“I heard it from my classmates–they said today’s the family reunion dinner. I know you’re feeling down, but we’re family. You don’t have to shoulder everything on your own. If you ever need to cry, you can always lean on your big brother.” As Zachary spoke, he patted his own shoulder, his face flushed bright red with nerves.

Alessia couldn’t help but smile at his misunderstanding. She quickly clarified, “A friend’s out of town and asked me to do him a favor, that’s all.”

“Really?” Zachary’s skepticism was obvious.

“Really!” Alessia answered with patience, her tone firm, though something in her insistence made Zachary’s heart ache for her.

He ruffled her hair gently. “Come home early. I’ll pick you up.”

She nodded, understanding he didn’t believe her, but seeing no need to argue. The bus home arrived first. Once Zachary left, a black sedan pulled up in front of her.

Without hesitation, Alessia opened the door and climbed in. The driver was a woman with short hair, black–rimmed glasses, and a crisp business suit, her expression unreadable.

“Ma’am.”

“Vera? I thought someone else was coming.”

“I just checked on the latest partnership negotiations and brought the documents for you to review.” Vera handed Alessia a folder from the passenger seat.

took it without surprise and flipped through the pages. “What’s the situation

security had to escort them out. After they found someone else to take

nodded, and silence settled in the

town, passing rows of detached houses. Here and there, a few people strolled along the quiet streets. The signed paperwork

the front gate, Alessia lowered her window. As soon as her face came into view, the gate slowly swung open. Vera drove inside. In the front

flowers and shrubs. When they saw Alessia, they

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14:43

Chapter 69

respectfully in

butler was already waiting

be right here if

and stepped into the

today, Dailey?” she asked as she slipped off her shoes and made her way upstairs with

as always,” Dailey replied with a

mother remarried and moved in. She’d practically watched Cole grow up. Two years ago, after the accident, she was transferred here to care for

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