Tensions and Ties

Vicky arrived home, her heart swelling with warmth at the sight of her younger siblings. Emily rushed to her, nearly tripping over her excitement.

"Sister! Told you—my friend's not who you think he is! Ask Evan! He even gave us a ride home. And I think you two would make a great team!" Emily chirped.

Vicky raised a brow, amused.

"Oh really? I'll believe it when I see him. Maybe he's just fooling you."

"No way. You know I'm a good judge of character," Evan chimed in, leaning on the couch. "His name's Nathan. He's actually pretty cool—and he likes kids. Like you."

Vicky chuckled. "Fine, I believe you. But Emily, let this be the first and last older 'friend' you bring home. We don't want anyone mistaking us for kidnappers."

Emily giggled and twirled.

"Deal!"

"I'm heading back," Vicky said, already tying her hair up. "I'll cook dinner before I go and bring something back for you two later."

Evan frowned. "You're going back? I thought you were done."

"Nope. I still have a party to handle. Right now, it's just a bunch of business tycoons talking shop."

"And… Mom? Is she okay?" Evan asked gently.

Vicky smiled softly.

"She's holding on. She asked you to focus on Methalon and for Emily to stay on top of her schoolwork. She'll handle her health. Soon, we'll all be together again."

Evan nodded. "Okay. Speaking of focus… I'll need your laptop today."

Before Vicky could reply, Emily cut in smugly.

"Sister said don't ask if you want the laptop."

Vicky crossed her arms.

"Even your little sister remembers my rules, Evan."

Evan rolled his eyes. "She just wants it too. No worries, I'll use my notes."

Vicky sighed. "Emily, I'll leave you my phone. Let Evan use the laptop."

Emily pouted.

"Evan's a puppet. I want to watch cartoons too."

"Emily! No name-calling. Apologize."

"Sorry…" she muttered and stormed off to her room.

Evan raised an eyebrow. "So… I get the phone then?"

Vicky stared at both devices and muttered, "How do I even resolve this now?"

Still, she cooked dinner for them. They ate together—laughing, joking, leaning into their shared little bubble of joy. Afterward, she hugged them both tightly. Affection was their language, and they spoke it fluently.

Evan set up on the laptop, and Emily curled up with the phone, cartoons lighting up her face.

Across the street, behind a second-story curtain, Saima watched through binoculars, bitterness etching her face.

"I swear, I'll ruin her life," she hissed. "Even with her mother in a hospital bed, she still dares to smile like she owns the world."

That evening, the atmosphere buzzed at the exclusive business event. Applause and congratulations followed Nathan everywhere.

"Congratulations, boss! Can't wait to meet your fiancée," a businessman beamed.

"Looks like you're not just sealing deals—you're sealing a future too!"

Jack raised his glass. "Catty here?"

Nathan shook his head. "Nah. She's working late. And man, I'm starving."

"Relax, dinner's almost ready," Jack reassured.

Nathan scanned the elegant venue. "Who organized this? It's flawless."

Jack smirked.

"You know that girl I told you about? She's my new hire. Called her last-minute. She pulled this off like she's been doing it for years."

Nathan nodded, impressed. "Even the meeting room was top-tier. I never drink during business, but I couldn't resist the tea."

Another associate chimed in.

"Same here. Never seen such a well-prepared table—wine, notepads, even the lighting was just right."

Nathan smirked.

"I want her for my engagement and wedding. She's got the touch."

Jack raised a brow. "She's around. I'll call her over so you two can chat."

Elsewhere at the Shikongo residence, Cinthia examined herself in the mirror, fussing with her outfit.

"Girl, this party's for serious businesswomen. At least dress semi-formal," Catty said, folding her arms.

"I'm dressing to impress—Daddy might be there," Cinthia replied with a wink.

"Daddy?" Catty repeated, confused.

"If you know, you know," Cinthia teased. "Anyway, why didn't Nate invite you?"

Catty looked down, fiddling with her nails.

"He said it's strictly business. Said I can attend once I'm his wife."

"Nate said that?" Cinthia asked, her voice dipping in skepticism.

"Yeah… You think he's hiding something?"

"Not sure, but I thought he respected your opinions more."

Catty sighed.

"He used to. But ever since he proposed, he's… different. Still, I'm not worried. I'm patient. He's worth it."

Cinthia twirled into a more seductive outfit. "What do you think?"

Catty winced.

"Depends if your father's going to be there…"

"Please. I'm his girl—I know how to charm him."

Just then, Sofia entered, taking one look and freezing in place.

"There is no way you're going out like that," she said firmly.

Cinthia and Catty exchanged wide-eyed glances.