Tarquin fibbed, "She''s just tuckered out. I was trying to help her sleep and missed your call."


    Elliot was puzzled, "You were helping my mom sleep?"


    "Yeah, she''s been burning the candle at both ends at the hospital with Elijah. She''s been all out of sorts today. Tried to nap but couldn''t settle, so I helped her rx."


    Elysia was seething internally. Rascal! Liar! Who asked him for help?!


    She''s not a toddler in need of bedtime stories, is she?


    This jerk, can''t hee up with a better excuse?!


    Elliot clearly wasn''t buying it. His gaze shifted between Tarquin and the direction of the study where Elysia was, eventually deciding to check on her himself.


    Elysia panicked and feigned sleep!


    Tarquin stood by the doorway, suggesting, "Let her catch some Z''s, don''t disturb her now."


    Elliot peered at Elysia, instantly seeing through the act. His mom was many things, but an Oscar-worthy actress she was not. Who sleeps with their eyshes fluttering like that?


    But if mom was ying possum, there had to be a reason. He chose not to call her out, instead offering, "Mom, take it easy. I''ve sorted things out with Keith. Get some rest."


    After ensuring his mom was left undisturbed, Elliot stepped out, closing the door gently behind him. Once outside, he confronted Tarquin, "What exactly did you do to my mom?"


    "She was all nerves when she dragged you into the study, and now she''s pretending to sleep? What''s up?"


    Tarquin''s lips twitched, dodging, "Kid, grown-up stuff. Don''t pry."


    He then realized Keith wasn''t around, asking, "Where''s Keith?"


    Elliot, letting go of his suspicions, replied, "He headed back to his ce, just across the hall."


    Tarquin frowned. His previous mention of helping Elysia was meant for Keith''s ears, hoping to unt a bit of affection. Seems his nned disy of affection fell through.


    Switching topics, he quizzed Elliot, "What did you two discuss?"


    "Private matters."


    Tarquin was left hanging just as Blossom, Evan, Emmett, and Elijah made their way in. Seizing the moment, Tarquin excused himself, "Don''t bother Elysia, she needs rest. I''m stepping out for a smoke."


    After calming his nerves with a few cigarettes at the end of the corridor, his desire cooled off, he found himself at Keith''s door, ringing the bell. He needed rity on what was between Keith and Elysia!


    Keith answered almost immediately, d in casual whites, not at all surprised to see Tarquin, as if he''d been expecting him. Squinting slightly, he invited, "Come in, let''s chat."


    Tarquin entered, noting the ce''s modern and simplistic makeover, a stark contrast to hisst visit. The living room, devoid of the usual sofas and coffee table, featured a solid wood table, benches, an expansive bookshelf, and a cozy nook on the balcony with a lounge chair among lush nts. A fish tank added a touch of life to the space, hinting at Keith''s caring nature.


    "Have a seat," Keith offered, brewing a cup of tea with a courteous nod.


    Tarquin settled down, and before he couldunch into questions, Keith preempted, "I just found out you were the other interested buyer for this ce. Sorry if I seemed standoffish before."


    Tarquin''s brows knitted together as he asked, "How did you know it was me?"


    "Elliot told me just now. He knew you wanted the apartment but didn''t realize I was the new owner; otherwise, he would''ve mentioned it sooner."


    "So, that chat with Elliot was about the apartment?"


    "Yeah, he hoped we wouldn''t let the propertye between us."