Mandume broke the chocolate bar into three and, to everyone's surprise, handed a piece to Bonita.
"May your day be filled with sweets and honey," he said warmly.
Bonita froze for a moment, stunned by the gesture. Her smile slowly grew, hiding the pang in her chest. He doesn't even know we're not related… not by blood, not even by a half.
Still, she wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you, brother. I really needed this today."
"I declare this our new household ritual," Mandume said, laughing. "Every morning must start with sweetness!"
"I second that," Bonita added, beaming.
Then her mood shifted as she dug through her bag. "Um… Brother, can you borrow me some cab money? I just realized I'm out of cash."
"I already sent for a ride. Should be here any minute," Mandume replied.
"Oh, you mean an Uber?" she asked, hopeful.
He shook his head. "Nah, company car. I'm reporting back as Managing Director today, remember?"
"Aww," Bonita pouted. "I wanted to stop at Tiffanie's before heading out. Might be late if I wait."
"Here," Star said, reaching for her wallet and handing over some cash.
Bonita hesitated. "Oh no, Star, I can't take that from you."
"But you can take from Mandume?" Star replied with a raised brow. "I thought I was your sister now. That means I get to help you too, right?"
Bonita blinked, stunned by the challenge in Star's voice. "No, that's not what I meant—"
Mandume jumped in. "Oh Star, don't take it personally. Boni rarely borrows from anyone. She doesn't even ask Tiffanie for help. But Boni, for me, please just take it."
Reluctantly, Bonita took the money. "Fine, but I'll pay it back."
"No need," Star said with a smile. "It's already forgotten."
With that, Bonita headed out to Tiffanie's.
Meanwhile, Star and Mandume moved into the dining area where Maria was waiting with breakfast already set.
"Breakfast is ready," Maria said, her voice unusually sweet. "And since it's your first day back at the office, I made something special just for you."
Her smile faltered briefly as she muttered under her breath, "Just like old times—this little charm should leave you sleepy, so the company's profits vanish right under your nose…"
Star served herself and sat down with a yawn, clearly hungry.
But Maria's eyes darted from one bowl to another—something was wrong.
Why is Mandume eating from that bowl? That's not the one I prepared for him… Star has it!
Panic fluttered in her chest. What happened? Did they switch?
"What's wrong, Madam?" Star asked, catching her look.
"Oh! Nothing… I was just thinking how I'm going to face Grandma after last night," Maria lied, steadying her voice.
"Why? She's not here yet?" Mandume asked.
"No, she's—oh wait, there she is."
Christine walked in like a breeze through a silent room—graceful but firm.
"Good morning," she greeted everyone with a nod. "Mandume, I see you're ready for your first day back."
"Yes, Grandma. I'm feeling more focused than ever."
"Good," Christine said with approval. "I'll see you at the office later for lunch."
As she turned to leave, Maria stood, unsure.
"Mom… I…"
Christine stopped and glanced over her shoulder.
"Maria, it's fine. I'm not angry with you," she said with a rare softness. "I know what you're going through."
"No, please… let me say it," Maria said, her voice cracking. "I shouldn't have said those things last night. I'm sorry. I'll do better—I promise."
Christine gave her a look, then finally smiled. "Okay. I heard you."
And just like that, she left.
Maria stood there for a long second, letting the relief wash over her. Then she turned back inside, composed herself, and walked over to Mandume. She gently patted his shoulder.
"Good luck today, my son," she whispered, her smile tinged with something bittersweet.