“Hey, did you see the video I sent you? Oh my god, I nearly diedughing! Those two–one looking all pale and the other dark as night–they’re a real pair!” Ste’s voice on the phone was bubbling with glee.


    “I saw it,” Alessia replied, sitting in the car with a fond smile in her voice. “Is the party over?”


    “Not yet. I ducked out as soon as the best part was done. Are you back yet?”


    “On my way.”


    “How’s your mom doing?” Ste had already changed out of her evening gown, waving goodbye to a few guests before heading straight upstairs. Liam was singing in the living room, but the moment Ste came in, his eyes followed her until she disappeared from sight.


    “Same as always.”


    Ste let out a soft sigh, at a loss for words for a moment.


    “How’s my third brother holding uptely?”


    Ste nced down at her phone. “He’s doing alright. Business is steady, and he’s bringing in new clients. Don’t worry, even if he weren’t your brother, he’s still an employee at my café. I wouldn’t let anyone mess with him.”


    “Found a new singer for the ce yet?”


    “Oh please, it’s not that easy. He has to be handsome and sing well–and just when I finally found one, you went and poached him.”


    <b>“</b>I’ll keep an eye out for you. If I find someone promising, I’ll send him your way.”


    “Now that’s what I call having a conscience.”


    Alessia chuckled. “Alright, I’m hanging up. See you tomorrow.”


    “Yeah, see you.”


    The car rolled forward at a crawl, finally stopping when it was clear it couldn’t make it down the narrow alley,


    “Let’s just park here. Make sure to log your overtime before you leave.” Alessia stepped out, sent Zachary a quick text, and didn’t bother when he didn’t reply–it was more out of routine than anything else.


    14:44


    She pocketed her phone and headed into the alley alone. Just as she turned <b>the </b>corner, she spotted Zachary under themplight, deep in conversation with another man. A car blocked the way in front of them.


    “Hey, Zach.” Alessia assumed it was one of Zachary’s friends, which exined theck of a text back. She gave a little wave and called out to him.


    “Lessie.” Zachary looked up, and the other man turned as well, his eyes meeting Alessia’s.


    “Good evening, my… sister.” Max’s voice carried through the night, smooth as silk, but Alessia felt a chill run down her spine.


    She rubbed her arms but kept walking. “Max, what are you doing here? And for the record, myst name’s Morton now. You don’t have a sister here.”


    “So cold! After all, we did spend seventeen years together.” Max wasn’t offended; he leaned against the car, a smile on his lips that never reached his eyes.


    Alessia rolled her eyes in silent reply. When it came to cold and ruthless, who could outdo the eldest son of the Tate family?


    As she drew closer, a shadow darted out. Zachary’s expression darkened–he barely got out a warning before a hand shot up.


    “Rex, sit!” Alessia’s tone was steady, not a trace of panic.


    “Woof!” Rex skidded to a halt, sitting obediently instead of pouncing. He gazed at Alessia, tongue lolling, tail wagging hard enough to shake his whole body.


    “Boring,” came a slightly childish voice. Only then did Alessia realize York was there, too. The car had blocked her view when she arrived, so she’d only seen Max and Zachary.


    “York!” Alessia’s exasperation was clear.


    York stepped into the light. “Alessia, long time no see.”


    His harmless smile would have fooled anyone into thinking he was just a sweet kid. “What are you guys doing here?”


    “Here to take you home,” York replied. He’d guessed Max would want to find Alessia, so he’d been hiding in the car. Max, of course, hadn’t wanted to bring him, but making a scene would only attract attention–so here they both were.


    212


    14.44