NovelBook“It counts, of course it counts!” York's voice rose with conviction. “If | give my word, | mean it! If Ivan comes to
our school and anyone tries to mess with him, I'll have 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 and composed.
“I said it!” Poor York, stumbling right into the little trap Alessia had set, completely
unaware.
Alessia glanced over at Eddie, raising her eyebrows with a flash of confidence and just a hint of smugness.
Eddie chuckled, reaching up as if to ruffle her hair, but then hesitated, caught by sprivate 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, replaced by a serious tone. “What's happened?”
“Jade’s not doing well. Honestly, | think it might be tto let go, but Cole... he won't hear of it,” Xander said,
his words trailing off into a weary sigh. “Anyway, you'd better cby as soon as you can. She's stable for now,
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtbut nobody knows how long that'll last.”
“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’s cup. | need to get over there right away. Can | 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
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Chapter 168
here, you two.”
She knelt down in front of them. “I have to leave for a bit-something urgent cup. So you'll stay with Eddie
today, alright? I'll be back as soon as | can. Promiseyou'll stay put and listen to him, okay?”
“Can’t we cwith 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 leyel, We edto Zou nd
UBbeat Afrght, your sister has
something to take care of. So what
should the three of us do now?" The
content is on novelenglish.net! Read
the latest chapter there!
now?”
The three of them looked a bit lost,
like abandoned kids and their lonely
guardian, Meanwhile, (arkir, ®ho
Hep PentY be nearby on another
errand, arrived soon and picked
Alessia up. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
“| was supposed to have you sign a contract today, but as soon as Mr. Cole got the call, he rushed off and told
“How is he holding up?” Alessia asked.
“Pretty calm, actually. Still had his
head together enough to askto
handle the rest of the pantacd You
dora, Miss
orton—the call said things had
stabilized for now.” Larkin glanced at
her in the rearview mirror, his face as
impassive as ever. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
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