Madame Lee cleared her throat, sensing the strange tension in the air.
"So, young people… shall we begin?"
"Yes!" Riguel exclaimed enthusiastically.
"I brought paint to change the color of the walls," he added proudly.
"Perfect," Madame Lee said. "Daniel and Riguel, you'll start outside."
Riguel went out first. As Daniel stood up to follow, Jade suddenly caught his hand and lowered her voice.
"What are you doing here, Daniel?" she murmured. "Don't you have something more interesting to do at work?"
He looked down at her, unbothered.
"What's the problem? Is my presence disturbing you?"
"No… not that," she replied. "I'm just wondering."
"You shouldn't," he said quietly.
She released his hand, and they went outside together.
Outside, Riguel noticed Luccianho standing beside Daniel's car. He was there as always—alert, rigid, imperturbable.
"Luccianho! How are you?" Riguel greeted him with a smile.
Luccianho replied with a simple nod.
"Always as talkative as ever," Riguel said sarcastically.
Jade tilted her head.
"You know Luccianho?"
"Yes, since childhood," Riguel answered. "Daniel and he met when Daniel's family was on vacation in Brazil. One day, they came back with Luccianho. He was an orphan."
Jade frowned slightly.
"So… he's been working for Daniel since he was a child?"
Riguel shook his head.
"Daniel never considered him an employee. More like his best friend. You know, Daniel wasn't very sociable as a child."
Jade crossed her arms lightly.
"Has that changed?"
Riguel smiled at her comment.
"He only talked and played when Sofia and I visited them, or during vacations. I think Luccianho's presence kept him from feeling alone."
Jade's gaze drifted toward Daniel, who was already preparing the tools.
"He had a lonely childhood… being an only child," she murmured, mostly to herself. "So did I. I'm my mother's only child too. But I wasn't… like him."
Something softened briefly in her eyes.
"Luccianho, can you come help me?" Daniel called out.
"Tá bom, chefe," Luccianho replied in Portuguese.
He approached just as Madame Lee came out carrying a bucket. She placed it on the floor.
"You'll mix it in this bucket," she instructed.
Then she noticed Luccianho and smiled.
"Oh, great—another pair of hands! Young man, you're coming inside with me."
Before he could react, she grabbed him by the arm and dragged him inside.
Riguel laughed softly, while Jade watched Daniel again—this time with a different expression.
As they were working outside and starting to apply the paint, Riguel suddenly asked,
"So, Jade… what do you do? I mean, for work."
"Nothing at the moment," she replied. "But I used to work as a waitress in a café, and sometimes I was hired to serve at luxurious events."
"And what happened?" he asked.
"Well," she shrugged, "Daniel didn't approve of me working as a server."
Riguel frowned slightly.
"I don't really understand why Brother Daniel would disapprove of that."
"Neither do I," Jade replied dryly.
"I was actually looking for an event planner," Riguel continued, "to organize a small party in honor of my partner coming to the country. You know, we should welcome guests properly—especially partners who could enrich my company."
Jade glanced at him.
"You could ask Daniel's ex. She owns a very good event agency."
"Who, Camilla?" Riguel scoffed. "I don't like that girl."
"You're not alone," Jade replied with a grin.
Riguel's face suddenly lit up.
"Jade—you can organize it for me!"
"Me?!" Jade exclaimed.
"Her?!" Daniel said at the same time.
Their voices overlapped.
Riguel looked from one to the other, amused.
Riguel laughed softly, clearly enjoying the moment.
"Well," he said, amused, "that was… interesting."
Daniel straightened, his tone calm but firm.
"I don't think that's a good idea."
Jade turned toward him immediately.
"And why exactly?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Because five minutes ago, you didn't even approve of me serving coffee?"
"This is different," Daniel replied. "Organizing events requires exposure, pressure, and unnecessary attention."
Jade scoffed.
"So now you're concerned about my stress level? That's new."
"I'm concerned about you," he corrected quietly.
She stood quietly.
"It's true," Jade admitted. "My dream job has always been to work as an event planner. They even turned me away when I tried to apply to Daniel's ex's agency."
"Why?" Riguel asked, curious.
"Well…" she smiled faintly. "I don't really like bad comments—especially when they come from people who look down on where I come from."
Her amusement lingered for a second, as she remembered her encounter with Madame Fontaine.
Riguel looked between them, entertained.
"See? That's precisely why you'd be perfect, Jade. You already know how to deal with demanding people."
Jade hesitated for a brief second.
"I've never officially worked as an event planner," she admitted.
Riguel smiled.
"You've worked luxury events. You know how things function. And besides," he added lightly, "I trust you."
Daniel's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.
"You don't need to trust her with that," Daniel said. "I can recommend professionals."
"And they'll charge a fortune," Riguel replied. "Plus, I'd rather work with family."
Jade crossed her arms, looking thoughtful.
"It's just a small party, right?"
"Exactly," Riguel said quickly. "Nothing extravagant."
"Daniel, don't worry," Riguel added confidently. "I'll be there to protect her."
Seeing how determined Jade was, Daniel finally nodded.
"Very well. But remember your manners," he said calmly. "You'll be representing the Ooman name."
"Don't worry," she replied lightly. "I know how to behave."
Jade and Riguel were now working inside, laughing and enjoying themselves, while Daniel remained outside with Luccianho.
Madame Lee approached and began working beside him.
"I know it's not easy to see your fiancée having fun with another man," she said calmly, "even if he's your cousin."
Daniel froze for a brief moment, then resumed his task.
"I'm not the jealous type, Madame," he replied evenly. "It doesn't disturb me."
Madame Lee smiled knowingly.
"You don't teach an old monkey how to make faces."
Daniel glanced at her, saying nothing.
"I know you don't let your feelings show," she continued gently, "but if you keep this attitude, you might lose Jade."
She paused, then added softly,
"I know this is an arranged marriage… but still."
She placed a comforting hand on his arm.
"I'm speaking to you as a mother."
With a warm smile, she walked away, leaving Daniel alone with his thoughts.