Miyah’s POV

The car ride back to Zaire’s place was quieter than I expected. Ashley and Zoey sat in the back, their smug expressions betraying just how much they’d enjoyed Kate’s failed dinner spectacle. Giovanni and Malik had gone back to their own places, but I knew they’d be calling soon to get the full recap.

I glanced at Zaire, his jaw tight as he gripped the steering wheel. He hadn’t said much since we left, but I knew he was replaying the night in his head.

“Zaire,” I said softly, breaking the silence.

He glanced at me, his face softening just slightly. “Yeah?”

“Are you okay?”

He sighed, his shoulders relaxing a little. “I’m good. Just pissed at my mum for pulling that stunt.”

“Don’t let her get to you,” Ashley chimed in from the backseat. “Miyah handled her like a boss. You saw the way she shut her down.”

Zoey laughed, leaning forward. “For real, though. I thought Kate was gonna choke on her wine when Miyah told her off.”

I couldn’t help but laugh a little, even though I still felt a lingering tension in my chest. “I just said what needed to be said.”

“And you said it perfectly,” Zoey said, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

Zaire pulled into the driveway, cutting the engine as he turned to face me. “Miyah, I’m proud of you,” he said, his voice low but sincere. “You stood your ground, and you didn’t let her intimidate you.”

“I had to,” I replied. “If I don’t stand up for myself now, she’ll keep testing me. I’m not about to let her think she can walk all over me.”

“You shouldn’t have to,” Zaire said, his tone hardening. “And I’m done letting her get away with it. Tonight was the last time.”

---

Ashley’s POV

Watching Zaire stand up for Miyah was something I never thought I’d see. Don’t get me wrong, I knew he cared about her, but seeing him actually put his foot down with his mother? That was next-level.

As we stepped inside the house, I pulled Zoey aside. “Did you see Chloe’s face when Zaire said he was with Miyah?”

Zoey grinned. “Priceless. I almost felt bad for her. Almost.”

“She really thought she had a chance,” I said, shaking my head. “Kate set her up for failure.”

Zoey shrugged. “That’s what happens when you try to mess with Miyah. People keep underestimating her, but she’s stronger than they think.”

“Facts,” I said. “And now that Zaire’s made it clear where he stands, maybe Kate will back off.”

“Doubt it,” Zoey said with a smirk. “But it’ll be fun watching her try.”

---

Zaire’s POV

After Ashley and Zoey left, I pulled Miyah into the living room, sitting her down on the couch. She looked tired, but there was still a fire in her eyes that made me smile.

“You sure you’re okay?” I asked, brushing a strand of hair out of her face.

“I’m fine,” she said, leaning into my touch. “Honestly, I’m just glad it’s over.”

I nodded, pulling her closer. “I meant what I said, Miyah. If my mum keeps this up, I’ll cut her off. You’re my priority, not her approval.”

“I know,” she said softly. “But I don’t want to come between you and your family, Zaire. I know how much they mean to you.”

“You’re my family now,” I said, my voice firm. “And I won’t let anyone disrespect you. Not my mum, not Chloe, no one.”

Her eyes shimmered, and for a moment, she looked like she was going to cry. But instead, she smiled, leaning in to kiss me.

“I love you, Zaire,” she whispered against my lips.

“I love you too,” I replied, sealing the promise with another kiss.

---

Kate’s POV

Back at the mansion, I paced the floor of my bedroom, replaying the disaster that was dinner. Zaire had never spoken to me like that before, and it stung more than I wanted to admit.

Chloe sat on the edge of the bed, her arms crossed. “I don’t know what you expected, Kate. Zaire’s clearly whipped by that... girl.”

“Don’t call her that,” I snapped, surprising myself.

Chloe raised an eyebrow. “Why not? She’s not one of us, Kate. She doesn’t belong in this family.”

I sighed, sinking into the armchair by the window. “I know that. But Zaire’s stubborn. The more I push, the more he clings to her.”

“So what’s the plan?” Chloe asked, her tone impatient.

I looked at her, my mind racing. “We’ll let this settle for now. But don’t worry. Miyah won’t last. She’s not built for this world, and eventually, she’ll realize it.”

---

Miyah’s POV

That night, as I lay in Zaire’s arms, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t over. Kate wasn’t the type to give up easily, and I knew she’d come at me again.

But I wasn’t afraid.

With Zaire by my side, I knew I could face whatever came our way.