"I'll drop you at your hotel," Cillian offered after they stepped out of the ward.

"No. Stay here. He needs you more," Juniper refused politely. She paused at the elevators. "Did you tell Daxton? I suppose even prisoners can meet their parents. Is he regretful for what he did?" she asked.

"He refused to see me," Cillian explained, a shadow of frustration crossing his face. "I went to the palace and asked Prince Casaio a few days ago if it would be possible to see him. He took me to the prison without hesitation, but Daxton didn't move an inch from the back of the cell. I told him about Dad's condition, but he didn't even speak."

"Hmm. So, you're the only Vittileo left who can take the legacy forward," Juniper replied.

"You don't want to use the family surname anymore, do you?" Cillian asked. "I know how things have been. Maybe if I call you... just try meeting me. That's all I want. I heard the news circulating about you online. I know I've been indifferent to your life in the past, but I can help if you want."

"I don't need your help, Cillian. I can live well on my own," Juniper clarified. She didn't wait for his response before stepping into the waiting elevator.

Cillian waved at her, ignoring the curious glances of the other people in the elevator before the doors finally slid shut.

As Juniper stepped out onto the ground floor, she felt an unexpected sense of calm. She walked toward the main entrance, but as she stepped out, she stopped short. Casaio was stepping out of his car.

"June!" he exclaimed, his face shifting into an expression of pure shock.

She gave him a formal bow and looked up, her expression guarded.

"Can we talk? Alone?" he asked, glancing around at the growing crowd.

Juniper nodded, noticing how onlookers were already beginning to whisper. The security team moved, ensuring no cameras were being used as Casaio guided Juniper into the car's backseat. He climbed into the front passenger seat, turning around to face her.

"Are you okay? Weren't you in San Ravendale? What are you doing here?" he asked, his gaze searching and confused.

"Edward Vittileo is admitted here, so I came to see him," Juniper replied simply.

"Oh." Casaio went quiet for a moment, recalling the reports regarding the deteriorating health of the Vittileo family head.

"What does Prince Casaio need to say?" Juniper asked, her voice turning cold. "I'm in a bit of a hurry."

Casaio felt her coldness. "I wanted to apologize to you."

"Apologize for what?" Juniper chuckled, though the sound was devoid of humor.

"It's been months now. Your brother is already enjoying his life with his new mate, and now you want to apologize? That's not something I can grant you. The wedding... its meaning ended a long time ago, Prince Casaio. I admire the way you stood up for your mate and gave her every happiness. But my big day was ruined. Even thinking about it only fills me with sadness. There's nothing good to recall from that past. So, don't apologize now for something you should have addressed a long time ago."

Casaio's chest tightened, the pain in her words hitting him with the force he never felt before.

"I don't even want to remember the days I spent with Dominick or the wedding we planned," she continued, her voice hardening. "So, let's never meet again. Even if you see me, change your route. Because I'm going to do exactly that to you and to Dominick."

She didn't stay to hear his response. Juniper reached for the handle and stepped out of the car, walking away with a determined stride that didn't falter once, leaving Casaio alone in the silence of the vehicle.

~~~~~

Zilia finished fastening the last button on Noah's tiny shirt, admiring how soft and alert he seemed after his massage.

"Nana," Noah mumbled, his small fingers darting to his mouth before he yanked them back, wide-eyed.

Zilia laughed and scooped him up, supporting his weight since he wasn't yet able to stand on his own. "See how cute you look! You're going to have three cousins to play with soon. You'll be their guide, Noah, the big brother they look up to."

As if responding to her voice, Noah's eyes flashed a startling, deep blue. Zilia's smile widened at the sight of his shifting gaze. She gently lowered him back onto the bed, and the moment his back hit the mattress, he instinctively flipped himself onto all fours, ready to explore the sprawling duvet.

He picked up his toy gun and sat with it on his lap. For days, he had been trying to muster enough strength in his tiny fingers, and finally, he managed to pull the plastic trigger. A sharp sound filled the room, sending him into a fit of giggles.

Zilia watched him, her heart full, as she instinctively brought her hand to her small, growing belly. She could feel the faint, fluttering presence of her pups, a secret warmth that only she truly knew yet.

"Nana, loo..." Noah chirped, turning toward her while balancing himself with one tiny hand on the mattress. He reached out, holding the toy gun toward her like a prized trophy.

Zilia took it from him with a soft laugh and pressed the trigger. The toy gun again made the same sound, erupting giggles from Noah's mouth.

Suddenly the phone on the table began to ring.

"Noah, someone is calling." She handed the gun to him and checked her phone. It was Casaio. Zilia answered his call and brought it to her ear before taking the seat on the mattress.

"Zi, I have collected the report. Your tests are normal. The doctor reminded me for doing your ultrasound once again," Casaio spoke from the other side.

"I'll do it here. You don't have to worry," Zilia stated.

"Alright. Just send the report to me after you have it there," Casaio replied.

"Yeah, I will." She noticed the strain in his voice. "Is everything okay? You sound a little off."