Thursday, Sena woke up in a daze. 

After looking at the bedside clock showing eight in the morning, she grinned and stretched like a lazy cat. It was a rare break from work. She dawdled at home all morning and set off three hours later.

Sena drove downtown for a lunch date with the Tang couple.

While the three reminisce, a paparazzi hid behind the shrubberies taking a shot at Leo and Sena hugging and smiling at each other. 

“Good grief, brat. If Linda hadn’t recognized you from the news, we wouldn’t have any idea you flew to Country R!” 

“I know you wouldn’t agree with me going up there so I sneaked out.” She said proudly. 

Linda poked her forehead laughingly, “You’ve got guts.” 

While the ladies went inside the private room, Leo went out to answer a call for a while. 

“We have a problem.” Linda sounded very worried. “Cassandra Liu’s fans are still biting you for losing the La Bella endorsement. Aside from that, that blogger Applesauce wrote another blind item hinting at you.” 

Something about a not so famous but rich model who had a big attitude on the set of a certain commercial shoot. Gossip columns are usually being ignored but Sena is currently popular so everyone wanted to dig up her life. Anti-fans jumped and many passersby came to patronize it. Linda suspects whoever is behind it wanted to have Sena’s endorsements with Fleur canceled. 

She raised an eyebrow. 

Linda opened her phone and showed her what Applesauce wrote. Unexpectedly while she was out of the country someone took advantage of it to retaliate against her. Did they really treat her as a doormat?

She looked at the article sharply.

“It’s probably because they thought you had no agency to speak on your behalf and defend your rights. You look so easy to use as a punching bag.”

“It’s done. I had Apple contact TEMPEST and Fleur to clear up the issue on set. Additionally, someone also sent me a bunch of nuisances this morning so I conveniently answered some questions.” 

“I’m glad to hear you were handling this so well.” Linda smiled. 

She smiled back.  

Seeing her unbothered appearance put the weight off Linda’s shoulders. 

“So tell me, how was your trip to Stella?”

“It wasn’t as bad, when April and I arrived the weather was good and we made enough time to tour the mine. Everything was under control and we stayed in a very cosy place outside of Stella.” 

“Thank God you were okay! What was K Province like? I was so frightened when I saw the news about your disappearance. Leo used all his contacts to connect to Country R’s private search and rescue unit. The poor guy hadn’t slept all night.”

Smiling guiltily at Linda’s remark, Sena said, “I’m sorry for making both of you worry. Our driver took us on a detour to this nifty little village because he was afraid that the main road was flooded, which was worse than he predicted, by the way. Fortunately, we stopped over and avoided the landslides. When the storm was over, we returned to the hotel and met with Apple.” 

“What’s important is that you are here safe and sound at last.” Linda reached over and patted her cheek. “But don’t do this again!” 

She heard this several times already but it still feels touched.  

“So when you decided on this great adventure, have you met anyone interesting?”

Sena’s eyes flew wide. “Sis!” 

“What? I was just asking. It’s all over the news that Nexus Global’s heiress is being escorted by a tall and dashing man during her participation and from the looks of it, he seems to be quite an eye-candy as well. Ladies are drooling after him.”

“They’re probably talking about Apple…”

“Sheesh! My eyes can recognize Apple even if he’s packed in a bloody bubble wrap.” Linda looked her dead in the eyes. “Who’s the hunk?” 

“There were plenty of good looking people in K Province considering it’s a vacation spot. Foreigners, locals, celebrities take your pick.” She prevaricates while moving her on the lighting fixture above. 

Linda peered on her eyelashes and smiled meaningfully. The brat might be clever in a lot of things but lying was never her forte. 

“Did our baby girl meet someone interesting then?”

Sena groaned. “Why do you sound like you wanted me to meet someone?”

“I want you to enjoy yourself and not be afraid after your huge stumble with that middle school crush. I’m really worried about your youth wasting away.” 

“Well, I did meet many.” Sena smiled mischievously. “Soldiers, firefighters, medics, volunteers. They are all interesting people with selfless hearts.” 

Linda wasn’t fooled, she really wouldn’t spill it unless the information was forcibly pried. 

Sensing danger, Sena laughed nervously, “I’m not kidding, I find them all good and interesting.” 

“Better than Lyndon Miles by a large margin?” Linda asked with an eyebrow up. 

Why the heck did Lyndon Miles get mentioned? She had forgotten about that scum centuries ago. 

Linda saw her face twisted into a bitter gourd and chuckled. “Forget I mentioned that but, since we’re on the topic of men, was there someone out there attractive enough who at least fitted your picky taste?”

