At that moment, Tatiana stood up with a wine glass in her hand. âWhy donât we drink a toast to Lyse?
Hereâs to you reaching new heights in your career, and may everything go smoothly for you.â
âGosh, I love what you just said. Come, Iâll give you a kiss!â Alyssa chirped and downed her wine before blowing a kiss to her sister.
Tatiana lowered her gaze shyly and blushed.
âLetâs all drink to Lyse! All the best for Lyse! Cheers!â The other siblings raised their glass tipsily and passionately.
The sincere faces around Alyssa and the clinking of glasses brought tears to her eyes.
The dinner ended on a high note. Alyssa hugged Liam warmly. They had been laughing and joking during dinner, but when it was time to go, they both teared up.
Liamâs division was stationed not too far away in Leichtown. However, his demanding role required frequent months-long trips, which did not allow him many chances to reunite with his family.
âWill you be back for Lylaâs birthday?â Alyssa ran her hand across Liamâs uniform and put his beret on him.
âIâm sorry, Lyse,â Liam apologized with a sigh and pinched her cheek. Then, he turned to Tatiana and repeated, âSorry, Taty. Please convey my apology to Lyla, too.â
âItâs alright, Liam! We know youâre busy. Your work is more important!â Tatiana responded quickly, waving her hand. She felt it wasnât her place to accept Liamâs apology.
âBut Iâve prepared a gift for Lyla. Lyse, Iâll need your help to hand it to Lyla.â
âOf course.â
The bulletproof vehicle that was driven from Leichtown to pick up the colonel had been waiting for a while at the hotelâs underground parking.
The aide courteously opened the door for Liam, who entered the car after bidding his family farewell.
Then, he rolled down the windows and reminded Alyssa with some concern, âDo not ever entertain that Beckett fellow. Let him be. Got it?â
âOkay! I got it! Bye, Liam!â Alyssa smiled demurely in front of Liam, unlike her usual headstrong character. She even seemed gentler than Tatiana.
After seeing Liam off, Silas and Cyrus returned to their respective jobs.
On the other hand, Alyssa asked Jonah for a ride because she had had a lot to drink and needed rest, given her injuries.
âMs. Alyssa, Iâll send you home,â Sean interjected and approached her without thinking. Taking care of Alyssa had become second nature to him.
âIf you come with me, whoâs going to stick with Tatiana? She drank a fair bit too!â Alyssa wrapped an arm around Tatianaâs waist and playfully nudged her toward Sean.
Tatiana, who was already dizzy, lost her balance and nearly collapsed after being shoved. Fortunately, Sean was quick to catch her in his arms.
With her head against his chest, she looked up in a daze. Their eyes locked, and an electrifying sensation passed between them, causing them to breathe raggedly.