I opened my mouth—I'd been about to say that I was the one who'd paid for the entire meal—but my father silenced me with a single sharp look.

Christine Finch jumped in to smooth things over. "It's New Year's Eve, let's not argue. Lola, when are you heading back to the office?"

I set down my chopsticks. "Aunt Christine, I quit."

"Quit? When did that happen?"

"Right before the holiday. I was exhausted. I want to take some time off."

The truth was, I'd been promoted with a raise.

I'd pulled several all-nighters before the holiday to land a major account for the company. My boss had personally approved a rest period before I came back.

I said what I said on purpose. Every time I'd come home before, my brother and sister-in-law had always told me not to work so hard. Take a few days off. There's always a room for you here.

I thought this time, my sister-in-law would say the same thing—then get some good rest.

But her face went rigid.

"So... you're planning to stay long-term?"

I nodded. "Sure. I can even help you look after Leo. Why—am I not welcome?"

When my sister-in-law first married into the family, she couldn't get pregnant. The neighbors talked. I was the one who paid for the traditional medicine treatments that finally helped her conceive Leo.

We didn't talk all that often, but every time I sent gifts home, I always included something for her.

I'd thought we were on decent terms.

I didn't expect what came next. The moment she heard my answer, her expression soured completely.

"Lola, it's not that you're unwelcome, but this house is only so big. There aren't enough rooms as it is, and Leo's about to start elementary school—he needs a quiet space to study..."

"Besides, you're an unmarried woman living long-term in your brother and sister-in-law's home. Doesn't that strike you as... a little inappropriate?"

I froze. The warmth at the table evaporated in an instant.

I forced the corners of my mouth upward. "Vivian, we're family. What's there to be awkward about?"

But inside, I couldn't help thinking—this villa was what my mother left me.

After Dad remarried, I'd always treated this place as my home. I had no idea what Vivian thought she needed to draw boundaries over.

She laughed as if I'd told a joke.