As soon as the scan results came out, Alessia took a look. The injury wasn’t too serious, but for York–who’d grown up pampered and sheltered—this was going to be a tough stretch.


    Max just nodded, saying nothing.


    “What are you nning to do about it?”


    Knowing Max, he wouldn’t just let this slide.


    “He likes being number one, doesn’t he? Let’s tally up how many times he’s managed that.”


    The elevator doors slid open. Max strode out first, Alessia arching a brow but keeping her thoughts to herself about his approach.


    “Max…” York called out when he spotted his brother, a twinge of guilt in his voice. The three boys who had been bickering earlier now stood quietly in ce.


    “Now you remember I’m your brother?” Max tipped York’s chin up, turning his face from side to side. “At least you had the sense to shield yourself a little.”


    “Will I have a scar?” York, always a bit vain, wasn’t worried about his leg–he was far more concerned about the scrapes on his face leaving a


    mark.


    Alessia let out a shortugh. “Rx. I’ll give you some ointmentter. You’re young, but already obsessed with your looks.”


    “Alessia…”


    As she spoke, Ivan shuffled over and tugged nervously at her sleeve.


    “What’s up?”


    “Can I stay at York’s ce for a while?”


    When Ivan said this, York nced away, but his ears pricked up in


    <b>1/3 </b>


    11:00


    interest.


    “What’s brought this on?”


    “When I was sick, York always came over to see me. Now his parents are away, and I want to keep himpany. I’ll go home when he’s able to walk again. Is that okay?”


    Alessia looked at York, who just shrugged. “He wanted me toe to his ce, but I said no, so now he wants toe over here instead.”


    “I want to go too,” Zane piped up.


    “You want everything, don’t you? Stop trying to join in,” York shot back without missing a beat.


    “You’ll be fine on your own?” Alessia ruffled Ivan’s hair.


    “I’ll be fine! I’m not a little kid anymore,” Ivan answered, his eyes lighting up with hòpe and determination.


    “Alright, then after a bit we’ll talk to your parents. If they say yes, pack a bag and I’ll drive you over.”


    Now that the Tate house was mostly just York and the housekeeper, having Ivan around would be goodpany–and maybe help keep the kid out of too much trouble.


    “You’re okay with this?” Alessia checked with York, giving him the final


    say.


    “Sure, whatever,” York tried to hide the smile tugging at the corners of his


    mouth.


    “Alright, I’ll take your friends home first. You and Max head back—I’ll bring Ivan over after we talk to his parents.” Alessia quickly sorted out the n. Aside from Zane, no one had any objections.


    “Cole already handled things with the school. He’s left your number for any follow–up, and will take care of thepensation and negotiations. I’m heading out,” Alessia said, then left with the two boys.


    Max and York stared at each other for a moment before Max wheeled York toward the elevator.


    “Must’ve owed you two in a past life,” Max muttered.


    York didn’t dare say a word.


    Unlike Alessia, he’d hardly seen Max growing up. He didn’t really remember how they got along as kids–just that, for as long as he could remember, Max had always kept his distance, cool and reserved.


    If he depended on Alessia, then Max was more like some stern, unyielding adult whose presence simply demanded obedience.


    But there was one thing he was sure of: ever since the two of them hade back home, things were slowly starting to change for the better.