Chapter 149

“Jessica, I won!” Joxan announced proudly, his chest puffed out as he looked up at Elyana. Jessica blinked her innocent eyes, not fully understanding what her brother meant, but still clapped her hands in delight. "Yeah...." To her, if her brother won, that was all that mattered. She felt proud—because deep down, she understood that her brother was telling her, "I can protect you, no matter what." Elyana smiled faintly, pride mingling with concern in her eyes. She could see the fierce protectiveness in Joxan’s actions, and part of her was touched. Yet… watching her son beat up Katrina’s child stirred a discomfort she couldn't ignore. “You hit him pretty hard,” Elyana said gently, wiping the sweat and dust from Joxan’s flushed face. “Aren’t you afraid of losing your friend?” Joxan didn’t hesitate. “I’m not afraid. Boys aren’t that fragile. We get our friendships through fights. Don’t worry, Mommy.” His grin widened as he reached out with both hands—his left grasping Jessica’s tiny finge