chapter 4

After the funeral, Miley sat with her two brothers and the children. It had been so long since they were all together that even casual conversation felt rare and precious.

For years, Nathan and Aiden had barely spoken, but now old grudges seemed to fade.

“It’s been ages since I last saw you,” Nathan said with a faint smile. “How long have you been growing out your hair?”

Miley laughed lightly. “I only did it because Kiara tried to cut hers the same length as mine.”

“What? She wanted to chop it off?” Nathan asked in disbelief.

“She did,” Aiden interjected. “I’ll never forget the look on Miley’s face and Dad’s laughter when Kiara stood there holding piles of her own hair. That was a year ago, wasn’t it?”

“Please don’t remind me.” Miley shook her head. “Kiara thought if Jaden and I had short hair, then she should too.”

“So you grew your hair out for her?” Nathan asked gently.

“Yes,” Miley admitted. “I promised her that neither of us would cut our hair again.”

She smiled at the memory. It was amusing now, but at the time she had been worried sick. Kiara had cut it so short that Dad kept teasing her, calling her a handsome knight. He had been the one to suggest someone in the family grow their hair longer, and she had drawn the short straw. Even now, she wasn’t used to it after years of keeping it short.

“You look beautiful,” Nathan said softly. “It suits you.”

Flustered, Miley rose to her feet. “I’ll go tuck Kiara in. Excuse me.” She hurried away, memories stirring memories of the last time Nathan confessed his feelings. She had made it clear she could never see him as more than a brother, but his affection still weighed on her. Her heart and mind were with her children.

---

Miley’s POV

Months passed after our father’s death, yet his absence remained sharp, like a wound that refused to heal. As he wished, we his children took over the family businesses. I continued to oversee the national branches, just as I had when he was alive. But something unexpected arose.

“ Aiden? What a surprise!” I said when he walked into my office.

His face was grim. “I wish I came with better news .”

“What’s wrong?”

“Our American liaison sent this over. ” He handed me several documents.

I scanned them and frowned. “This can’t be right. I checked last month’s reports myself. The numbers were much higher. Tell him to redo it. "

“This is the third report, Miley,” Aiden replied seriously. “Something is wrong. We need you there. This issue didn’t just appear yesterday.”

“Return to Lilyrose City?” My chest tightened. “I can’t.”

“I know it wasn’t in your plans,” he said. “But Nathan and I are overwhelmed. You’re the only one who can fix this.”

He was right. They were always traveling, handling enterprises I couldn’t. Without Dad, the businesses in Lilyrose had spiraled into chaos. Worse, corruption had crept in, especially from the Gilberts. To fix it, I would have to work through Pierce Enterprises our main partner and ally.

But going back meant facing the people who had abandoned me. The ones who had hurt me. I wasn’t ready.

“I want to help,” I whispered, “but going back there … I can’t .”

“You can, Miley,” Aiden said firmly. “And you will. But tell me how long do you plan to keep running?”

Maybe he was right. Maybe I had been hiding. Still, I found peace in letting my old family think I was dead. Peace in staying far from their cruelty.

“I’m sorry,” I murmured.

Aiden’s eyes softened. “Do you remember? Years ago, Dad saved Nathan too. He was sold as a fighter. Bitter. Aggressive. He trusted no one. But Dad broke through, little by little, until Nathan became the man who protected us all.”

My throat tightened. “He truly was an exceptional man.”

“He was.” Aiden’s voice was steady. “Miley, since Dad brought you into this family, you’ve never been alone. Nathan, me, and the Hale name we stand with you. If you ever face your old family, or that man who hurt you, don’t bow. Crush them underfoot. No one can stop you. We are the strongest family there is.”

I stared at him, stunned. His words rang with truth and carried a promise of justice I hadn’t expected. Maybe I had nothing to fear. Maybe they should fear me.

“Thank you, Aiden,” I said, drawing strength from his resolve. “Alright. I’ll go.”

“That’s the spirit. I’m counting on you, sister.”

“One thing though,” I asked quietly. “What’s going on between you and Nathan? You’ve drifted apart again. I thought—”

“Don’t worry,” he cut in. “It’s nothing serious. We’ll sort it out.”

“Alright. Then I’ll start preparing for Lilyrose.”

“You don’t need to worry,” Aiden said. “We’ve arranged everything the property, the staff, and a security team for you and the twins. You’ll be safe.”

“You’ve thought of everything,” I said with a small smile. “Were you so sure I wouldn’t refuse?”

“No,” he said simply. “But I trust you. And I trust my judgment.”

“In that way, you’re just like Dad always knowing what to say to make people follow. There’s no doubt you’re his son.”

“At least I learned well.”

“The twins are about to be dismissed from school,” I said. “Will you join me in picking them up?”

“Of course. I have a trip to Tokyo, but I want to say goodbye first.”

“So we won’t see you for a while?”

“What are you talking about?” Aiden chuckled. “I wouldn’t miss my nephew and niece’s birthday. Dad always made it the best celebration I’ll try to do the same.”

He promised to visit whenever possible. And true to his word, two weeks later, the children and I were on a private jet arranged by the Hale family, heading to Lilyrose City.

When we landed, a tall man in a black suit stepped forward.

“Good afternoon, Miss Hale. My name is Dave. I’ve been assigned to your safety and to that of the young prince and princess.”

The titles stirred something in me. In Father’s household, staff always called Kiara and Jaden prince and princess. They had fit those roles perfectly.

“Thank you, Dave,” I said sincerely. “I’ll be relying on you.”

Jaden woke up quickly, but Kiara was still asleep, so I carried her to the car. Six more guards waited by the vehicles.

“These men form your security detail,” Dave explained. “Four will protect the children, and two plus myself will guard you.”

“Please take good care of my children.”

“Of course, Miss Hale,” he replied with a respectful bow.

We arrived at the residence,a vast, palatial home built to mirror our old one. The twins’ play areas, their bedrooms, even the smallest treasures had been arranged exactly as before. Aiden had gone to great lengths to ensure we felt at home.

Truly, he was a wonderful brother.