Daria was Julie''s only blood rtive left in the world. Even if Autumn couldn''t stand Joseph, she still couldn''t help but feel for Daria.


    Daria lowered his head and muttered, "Okay."


    He didn''t dare lie.


    Joseph had already warned Autumn: that old witch was going toe around again she just wouldn''t give up.


    Before Joseph could say anything, Daria piped up, “Dad, I didn''t take anything from Chelsea."


    “n, remember what I''m telling you. If that old witches looking for you again, don''t even talk to her.” Joseph ruffled his son''s hair. “From now on, it''s just you and me, kid. Work hard and everything I have will be yours someday."


    Joseph had been drinking all afternoon with his buddies and kept at it through the night. He reeked of alcohol, but still remembered to pick up Daria.


    Daria looked at Joseph and nodded. "Dad, maybe you shouldn''t drink so much anymore."


    He really did worry about his dad.


    "Sorry, kid, that''s one thing I can''t promise. I have to drink-how else am I supposed to make money for you?" Joseph''s voice softened just for his son. "A real man has to drink. Women, booze, smokes—those are the three big joys in life. n, listen to me, don''t be like Herman, hanging everything on just one woman. There are plenty of women out there, and it''s our job to make them all feel at home, you hear?"


    The driver nearly choked hearing this.


    Yep, that was his boss-raising a kid with such wild, unconventional advice.


    Daria only half got it.


    Southridge Estates.


    After dinner, Anastasia gathered the kids and headed back to Southridge Estates.


    They had to start packing for the trip to the harbor city tomorrow.


    This time, they were going to celebrate Mr. Wisman''s birthday—and sneak in a bit of fun while they were there.


    Anastasia handed the packing off to Herman. "You handle the bags. I''ll check in on our daughter."


    Herman was always willing, and he already knew what Anastasia needed.


    Anastasia walked into her eldest daughter''s room, finding her packing her suitcase. She smiled and stepped inside. "Pattie, are you all packed?"


    "Almost," Paradise replied, zipping up her bag. "Mom, what time will we get to the harbor city tomorrow?"


    "Around five in the afternoon, I think." Anastasia hesitated, then asked, “Pattie, are you popr at school? Do your ssmates like you?"


    Paradise shrugged. "Some do, some don''t. Dad says we''re not money, not everyone''s going to like us. I''m not bothered."


    Paradise was really growing up her attitude was so much more rxed these days.


    Anastasia hesitated again. “So... have any boys given you love letters?"


    "Yeah, tons." Paradise looked a little exasperated. "My drawer can''t even hold them all anymore."


    Anastasia was at a loss for words.


    Well, she really did take after her mom.


    "Pattie, you''re still so young. Focus


    on your studies," Anastasia said, trying to souper gentle but firm "When you''re older and can really think things through, then you can make the right choices."


    Paradise grinned. "Mom, are you worried I''ll start dating too early?"


    Anastasia couldn''t even bring herself to say the words-she didn''t want to make her daughter ufortable.


    Sheughed awkwardly.


    Paradise said, “Mom, I don''t even like those immature boys. Don''t worry, I''ll focus on my grades."


    "Good, that''s good." Anastasia finally rxed. "Get some rest, then.”


    As she was about to leave, Anastasia hesitated again. "You and Andrew from fifth grade... are you two close?"


    "Not at all," Paradise replied immediately.


    She really wasn''t close to Andrew.


    Anastasia didn''t push it further, justughed softly. “Alright, get some sleep. Goodnight."


    She closed the door behind her. Raising a daughter was nerve-wracking—especially


    when it came to feelings. You always had to keep an eye out.


    She didn''t want to meddle with her daughter''s friendships, but if anything ever


    started, she''d make sure to guide her the right way.


    The next day.


    Anastasia and Herman set off for the harbor city with Paradise. Emmie and Nancy ended up staying home.


    Taking all three kids would just be too much.


    Emmie and Nancy were still


    little-even if they saw something new, they wouldn''t remember it anyway. Bringing them along would just wear everyone out content


    The Stranz family.


    Scott finished breakfast and got ready to head out to the harbor city, too.


    He sat on the couch, calling his driver to make sure he''d be picked up at nine sharp.


    Layna stood at the top of the stairs,


    her mind already turning when she heard where Scott was going. "Uncle, can Ie with you to the harbor city? Uncle Howard invited. me before, and I really want to go"