It's been a few weeks, well, at least that's when he realized.

Alex had been acting strangely ever since, yet he still managed to maintain a barely perceptible twist of his features. However, having observed his brother's behavior for years, he knew something unusual had happened with the younger male, and it started with her.

Ordinarily, Chris would rather be buried in cold cases than deal with personal issues. Yet, the harder he tried to dismiss it, the more it stirred something deep within him. Chris knew Alex's personality better than anyone; the man always showed a degree of respect for his elders.

But something about what makes him tick... that was entirely new.

She had been present for weeks, lost in her own world, just as Chris had been consumed by political cases, barely registering her presence. She was a good person, even respectful, possessing a notable kindness that made Chris feel a subtle ease when she was nearby. Initially, there had been a lightness between them, but gradually, they were becoming more comfortable, even if not yet entirely familiar.

He just let her be there, present, unbothered.

But Alex...

Another gesture of avoidance. She had been avoiding his brother for a while, and Chris wasn't foolish enough to miss it. He'd left the house for at least a week on an overseas assignment, only to return to a significantly changed atmosphere. She was... more silent, almost untouchable, though a smile was still present whenever they passed. But not with Alex. She'd been actively avoiding Alex, or at least that's what Chris suspected.

Alex, meanwhile, had become another kind of burden in her routine, saddling her with unnecessary duties and weighing down her already miserable days, despite knowing her struggles to adapt to the new environment. The look in his eyes—only a fool wouldn't see the spark of attraction there. A strange phenomenon, indeed. His brother was interested in her, but Chris didn't interfere; he figured it wasn't his business, and he had no significant desire to delve into his brother's life.

That is until one night.

The accident was, indeed, Alex's plan. His brother had been nothing but stressed for days, ever since then. Perhaps her unbothered, nonchalant behavior had pushed Alex to his limit, forcing him to resort to what he believed was his only option. He was a fool, an idiot who disregarded any further risks.

Everything happened so fast.

The last thing Chris knew, the poor girl had been staying in his brother's chamber for at least a week. He'd seen it all, yet done nothing to stop him. He knew it was wrong, but the game Alex was playing was, disturbingly, entertaining something inside him.

Chris realized that he and his brother harbored a significant, unspoken interest they wouldn't dare confess to anyone. Chris wouldn't have even acknowledged it himself without the scene unfolding before his eyes. It was simply that shattering a wall of innocence, an untouchable softness so fragile, ignited a desire he couldn't quite name.

So, when he saw the small, innocent girl utterly helpless and dependent on his brother's will, a flicker of fire ignited from the core of his heart. For the first time in a long while, he finally took action.

It was Saturday, and Chris had no urgent duties, leaving him free to do as he pleased. Usually, he'd be in his private library, working through the stack of books he'd listed for the week. Surprisingly, Alex had been called to the headquarters of William's hotel business in town for a meeting, leaving her unguarded.

Chris had actually expected his brother to lock that door from the outside. He knew he would have if he were in Alex's position; something so precious deserved to be protected.

Peeking through the small gap in the door, Chris watched another maid enter to assist her. She was seated at her new dressing table, likely a recent purchase from Alex, its white color a stark contrast to the room's otherwise dark surroundings. The maid stood behind her, fingers gently brushing through her silken strands with the softest hairbrush.

He observed a white bandage encasing one of her legs, protecting the delicate skin, she still struggled to walk. Chris's eyes then fixed on her point of focus: the book. So, Alex had "generously" returned it. What a truly benevolent man.

He stepped closer, silently, ensuring she wouldn't detect his presence. The maid, however, noticed him first as he appeared in the mirror. She opened her mouth to greet him, but Chris was quicker, pressing an index finger to his lips—a clear signal for her to stop. He then extended his hand, a silent command for the maid to surrender the hairbrush. She complied, carefully placing the item into his palm.

With a discreet gesture, he ordered her to leave. The maid obediently excused herself without a sound. Now, it was just him and her. A small, almost invisible smile formed on his lips as he began to carefully brush her hair, his eyes sharp, watching over her through the mirror.

"I hope you're getting better," he finally said, a false concern subtly clinging to his tone. He knew Alex must have warned her not to mention anything, so Chris played along. He would act exactly as she expected him to. "Good morning."