Julie''s face lit up at the promise, and Ethan could see her already plotting ways to win against a professional racer.

    Claire, who had been mostly quiet, simply gave Vanessa a nod.

    It was her usual way of showing approval.

    As they all stepped outside, Vanessa made her way toward her car, the sleek machine waiting for her in the driveway.

    She opened the door but hesitated, glancing back at them.

    For a brief moment, Ethan thought she was going to say something else.

    Instead, she took a step back, walked right up to him, and before he could react, she leaned in and pressed a quick, smooth kiss against his cheek.

    Ethan blinked, momentarily caught off guard.

    Vanessa grinned at his reaction, taking a step back. "See you around, Grey."

    And with that, she turned and rushed back to her car, sliding in effortlessly before revving the engine.

    The powerful roar echoed through the quiet morning as she pulled out of the driveway, taking off down the road in a blur.

    Zack let out a low whistle. "Damn, dude. She moves fast in more ways than one."

    Ethan ignored him, still feeling the faint warmth where her lips had been.

    He wasn''t sure if Vanessa did that just to mess with him or if there was something more to it — but knowing her, she''d never tell him outright.

    Zack stretched his arms over his head. "Well, I should get going too. Got stuff to handle at the club."

    He strolled over to his own car, throwing them a casual wave before sliding into the driver''s seat.

    "Try not to miss me too much."

    Julie stuck her tongue out. "We won''t!"

    Zack gasped in fake betrayal. "Julie, I thought we were besties!"

    She giggled. "Nope! Vanessa is my new bestie now."

    "Wow. Replaced just like that. Cold." Zack laughed, then turned on the engine. "Catch you guys later."

    With that, he backed out of the driveway and drove off, leaving just Ethan and his sisters standing in the soft morning light.

    Claire tucked her hands into her hoodie pocket. "We heading home now?"

    Ethan nodded. "Yeah, I''ll drive us back."

    Julie cheered. "Dibs on the front seat!"

    Ethan shook his head with a small chuckle, reaching into his pocket for his keys.

    But before he could even unlock the car, something buzzed against his palm.

    The System Phone.

    That sleek, ominous black device that had integrated itself into his life.

    The moment he saw the screen light up, a strange sense of unease settled in his gut.

    Claire followed more casually, giving Ethan a knowing look. "You''re up to something," she muttered.

    Ethan smirked. "Always."

    Once they were inside, Ethan leaned against the car and pulled out his phone again, dialing a number.

    The call picked up after a few rings. "Ethan?"

    "Dad," Ethan said. "Come outside."

    There was a pause before his father''s voice came through again, cautious but firm. "Why?"

    Ethan glanced at the time. "I need you to come with me. It''s important."

    Another pause. Then, with a sigh, his father relented. "Fine."

    A moment later, the front door opened, and his father stepped out.

    He was dressed in casual clothes, his expression unreadable. "What''s this about?"

    Ethan unlocked the passenger door. "Get in. I''ll explain on the way."

    His father gave him a long, measuring look but climbed into the car without further argument.

    As they drove, Ethan finally spoke.

    "There''s a shop apartment for sale in the city. Good location, steady traffic, solid investment."

    His father raised an eyebrow. "And you''re telling me this because...?"

    Ethan kept his eyes on the road. "Because it''s yours."

    His father blinked. "What?"

    "I bought it for you."

    Silence.

    Ethan''s father stared at him, his expression unreadable. "You bought a shop... for me?"

    Ethan nodded. "Yeah."

    His father exhaled, rubbing his forehead. "Ethan, that''s not something you just do. That''s a lot of money — "

    "It''s an investment," Ethan interrupted. "Youve been talking about how business is going badly since the new shops opened up so we''re moving to another area entirely,"

    His father was quiet.

    Ethan continued. "This shop is in a prime area. You won''t have to struggle to get customers. And you can run it however you want."

    His father''s fingers tightened slightly against his knee. "...And you just bought it?"

    Ethan nodded. "The paperwork''s ready. We just have to sign."

    His father let out a breath, looking out the window. "You didn''t have to do this."

    "I wanted to," Ethan said simply. "You''ve done plenty for me. This is nothing compared to that."

    His father swallowed, his voice quieter. "...Thank you, Son."