“Why do you ask?” Sena asked warily.

“Because it would make me deliriously happy if I thought my little sister had flirted with a charming man while she’s out in a distant foreign land,” Linda said excitedly. 

Her expression cracked. The big sister wants her to have a love affair with a stranger! How will her conservative big brother react?  

Sena smothered a laugh. “I might have.”

“You did?!”  

She nodded, followed by Linda’s muffled screaming because she did not want to alert Leo outside. 

“Was it the guy in the photo? Do I know him?”  

Sena shot the doorway a cautious glance as if afraid that Leo might suddenly jump in. 

“It’s Nicholas Vaughn-Aiguille, isn’t it?” Linda whispered. 

The blush gave her away. 

Linda’s eyes sparkled. “Dear me, since when?”

“If you’re asking when we started dating I would say it’s been almost a month now. He flew to K Province to help me deal with a little trouble,” she licked her lower lip habitually then fiddled with her fingers. “We met on the night before your wedding. I didn’t know he was acquainted with big brother. I, I had no idea. We talked and,”

“You found out he was a wonderful man and you fell for him?”

“No!” She choked. “At least not yet but we…”

“I see,” Linda fell silent for a moment when she noticed that her blush only got worse at this moment. It was then that she came into a realization. “At that time on the island, did you and him…”  

Sena dropped her head to her hands in shame.  

“Sena Erde!” Linda-the-tigress roared. “When I teased you about going wild that time I was merely teasing. You didn’t have to—” she stopped abruptly seeing Sena nervously chewing on her lips. “Oh, sweetheart. No, I’m not mad at you… just… no wonder you looked so bad that day. I thought you only had your period.” 

Sena wished to find a crack to squeeze herself into. 

Linda leaned over and patted her back. “It’s okay, it’s okay. As long as you are happy.”

Nicholas was it? The cunning little rat, how dare he touch her baby girl! 

After a few beats of silence, Linda said again while nervously reaching for a glass of water.

“You’re happy, aren’t you?”

Looking up, Sena smiled. “I am.”  

“Do you like him?”

Sena paused before smiling, “I do.” 

Linda’s overall expression eased. Bantering with her has lessened the guilt of hiding her relationship with Nicholas. Among the couple, Linda was always the easiest one to take down, as for Leo? Let’s wait until he’s in a much better mood. She decided. 

“Oh, another thing I forgot to tell you.” Linda perked up. “I went to a private gathering with the other ladies last week and guess who I saw?”

Sena raised an eyebrow. “Maya Luz?”

“How did you— forget it.” 

“It’s not that surprising, since Dresden is dating Maya.” She said casually. She had no idea how that big ice cube became interested with her half sister but it was the same as before. He would go as far as paving the road for his little girlfriend. Even if that means trampling on her pride. 

“It doesn’t seem to be that way.” Linda disagreed. “Wait, I didn’t know they were dating!”

Sena blinked. How could that be? At this time Maya should have gleefully spread the news that she managed to catch the eye of the Troy Industries' heir. Unless something happened in between… 

“Dresden attended the auction in The Grove to bid for the pill box.”

Sena merely shrugged. When she decided to stop getting involved with the Luz’ she also gave up a lot of things, one of them is the pill box. It was lost before but it went on Dresden’s hands this time. 

“Who cares if he did. I cut off contact with him the last time we talked.” 

“He called Leo a few days ago to ask where you went.” Linda said, her eyebrows furrowing. “I’m guessing he is going to send it back to you. I don’t think he and Maya had any connection. As for Maya, she came to the Shu family’s garden party under the sponsorship of Mrs Rosamaria.”

Oh, so that’s it. It seems Dresden did not disclose his real identity to Maya. If he had, the Luz family wouldn’t let the opportunity of disclosing their relationship slide. Sena knew they would resort to anything for it to be sensationalized by the media. 

“They’re not together?” 

“No.” 

So she was right. Something did happen. It appears that those two parted ways. She felt like laughing all of a sudden. For Maya who didn’t know what big fish she had let go, Dresden was just one of the childhood friends she needed to snatch from her. Without him, her chances of meeting many important people is bleak. So to say, without his help the Luz’s journey of expanding their business wouldn’t be as smooth as before. 

As for the Rosamaria family, she wasn’t worried. Compared to other ancient clans, they are still mediocre. 

Mrs Rosamaria was one of Maya’s older besties in her previous life. Although she married Dresden, the madam treated her as if she was a daughter in law. Their close relationship was a great help launching her among the socialites and wives of plutocrats which greatly expanded her social connections. 

