Professor Lane’s eyes sparkled, as if he could already see the next Eddie emerging before him.


    “The lines are a bit unpolished, but with a stronger foundation, the work <b>would </b>really shine.”


    Charlie nodded, turning to Alessia. “Professor Lane is a leading figure in the art world–if he says so, what do you think?<b>” </b>


    “Berlington Elementary is the kind of ce parents will do anything to get their kids into. There’s a reason for its reputation.”


    “Alright, Professor Lane, could you let Mr. Zimmerman know to help him with the enrollment paperwork, and maybe show him around the ssrooms?”


    “I’ll go say


    bi to my brother first.”


    “Go ahead. And when you’ve got time,e by for tea–don’t wait until you need something to remember you still know a Mr. Linden.”


    Charlie was clearly teasing, but Alessia took it in stride, smiling as she responded. After a few more words, she followed Professor Lane out of the room.


    Charlie looked at the painting and nodded in genuine appreciation. “That girl really has an eye for talent. There may be plenty of prodigies these days, but it’s not so easy to find the real ones–and somehow, they all end up around her.”


    With a look of approval, he carefully ced the painting in a cab nearby.


    “This is as far as I can go with you today,” Alessia saíd, crouching down to meet Ivan’s eyes. “You’ll have to handle the rest on your own, okay?”


    Nervousness flickered in Ivan’s eyes, and he gripped the straps of his backpack tightly. Still, he nodded to Alessia.


    A rare softness appeared in Alessia’s gaze as sheid a gentle hand on his head. “York will pick you up after school. If anythinges up, just call me–I’lle get


    you.


    Ivan nodded again, tapping his smartwatch to show her he remembered how to use <ol><li>it. </li></ol>


    “Smart kid,” Alessia said, ruffling his hair before turning to Mr. Zimmerman. “Thank you for your help, Mr. Zimmerman.”


    <b>17.55 </b>


    “No trouble at all, it’s my pleasure,” Mr. Zimmerman replied quickly.


    She couldn’t help but marvel again at how children from wealthy families carried themselves–it was a kind of confidence you didn’t see every day. If she didn’t know better, she’d have thought she was Alessia’s assistant rather than the other way around.


    With Ivan sorted, Alessia headed back to campus. She’d nned to pick up Mae right away, but Mae said she needed to finish up a few things, so Alessia decided to wait until school let out.


    Meanwhile, Ivan followed Mr. Zimmerman to the ssroom. It was just after the bell, and half the students had already dashed out.


    “Ivan, could you sit here for now?” Mr. Zimmerman asked. Both Ivan and York had transferred mid–year, so it


    was only natural their seats ended up side by side.


    Ivan nced at the messy desk next to his own, then nodded.


    “It’s break time now. When ss starts, the teacher will introduce you to everyone. Do you think you’ll be okay on your own for a bit?”


    Ivan looked around at the ssroom–other kids were ncing curiously in <b>his </b>direction. Hugging his backpack, he nodded once more.


    “Great. When the number on your watch hits twenty, it’s time for ss. I’ll go get your textbooks now, so don’t worry–everyone here is really nice.”


    With that, Mr. Zimmerman turned to the rest of the students, pping to get their


    attention.


    “Everyone, this is our new ssmate, Ivan. Let’s make sure to be weing and kind, alright?”


    “Yes, sir!” <i>the </i>c


    replied in unison.


    Mr. Zimmerman gave Ivan an encouraging thumbs–up before hurrying out of the


    room.


    “Hey, you’re the new kid, right?“