We tried tofort her without thinking, "It might not be true."


    Ivy''s eyes turned cold. "Then what is true? Dad acknowledges me, but he doesn''t? Have you forgotten how close we were when we were kids? How did things change as we grew up?"


    "Maybe he''s just adjusting to your return," Wes continued to speak kindly. "He has been searching for you all these years."


    Ivy let out a coldugh. "I don''t think he considers me his sister!"


    "That''s not it..." Wes started to exin.


    "He treats that woman well, giving her gifts when I get nothing!" Ivy''s face twisted with malice. "Why should she have what I don''t? Kill her, and let''s see who he treats well then. If I can''t have it, no one else should!"


    "Yes, Miss!" Wes replied.


    Ivy watched them with clenched fists, her eyes filled with an uncontroble hatred, like a venomous snake ready to strike. Meanwhile, Micah had his own matters to attend to.


    Nina epted the gift from Micah and stayed with the children as they yed. They had grown fond of her, frequently asking her countless questions, much like curious little minds. Perhaps being a mother herself, she found an extra dose of patience with them. After helping them with their lessons, Nina felt exhausted. Not having slept well the previous night, she rested her head on a nearby table and took a short nap. When she woke, the sun had already set and the children had already left.


    "Oh dear," Nina muttered, surprised at how quickly time had passed.


    As she got up, she noticed a cloak draped over her, carrying a faint scent of sandalwood. She removed it and realized it was Micah''s. IIe sat beside her, his handsome features softened, fanning her gently to keep the mosquitoes away.


    Nina didn''t know how long he had been watching over her, but his thoughtfulness touched her. She rubbed her eyes and said, "I can''t believe I fell asleep and lost track of time."


    "You should have gone back to rest if you were tired. It''s not good to catch a cold out here," Micah replied.


    Nina stood up and handed the cloak back to him. "I didn''t mean to nap so long. I should head back now. Thank you for looking out for me."


    "It''s gettingte. I''ll walk you home," Micah offered.


    "It''s fine, I remember the way," Nina replied, not wanting to trouble him.


    "I insist. The mountain paths can be tricky," Micah said.


    Nina agreed, "Alright."


    They walked in silence for a while. Suddenly, Micah felt a chill and nced around. "You shouldn''t stay out toote," he warned. Nina looked up at him. "Are you talking to me?"


    "Yes," he replied.


    "I won''t. I was just in the vige."


    "Even in the vige, it''s not safe," Micah insisted. "Once I see you home, don''t go out alone."


    His words felt like a warning. Nina nodded and decided to change the subject. "Where do you live? I''ve never asked. Do you go home every time you leave?"


    Micah responded absentmindedly, "Something like that."


    "You don''t seem to care much about money, always bringing gifts for the children. You must be quite well-off. What do you gain from this?" Nina asked.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    "Watch out!" Micah suddenly pulled her close, his arm wrapping around her waist as he moved her to the side.


    Nina found herself lifted off the ground, shocked to find herself in his arms.


    But what stunned her more was the arrow that flew past her face.