Chapter 864

The next morning came quietly, though not everyone stirred right away. Jacob and the rest of Yvette's brothers had stayed the night, crashing into the guest rooms on the first floor after a long evening. True to his disciplined nature, Adam was already awake, though he was no longer actively serving in the military. By sunrise, he was shirtless in the second-floor gym, punching at a heavy sandbag with precision. His toned muscles flexed with each strike, and sweat rolled down his neck, tracing the defined lines of his chest. Ellen leaned against the doorframe, watching the scene with interest, when a towel suddenly landed on her face, obscuring her view. "Quit staring at my brother like that," Ian growled through gritted teeth. Ellen yanked the towel away, arching a brow. "What makes you think I was staring?" Ian let out a sharp laugh, his expression unimpressed. "The way you were practically drooling gave it away." Her playful grin widened. "Well, if I can't stare at Adam, how