Chapter 3

I stormed up the stairs with Harper, kicking open the door to the master bedroom. The noise jolted the person inside awake, and he shouted furiously, "Who's crazy enough to interrupt my sleep?!"

I turned on the light, revealing a face all too familiar—Nash Howard, the adopted son Ulises had brought into our lives two years ago. I scanned the room, once decorated like a charming princess's chamber, now strewn with expensive sneakers and trendy gadgets, and couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh.

"So, tell me, which family's big shot are you?" I asked sarcastically. "You kicked my daughter out to sleep in a storage room and took over her space—Nash, who gave you that right?!"

Nash was three years older than Harper, and I wasn't thrilled about Ulises adopting a boy that age. We already had Harper; why bring more chaos by adopting someone else's child? But Ulises insisted he owed everything to our community, and with one family in trouble, he couldn't ignore the boy left behind. Under such circumstances, how could I stop him from fulfilling his duty?

However, I was resolved not to let an outsider take over the family space meant for my daughter. So, while adoption papers were officially filed, my true intention was merely to offer Nash a scholarship, ensuring his education, and even planning to secure him a job once he graduated. I believed I was being more than generous.

Ulises was relentless, though, bringing Nash home every few days. When my research expedition to the Alps came through, he insisted Nash should move in, claiming he was too busy, and Nash could be an older brother for Harper. Nash seemed kind-hearted and shy, and Harper liked having him around, so I reluctantly agreed.

Yet, in my two years away, this home had devolved into chaos. I was abroad, not gone forever! Nash looked momentarily startled to see me but quickly regained his cool. Instead of addressing my accusation, he frowned and muttered, "Kira, why didn't you tell me you were coming back?"

I laughed at his audacity. First the nanny, now him—did they think they owned the place? Did I need to announce my whereabouts in my own house?

With the sky still dark outside, I had no interest in a drawn-out conversation and spoke firmly, "You know I'm back now. We'll sort things out in daylight."

"For now, get back to the guest room and return this space!"

Honestly, I didn't even want him in the guest room. Nash was meant to be Harper's companion, but if he couldn't understand his place, he was no longer welcome here.

Nash seemed to have more to say, but my steely gaze silenced him. He retreated, mumbling, "Stupid woman, wait till my dad's back to deal with you."

I didn't care at all.

I swiftly changed the sheets and blankets, then snuggled up with Harper, ready for much-needed rest. It had been a long day, and the real reckoning would begin at dawn. As I drifted toward sleep, Harper, silent all this while, started to cry softly.

I didn't ask questions, just held her tighter.