’So this is Kaden Xavier’s sister.’

’For a young lady from a prestigious family, she was surprisingly vulgar. A disgrace to her family’s name.’

Wren Wynter couldn’t take it anymore. She stood up, walked around Finn Wynter, went up to Lana Xavier, and slapped her across the face.

The crisp sound of the slap silenced the entire café in an instant.

Lana Xavier clutched her cheek, staring at Wren Wynter in disbelief. "You... you dare hit me?"

"I hit you, and I meant to," Wren Wynter said, looking at her coldly. "Lana Xavier, let me tell you something. I’m your sister-in-law, which makes me your elder. If you don’t respect me, then I have the right to teach you a lesson. This slap was on behalf of your parents, to teach you what respect and common decency are."

"You..." Lana Xavier trembled with rage, raising her hand to strike back.

But Finn Wynter was faster, grabbing her wrist. "As long as I’m here, no one is going to hurt her."

His grip was strong. Lana Xavier couldn’t break free and could only glare venomously at Wren Wynter. "Wren Wynter, just you wait! I’m going to tell my brother! Let’s see how he deals with you then!"

"Go ahead," Wren Wynter said without a trace of fear. "In fact, I’d also like to ask Kaden Xavier how exactly he disciplines his sister, letting her be so disrespectful and reckless with her words."

Lana Xavier was so furious she was speechless, and could only stomp her foot hard on the ground.

Wren Wynter turned and left with Finn Wynter.

Leaving Lana Xavier standing there alone.

Outside the café.

Wren Wynter took a deep breath and said to Finn Wynter, "Cousin, I’m sorry you had to see that embarrassing display."

Finn Wynter shook his head. "I’m the one who should be sorry. I failed to protect you."

He looked at Wren Wynter. "That girl just now, she’s Kaden Xavier’s sister?"

"Mhm," Wren Wynter nodded. "Lana Xavier. She’s been spoiled rotten since she was a child and has never liked me."

Finn Wynter was silent for a moment, then asked, "Wren, is this how the Xavier Family usually treats you?"

Wren Wynter lowered her head and didn’t answer.

Seeing her crestfallen expression, Finn Wynter had his answer.

He said softly, "Wren, I was serious about what I said earlier. If you’re unhappy, don’t force yourself to stay. Divorce isn’t the scary part. What’s scary is wasting your life away in an unhappy marriage."

Wren Wynter looked up, her eyes slightly red. "Cousin, thank you."

Finn Wynter said gently, "Remember, no matter what you decide, we’ll always have your back. You’re not alone. You have family."

A prickle of emotion stung Wren Wynter’s nose, but a knowing smile finally graced her face.

’I have people who have my back, too.’

"Oh, right, there’s something I need to tell you," Finn Wynter said. "My mom isn’t doing too well. They found some issues recently, and she needs surgery. I’ve already arranged for her to be admitted to The Capital First Hospital."

Wren Wynter was alarmed. "What? What’s wrong with Auntie? Is it serious?"

"It’s not too serious, but it does require an operation," Finn Wynter said. "Auntie didn’t want to tell you because she was afraid of worrying you. But I thought you should know."

"At the First Hospital?" Wren Wynter said immediately. "I work there. I can take care of Auntie."

Finn Wynter smiled. "Then I’ll have to trouble you. She’s in a VIP ward. Her preoperative checkups start tomorrow. If you have time, you can go see her."

"I’ll go tomorrow," Wren Wynter said without hesitation. "Cousin, don’t worry. I’ll take good care of Auntie."

Finn Wynter nodded, took a card out of his wallet, and handed it to Wren Wynter. "This is the hospital’s VIP card. I’ve already loaded it with more than enough money. If you need anything else, just use this card."

Wren Wynter didn’t take it. "Cousin, there’s no need. I have money."

"Take it," Finn Wynter insisted. "Your cousin has money."

After a moment’s hesitation, Wren Wynter took the card. "Thank you, Cousin."

"We’re family, there’s no need for thanks." Finn Wynter looked at her. "Wren, remember, if anything happens in the future, you have to tell us. We’re family. Don’t carry everything by yourself."

Wren Wynter nodded firmly. "I will."

The two talked for a while longer before Finn Wynter drove Wren Wynter back to View Gardens.

"Call me if anything happens when you get back."

"Okay."

Wren Wynter nodded and turned to go inside, only to see a familiar, tall figure standing at the entrance.

Kaden Xavier was smoking under a tree by the gate. When he saw Wren Wynter looking over, he dropped the cigarette, stamped it out, and strode toward them.

He reached out and grabbed Wren Wynter’s hand, not even sparing Finn Wynter a glance.

"Come back with me."

"Kaden Xavier, let go."

His grip was so tight it made her wrist ache, and she couldn’t help but frown.

But Kaden Xavier paid her no mind. He had seen from a distance how close Wren Wynter was with this strange man, laughing and talking, and an indescribable feeling soured in his gut.

’How long has it been? How long since she last smiled at me like that?’

Finn Wynter grew angry as well. He stepped forward, shoved Kaden Xavier away, and pulled Wren Wynter behind him, his eyes filled with wariness.

’He knew Wren’s marriage was on the rocks, but he never imagined it was this bad.’

"Wren, are you okay?"

Wren Wynter shook her head. Aside from a red mark on her wrist, she was fine.

Kaden Xavier’s face darkened instantly. He gestured to Wren Wynter. "Come here."

But Wren Wynter didn’t move.

He had to rein in his temper, soften his tone, and try again. "Wren, stop making a scene. Let’s go home."

Not wanting to see the two men come to blows, Wren Wynter nodded and patted Finn Wynter’s back, signaling for him to let go.

Finn Wynter was still worried, but seeing Wren’s reassuring gaze, he had to release his hold. Still, he kept a wary eye on Kaden Xavier, afraid he might hurt Wren again.

Wren Wynter walked to Kaden Xavier’s side. Only then did Kaden turn his cold gaze to Finn Wynter, a frigid aura radiating from him.

"Thank you, sir, for bringing my wife home. But a man and a woman, alone together late at night... it doesn’t look good. Next time this happens, just call me directly. No need to trouble yourself."

As he spoke, he pulled Wren Wynter’s shoulder in a proprietary manner, drawing her closer to his side.

Finn Wynter calmly swept his gaze over Kaden Xavier. Seeing the hostility in Kaden’s eyes, he frowned, his own expression souring.

"If Mr. Xavier truly treated Miss Wynter as his wife, things wouldn’t have gotten to the point of divorce. If you can’t take care of someone, you should let them go for someone who can."

Hearing this, Kaden Xavier’s expression turned exceptionally ugly.

He didn’t know the relationship between Finn Wynter and Wren Wynter, but he felt extremely uncomfortable.

’Is this man provoking me?’

’How far have they gone?’

’Shaun Quinn is already enough of a headache. Why is there another man I’ve never seen before today?’

"Wren, since you’re alright, I’ll head back now. Remember to call me if you need anything."

"That won’t be necessary. It’s not your place to worry about my wife’s affairs."

Kaden Xavier cut off their conversation and led Wren Wynter into View Gardens.

Back inside the villa, Kaden Xavier released Wren Wynter but, surprisingly, didn’t give her any trouble. Instead, he went straight to his study.

’Good. That saves us the trouble of arguing.’