Chapter 73

The photograph showed a man in his twenties, wearing a radiant smile, a moment forever captured.

Five years earlier, Nicolas had gone to Yurtinas to complete a task for Stefan, but was pursued by unknown assailants and barely escaped with his life. The person in the photograph had sacrificed himself to allow Nicolas’s escape. The scene Nicolas discovered later was horrific.

The event left a permanent scar on Nicolas’s heart. Every year, he visited the grave.

Footsteps approached. A woman in a long black dress emerged. She had a delicate, beautiful face, gentle eyes, and a small white flower tucked into her long, curly hair. Her eyes were slightly red and swollen, as if she had been crying.

She walked to Nicolas, placed the flowers before the photograph, and murmured, "Brother, I've come back to see you."

Nicolas’s gaze softened as he looked at her. "What brought you back to Reasnatan?"

She wiped her eyes and forced a smile. "After being abroad so long, I felt an emptiness. Being back in Reasnatan, with you and my brother, feels like home."

Nicolas nodded. "In that case, I'll arrange everything for you."

They left the cemetery together. Suddenly, the woman coughed. Her slender shoulders shook slightly, appearing fragile in the night breeze. Nicolas felt a protective instinct. He removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders. "You should dress warmly if you're not feeling well. You’ve just arrived; your body needs time to adjust. Don't get sick."

She smiled playfully. "I'm not afraid of getting sick. If I do, at least I'll have you for company, Nicolas."

Nicolas’s lips moved, but he said nothing. Then, before leaving, he said, "You don't need to return the coat."

Stephanie Ralap watched him go, her gaze filled with longing and infatuation. Darwin approached. "Ms. Ralap, your house is ready. I'll take you there."

Stephanie frowned. "Why another house? I can stay with Nicolas."

Darwin forced a smile, suppressing his feelings. His tone was businesslike. "This is Mr. Hendrix’s arrangement. Staying at his place might be inconvenient."

Stephanie wanted to protest but paused. She touched Nicolas’s coat, a soft smile appearing on her face. "It doesn't matter. As long as I'm back, everything will be fine. Just take me there. After a few days' rest, I'll visit Nicolas at the company."

Darwin almost suggested delaying the visit but remembered Nicolas’s words: "I don't like my privacy being known by others." He remained silent.

When Thea awoke, her phone was filled with calls from Rowland family members. They had learned their lesson—too many calls resulted in being blocked—so they’d made two or three calls from the home phone.

Thea initially ignored them but, knowing their persistence, reluctantly returned a call. Ivy immediately began scolding her. "Thea, look at what you've become! You don't come home or contact your family. Are you trying to make everyone in Key Biscayne think we mistreat you?"