Inside the bedroom, Queenie was the first to spot the envelopes and snatched one up.

She tore it open–inside was a debit card. She checked the other two:

both were cards as well.

“Mr. Keane, this is hardly generous,” she called out. “A few cards? For all we know, there could be just a penny on each!”

“Oh, come on, ladies! Every card has at least ten grand on it. Not much, but enough for each of you to treat yourselves to a new bag. What do you say?”

As soon as Justin finished, Cole slipped a few more envelopes under the door.

“He’s right, it’s not like we could cram thick wads of cash through the door. But if you’d prefer cash, just crack the door open a bit and we’ll pass some through!”

Inside, the four women exchanged glances. “Well, that’s not impossible,” one of them replied. “But you’ll have to answer a few questions first. Get them right, and we’ll let you in. But Stella’s answers are the only right ones–agreed?”

“No problem, no problem!” the men chorused.

“But!” Alessia cut in.

“Before each question, you have to do ten push–ups. We moved the hallway camera into the room–we’re watching everything, so don’t you dare try to cheat!”

“Come on, we’re all about integrity here, right Cole?” Justin elbowed Cole playfully.

“Lessie, I didn’t even sleep last night,” Cole whined, putting on his most pitiful face, making Alessia’s lips twitch with arnusement.

1/3

10:30

Chapter 450

Penny knocked on the door,

zipping motion across her. lips, pledging silent allegiance to her

friends valiantly “defend” her. Suddenly, she thought that maybe having a

outside realized their tricks weren’t working, so they lined up obediently, each settling into

one finished,

How tall

Justin shot back

“Very good. Next question.”

second man started his push–ups. The hallway grew quiet–curious relatives and kids had gathered to

“When is Stella’s birthday?”

a round of applause from the

reached

through his

Alessia’s voice came from behind the door. Everyone held their breath,

“What is Stella’s wish?“/

open a cozy little wine bar, and live

a radiant smile

Stella’s

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