With a look of ease and assurance on both father and daughter's faces, Kylie continued, "Yes, Lia, as you wish. Your entire family will always be there for you. But remember one thing we taught you."
"We know you're more mature than kids your age," she said gently. "But it's our duty to remind you—not to command others just because of your background. At the same time, it's important to know when to stand up for yourself."
"Mom, don't worry. I won't let you or Dad down. And I'll do my best to be the best version of myself," Zara replied, gazing at her mother.
"Be at ease, honey. Our sweetheart knows how to handle different kinds of people," Andrew said with a grin as he looked at his wife. "Remember who taught her manners and worldly knowledge."
After hearing both father and daughter speak, Kylie smiled and added, "Of course I know our daughter. But Lia, one more thing—if you ever see someone being bullied, or if it happens to you, come straight to me. I'll deal with it. You don't need to waste your time on such people."
"Who would dare bully our Lia?" the four Adam brothers bellowed as they approached their parents."Exactly! Who dares to mess with our sweetie?" Andrew echoed, glancing at his wife.
Zara noticed the serious expression on her brother's face and responded with a mischievous smile. "But all of you should be able to defend yourselves first. So try not to get bullied yourselves."
Though Zara could be distant and hesitant with strangers, she was still the youngest lady of the Adam family—treated like a princess—and held a special place in her heart for her family.
Kylie and Andrew quietly laughed on the sidelines at their daughter's comment, observing their sons' varied expressions.
Alan chuckled and gave Jack a light kick in the leg as he turned to him. Jack, still deep in thought about Zara's comment, suddenly winced in pain.
He looked up dramatically and said, "Alan, just hearing our sister's words makes me feel mistreated. And now you're kicking me too? Where's your sense of justice?"
As he spoke, he noticed all three of his brothers glaring at him like they were ready to skin him alive. Feeling wronged, he hurried to Zara's side. Bending down so she wouldn't have to look up, he held her hand and said, "Lia, look at them. They're all bullying me. You have to take my side."
With a menacing tone, Hendry stepped forward. "Zara wouldn't talk like that unless someone had given her bad advice. That someone would be you." He gave Jack a stern lecture before turning to Zara with a warm, affectionate smile.
"Lia, ignore anything he says. If he ever gives you unpleasant advice or tells you to do something wrong, come to us. Never listen to him." He gently ran a hand over her hair.
Zara responded with a soft smile, "Sure, Second Brother."
Jack knew Zara was teasing them, and even though he couldn't argue with his beloved sister, he secretly enjoyed her playful attitude. So he simply listened to Hendry's scolding without complaint.
Among the four Adam brothers, Jack was the only one who acted childishly around family. Like the others, he remained cold and composed in public—but when it came to Zara, he was always the first to encourage her mischief.
As a result, whenever Zara caused trouble, Jack was usually blamed, and the others—including the youngest, Noah—would lecture him for hours. But Jack didn't mind. In fact, he loved taking the blame if it meant making his sister smile.
"Mom, why did you bring up bullying?" Noah, who had been quiet until now, asked, turning to his parents. "Lia, is someone bullying you? That shouldn't happen. She barely ever leaves the house or goes out on her own, so what's going on?"
Hearing this, the other three brothers immediately turned serious, all eyes on their parents. The couple had been enjoying the siblings' playful exchange but now found themselves unexpectedly questioned.
Kylie and Zara exchanged a knowing smile, amused by how protective the men in their family were.
"I only brought it up casually," Kylie reassured them. "It's not like Lia would allow herself to be bullied. Right, sweetheart?"
"Yes, Mom," Zara nodded confidently.
"Lia, if anyone dares to mess with you, just come to us," Alan said firmly. "Don't trouble our parents over such things. Your brothers will take care of it."
"Yes," the other boys chimed in, standing united.