The scissors were already open when the room went quiet. Forty of the city's wealthiest guests stood frozen around a three-year-old girl clutching a worn stuffed rabbit, watching a woman in a five-figure gown decide her hair didn't belong in that house. Nobody moved. Nobody spoke. And in the ten seconds that followed, an engagement would end, a photograph would fall out of a small coat pocket, and a billionaire would look into a stranger's eyes and see his dead sister staring back. By the time the night was over, one family would be broken beyond repair — and another would finally begin.

Adrien returned to the estate early that afternoon, accompanied by four high-level private security guards.

As he walked into the main hall, he found Mia sitting on the velvet rug, playing happily with a set of wooden building blocks. Rosa sat nearby, reading a book, wearing a soft cashmere sweater Adrien had ordered for her.

"Uncle Addy!" Mia cheered, dropping her blocks and running toward him with open arms.

Adrien caught her easily, lifting her into the air and making her giggle before holding her close.

"How is my favorite girl doing?" Adrien asked with a warm smile.

"Bunny ate three biscuits," Mia reported proudly, pointing to her worn stuffed rabbit resting on the sofa.

Rosa stood up, looking at Adrien with concern. "I saw the news, Adrien. Richard Cole is attacking you on television."

Adrien set Mia down and walked over to Rosa, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry about Richard Cole," Adrien assured her. "He's throwing a desperate tantrum because he knows he's losing."

"Is the company in trouble?" Rosa asked nervously. "I don't want to cause problems for you, Adrien. If my presence is hurting your business—"

"Rosa, listen to me," Adrien interrupted firmly, looking straight into her eyes. "You and Mia are the best things that have happened to this house in twelve years. You're not a problem. You're my family. I will tear Richard Cole's empire to the ground before I let him touch either of you."

Rosa looked into his fierce, protective eyes and felt a wave of absolute peace wash over her. For years, she had fought the world alone. Now, she had a brother—a protector who stood between her and the storm.

"Thank you, Addy," Rosa whispered softly, using his childhood nickname again.