xylia thought, giving a resigned nod.


    “He’s picking you up tomorrow?” Hudson asked, arms still crossed and voice full of suspicion.


    Xylia looked up sharply. “You heard that?” she blurted, surprised.


    “Heard it? I saw everything!” Hudson retorted, clearly annoyed.


    ‘That shameless Joshua, just can’t keep his hands off my little sister,‘ Hudson fumed to himself.


    ‘If Kaden hadn’t grabbed me, I would’ve gone out there and beaten Joshua into next week, he thought, practically vibrating with righteous big brother fury.


    Xylia’s face flushed bright red.


    Sure, she and Joshua were all over each other all the time, but having someone actually catch them in the act? That was a whole different level of embarrassing–especially when it was her own brother.


    Xylia quickly finished changing her shoes, sidestepped Hudson, and made a beeline for the living room.


    Just then, Kaden came out of the kitchen with two sses of orange juice in his hands.


    “Hey, you’re back. I poured you guys some orange juice–one each,” Kaden said, offering the drinks.


    Xylia took her ss and smiled. “Thanks, big bro.”


    Hudson grabbed his and muttered, “Thanks, bro.”


    Xylia settled onto the couch, <i>took </i>a sip of her orange juice, then nced up at Kaden.


    “So, big bro, what’s going on? You wanted me home for something?”


    Kaden raised an eyebrow. “This is your home. Shouldn’t you being back?”


    Xylia figured her brothers were about to give her a lecture for not being aroundtely.


    Honestly, it was Joshua’s fault–he was just way too swoon–worthy and she’d beenpletely under his spell, staying out almost every night.


    She hung her head, bracing herself for the inevitable scolding.


    But instead of getting mad, Kaden let out a shortugh.


    13:06 Mon<b>, </b>Sep <b>22 </b>


    Xylia finally looked up at Kaden.


    It wasn’t the icy attitude she’d been expecting.


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    She’d honestly thought Kaden woulde down hard on her, just like when she first started dating Joshua.


    “Look, I’m not ming you. Dating’s your own thing. Just don’t forget–you’ve still got a family at home.”


    Hudson just couldn’t figure it out–Kaden wasn’t calling Xylia out for anything.


    He was about to speak up, but after a single look from Kaden, he mped his mouth shut.


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