Barnes grinned. "See? Just like you, he's too proud. Sitting there waiting for his wife to chase after him."

"Men and women are different, aren't they?" Brea muttered.

Barnes shrugged. "Sure, but when it comes to love, we're not so different. Men have pride too, you know. Why is it always the guy who has to say sorry first when a couple fights?"

Brea gave him a look. "So what—-you think I should be the one to make peace if we argue?"

Barnes laughed and pulled her close. "I wouldn't mind seeing that. But let's be honest, it's always me making the first move. With you, all my guard is down. You've got me totally wrapped around your finger."

Brea chuckled. She couldn't argue with that.

After a moment, her smile faded and she sighed. "I don't think our son really loves Tilda. If he did, he wouldn't be able to stand making her upset."

Barnes tried to lighten the mood. "Just like how I can't stand seeing you upset. That's love, right?"

She shot him a side-eye, but the smile crept back onto her lips.

Meanwhile, Lyndon had returned to the villa and went straight to his study to work.

Not long after, a servant knocked on the door to inform him that Casper and Rita had arrived.

Lyndon nodded, powered down his computer, and headed downstairs.

In the living room, Brea was already sitting with a cold look on her face. The tension between Lyndon and Tilda had her on edge.

Rita's appearance only made it worse.

Brea didn't even bother hiding her attitude. "Rita, you're still in Betton?" she asked coolly. "Shouldn't you be heading back to school?"

"Yes," Rita said softly.

"Is your school really okay with you taking time off like this?" Brea pressed.

Rita caught on the edge in her voice and explained, "I'm just here to say goodbye to Lyndon before I leave for Skrix."

Brea gave her a long, unreadable look. Rita was polite, well -mannered-but Brea just couldn't warm up to her.

Rising from the sofa, Brea turned to a nearby servant. "Why are there still leaves all over the courtyard? It's an eyesore. I've been too lenient lately, and now everyone's slacking off? I'm warning you-just because you've helped us before doesn't mean you can slack off now. If your work isn't up to par, I won't hesitate to let you go."

The servant stood frozen, stunned by the outburst.

In all their years working for the family, Brea had always been calm and gracious—never one to raise her voice without cause.

What was going on today?

Not daring to ask, the servant simply bowed and hurried off to tend to the courtyard.