Chapter 480

"Rise and shine, Evelyn. First day of school. Don't make us late."

Outside the bedroom door, Elliot stood with his backpack slung over one shoulder, rapping his knuckles impatiently against the wood.

Evelyn groaned into her pillow. Though awake, she remained cocooned in her blankets like a stubborn caterpillar resisting metamorphosis.

Her muffled voice drifted through the door. "I heard you, Elliot."

Elliot checked his watch with a sigh. After exchanging quick words with the house staff, he dashed off to campus.

True to form, Evelyn required multiple reminders from the staff before finally dragging herself from bed. Predictably, she arrived late on her very first day.

"Evelyn Carter, is it? Late on your inaugural day. Your punishment is to sweep every stair in this building."

Accepting the broom with visible reluctance, Evelyn began her tedious task. Halfway through, a familiar shadow fell across her work.

Elliot leaned casually against the upper railing, his smirk dripping with smug satisfaction. "How many times did I tell you to get up? Now look at you - the school's newest janitor."

Evelyn's lips pressed into a thin line as she swatted at his ankles with the broom. "Move. I'm working."

His laughter echoed through the stairwell. "Better hurry, little sis. The teacher's coming to inspect soon."

With a huff, Evelyn grabbed his wrist. "Get lost."

"Your wish is my command," Elliot teased, pulling free. "Though I was going to offer help."

Evelyn crossed her arms. "I don't need it. Just disappear."

As if summoned by her frustration, Harrison materialized behind Elliot. He placed a steadying hand on Elliot's shoulder.

"Let's assist her. This is too much for one person."

Evelyn's face lit up. She stuck her tongue out at Elliot. "See? Harrison's actually decent. Unlike some brothers I know."

Elliot's jaw dropped. "Decent? He's the one who suggested this punishment! Your selective memory astounds me."

Turning to Harrison with gratitude, Evelyn said, "Thanks for helping."

Harrison took the broom without expression. "The faster we finish, the sooner you can return to class."

"Right."

Evelyn redoubled her efforts, though her pace paled in comparison to Harrison's efficient movements.

"Wait for me, Harrison!"

Pausing mid-sweep, Harrison said, "You should go to class. We'll handle this."

Elliot protested, "But—"

A single look from Harrison silenced him. Recognizing defeat, Elliot turned to his sister.

"Harrison's right. Go on, Ev."

When Evelyn hesitated, Elliot gently pushed her toward the classrooms. "Shoo."

Once she was out of earshot, Elliot opened his mouth to speak but noticed Harrison had nearly completed the task.

"Harrison, you shouldn't coddle her. This spoiled princess needs to learn responsibility."

"Princesses shouldn't have to clean stairs," Harrison replied without looking up. "That's what knights are for."

Elliot could only stare, utterly speechless.