Brendan’s words instantly dampened the excitement in the room. Alessia understood exactly what he was getting at–he wanted to know if she’d bought the shop with money from the Tate family.

She couldn’t help but smile. Just as she always managed to surprise the Mortons, the Mortons themselves never failed to catch her off guard with their behavior.

“Don’t worry,” she said softly, “I invested my own money and earned it myself. Not a single cent came from the Tates.” Not unless you count Cole’s, she thought privately.

Brendan, however, didn’t look particularly pleased, even after her reassurance.

“Still, business is business, Lessie. We need to keep the rent fair and square. Let’s draw up a contract. We’ll rent the place from you at market price. What do you think?”

Alessia’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Actually, I have a better idea than just charging you rent.”

All three of them fixed their gaze on her, waiting for her to go on.

“I’ll let you use the shop rent–free-”

“No way,” Karen interjected, cutting her off. Alessia remained calm, patting Karen’s hand gently to settle her nerves.

“Not only will you pay no rent, I’ll cover all the renovation costs, too. Of course, you’ll still have to pay utilities.”

as if they

invest, and we split the profits. Forty

not worried you’ll

reason the place

you

if know a good lawyer, they can look

nodded. “Let’s have my brother

1/2

14:42

легор

into the night, until Alessia stifled a

bed, you two,” Karen said, gathering up the scattered papers from

obediently got up to

called after

and Karen and Zachary

finances. Always keep something to yourself, even with family. You never know when you’ll need to play your cards close to

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