“Ugh, what’s that sour, musty smell?”


    “Gross! Who left garbage here? This is disgusting!”


    Every time York opened his mouth, Alessia felt a fresh throb in her temples. Zachary stayed silent, leading the group down the cramped hallway. When they finally reached the door, Alessia expertly flicked on her shlight for him.


    With a soft click, the door swung open.


    “Mom!” Zachary called out.


    “Zachary, did you pick up Lessie?” Karen stepped into view, her gaze shifting past Zachary–surprised to see not just Alessia, but two others and a dog in tow.


    “And… these are?”


    “Let’s just get inside first,” Alessia sighed, feeling utterly drained.


    York wrinkled his nose, ncing around the tiny, shabby apartment with open disdain. “Wow, this is small. And cramped. Alessia, are you some kind of


    masochist?”


    “Shut it!” Alessia snapped, mping a hand over his mouth and shooting him a


    re.


    York red back, sulking, but there wasn’t much else he could do.


    Meanwhile, Max made himself right at home on the main couch, watching their squabble in silence. Brendan, the head of the household, sat stiffly on the other sofa, looking more than a little awkward.


    “I’ll admit, it’s not much,” Brendan said atst, “but what brings the two young gentlemen from the Tate family to our humble home at this hour?”


    Karen set out sses of water in front of the guests. Rex sprawled at York’s feet, tongue lolling, eyes fixed on Karen. Alessia noticed and quickly blocked Rex’s line of sight, letting Karen finally rx and settle next to Brendan.


    “It’ste, so I’ll get straight to the point.” Max crossed his legs and folded his hands on his knee, exuding the air of a calcting king from some old movie.


    16:42


    <b>“</b>Name your <b>price</b>. I want to take Alessia with <b>me</b>.”


    The room froze. Everyone except York and Alessia seemed stunned <b>by </b><b>the </b>proposal.


    Alessia pinched the bridge of her nose and rolled her eyes, as if she’d seen <b>this </bing.


    The Morton family stared at Max. Alessia just shook her head, signaling them not


    to worry.


    “Mr. Tate, as you can see, Lessie doesn’t want to leave,” Brendan said. “No matter what you offer, we have no right to decide for her. As long as she wants to stay, she’ll always have a ce in this family.”


    “A ce to stay?” Max’s lips curled into a smirk. “Alessia, I bought you an estate and you’d rather squeeze into this little t, where you can’t even have a room to yourself?”


    “Yep.” Alessia smiled back, not hesitating for a second.


    “Your head really needs a good shake.”


    “And your tongue could use a good pull.”


    “Give me a reason.”


    “I thought you were at least self–aware,” Alessia shot back, feigning surprise.


    “Negotiations over.”


    “There’s nothing left to discuss.” Their words shed like swords, every retort sharper than thest, and somehow, nobody could get a word in edgewise.


    “As you can see, I’m perfectly fine here. In fact, I’d be even better if you all just left.”


    Max’s smile lingered, but his eyes turned cold.


    York, sensing the tension, grabbed Alessia’s arm. “If I get rid of that woman for you,


    will


    youe back? She’s so boring and timid–no fun at all.”


    “Stop treating people like toys, and keep yourself–and your dog–in check!” Alessia snapped, thumping York on the head.


    York yelped in mock pain, but when Alessia ignored him, he tugged on Rex’s leash. “Rex, get her! Bite her and I’ll give you a treat!”


    Unfortunately for York, Rex just nuzzled against his leg, eager for affection, but made no move to obey.


    <b>Chapter </b><b>78 </b>