Chapter 4 Family

By the time Alsa came out of the kitchen, Ross had already coaxed Mr. Moore into hearty laughter.

She wasn't surprised. Ross had that ability-charming both men and women, winning the favor of the young and old alike.

As dinnertime approached, other members of the Moore family gradually arrived home.

Mr. Moore had only one son, James, Ross's father.

James had three children, Rex, Ross, and his youngest daughter, Ada.

Rex and Ada were born to James's current wife, while Ross was the son of his childhood sweetheart and first love.

Their family dynamic could be described with a few words, harmonious, cordial, and fake.

During dinner, Mrs. Moore used the communal chopsticks several times to serve Ross food, playing the role of a loving stepmother.

Ada pouted. "Mom, you always favor my second brother."

Mrs. Moore smiled warmly. "Nonsense. I love all of you equally. You are all my flesh and blood."

Rex, ever the refined gentleman, chimed in at the right moment, "Mother has always been this way-Ross is her favorite."

The mother and children played their roles perfectly. Ross, on the other hand, simply sipped his soup with an amused smirk, as if he were just an outsider.

After dinner, as Alsa got up to help clear the dishes, Ada called out in a sugary voice, "Alsa, could you cut me an orange later?"

Alsa remained unruffled, replying indifferently, "Alright."

Ross, who was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window on a call, heard this exchange. He turned his head slightly and asked Ada, "Alsa?"

Ada froze for a moment before quickly smiling. "Just a slip of the tongue! I've been calling her that for years. Second sister-in-law, second sister-in-law-I'll remember next time!"

Giggling, Ada skipped over to Alsa, grabbing her arm playfully. "Second sister-in-law, I was wrong. Don't be mad at me."

Alsa smiled faintly, her eyes distant. "It's fine."

Ross cast a brief glance at them before continuing his phone call. "That person won't do. Get someone else."

The person on the other end of the line said something, causing Ross's eyes to glint with mockery. "Figure it out yourself."

After hanging up, Ross strode into the kitchen.

Alsa was washing dishes, a few strands of hair falling over her cheek. A large hand reached out to tuck them behind her ear and secure them in place.

"Grandpa wants us to stay the night. What do you think?" Ross murmured near her ear, his voice rich and seductive.

Alsa's hands paused in the soapy water. "Up to you."

Ross leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her skin. "Relax, I'll sleep on the couch."

She instinctively leaned forward, putting distance between them. "Ross, back off."

Ross chuckled. "What are you so afraid of?"

Alsa placed the dish on the rack and turned to meet his gaze. The strands of hair he had tucked away slipped down again.

"The Moore family's annual gala is next month. Try not to have any more scandals before then," she stated.

Ross shoved his hands into his pockets, his fingers rubbing the strands of hair he had touched earlier. "And if one accidentally happens?"

Alsa frowned. "Can't you be a little more careful?"

Ross grinned mischievously. "That's going to be difficult."

Alsa pushed him away. "Then suit yourself."

She turned and went upstairs. Ross watched her retreating figure, his playful expression fading slightly.

Glancing at a nearby maid, he ordered, "Don't let her do housework anymore."

The maid hesitated, flustered. "But, sir, the second young madam insisted-"

"If she insists again, you're fired," Ross said casually.

The maid swallowed hard. "...Understood."

As Ross stepped out of the kitchen, he ran into Rex.

Rex, ever refined and gentle, said, "Ross."

Ross, who found Rex's demeanor insufferable, smirked. "Big brother, what's up?"

Rex handed him a glass of red wine. "Since you've married Alsa, take better care of her. She may seem strong, but she's actually quite fragile inside."

Ross raised an eyebrow as he accepted the wine. "You, of all people, should know why I married her."