And all these favors were brought to her by none other than the pill box she auctioned off. Sena knew this was going to happen again and did not stop it. Mrs Rosamaria is a woman who loves vanity, she could like anyone who is willing to praise and curry favor with her. When she found out that Maya had something rare in her hands, she rushed forward to help. The poor madam thought the pill box was some kind of priceless treasure. 

What would happen if she realized it was merely a replica? How would she treat Maya?

Sena smiled deeply.

“Are you worried about Maya and Mrs Rosamaria? Don’t be, even if she caught the eye of the madam, I guarantee it wouldn’t stand for long. Mrs Rosamaria can be a little too nice sometimes but she absolutely detest those who make a fool of herself.”

She did not doubt it. 

Linda poked her forehead gently, “Why are you frowning? You don’t have faith in your sister’s ability? Worry not dear, I already called the shots for you. During the garden party I mentioned the origin of the pill box.” 

Sena’s eyes flew wide, “You didn’t…”

“It appears Mrs Rosamaria didn’t know it was merely a replica of the original work of Sir Euclid so I kindly shared the information. Who knew it would become such a surprise?”

She was still planning how to reveal Luz' lie about the pill box but Linda already did the job of bursting their bubble! Sena couldn’t help but explode into a hearty laugh. The Shu family party was attended by many prominent people in the society. If what she said was true then, the Luz’ family might be frightened to death at this moment. 

“It seems my big mouth created a lot of trouble for your half-sister. I don’t know if Mrs Rosamaria would settle the score with them later. This is by the far the biggest embarrassment she got involved in after buying a bunch of fake jewelry.” Linda said innocently. “You don’t mind me tripping your half sister, do you?”

Nope, not at all. 

Linda then howled in a disgusted voice, “Gosh, who made them so ignorant? They proudly claimed that the replica was a masterpiece of Sir Euclid. I doubt they read culture books at all.” 

Mrs Rosamaria wasn't any better either. 

Sena’s shoulders were shaking uncontrollably from mirth. She flew over to hug her big sister, “You really are my angel!” 

Darling, for you I’m willing to be a demon when facing those two. 

When Leo returned he found the two girls giggling like fools. What are they up to?

He especially came today to nag on the brat who doesn’t seem to realize her error. But looking at the wife now cuddling with her, he thinks it would be impossible to play the villain today. Uness, of course, he’s got guts to face his missus' fiery temper later. Clearly he doesn't.  

Gotta endure, it’s all because of those pregnancy hormones and whatnot.  

There was a young waiter who was trailing behind to take their order. The guy was about Sena’s age and dressed neatly in his uniform, while the three were picking their food. His eyes kept falling on her. 

“E-Excuse me,” the waiter said nervously. 

“Yes?” 

Sena is in a brighter mood today so she turned to him and smiled. Unfortunately, it was the wrong move. The young guy felt like he was about to suffer a heart attack. 

“T-That… uhm…. a-are you Sena Erde?”

Leo paused when looking through the menu and frowned. His paternal instinct kicked in as soon as he sensed some snot-nosed brat eyeing the baby sister. Linda stopped eyeing the menu and watched amusedly. 

“It’s me. Can I help you?”

To Sena’s surprise, the waiter shook his head frantically. His cheeks were so red as if he was about to bleed out from them. 

“No, I— I’m your fan!” 

Sena blinked, taken by surprise for a moment. “Thank you.” 

The sweet smile made his chest thud. At this moment, the waiter felt like he was floating on clouds. This is not a fairy but a goddess and he met her in person! 

“Alright, since you are Sena’s fan can we get our meal sooner?” Leo said unsmilingly. 

The youth wasn’t fazed. Although the big guy appears stern, his eyes do not show any disgust or contempt at all, “Yes sir!” 

The lunch was especially enjoyable with a vivacious waiter on their side. The three even allowed him to take pictures with them after the meal, making the young guy smile from ear to ear. 

“Thank you so much, Ms Sena! I will cherish this.” He squealed while holding his mobile phone. After thanking her, he turned to Linda, “Madam Tang, you are also very beautiful and you—”

“Cough!” Leo hummed warningly. 

The youth retracted his paws with a nervous laughter. Hehe, CEO Tang is kinda scary. 

It was raining heavily when the lunch concluded, Leo held an umbrella and put his wife in the car first before moving to shade Sena in her car. The steps down the restaurant were slippery. He needed to hold her hand to keep her from slipping. 

“Drive slowly, alright?” He reminded her. 

“You too big brother since you are going to be a busy daddy in less than six months.”  

Leo chuckled happily. “And you’re going to be a godmother soon.” 

Not far from them, a man holding a small camera began taking multiple ambiguous shots.