<b>“</b>It counts, of course it counts<b>!</b>” York’s voice rose with conviction. “If I give my word, I mean it! If Ivanes to our school and anyone tries to mess with him<b>, </b><b>I’ll </b><b>have </b>his back. We’ll make sure no one bothers him.”


    “Alright, you said it.” Alessia’s eyes sparkled with amusement, though her


    expression remained cool andposed.


    “I said it!” Poor York, stumbling right into the little trap Alessia had set,pletely


    unaware.


    Alessia nced over at Eddie, raising her eyebrows with a sh of confidence and just a hint of smugness.


    Eddie chuckled, reaching up as if to ruffle her hair, but then hesitated, caught by some private thought, and let his hand drop inconspicuously.


    Alessia didn’t notice. She was just about to say something when her phone rang. She looked at Eddie, then gestured toward York. Eddie nodded, and Alessia slipped out of the living room.


    In the hallway, she answered the call.


    “Granddad, craving something sweet again?”


    “Lessie.” Xander’s voice was unusually heavy.


    The smile vanished from Alessia’s lips, reced by a serious tone. “What’s happened?”


    “Jade’s not doing well. Honestly, I think it might be time to let go, but Cole… he won’t hear of it,” Xander said, his words trailing off into a weary sigh. “Anyway, you’d bettere by as soon as you can. She’s stable for now, but nobody knows how long that’llst.”


    “I’m on my way.” Alessia didn’t dare waste a second. She hung up and hurried back into the living room.


    “What’s wrong?” Eddie noticed the sudden pallor on her face.


    “It’s Cole–something’se up. I need to get over there right away. Can I ask you to look after these two for me?”


    Eddie blinked. “Wait, hang on. How are you getting there?”


    “I’ve called Larkin. He’ll be here in ten minutes.” She turned to York and Ivan. “Come


    <b>14:42</b>)


    <b>here</b>, you two<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    <b>She </b><b>knelt </b>down in front of them. “I have to leave for a bit–something urgent <b>came </b>up<b>. </b><b>So </b>you’ll stay with Eddie today, alright? I’ll be back as soon as I can. Promise <b>me </b>you’ll stay put and listen to him, okay?”


    <b>“</b>Can’t wee with you?” York stared at her, eyes wide. Ivan didn’t say anything, but his expression mirrored York’s exactly.


    Alessia gave their heads a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry.”


    She’d brought the two boys here herself, and even though they were still young, she always treated them with respect. Her apology was genuine.


    Ivan was naturally obedient, and although York was clearly disappointed, he knew better than to argue over something serious.


    “Go on, be careful. If you need anything, just call me.” Eddie rested his hands reassuringly on their shoulders.


    “Thank you.” Alessia managed a small smile, then headed out the door.


    Eddie watched her go and let out a wry chuckle. She was always so polite with him–sometimes more so than with people she’d only recently met, like Six or


    Tristan.


    He sighed quietly, then forced a cheerful smile for the kids. Crouching down to their level, he tried to sound upbeat. “Alright, your sister has something to take care of. So what should the three of us do now?”


    now?”


    The three of them looked a bit lost, like abandoned kids and their lonely guardian. Meanwhile, Larkin, who happened to be nearby on another errand, arrived soon and picked Alessia up.


    “I was supposed to have you sign a contract today, but as soon as Mr. Cole got the call, he rushed off and told me to drive him straight to the house.”


    “How is he holding up?” Alessia asked.


    “Pretty calm, actually. Still had his head together enough to ask me to handle the rest of the contract. You don’t need to worry, Miss Morton–the call said things had stabilized for now.” Larkin nced at her in the rearview mirror, his face as impassive as ever.