Before approaching Vince, Lila had already given Jamie a heads-up to find a way to pull Xyla aside. Sure enough, as soon as she walked over, Jamie called out to Xyla, leading her away.

Kieran stayed a few steps behind Lila, just in case she got too caught up in talking and didn't watch her step. This way, he could keep an eye on her while also giving them some space to talk.

Vince glanced at her. "Something on your mind?"

"What's your deal with Ms. Zimmerman?" she asked.

"She's from a well-off family. My uncle introduced us-he says he's getting older and wants me to settle down soon."

Lila nodded. "So... are you two dating?"

"No, we just met a few days ago. We're getting to know each other and seeing if we're compatible."

After hearing that, Lila let out a breath of relief. "Actually, after you left that night, Ame told that young man to-" Before she could finish, a sharp yelp cut through the air. Xyla had slipped and fallen on the stone steps.

"Ms. Zimmerman, are you okay?" Jamie asked, visibly concerned.

Lila had no choice but to pause their conversation as Vince hurried over, helping Xyla sit down on one of the steps. "Where does it hurt?"

think it's

you're okay," Vince reassured her. "Are you hurt

"No."

who stood nearby with an unreadable expression. "How bad is it?" she

lightly on her ankle. She let out a small gasp. "It's

voice barely above a whisper. "I'm so

calm. "I should've been paying more

a moment, he added, "I'll realign it. Try to bear with

sound as he reset her ankle. Her eyes watered slightly, and she looked pitiful. Even after her ankle was adjusted,

feet and turned to the group. "You guys go on ahead. We'll rest here for a bit before

ruin your day. We were just tagging along anyway. I saw a sign earlier-there's a cable car station up ahead. We'll take our time getting there and ride

met Amelia's. For a fleeting

case, we'll keep going." Then, she patted Matthew on the shoulder.

watched as they walked off side

rest of the hike wasn't dampened. By the time they reached the summit, it was around 2:00 pm. They found a nice, sheltered spot

settled between Lila and Soren, while Amelia pulled Teddy down beside her. "Let's wait a bit before heading back down. I want to see the sunset from up

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