Dylan discarded his bath towel, showing off. Edwin, modestly dressed, looked down at him with a faint smile.

“Aren't you cold, showing off like this in a cold winter night, Dylan?"

Dylan chuckled.

"Thinking of Laura, who's also here, keeps me warm!"

Edwin's response was laced with sarcasm.

"You could stay forever, and it still wouldn't change anything!"

Unperturbed, Dylan retorted, and Edwin's expression darkened. Dylan smirked to himself, enjoying his momentary advantage, yet admiring Edwin's sister.

Edwin led Olivia away, while Dylan watched them leave with a playful blink.

Olivia, unable to resist, ran back to Dylan and touched his muscular arm and chest, marveling at the firmness, reminiscent of velvet wrapped around iron.

Edwin was visibly frustrated.

"Olivia!" he exclaimed.

After her brief touch, Olivia quickly grabbed her brother's arm and they both hurried off.

Dylan watched them go, shaking his head with amusement.

He then stood up swiftly and dived back into the pool.

Back at Evans Gardon, Edwin was summoned by Mark to the study.

Without preamble, Mark asked, "Was it Vanessa who came over tonight?"

Edwin didn't deny it.

Mark looked at him, not with blame but with deep contemplation. He then said calmly, "Edwin, I used to be uncompromising just like you.

But as I've aged, I've learned that sometimes it's also important to let go. In Vanessa's case, you weren't wrong, but you sure bear some responsibility. If you had recognized your feelings for Laura sooner, this situation with Vanessa wouldn't have occurred. You need to offer some form of reparation to the Smiths."

Mark expected his son to resist, but Edwin agreed immediately.