Alessia arched an eyebrow, a sly smile curving her lips. “You’re blending into your new identity pretty fast.”
“Word’s gotten out, you know. Are you really okay?” Justin’s yful expression faded, concern flickering in his eyes.
“This? Barely worth my attention. She needs the Tate family name for appearances. Do 1?”
Her eyes sparkled, brimming with confidence.
Justin let out a shortugh. “True. There isn’t a ce you can’t walk into and own.”
He nced around the room, lips pulling into a dissatisfied line. “But isn’t this ce a bit cramped? Didn’t Cole gift you an entire house? Worst case, <i>you </i>can have my spare ce.” He shook his head, looking genuinely perplexed. “Can you really stand living here?”
“I’ve got my own ns.”
Justin shrugged, used to Alessia’s stubborn independence, and decided not to argue further.
The workers moved quickly. After a brief discussion with Alessia, they had the room transformed in less than an hour. She and Justin also took the opportunity to rearrange Zachary’s room, optimizing the space.
With Justin’s input, every inch was put to its best use. He’d have dly renovated the rest of the house too, but Alessia declined, her mind already drifting elsewhere. Meanwhile, Alessia sent Ivan to move his things in.
“Yours is inside; this part out here’s mine,” she exined, pointing to the bed tucked at the back as she walked Ivan through their new room.
A curtain split the space in two, letting sunlight filter into each side.. Alessia’s bed was in the farthest corner, separated with both a curtain and a pair of bookcases. Two desks sat by the window; Ivan’s side had a small cab packed with paints and brushes.
Alessia’s bed had another curtain, creating a private little cocoon for sleep–even if someone came or went, she wouldn’t be disturbed.
“We keep our boundaries, mind our own business. You paint, I do my thing.
15:37
Peaceful coexistence. Consider this my bribe–deal<b>?</b><b>” </b>
Ivan clutched his paint box, eyes fixed on the cab overflowing with art supplies.
“Alright, go unpack,” Alessia said, ruffling his hair. This time, Ivan didn’t protest.
She smirked. “Kids are so easy to please.”
With Ivan settled, the boys‘ room was finished soon after.
Alessia surveyed the updated spaces and nodded in satisfaction. With Justin handling things, she never worried–he had a knack for transforming a ce, making even the smallest details shine.
This line of work was made for him.
“Thanks for all your help.”
“Miss Tate, it’s nothing. Next time you need something, just say the word,” said the lead worker, hefting his toolbox with a good–natured grin.
“I’m Morton now,” Alessia corrected gently.
Her words made the two people in the kitchen freeze. Karen’s eyes immediately reddened; she ducked her head, focusing on rolling sushi to hide her trembling hands. Brendan, too, looked unsettled. He wiped his hands, walked over, and gave Karen’s shoulder aforting squeeze.
The foreman, who had worked with Alessia before, caught on immediately. “Understood, Miss Morton.”
“I’ll get going, then. Call me if you need anything.” Justin hung up on another iing call, blocked the number with practiced ease, and pocketed his phone.
“Got it. Thanks for today. When this settles down, dinner’s on me.”
He just bumped fists with her in reply.
“See you around, Uncle,” Justin called as he left.
“Sorry I couldn’t be a better hoste by again when you have time,” Brendan replied, waving them out.
No sooner had Justin and his crew left than Carey and the others showed up. Brendan started to say something to Alessia, but seeing the guests arrive, he dropped it and helped Karen wee everyone in.
The house quickly filled with chatter andughter. Alessia, never one for overly noisy crowds, slipped away after a quick greeting and retreated to her room.
213
15:37
It wasn’t even noon, and she was already drained.
<b>3/3 </b>