The Solovyova family has long upheld a cherished tradition: adopting children to support and assist the biological heir. This practice was not just an act of kindness but a strategic move that ensured the strength, security, and prosperity of the Solovyova name. Over the generations, this tradition has forged bonds that run deeper than blood, creating a legacy of unwavering loyalty, leadership, and protection.

  Among the current generation of Solovyovas, three children stand at the heart of this legacy. Though they come from different backgrounds, they are bound by an unshakable love and devotion to one another.

  The Eldest, Nikoi Solovyova – The Strategist and Leader.

  At the top stands Nikoi Solovyova, the first adopted child and the eldest among the three. His adoption was not a coincidence but a carefully considered decision. The Solovyova family named him Nikoi, a name that symbolizes victory and leadership, with the hope that he would one day stand beside his younger sister, guiding her toward greatness.

  True to his name, Nikoi grew into a decisive and intelligent leader. He became the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Solovyova family’s vast business empire, a position he holds with diligence and determination. His keen mind and sharp instincts made him indispensable, and though he was not born into the Solovyova bloodline, he carries its ambitions on his shoulders as if he were.

  However, his responsibilities often keep him away from the family, and he was unable to go to Korea with his siblings. Despite this, he reassured her and Alexei that he would not stay away for long. The moment his work obligations are settled, he will follow them. No matter where they are in the world, he refuses to let his little siblings face anything alone.

  Nikoi may be the busiest, but that does not mean he is any less protective. He watches over his family from afar, making sure their future remains secure.

  The Second, Alexei Solovyova – The Guardian and Shield.

  If Nikoi was the strategist, then Alexei Solovyova was the protector. The second adopted child, Alexei, embraced his role as the family’s unbreakable shield. His name, Alexei, means “Defender,” and nothing could describe him better.

  From the moment he was brought into the family, Alexei dedicated himself to safeguarding those he cared about. He trained rigorously, sharpening his skills until he became one of the most formidable figures in the Solovyova estate. Eventually, his efforts paid off when he earned the position of Head of Security, a role that allowed him to fulfill his lifelong duty of protecting his family—especially Evelina.

  Unlike Nikoi, who often worked behind the scenes, Alexei was a constant presence. He was the shadow that never left Evelina’s side, the unwavering force that shielded her from harm. To him, there was no greater purpose than ensuring his little sister’s safety. If Nikoi secured her future, then Alexei made sure she reached it unscathed.

  Alexei adored Evelina more than anything in the world. He was the kind of older brother who grumbled about how she was too precious to be out in common pces like convenience stores, yet he would still follow her there, just to make sure she was safe.

  His protectiveness was absolute, and no one—not a stranger, not an enemy, not even fate itself—would ever y a hand on his baby sister while he still breathed.

  The Youngest, Evelina Solovyova – The Treasure of the Family.

  At the heart of the Solovyova family was Evelina Solovyova, the youngest and only biological child, the rightful heir to the Solovyova name.

  She was not just a daughter or a sister; to her family, she was the gem, the light, the most precious existence in their lives. If the Solovyova estate was a grand kingdom, then Evelina was its crown jewel—adored, protected, and cherished beyond measure.

  Evelina’s beauty was undeniable, but it was her kindness, intelligence, and quiet strength that truly made her shine. She was the kind of person who, despite her privileged upbringing, never looked down on others. She had an innate curiosity about the world, a longing to explore and understand beyond the walls of her estate.

  Though she inherited the responsibilities of the family, she was never alone. Nikoi ensured that she had every advantage and opportunity to succeed, while Alexei made sure that no harm ever came her way. Together, they created a fortress of love and protection around their baby sister, one that no one could break.

  ==============================

  ???'s POV

  This was it.

  This was my greatest failure.

  I had trained for years. I had mastered combat, security tactics, and risk assessment. I had dedicated my life to ensuring my family's safety, especially her safety—the gem of our family, the treasure of the Solovyova name, the light that shone brighter than anything else in this wretched world.

  And yet—

  Here I was.

  Standing inside a convenience store.

  With my precious baby sister.

  Amongst commoners.

  "Как я допустил это?" (How did I let this happen?) I muttered, my voice a mere whisper of agony.

  I could feel my ancestors weeping. Somewhere, our family’s noble lineage was crumbling into dust. Nikoi—our eldest brother, our ever-composed, ever-rational COO—would have my head if he found out about this.

  "You let Evelina go where?" I could already imagine him saying, his voice ced with disbelief and quiet fury.

  And I… I would have no excuse.

  Because the truth was, Evelina had always been like this.

  Curious. Restless. Intrigued by the world that was so opposite of her own.

  Even when we were children, she would sneak away from our estate, desperate to see how the other side lived. She wanted to understand things that we, as Solovyovas, were never meant to experience.

  And now?

  Now, she was practically bouncing up and down in excitement as she wandered through the aisles, her delicate fingers picking up snacks that were so beneath her that I wanted to grab her and carry her out immediately.

  I sighed, rubbing a hand over my face.

  "Иногда она как озорной ребёнок." (Sometimes, she’s like a mischievous kid.)

  And yet, she was our mischievous kid.

  The cutest, most adorable, prettiest, most gorgeous, kindest Solovyova to ever grace this Earth.

  She had no idea how much Nikoi and I adored her. How much we had sworn to protect her.

  And now?

  Now, I had failed.

  I had let her be tainted by the common.

  I, Alexei Solovyova—the shield of our family, the one who had dedicated his life to protecting her—had allowed our baby sister to step foot into a pce like this.

  A convenience store.

  A. CONVENIENCE. STORE.

  Where the floors were questionably clean.

  Where the food was mass-produced and handled by underpaid employees.

  Where anyone—anyone—could simply walk in.

  "Я не переживу этого." (I won’t survive this.) I muttered, closing my eyes briefly.

  But then—

  "Старший брат, что ты хочешь отсюда?" (Big brother, what do you want from here?)

  I opened my eyes.

  Evelina stood in front of me, her expression bright and expectant, her finger pointing toward a shelf filled with chocotes.

  Cheap chocotes.

  The kind that weren’t handcrafted by European artisans. The kind that didn’t come with golden wrapping or a prestigious brand name. The kind that—

  "Я съем все, что ты выберешь, Лина." (I’ll eat whatever you pick, Lina.) I exhaled, surrendering.

  Her face lit up.

  I felt my chest tighten. She was so happy.

  How could I deny her anything?

  She hummed thoughtfully before selecting a dark chocote bar for me. At least she had some taste.

  Then, she practically skipped to the drinks section. I trailed behind her, feeling like a man walking to his execution.

  Her delicate fingers grazed over the rows of drinks before settling on two.

  One bottle of strawberry milk for herself.

  And one chocote milk for me.

  No.

  'No, this was too much'.

  "Лина..." (Lina…) I started, my voice heavy.

  I couldn’t allow this. I couldn’t allow her to consume something so—so—low-css.

  But then I saw her face.

  That brilliant, star-like gaze.

  She was excited.

  She was happy.

  She was looking at me like she had just discovered a grand treasure in this wretched, forsaken store.

  I felt something in my chest crack.

  "Что угодно для тебя, моя принцесса." (Anything for you, my princess.) I whispered in defeat.

  And just like that—

  I lost.

  DaoistDumpling