“Are you home alone? Did you hire any help?”


    “Yeah, we have someone whoes in. Zachary and the otherse back after school, too.”


    “But Liam and I both work part–time.on weekends, so we’re not around all that much.”


    “Lessie, are you saying… that someone mistreated Ivan behind our backs? Is that why he’s so guarded now?” Brendan finally caught on to what Alessia was getting <ol><li>at. </li></ol>


    “But we have security cameras in the house. Things weren’t great back then, so we could only afford onedy toe cook for us–she’d make our meals and leave right after. Besides, Ivan barely ever left his room at that time. He wouldn’t have even crossed paths with her.”


    Zachary didn’t think Alessia’s guess was out of line. Instead, he answered her seriously, helping her piece together how things were at home back then.


    “But Ileana did spend quite a bit of time with Ivan when the rest of us weren’t home.” Karen’s words slipped out before she realized, and she quickly nced at Alessia, a little anxious about her reaction.


    Alessia, however, was lost in her own thoughts, oblivious to Karen’s unease.


    Brendan and Zachary exchanged a look and shook their heads. They had no idea how Alessia felt about Ileana these days, and they didn’t want her to think they were still taking Ileana’s side. That would only make things worse.


    d headed


    The conversation ended there. Alessia knew there was no point in going around in circles. She nced at her neatly bandaged arm, murmured something back to her room.


    Inside, everything was as calm as ever, as if nothing had happened at all. Alessia paused by the curtains for a moment, debating whether to pull them aside, but decided against it–she didn’t want to risk getting bitten on her other hand.


    She walked over to the bed. Her white T–shirt was still folded neatly on top, just as she’d left it. The only new thing was a small collection of paint jars and a handful of brushes on the nightstand. It was obvious the owner treasured these paints; though the jars had been opened, they were spotless.


    Alessia absentmindedly bit her lip, her gaze lingering on the colorful jars.


    <b>13:50 </b>


    Chapter 44.


    Eventually, she turned and left the room.


    “Dad, Mom.”


    Her parents were in the kitchen, putting away what was left from their early–morning bakery shift. “What’s up, Lessie?”


    Zachary came over, too, having just stepped out to get a ss of water. Ever since he’d started apprenticing, any spare moment was spent studying–he was terrified of disappointing Xander, his mentor. The pressure was intense, but he felt so much more alive than he used to, even physically lighter.


    “Is it okay if I take Ivan out next week?”


    “Take him out? Well, sure, but… do you think Ivan will even want to go?” Karen answered, looking a little uncertain.


    “Where are you nning to take him?” Zachary asked, more out of curiosity than anything.


    “To meet someone.”


    “To meet someone?” Karen frowned. “Listen, Lessie, I don’t mean to be a downer, but even if that person will see you, just getting Ivan out the door is going to be a challenge.”


    “Yeah, what’s this all about? Who do you want him to meet?” Brendan chimed in.


    “It’s not like you’re introducing him to some big–shot in the industry again, are you?” Zachary suddenly remembered how Alessia had sprung Xander on him once, but quickly dismissed the idea–how many industry heavyweights could a seventeen–year–old possibly know? Sure, she’d met some impressive people through the Tate family or sheer luck, but no one could know everyone.


    He shook his head and took a sip of water.


    “<i>Eddie </i>Chase ising back to the States next week. I want to take Ivan to see him. Eddie’s an artist, too–maybe he can help.”


    Zachary choked on his water, spraying it everywhere.