Edwin gently pinched her face, saying softly, "I need to step out for a bit."

Laura grabbed his arm, hesitating before speaking in a hoarse voice.

“Edwin, I know I'm not the smartest, and you and your mom handle everything for our family. But... Olivia is like a sister to me, and I think I should have a say in this. Olivia and Dylan are happy together, and he loves the child. Please don't..." She couldn't complete her thought.

Edwin watched her intently.

Beneath the crystal lamp, his eyes looked deep and unreadable. After a moment, he smiled reassuringly. "I'm just going to bail him out. Nothing else will happen. You're acting like a true big sister now, looking out for Olivia. I'm so proud of you."