Looks Like Mom Couldn't Hold Back Either

"Not really. he's like this because he's trying too hard to prove something," Ethan said casually, leaning back in his chair.

The breakfast table was calm, the usual warmth of family lingering in the air, but there was also the unspoken tension of the upcoming fight.

Ethan wasn't worried, but he knew tomorrow would be an important day. His family, however, seemed far more invested in the situation than he was.

Seraphina sighed, setting down her cup with a soft clink. "Some people just can't handle not being the best in the room."

Ethan shrugged. "It's not really about being the best. His family came into wealth pretty recently, so he's got that whole 'I have to prove myself' thing going on."

Isabella smirked, twirling a spoon between her fingers. "I get those types all the time at my bar. Flashing money and acting like they own the place. But deep down, they just want someone to take them seriously."

Liliana leaned back, arms crossed over her chest. "And that's what makes it worse. If you have to prove yourself that hard, you're already losing."

Ethan chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Pretty much. But the thing with Lucas is, he's not just flaunting wealth. His dad is an elder in the Superpower Association, which gives them some influence, but not as much as they think."

Lilith rested her chin on her palm, her crimson eyes glimmering with amusement. "So he grew up thinking that made him important."

"Yeah, but he knows deep down it's not enough," Ethan said, stretching his arms. "That's why he gets so caught up with me. He doesn't like that no matter what he does, he can't one-up me."

Seraphina arched an eyebrow. "And it bothers him that women don't just fall at his feet."

Isabella snorted, shaking her head. "Men like him think they're entitled to attention. When they don't get it, they get angry."

Liliana smirked. "Let me guess—he tried to intimidate you first?"

Ethan nodded. "Yeah. He tried to fight me in school, but thanks to you, I already knew how to handle myself. When that didn't work, he tried using his friends to gang up on me, but that backfired too."

Liliana's lips curled into a smirk. "That's because you actually listen when I teach you."

Ethan laughed. "I had to. You don't take excuses."

Isabella grinned. "And now he thinks this fight will finally get him the win he's looking for?"

Ethan nodded. "That's his plan. But honestly? I'm looking forward to it."

Seraphina shook her head with a small smile. "Just don't let him get under your skin."

Ethan smirked. "Please, you think I'd let that happen?"

Lilith studied him for a moment before smiling. "You've grown a lot. A few years ago, you might've taken the bait. But now… you're holding back. That's progress."

Ethan shrugged, a faint smirk on his lips. "Patience doesn't mean I'm not eager. I just know there's a better way to shut him up."

Liliana leaned in slightly, her voice steady and serious. "Just remember—arrogant or not, he still has an A-rank power. Don't take him lightly."

Ethan nodded. "I'm not. That's why I'll let him think he's winning at first. Let him relax… let his guard down."

He glanced at them, calm and sure. "Then I'll remind him why he's never been able to beat me."

Isabella grinned. "This is gonna be fun to watch."

Ethan chuckled. "Yeah. If I wasn't the one fighting, I'd grab snacks."

The conversation moved on, but everyone could still feel the tension in the air.

Lucas might think tomorrow was his big day—

But Ethan already knew...

It was the day Lucas would lose and spectacularly at that.

So tomorrow wasn't about proving anything—it was about reminding Lucas of something he had refused to accept.

And Ethan was more than ready to do just that.

After finishing his breakfast, Ethan pushed his chair back and stood up. "I'll be heading to the training room for a bit."

Lilith nodded. "Don't overdo it."

Ethan smirked. "Who, me?"

Seraphina rolled her eyes, and Isabella chuckled as Ethan turned and walked out of the dining room, leaving the four women alone.

As soon as the door shut behind him, Lilith waved her hand, and a faint shimmer surrounded the room. A subtle yet powerful barrier formed, sealing them off from any prying ears.

Seraphina arched an eyebrow. "So, what's the real reason you wanted to talk?"

Isabella smirked. "Don't tell me you're just here to rub salt in the wound?"

Liliana leaned back, arms crossed. "Because if that's the case, you're about to get booed out of the room."

Lilith chuckled, shaking her head. "No, I'm not here to talk about that. This is something much bigger."

The amusement faded as the three sisters straightened, sensing the seriousness in her tone.

Lilith exhaled softly before speaking. "Last night… something happened. My Succubus Seal reacted."

The room went silent.

Seraphina furrowed her brows. "What?"

Liliana sat up straighter. "That shouldn't be possible."

Isabella narrowed her eyes. "That seal only reacts when you… you know. With someone strong enough."

Lilith nodded. "Exactly. And yet, it reacted when I had sex with Ethan."

The weight of those words settled between them, and for a long moment, no one spoke.

Then, as if realization struck all at once, their expressions shifted. They had never truly thought about it, but now that Lilith had brought it up…

They had been avoiding something. Something obvious.

The way they thought about Ethan.

The way they felt about him.

For years, they had brushed it off as familial love, close bonds, or simply their succubus nature finding comfort in his presence. But now, faced with undeniable proof, they could no longer deny it.

Seraphina exhaled slowly. "We've been suppressing it."

Liliana looked away, jaw tight. "We assumed it was normal, but…"

Isabella leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "We never questioned it because we thought it was impossible."

Lilith let out a small, almost bitter laugh. "And yet, here we are. My seal reacted. Something I never thought about because, frankly, I never considered any man worthy of me."

Her fingers trailed over her wrist where the unseen seal pulsed softly beneath her skin. "But Ethan…"

Seraphina sighed. "He's different."

Liliana clenched her fists. "We've been holding back for nothing, haven't we?"

Isabella grinned slightly, shaking her head. "Looks like Mom couldn't hold back either."