Selena had half a mind to silence the little brat for good. She''d asked him to call someone, not to stir up more trouble! Brook looked pale as a ghost too. His wife was already inside with Everett, and now he feared he might lose his son as well.


    Ever since having a child, Selena had made a conscious effort to keep her emotions in check for the sake of her health. But here she was, expertly delivering a smack to Ricky''s head once more. She shot him a withering re, her teeth clenched, forcing out each word, "I said, call someone!" Ricky, who feared nothing except his sister''s wrath, had received his fair share of beatings from her growing up. With a sulky pout, he grudgingly muttered two words into the air, "Brother-inw!"


    Selena sighed inwardly. Her stubborn little brother was a chip off the old block. He hadn''t yet faced the real world''s harshness, so his arrogance was still intact, refusing to back down easily. With no other option, Selena gently tugged on Everett''s sleeve, her voice softening to a plea, "Everett, Ricky''s just being a bit of a brat. Don''t take it personally."


    Everett sped her soft hand, his dark eyes ncing past Ricky''s defiant gaze. He wasn''t angry, just casually replied, "I''m not petty enough to fuss over a... little troublemaker." That set Ricky off, "Who''re you calling a little troublemaker?"


    Ricky wasn''t as tall as Everett, but at 6 feet with a sturdy build from ying basketball, he was far from weak. He stepped forward, ring at Everett like an angry lion ready to pounce. "Ricky!" Selena warned, frowning.Têxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Everett, unfazed, adjusted his cuffs leisurely. His demeanor was so rxed that it was almost infuriating. Only then did he look at Ricky, calmly saying, "If a few words can rile you up, and youck the strength to back it up, ending up out of your depth-what else would you call it?"


    Ricky''s fists clenched in anger, "You..."


    But he couldn''te up with a retort.


    "I heard you caused quite a bit of trouble at school too, always leaving your sister to clean up your mess. Why haven''t you learned by now?"


    Everett nced dismissively at


    Ricky''s clenched fists. "Until you can


    handle things properly, using fists is the lowest form of problem-solving. It just creates more chaos and tires everyone out, includingo yourself."


    Selena was surprised by Everett''s words. The sunlight highlighted his striking profile, making him appear almost luminous. Her anxiety eased a bit. She''d expected Ricky''s attitude to anger Everett, but instead, he cately taught Ricky a lesson.


    Words with such depth should''vee from a father, but their uncle never could''ve said them. It was unexpected that Everett, the brother-inw, was the one to step up.


    Ricky seemed to absorb what Everett was saying, his expression a mix of emotions. Despite his disdain for Everett, he couldn''t deny the truth in his words, and like most young people, he admired strength and wisdom.


    However, old grudges don''t fade


    quickly, and his dislike for Everett wouldn''t vanish overnight. Ricky


    simply went quiet, sank back into et


    the couch, and pulled out his phone to y games, shutting out the world around him.


    Crisis averted...


    Brook nearly sank to his knees in relief. Thankfully, his son was spared from further trouble, or he might''ve ended up truly alone.


    Selena had nned to stay for dinner, but with Everett around, everyone was too tense and awkward. She decided it was better to leave early and spare everyone the difort.


    The car rolled gently down the street, the driver mindful of Selena''s pregnancy, keeping a steady pace. Selena leaned against the car window, soaking in the festive atmosphere. Watching her childlike delight, Everett couldn''t help but smile, suggestingzily, "Feel like taking a stroll?"


    Selena did feel like it. The night market was bustling, with shops decked out in beautiful decorations, music ying, and street performers entertaining the crowd.