With the two of them sorted, Stella dusted off her hands and tossed the rope into a nearby basket.

“I’ll cover today’s expenses. The rest is up to you.”

Stella didn’t reply. Instead, she curled her hand into a fist and bumped it lightly against Alessia’s. They didn’t need words–their understanding ran deep.

Aside from a handful of close friends, no one knew that Alessia was the true investor behind the bar. Outsiders all assumed it was just a little project her family had set up for her, a way to practice for when she’d eventually inherit the family fortune.

But Stella could swear on her life that the Laines hadn’t put a single cent into this place.

It wasn’t that the Laines refused to help; Alessia was just stubborn. She wanted to prove–if only to herself–that she wasn’t some spoiled heiress who could only live off her family’s money. No one could control her destiny.

“We’re heading out,” Alessia said.

“Alright, see you when classes start.” Stella shot a quick glance at Liam trailing behind Alessia, understanding the siblings needed some time alone. She didn’t

linger.

With a casual wave, the siblings stepped out of the bar. Neither spoke. Liam, guitar slung across his back, walked silently beside her, his face clouded as if weighed down by thoughts he couldn’t share.

of the alley before Liam finally stopped. “Tonight was my fault. I’ll

Alessia cut him off, not waiting for a response before ducking into the convenience store across the street. The rest of Liam’s words died in his

flavor. At her prompting, Liam grabbed a cheap popsicle for himself. He paid without protest, while Alessia stepped outside to wait for

stride was long, and it took only a few steps for him

1/2

15:40

you the money for the ice cream later,”

“I’m not that broke. Besides, it’s only right for

cream. Don’t

was light, almost careless–a stark contrast to Liam’s bristling defensiveness. It was as if none of this mattered to

stupid. He realized she was throwing his earlier offer to repay the damages right back at him. He pressed his lips

clean it up, is it?” He tried to

then?” She looked at him, all innocence, but Liam knew if she really did it, whatever

to cover his discomfort. “So… what were you doing

online about a new live singer they hired–apparently brought in

the owner go

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