Later that afternoon, the mansion buzzed quietly with chores.
From downstairs, Serina called up.
"Jay! Can you come down for a moment?"
Kia, who had been sitting nearby, tilted her head curiously.
"What happened?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
Serina's voice floated up warmly.
"We need to go out for groceries. Can you come down?"
Kia's eyes brightened for a moment, a plan already forming in her mind.
"Can I… go instead of Jay?" she asked politely, her tone careful.
There was a soft pause.
Serina's voice came again, calm but firm.
"Jay knows the kitchen better—she knows what's empty, what we need. It's better if she goes."
Kia nodded quickly, still polite.
"Of course, Tita Serina."
She stepped back quietly, masking the disappointment behind a soft smile.
Moments later, Jay came downstairs, brushing her hair back and stretching lightly.
Serina wrapped an arm around her daughter, holding her close.
"Come on, let's get going," she said gently, a protective warmth in her voice.
Jay leaned into her embrace for a second, then smiled.
"Yes, Mama."
Together, they stepped out of the house.
And behind them, Kia watched silently from the balcony above.
Her eyes followed Jay's every movement as she walked arm-in-arm with Serina,
and deep inside, a stubborn fire grew stronger.
Whatever she had planned…
it wouldn't wait much longer.
That evening, the mansion was quieter now.
Keizer walked toward the front door, Jay by his side.
"Come on, Jay," he said, holding the car door open.
"We have some important work to finish at the office tonight."
Jay nodded, sliding in beside him.
"Okay, Papa. I'm ready."
From the hallway, Kia appeared, pretending to casually pass by.
"Tito Keizer… can I come too?" she asked softly, forcing a polite smile.
Keizer didn't even glance her way.
"Jay knows this work best. It's important, Kia. You stay here."
Kia tried again, stepping closer.
"Please, I can help—"
"Not this time," Keizer said firmly, finally giving her a look.
"You'll only distract us."
Jay looked over at Kia, trying to soften the rejection.
"I'm sure there will be other ways you can help at home," she said kindly.
Kia's smile faltered, but she bowed politely.
"Of course. I understand."
Keizer nodded and gestured to Jay.
"Let's go. We have a lot to get done."
As the car pulled out of the driveway, Kia watched from the balcony, lips pressed into a thin line.
She hadn't been able to interfere.
She hadn't been able to come along.
And yet… she was already planning her next move.
Because one thing was clear:
Keifer, Jay, and the Watsons' family…
were always going to be just out of her reach.
But she wasn't giving up. Not now. Not ever.