“What?” Ethan was caught off guard.


    “That brings me to the third reason I’m here–the real reason for my visit.” Calvert reached into his briefcase and pulled out a contract.


    “Miss Morton rmended you to Libra & Associates, and after reviewing your background, I’m quite impressed. I’ll be retiring in a few years, and I’ve been considering taking on an apprentice before then. You know how Libra & Associates does things–one–on–one mentorship.”


    Ethan nodded. “Lessie mentioned it to me…”


    “I’ve interviewed a few promising young people before, but none really stood out–until Miss Morton put your name forward. I think you’re a great fit. So, what do you say? Would you like to be my apprentice? If you’re interested, just read over this contract and sign.”


    “Uh… can I read it first?”


    “Of course. As awyer, you should always scrutinize every contract with a fine–toothb.” Calvert slid the papers across the table.


    Ethan’s mind was spinning, but he forced himself to focus, carefully reading through every use.


    “If you have any concerns or suggestions, feel free to bring them up.”


    “No, it’s truly an honor to be considered your apprentice.” After double–checking all the terms, Ethan didn’t hesitate any longer. He picked up the pen and signed his


    name.


    His signature was bold and sharp, but with a subtle flourish at the end–much like


    the man himself.


    “Good. Show up next Monday to start. I’ll email you a list of documents you’ll need to submit before then.”


    “Great. Thank you, Attorney Calvert.”


    “Once Mondayes, you’ll have to start calling me ‘mentor.”


    111


    Calvert grinned, and Ethan couldn’t help but smile too–suddenly looking more like the nervous rookie he actually was.


    “That’s all for today. See you Monday. Miss Morton, I’ll be heading out now.”


    <b>1/3 </b>


    14:46


    Chapter <b>y </b>


    Alessia nodded. “Thank you for your time.”


    “My pleasure.”


    “I’ll walk you out,” Ethan offered, but Calvert waved him off. “No need. There’ll be plenty of opportunities for that in the future.”


    With that, Ethan didn’t insist. He watched Calvert leave before sitting back down.


    “Lessie, am I dreaming right now?”


    Alessia nearly spit out her water. She’d always thought Ethan was theposed one of the group, much calmer than Zachary. Now she realized he’d just been putting on a brave face.


    “No dream, rx. Everything’s sorted, so let’s get going.” Not giving Ethan a chance to overthink, Alessia stood up and walked toward the exit.


    “Where to?”


    “Let’s check on how the shop renovation ising along.”


    Somewhere along the way, they’d stopped fussing with formalities–no more ‘thank you’s and ‘sorry’s, no more polite distance. Now, their words and actions felt easy


    and natural.


    It wasn’t that they took Alessia’s help for granted–quite the opposite. They knew how much she cared, and they understood that endless gratitude was just empty talk. The best way to thank her was to work hard and be her shield and


    sword.


    “Mom, Dad!”


    “Lessie? Ethan?” Brendan was helping a worker move a heavy box, while Karen took off her gloves and came over. “Aren’t you supposed to be at school right now?”


    “Uh–Ethan has something to say, right?” For seventeen years, Alessia had never been asked why she wasn’t at school. The question caught her off guard, and she suddenly felt a bit guilty.


    “Uh, that’s right!” Ethan instinctively nced at Alessia, who was half–hiding behind him, then quickly turned back to face Karen with a nod.


    “What’s going on? It’s dusty in here–why don’t you two head home for now? We’ll talk about it tonight.”


    “Where’s Justin?” Alessia asked.


    <b>14:46 </b>


    Chapter <b>99 </b>


    Seeing her expression, Karen realized something was up, <i>so </i>she didn’t press further. Instead, she handed them each a mask to put on.