Chapter 180

Mia knelt on the bed, hugging her plush bear and watching intently as Jaden unrolled a mattress onto the floor.

“Papa,” she asked innocently, "why aren't you sleeping in bed with Mama?"

Selena froze, her back stiffening. Her face turned crimson in a flash.

"Wh-What kind of question is that?" she snapped, her tone sharper than she intended. “Who told you Mama and Papa have to sleep together?"

Mia blinked, confused. "Isn't that what all the parents do on TV?"

Selena stared at her daughter like she'd just committed a crime. "Those shows are clearly rotting your brain," she said flatly. “No television for the next two days."

Mia's mouth dropped open in protest. "But I didn't—!"

"No buts," Selena cut her off, folding her arms. "You should be reading books or doing your coloring, not picking up nonsense from dramas."

Jaden chuckled quietly from the floor. "Seems like I'm not the only one banned from the bed tonight."

Selena shot him a warning glare. “Don't push it."

Jaden raised his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, I didn't say a word."

...

The next morning, a rich aroma wafted through the house-savory, warm, and absolutely irresistible.

One by one, the Verrick family shuffled out of their rooms, following the scent like moths to a flame. They walked into the dining area and froze at the sight of the table.

It was a full breakfast spread: scrambled eggs seasoned to perfection, crispy golden toast, a variety of fresh-cut fruits, a pitcher of warm milk, oats with almonds and cranberries, and pancakes stacked high like a monument.

Mia's eyes sparkled. "Wow! So yummy!"

She ran to the table and climbed into her seat, licking her lips. “Papa, did you make all this?"

Jaden leaned on the counter, wiping his hands with a towel. "Yep. Thought I'd make up for all the chaos last night."

Selena, Nora, and Vane looked at each other. None of them expected this.

Vane cleared his throat as he pulled out a chair. “Let's eat. We've got a long day ahead."

He glanced at Jaden with a look that hovered between suspicion and reluctant approval.

"We'll drop Mia off at kindergarten," Vane continued, slicing into a piece of fruit then head to the hospital with some fruits and flowers: Hopefully, Mr. Raze will be in a

forgiving mood."

Selena picked at her food, clearly anxious. "And if he's not?"

"Then we grovel. We need his

cooperation to keep the companiet

afloat, Vane said bluntly's either pride or survival.”

They'd barely taken their first bites when someone knocked on the door.

Knock knock knock.

A polite, unfamiliar voice followed. "Good morning! Is anyone home?”

Everyone stiffened.

"At this hour?" Nora furrowed her brows, already annoyed.

“Probably some salesman,” Selena muttered, placing her napkin down. “I'll get it."

She walked to the door with a casual pace, pulling it open-

Then froze.

Her eyes widened. Her jaw nearly hit the floor.

"W-What... what are you doing here?" she gasped, backing away a step, stunned beyond belief.

Her voice trembled, the color draining from her face.

In the kitchen, Vane's head snapped up. “Selena?" he called. "Who is it?"

He and Nora exchanged a concerned glance.

"What's the matter? Who's at the

door Vane asked again, this time seat."

already rising from his

W