Breanna asked, "So, do your parents know you two are living together?"

Joy hesitated, then shook her head. "I haven''t told them yet."

Breanna just gave her that "knew it? look.

Allison jumped in, "If London''s moving in, what about Peyton? She''s still in elementary school, right?"

"Yeah, Peyton''s staying with us. We want to rent a two-bedroom for now, and once we save enough for a down payment, we''ll buy a ce in Oak Lake and settle down."

Allison warned, "Make sure you check for formaldehyde or any weird chemicals this time. Don''t end up with another toxic ce like before." She nced at Breanna. "Same goes for you. Remember, London''s little sister only got leukemia because of that kind of apartment. Luckily, London was fine."

Breanna nodded. "Don''t worry, I''ll be careful."

But she still looked a little frustrated. She turned to Joy, "I still don''t think you should move in with your boyfriend so soon."

"Breanna, it''s really okay. Allison''s even met him before-and she helped him out a lot. Ask her! Isn''t London a genuinely good guy, Allison?"

Breanna looked at Allison. "Allie, you know her boyfriend?"

Allison nodded. "Yeah. When his sister got sick, I helped them find a bone marrow match. London''s a good guy-hardworking, driven, and honestly, just really sweet."

Breanna sighed, giving in a little. "Alright, I''ve said my piece. It''s your choice what you do. I just want you to be happy, and I hope it all works out for you two."

"I know you mean well, Breanna. Here, let me toast you." Joy raised her ss.

"Cheers!"

Allison grinned. "And when you get married, don''t forget to invite us to your wedding."

Joyughed. "Of course!"

Breanna smiled. "You have to introduce me to your boyfriend sometime."

Joy nodded. "Definitely."

They sat around the hotpot for over an hour, chatting andughing.

By the end, both Joy and Breanna were stuffed.

Breanna had a few beers and was looking a little tipsy. She turned to

Joy and asked why isnt youre get

boyfriending to pick you up?"

Joy smiled. "He''s workingte, making some extra money."

"That''s fair," Breanna said, pulling out her phone to order a cab.

Allison stopped her. "Don''t bother, I''ll drive you both home. I''d be worried if you tried to go by yourself after drinking."

Joy was still living near Summit & Vale Solicitors, about ten kilometers away, and Breanna lived closer just three kilometers from Owens Legal Services

Allison helped Breanna into the car and called out to Joy, "Come on, let''s get you home too."

"Thanks, Allison." Joy grinned, climbing in. "Another ride in your fancy car, lucky me."

Brooklyn drove, Joy rode shotgun, and Allison helped Breanna settle into the back

seat.

Once both girls were safely dropped off, Allison told Brooklyn to drive them back to her private vi.

Allison had bought a two-story

house in a fancy neighborhood near Summit & Vale Solicitors. It made hemute easy and she liked being close to work.

Brooklyn lived with her too, always close by to look out for her.

As their white Rolls-Royce stopped at a red light, Allison nced out the window.

Suddenly, she caught sight of a familiar figure outside a bar across the street.

She quickly rolled down the window, squinting to get a better look.

“Brooklyn, find a ce to park. Hurry!" Allison said, her voice tense.