Carla Sinclair hadn’t expected the Hughes family to be in such a state of chaos.

It was already late when she got the news, but thankfully Ian Sinclair had called. She quickly coordinated with various departments. Only after personally watching their helicopter leave Portia did she make her way over, taking her time.

She had no interest in meddling in another family’s domestic affairs, nor did she want to get involved.

But on second thought, the Hughes family’s target was Mia Grant.

If they didn’t put a definitive end to all this tonight, the problem would only resurface later.

Mia Grant would still be in danger.

It was just like the helicopter they took. It didn’t matter who flew into Portia by helicopter; it was none of her business, and the Hughes family wouldn’t have cared either.

But if that same helicopter tried to take Mia Grant away, it would never leave Portia without the Hughes family’s permission.

Once the Hughes family made their stance known, the matter was essentially non-negotiable.

When she was making the arrangements, many were hesitant to commit.

"Ms. Sinclair, this isn’t about whether we’re willing to do you or the Sinclair family a favor. This matter... is not as simple as you imagine. You should be well aware of what it means for the old patriarch to give the order himself."

"If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility."

"If the Hughes family comes after you, tell them to find me. That is, if they even make it through tonight."

"..." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Fragmented pieces of news Kian Keller had recently heard flashed through his mind, and he quickly put a name to the face before him.

"Carla Sinclair."

Yates Donovan raised an eyebrow. "Well, well, you’re not the passionless monk I thought you were. You can instantly name any woman who just happens to walk by."

"You’re so dead. I’m telling Mia Grant when I get back."

"..."

Ignoring everyone else’s expressions, Yates Donovan reveled in the moment. "Fantastic. One less eyesore."

Carla Sinclair shot him a cold look. "Where are Silas Grant and Simon Adler?"

Yates Donovan pointed upstairs. "Silencing witnesses. What, are you here to get your hands dirty, too?"

Carla Sinclair tacitly agreed.

Yates Donovan clicked his tongue, marveling. "What is it about tonight? The old patriarch really managed to piss off a lot of people."

"You’d better sit down and take a number. It’s first come, first served. We’ll let you go up last to get a few jabs in, but don’t go too crazy, alright? After all, the man’s getting on in years. Let’s leave him a shred of dignity."

"Who are you?"

Carla Sinclair had heard him mention Mia Grant just now.

"What are you to Mia Grant?"

Yates Donovan maintained his devil-may-care attitude. "You know Mia Grant? Then who are you to her?"

Carla Sinclair studied him closely. The more she looked, the more she disliked him. He seemed completely disreputable, like some street punk...

She grew even more curious about his relationship with Mia Grant. ’It wouldn’t be so bad if they weren’t close, but if they were... what if he’s a bad influence on her?’

"I’m her sister, in a manner of speaking. Satisfied with that answer?"

"..." The smile on Yates Donovan’s face froze. He adjusted his posture slightly, his gaze now fixed on Carla Sinclair, serious and scrutinizing. There was a resemblance...

But...

"What do you mean, ’in a manner of speaking’?"

"We haven’t formally acknowledged our relationship. But she’s aware of it."

The woman’s reply was terse and to the point.

Her tone was utterly cold.

"You’re from Portia?"

"Yes. My family has been here for four generations."

"..."

Yates Donovan frowned. ’Then what was all that information I’d dug up before?’

’How could Mia Grant’s family of origin be in Portia?’

"Are you... sure?"

"If I weren’t related to her, I wouldn’t have arranged her departure from Portia tonight."

Carla Sinclair took a seat to the side, keeping her distance from the two men.

She folded her arms and stared intently at Yates Donovan. "What are you to her?"

Yates Donovan snapped out of it, his face instantly breaking into a grin. "See? I knew there was something familiar about you. I had a feeling you were her sister. It must be fate!"

"..." Carla Sinclair despised smooth-talkers more than anyone.

Yates Donovan had no idea he was already losing major points with the ’big sister.’

"If you’re asking me, I’d definitely say I’m her boyfriend."

"Then who are you in her eyes?"

"A very important figure in her life. As for the specifics, you’d have to ask her. I can’t answer that on her behalf."

Yates Donovan felt his answer was a very proper, high-scoring, textbook response to give a member of Mia’s family.

But to his surprise, Carla Sinclair’s frown deepened, and she looked as if she were biting her tongue.

"Please, don’t hold back. You can say whatever’s on your mind."

"How old are you? The same age as Silas Grant?"

"About that. I’m a little younger."

"Then do you know how old Mia Grant is?"

"I do."

"So, did you seduce her?"

"Wow," Yates Donovan said, raising an eyebrow. "Cutting right to the heavy questions on our first meeting, are we?"

"Does she like you, then?"

Yates Donovan smiled. "I think she does."

Just as Carla Sinclair was about to say something, she heard him add, "She’s very happy when she’s with me."

"I can tell you with absolute certainty that out of everyone in her life, I’m the only one who truly understands her."

Carla Sinclair fell silent.

Across from them, Kian Keller’s brow furrowed, clearly annoyed by Yates’s words.

Yates was being deliberately provocative. It wouldn’t have mattered if it was just Kian Keller; even if the guys upstairs and the two currently with Mia were all present, he’d still take a swipe at the entire room.

The fireworks ended.

Everyone started to head out.

The crowd was immense, with people packed shoulder-to-shoulder. Not wanting anyone to bump into Mia Grant, Ian Sinclair pulled her into his embrace, shielding her from the throng with his body.

"Want to go get something to eat?"

After finally breaking free from the crowd, Ian suggested they walk around a bit more. He knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep if they went back now; the moment it got quiet, her mind would start racing.

It would be better to let her tire herself out before they headed back.

But Mia Grant shook her head. "I’m a little cold. Let’s go back."

She really wasn’t in the mood for fun. She had only watched the fireworks for a few seconds before her thoughts began to run wild.

She was desperate to know what the situation was like over in Portia.

She had asked her System, which told her that Silas Grant had returned and was cleaning up the mess. The old patriarch’s men were all under control; her friends were in no danger.

But she still couldn’t shake the feeling of unease.

It would be cold-hearted not to be worried.

Ian Sinclair couldn’t change her mind. He took her hand and started walking back. "I’ll run a bath for you when we get upstairs. You can take a nice, relaxing hot soak."

Mia Grant nodded lightly. "Have you contacted Carla Sinclair?"

Ian Sinclair pursed his lips.

"Don’t lie to me."

"I did. I wasn’t trying to lie, I was just trying to figure out how to tell you."

The puppy quickly swore, "Carla Sinclair told me not to tell you yet."

"She’s probably at the Hughes estate by now."

At his words, Mia Grant stopped in her tracks.

"What is she doing there?"

"She’s your sister. Of course she’s going to go and back you up."

"...But we haven’t even done a DNA test yet. What if we’re not really related? For her to take such a risk..."

Before the words were even out of her mouth, Mia Grant’s gaze fixed on a figure standing at the hotel entrance—a young man in a gray overcoat.

She had no idea how long he’d been standing there, but his exposed skin was tinged red from the cold.

Mia Grant froze, thinking her eyes were playing tricks on her.

She blinked, and when she opened her eyes again, the figure from across the way was already walking towards her.

Not much time had passed since he had wished her a Merry Christmas.

And now, here he was, appearing before her looking travel-worn.

Ian Sinclair’s expression turned cold. He wanted to intervene, but this man was Mia Grant’s legitimate fiancé.

He folded his arms, watching coldly as his older brother pulled her into an embrace, whispering an apology, "I’m sorry I’m late."