How did things turn out like this?


    Kristine’s grip on her wine ss tightened, a visible sign of her mounting irritation.novelbin


    As she observed Josie’s adoring gaze, her expression softened into a calcted smile.


    “Josie, it’s been too long since youst stayed over at my ce.


    Why don’t youe over tonight?”


    Josie’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she replied without hesitation, “Absolutely, I’d love to!”


    Dane looked at Andrew, his words deliberate and sharp.


    “You’ve been looking out for Madisyn on behalf of Waylon, right? Well, I’m back now.


    You can step back; I’ve got it from here.


    ”


    Andrew’s gaze briefly intensified before he answered in a steady, deep voice, “It’s fine.


    Waylon’s sister is my sister as well.


    ”


    Dane’s thoughts churned silently with frustration.


    As if she needed another brother- she had already had three!


    Madisyn, sensing the tension between the two, felt confused.


    Why did it feel like they were about to fight?


    Opting to remove herself from the fray, she moved towards Susan, seeking thefort of uplicatedpany.


    Meanwhile, his eyes fixed on Andrew, Dane said, “Just so we’re clear, the marriage agreement between our families is now void, right? I’ll talk to Kristine about itter.


    ”


    Andrew pondered for a moment, then said earnestly, “I’ve always regarded Kristine as my sister, but my family is keen on forging an alliance with yours.


    Lately, I’ve developed a good rapport with Madisyn, and I’m willing to wait for her decision.


    ”


    Dane’s mind raced with fury.


    This jerk! Making moves on his sister while he was still around?


    Not happening!


    “Sorry, but Madisyn is quite young and isn’t considering such matters at the moment, right, Madisyn?” Dane said, turning to seek his sister’s agreement.


    But Madisyn was nowhere near; she was joyfully engaged in conversation with her friend while eating.


    A mix of helplessness and affection washed over Dane as he watched her from afar.


    Madisyn… She waspletely unaware of the storm brewing around her.


    Andrew, detecting the edge in Dane’s tone, realized it wouldn’t be easy to start a rtionship with Madisyn.


    “Dane, perhaps we should shift our focus to the new coboration?” he proposed, aiming to steer clear of personal conflicts with his future brother-inw.


    After a moment’s consideration, Dane nodded.


    Business first-personal feelings should never get in the way.


    Meanwhile, Madisyn and Susan were savoring the delights at the buffet, bothpletely absorbed in the joy of the moment.


    “I almost dragged you into a mess today, Susan,” Madisyn murmured, her expression shadowed with a hint of remorse.


    Susan dismissed her guilt with a bright smile.


    “With you by my side, I’m always in safe hands.


    ”