<b>Chapter </b><b>409 </b>


    It wasn’t until deep into the night, after the three children had finally fallen asleep, that Alessia could finally breathe a sigh of relief.


    The three kids were squeezed together on a single bed. Ivany in the middle, sleeping perfectly still, as if he hadn’t moved an inch all night. The other two, in contrast, sprawled out every which way–one had an arm thrown across Ivan’s face, the other had a leg draped over his knees utterly oblivious to any semnce of order.


    Alessia gently tucked the covers around them, then, worried that York’s wound might get bumped, carefully scooped him up and carried him to the guest room Brendan had set up for him.


    “Alessia…” York mumbled in his sleep, a faint whisper barely audible.


    “Shh, it’s alright. Just get some good rest,” she replied softly, her eyes warm. She tucked the nket around him and lightly patted his chest, staying until his breathing evened out and he drifted back to sleep. Only then did she slip quietly from the room.


    In the hallway, Karen approached on tiptoe and handed Alessia a ss of


    warm water.


    “Are they all asleep?” Karen whispered.


    Alessia took a sip, nodding, her throat grateful for the relief.


    “Those three are really attached to you. Must be exhausting, huh?” Karen said, taking the empty ss from her.


    “It’s fine. It’s gettingte–you and Dad should get some rest too,” Alessia replied, ncing at the clock.


    Karen nodded, and soon the entire Morton house was swallowed by darkness<i>. </i>Only Alessia’s room glowed with the soft light of a bedsidemp.


    She opened the files Max had sent over. Inside were detailed


    records–proof that Hamilton had bribed previouspetition judges,


    <b>11:02 </b>


    240 feet


    One she finishing the VNING videos from be


    and son x


    What are with you” she texted


    KOUE STAINED NE


    YOUR ANSQUINE NE DORES H


    Teatroming headset


    The cos ahes tall ofere


    wo winning wit ist


    Sh


    e aleach ein TR QUR ging


    with their 2018 exurged in a sunny 822 by the wire coding syconen. The sanded 2


    COMESIC NON


    Timbedding autora de Dort into trouble while i’m gone When 388 1982 are on se sugge


    asa N


    Shonests


    Wee as you going hanimmediately out on his


    exx Yox ser sleping with Zare and kedut we end and awos


    The legbont en into be broadly movies 20


    Tust have a things be care of axon L


    mom, okay? She’s baking cookies or you


    “Cookes Yes Of the the care and N


    Alessia smiled, ruffling Na’s hair, then walked and do the so York, her movements gentle and affection


    Tillbring you something tasty when i get back.” with that she closed the door and left the Morton house.


    Nan and York exchanged nces, both booking just a le foton


    “She’sing back, you know. Why are you both acting so dramatic?” Zane asked, puzzled.


    “You don’t get it!” they shouted in unison, leaving Zane thoroughly bewildered. As an only child, he just couldn’t understand these siblings and their mysterious bonds.


    “So… do you guys still want to y?” Zane asked, a bit hesitant, as if afraid of stepping on another one of their sensitive nerves.


    “Of course!” York growled, grabbing his toy with a look that suggested he was about to go to war, not y. Zane shrank back, suddenly wary.


    Meanwhile, Alessia stepped outside and immediately spotted Max’s car waiting at the curb.


    Unlike Cole, who would have opened the door for her and made sure she was settled in before driving off, Max just hit the unlock button with a cold efficiency.


    Alessia climbed in, buckled her seatbelt, and as soon as the click sounded, Max started the engine and pulled away from the curb.