My nerves had just settled, but suddenly I was on edge again. ‘Wait, Edward’s coming too? Right, he already knows Isabelle has a thing for him. Maybe he’s just here to back Ms. Lynn up. That’s gotta be it—they all know each other anyway.’

“Uncle Ryan just popped up out of nowhere—don’t tell me he’s actually trying to spark some romance with Isabelle.” Ryan slouched over next to me, sounding all casual.

Even the vibe around him had changed. He used to smell like sun-baked wild grass—fresh and breezy.

Lately, though, there’s this cool minty note clinging to him. Must be some mint-scented stuff he keeps in his closet.

Honestly, it smells so good it kinda gets you hooked without you even noticing.

“It’s pretty popular these days for young girls to end up with older guys. If your uncle and Isabelle really get together, it’d be a good thing,” I said with a smile, trying to keep things light.

“My uncle’s really picky when it comes to romance. Just because someone throws themselves at him doesn’t mean he’ll accept it,” Ryan said, sounding a bit pessimistic. “From what I’ve seen, he’s never met a woman who truly makes his heart skip a beat. Maybe he’s so busy with work that he barely remembers what feelings are even like.”

I felt a jolt of anxiety. Edward really did look just like an emotionless machine, with nothing in his eyes but ambition for his career.

“It’s actually a good thing for a guy to put his career first,” I said, forcing a smile. “Love is just the icing on the cake—it doesn’t prove anything. But when you succeed in your career, that’s something to really feel proud of.”

Ryan lifted his head from where he was resting on my shoulder and looked up at me. “So, you really think feelings aren’t important?”

I nodded, a little spaced out. “Honestly, people can still do just fine without feelings.”

Ryan let out a sigh and leaned back against my shoulder. The next second, he suddenly pressed a kiss to my neck. His warm breath made my skin tingle, and I instinctively pulled away a bit.

Ryan didn’t agree. “I think feelings matter a lot. They’re one of the best things life gives us.”

I was stumped for a moment, so I just nodded. “Yeah, true. Feelings do bring joy.”

Suddenly, Ryan clasped my fingers in a possessive grip, his voice soft and a little vulnerable. “Feelings give people a sense of security.”

I was caught off guard and just lowered my head in silence.

After an hour’s drive, we arrived at the theater. Ryan held my hand as we got out, and we slipped in through a private entrance that led straight into the performance hall.

The place was already filling up. Ryan and I picked out some low-key seats up front, trying not to draw attention.

The stage was still hidden behind a curtain that shimmered like drifting sand, so you couldn’t see what was going on inside.

All around us, people were chatting in hushed voices—everyone seemed pretty hyped for the show.

Ryan glanced back, and suddenly, a few older folks behind us quickly leaned in to greet him.

He responded politely, then lowered his voice and whispered to me, “That’s Isabelle’s entourage.”

I nodded. The Lynn family was clearly a cut above the rest—those people definitely looked like people of influence.

Just as we were chatting quietly, an imposing figure suddenly appeared next to Ryan.

Ryan’s eyes lit up. “Uncle Ryan?” he called out, sounding genuinely pleased.

Edward had really shown up.

He’d ditched the suit today for a black turtleneck and a matching trench coat.

Winter had hit Braylin, and everyone was bundling up.

It was the first time I’d ever seen Edward dressed down. He didn’t have that usual intimidating vibe anymore, and actually seemed kind of friendly.

Edward gave Ryan a nod.

Before he could even sit down, a bunch of people behind him leaned in, eager to say hi—everyone was practically buzzing with excitement.

Especially the Lynn family’s entourage—they looked genuinely shocked and delighted to see Edward show up.

Just like Ryan, Edward responded politely, then took his seat.

“Uncle Ryan, you never used to like coming to places like this. What’s got you so interested today?” Ryan teased.

Edward kept his eyes straight ahead, his voice calm. “I was bored. Just killing time.”

Ryan chuckled. “Killing time, or are you here to find me a new aunt?”

Edward’s expression turned serious. Instead of looking at Ryan, his gaze landed on me first.

I quickly ducked my head, clutching the program in my hands.

“Don’t make a scene,” Edward said, his voice low and full of authority.

Ryan didn’t back down at all. He just kept teasing, “I’m not exactly thrilled about calling Isabelle my aunt, but if you’re really into her, I guess I could go along with it.”

“Ryan, could you not?” Edward’s tone was icy, clearly losing patience.

Ryan paused for a moment, then turned to me and fiddled with my fingers. “Uncle Ryan’s so aloof,” he muttered.

Just then, melodious music drifted from the stage as the curtain drew back on both sides.