<b>Chapter </b>112


    Ivan ignored her, concentrating on adding color to his painting.


    “In exchange, I’ll get you the newest set of paints from Kassel & Co.


    His hand paused ever so slightly. The open magazine beside him was, not coincidentally, thetest issue from Kassel & Co.


    That magazine had actually been passed to him through Karen at Alessia’s request. Ivan rarely went out, but he loved to read and paint. Every so often, Karen would stop by a used bookstore and pick up art books or reference materials for him to enjoy. To make things look natural, she’d tuck them in among other magazines when she handed them over.


    “By the way, do you know Eddie?”


    Ivan shut the magazine. The very first page featured a photo of Eddie.


    “He’ll be the one picking you up.”


    This time, Ivan finally turned to face Alessia.


    Because he hardly ever went outside, his skin was almost luminous. With his youth and wlessplexion, he looked like a little white kitten–utterly adorable.


    Alessia couldn’t resist reaching out to ruffle his soft cheek. Ivan instinctively flinched, ready to snap at her hand, but the moment her palm touched his skin, he froze in ce, obedient and still, his ears tinged pink–a sight that would melt anyone’s heart.


    “Come on, let’s get you changed. We’ll be back soon. If you’re notfortable going out with me, I’ll ask Mom toe along and I’ll stay home.”


    She ruffled his hair and started to get up to talk to Karen, but Ivan suddenly grabbed her hand.


    “Hm?” Alessia paused.


    “I’ll… go with you.”


    A warm smile curved Alessia’s lips. “Good boy.”


    She gave his cheek a gentle poke, so soft she didn’t even leave a mark.


    <b>14:48 </b>


    Chapter


    When Ivan reappeared in the foyer, backpack slung over his shoulder and dressed to go out, Karen was genuinely startled.


    “Lessie, how on earth did you manage that?” Karen whispered, watching Ivan put on his shoes.


    Alessia just blinked yfully, her eyes bright with mischief.


    Karen was overjoyed. She straightened their clothes and watched from the doorway as they left, her eyes glistening with emotion.


    As they stepped outside, Ivan, unused to being out, instinctively clung to the hem of Alessia’s coat, head down, clearly uneasy.


    “Want to hold hands?” Alessia offered, holding out her palm, her voice gentle.


    Ivan nced up at her, then quickly looked away, biting his lip. After a moment’s hesitation, he let go of her coat and ced his small hand in hers. Alessia’s lips curled in a smile as she closed her fingers around his.


    Warmth flowed between their palms as they walked down the street–one tall, one small. Whenever they passed neighbors returning from the store, Alessia introduced Ivan openly as her little brother, but never pressured him to greet anyone. Instead, she simply said hello and moved on, careful to respect his shyness.


    “Lessie.” If Tristan’s voice was crisp and clear like a winter spring, then this one was more like a summer stream–gentle and soothing.


    “Eddie, it’s been a while.” Alessia waved, not letting go of Ivan’s hand.


    Eddie closed the car door, looking like he wanted to give Alessia a hug. But when he noticed the small figure she was holding onto, he thought better of it and let his arms drop.


    “So this is your brother?”


    “Yep, this is Ivan.”


    At the sound of his name, Ivan didn’t look up. He just took a quiet step back, letting Alessia shield him from view.