“You’ve got the code. Your fingerprint’s in the system. Yet I never see you around here.”

Eddie set his tea down on the table, matching Alessia’s choice–black tea, fragrant and warm.

The aroma drifted softly through the room. Alessia took a breath, sipped, and smiled.

“Except for Mae, no one makes a better cup than you.”

Eddie recognized the attempt to steer the conversation elsewhere but let it slide. His gaze shifted to Ivan, who was staring at a painting on the wall.

“Ever tried your hand at painting, Ivan?”

Ivan broke his gaze from the artwork and shook his head.

“I’ve got all the supplies here. Want to give it a try?”

Ivan glanced at Alessia, who gave him a reassuring nod. Only then did he turn back

to Eddie and nod as well.

paints are all set up in the next room. My art studio’s a real gem–normally, I don’t let anyone else in.” Eddie always made a point of looking people in the eye when he spoke. With his gentle features, it was disarming, almost as if you couldn’t help

Eddie expected. When Alessia didn’t move, Ivan avoided Eddie’s gaze and looked back

a quick look

said, her voice full of certainty, gently patting Ivan on the back of his head. “I

blinked a few times but

door to the studio. Alessia gave

branches outside danced across the easels and bookshelves, swaying in the breeze. Even before a single line was drawn, the whole place felt like a living painting–light and shadow, glass windows,

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Chapter 114

right.

took it all in. Alessia rested her hand on his shoulder but didn’t look at

you, didn’t I? You’d love it

view outside

you’re here, don’t you think?” At some point, Eddie had already set

didn’t refuse. He took it and

After a brief, absent–minded gaze out the window, he began

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