Edwin, after descending the stairs, gently set down Leyla and told her softly, "Go play with your cousins."

She scampered off immediately.

Once Leyla was out of earshot, Edwin, with a hint of mockery, asked, “Who are you calling considerate?"

The servant hesitated, choosing not to respond.

At that moment, Laura hurried downstairs, well aware of Edwin's volatile moods. She tugged at his arm, urging in a hushed tone, “I'm sure he meant well. Please, don't be like that."

Mark chimed in, “You're getting more and more like Waylen with that short temper."

Edwin brushed off the comment and addressed Olivia more seriously.

"I'm not against you two being together. But he vanished for over a month last time, and now he's headed abroad again. Do you even know who he's meeting there this time? This isn't right! You probably think it's merely friends with benefits kind of thing. Since you've been married before, perhaps you don't take it as seriously now that you meet up occasionally. But Olivia, casual dating is one thing, commitment is something entirely different. This is Dylan we're talking about!"

Laura implored Edwin to halt his critique.

Nonetheless, Edwin was direct in his approach.

He turned to Olivia with a gentle voice. “It's actually quite simple. If you are okay with Gina sharing his attention, then wait-— until she's no more. If you and Dylan are still together then, you should build a life together. But currently, everything is so uncertain. If Dylan truly cares about you, why would he go abroad now? Shouldn't he ensure such issues are not repeated? Could he not have his parents fly here instead? Why must he go overseas?"

Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he added, “Of course, you could choose to take a chance and believe in him. The time you've spent with Dylan could well justify it. But as your brother, I wish you'd take fewer risks in life."

Olivia, no longer the young woman who could easily rebound from heartaches, listened intently.

She had indeed endured much for love.

Touched by her brother's concern, Olivia responded quietly, “Brother, I understand."

Edwin then donned his coat and approached her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're a big girl now. The decisions are yours to make. Remember though, I'll always be by your side and support you, no matter what."

As he prepared to leave for work, Mark called out, "Skipping breakfast, are you? Aren’t you hungry?"

From the foyer, Edwin replied, “Laura's taken care of it. She made me two eggs and sent them up to our room earlier on."

Laura, caught by surprise by his comment, remained speechless.

The air hung heavy with an awkward silence.

Mark teasingly asked Cecilia, “When are you going to bring my breakfast the bed for a change?"

While Cecilia was bringing the tea over, her eyes caught the shimmer of the diamond ring on Olivia's finger-a stunning blue diamond.

Cecilia held Olivia's hand, examining the ring intently. Reflecting inwardly, she noted Olivia's age at 33, acknowledging that she was, like Edwin had implied, not a little girl anymore.

Olivia, reading her mother's thoughts, spoke softly. "Mom, I've given it a try to move on, but it's hard. If not him, then it won't be anyone else. I'm prepared for any disappointment."