Talented Heiress: A Rose With Thorns

The next morning came quietly, though not everyone stirred right away. Jacob and the rest of Yvette's brothers had stayed the night, crashing into the guest rooms on the first floor after a long evening.

True to his disciplined nature, Adam was already awake, though he was no longer actively serving in the military. By sunrise, he was shirtless in the second-floor gym, punching at a heavy sandbag with precision. His toned muscles flexed with each strike, and sweat rolled down his neck, tracing the defined lines of his chest.

Ellen leaned against the doorframe, watching the scene with interest, when a towel suddenly landed on her face, obscuring her view.

"Quit staring at my brother like that," lan growled through gritted teeth.

Ellen yanked the towel away, arching a brow. "What makes you think I was staring?"

lan let out a sharp laugh, his expression unimpressed. "The way you were practically drooling gave it away."

Her playful grin widened. "Well, if I can't stare at Adam, how about I focus on you instead?"

lan's ears turned red at the boldness of her retort. "Y-You..." He stammered, caught completely off guard.

Ellen's smile grew more mischievous as she reached out, lightly brushing her fingers against his flushed ear. "So sensitive, huh? You're way too easy to mess with."

Before lan could fire back, Adam noticed the commotion and pulled on a jacket, walking over. "lan, did you need something?"noveldrama

lan immediately grabbed Ellen's hand, hiding it behind his back as if to erase any evidence of her teasing. He cleared his throat, trying to steady his voice. "Breakfast is ready. I thought I'd let you know."

Adam nodded. "Got it. I'll be down in a minute."

As Adam walked away, Ellen tugged her hand free and smirked. "Why are you still holding my hand? What, planning to keep it with you forever?"

lan's blush deepened as he hastily let go, muttering under his breath before

storming off toward the dining room. Watching his retreating figure, Ellen chuckled, clearly enjoying herself. Her trip to Jubilife was turning out to be more fun than she had originally thought.

In the dining room downstairs, the table was set with an impressive spread. Family members and guests began gathering, taking their seats at the table one by one.

"Where's Yvie?" Nancy asked as she glanced around the room.

Her question drew attention from the group. "Yeah! She's not here yet."

Jasper took a bite of his sandwich and asked, "Is she still asleep?"

Sean frowned in confusion. "That's odd. Yvie has a fixed sleeping schedule. Why hasn't she gotten up yet?"

lan nodded in agreement. "Exactly! Yvie never sleeps in."

All eyes subtly shifted toward Wilson,

was seated calmly a

the head of the table. He coughed lightly but said nothing, keeping his

Sion neutral.

Ellen waved a hand dismissively. "She probably just had too much to drink last night. Yvette rarely drinks, after all."

Though her comment was casual,

Jacob gave Wilson a suspicious look, his sharp eyes narrowing briefly. Yet Wilson's composed demeanor gave him no room to confirm his suspicions.

"I'll bring her some soup," Adam offered, motioning for one of the staff members to bring the soup over.

Before he could get up, Wilson rose smoothly from his seat. "I'll handle it, Adam."

Adam hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. But be careful-she's not exactly cheerful when she first wakes up."

Wilson carried the steaming bowl of soup up to the third floor, his movements calm and measured. When he reached Yvette's door, he handed the bowl to a nearby maid.

"Bring this back to the kitchen and pour it out," he said casually.

The maid blinked in confusion. "But Mr. Quinn, isn't this for Ms. Murray?"

Wilson's lips curved into a lazy, knowing smirk. "She doesn't need it."

He was certain of one thing-Yvette's late start had nothing to do with last night's drinks.