On the other side of things, Cole had already wrapped up his business and was waiting downstairs.


    When he spotted Alessia walking out with the two kids, he immediately opened the back door of the car. Once all three were settled inside, he started the engine and pulled away from the curb.


    “How did things go on your end?” he asked.


    “Nothing too serious. He just needs some time to heal.”


    “Sprains and fractures take a long time to mend,” Cole remarked, echoing the old saying.


    Alessia nodded. “How did things turn out with yours?”


    At the mention of it, Cole let out a short, exasperatedugh.


    “Both principals made Tammie and his parents apologize to York. After that, Tammie’s supposed to return to school and face disciplinary action. But the only thing he cared about was hispetition results. The moment he heard they were being revoked, he threw a fit right there in the office–shouting, kicking, making a scene loud enough to give anyone


    a headache.”


    He sounded a little aggrieved as he recounted it.


    Alessia smiled, reaching over to gently pinch his earlobe. The small gesture made Cole grin despite himself.


    <i>“</i><i>So</i>, what happened next?”


    “Hamilton Quincy showed up, insisting that they could paypensation, but that under no circumstances would his grandson’spetition score be canceled.”


    It was obvious where Tammie had learned his sense of entitlement.


    “That old man would be better off as a street magician, the way he spins tales with a straight face. He’s much better at that than he ever was at


    <b>11:01 </b>


    business or painting. Even though everyone saw Tammie push York, Hamilton imed it was just an ident and even tried to turn it around–using York of framing his precious grandson. He refused to ept the result.”


    Alessia let out a sharp, incredulousugh, a hard glimmer in her eyes.


    “But don’t worry—the results were annulled, the apology is still on the table, and the school promised to keep following up. If there’s any news, they’ll call Max. There’s nothing for you to worry about.”


    Cole ruffled Alessia’s hair gently. He didn’t bother to go into all the ugly details–just summarized the oue.


    There was no way he would let anyone Alessia cared about be mistreated, not if he could help it.


    Recalling Tammie’s shrieking tantrum and Hamilton’s shameless favoritism, Cole couldn’t help but feel disgusted. One used his youth as an excuse to get away with anything, the other leaned on his age and reputation to bully others, even demanding the victim apologize. At this rate, it seemed the Quincy family’s reign was just about over.


    They chatted idly as the car rolled on, while in the backseat, Ivan stared out the window, lost in thought.


    “Ivan.”


    Zane called his name, but Ivan didn’t answer, too absorbed in his own world. Zane tugged his sleeve insistently.


    “What is it, Zane?”


    “Ivan<i>, </i><i>do </i>you think your parents will let you go over to York’s house?” Zane clearly thought “looking after York” just meant hanging out with him.


    “I’m not going over to y. I’m there to help take care of him,” Ivan said earnestly, determined to sound responsible in front of his friend.


    “Then after school, let’s go together. When it’s time, I’ll have my driver pick me up. That should work, right?” Zane pouted–after all, they were a


    trio, and he wanted in, too.


    “I’ll ask Yorkter. It’s his house, so it’s his call.”


    “He’ll probably say no. I’ll just show up anyway,” Zane said, a knowing grin on his face; he was well acquainted with York’s quirks.


    As they spoke, the car pulled up in front of Zane’s house. Alessia had already called ahead to let Zane’s parents know, so when they saw him return, they weren’t surprised.


    They didn’t linger; after dropping Zane off, Alessia took Ivan home and filled Karen in on what happened.


    “As long as he’s alright,” Karen said, her brow furrowed with concern. “Still, have your brother take another look at himter. Kids‘ ankle injuries can be tricky–if you’re not careful, there can be long–term problems.”


    “That’s what I was thinking, too. Once York’s rested up, I’ll take him to the clinic for a follow–up.”


    “He lives alone, doesn’t he? Why not have him stay with us for a while? We’ve got that extra room for him anyway–he may as well use it.”