After the others left, Ethan and his twopanions followed a waiter to their own private dining room.

    They didn’t dive straight into business. Instead, they waited until all the dishes had been served, letting the meal set the mood before finally getting down to the real reason they were there.

    “So, she’s the Alessia my grandfather’s always talking about? The old man never stops going on about her. Now that I’ve finally met her in person-”

    Before Bhus could finish, both “sister protectors” fixed him with a sharp look.

    He caught on quickly, miming zipping his lips shut.

    “You didn’t tell Lessie?” Ethan asked, swirling his fork in the soup. His long, sculpted fingers made even that simple gesture look elegant.

    “Why would I tell her? She finally got away from the Tates. Once the Tate family’s been bled dry, whatever’s left of Tate Holdings will go back to her anyway,” Max said, his tone casual, almost dismissive.

    Ethan nced up at him, but let it drop.

    Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, Alessia and her three friends were still talking about the trio they’d just left behind.

    “Lessie, that’s your older brother? Ethan is your brother?” Esme asked, eyes wide. She was a notorious inte addict, and with her radar for handsome guys, she could spot ione /iwhether it was the sports channel or the evening news. Law had never interested her, but good–looking men were a different story.

    “Yeah,” Alessia nodded.

    “All these brothers–your family soundsplicated,” Joyce murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

    “It is. I was switched at birth. Only found my biological parentsst year,” Alessia exined.

    “I’m so sorry–I didn’t know,” Joyce stammered, looking flustered.

    Alessiaughed softly, “It’s not a big deal.”

    The three of them exchanged nces. For some reason, it felt as if they’d

    discovered each other’s secrets, drawing them closer together. Soon, they were all

    b1/3 /b

    09:38

    confessing little things about their own lives.

    Joyce admitted she came from a rural family. She had a younger brother, and if it weren’t for her schrship, her parents would never have let her go to college. They’d hoped she’d start working in a factory after high school, then settle down and get married.

    Mia shared that both her parents were teachers. They held her to strict standards, and she didn’t even like her major–it was forced on her by her parents.

    Esme, on the other hand, had it easiest. She was an only child in a middle–ss family. She never had to worry about anything, but that also meant she had little independence. She’d never even bought her own clothes–her parents took care of everything.

    As they walked and talked, streetlights lit the wide avenue, and other students passed by on their way.

    “Lessie,” a voice called from the shadows, where an unremarkable car was parked by the curb. Alessia turned and saw two tall men, bundled up in coats, stepping out. “Third brother?” she called hesitantly, recognizing only his eyes above the scarf. The other man, she couldn’t be bothered to greet by name.

    “Come on, princess, you don’t have to ignore me thispletely, do you?” Tristan shrugged, feigning offense.

    Her three roommates exchanged nces. Esme frowned but obediently stepped aside, saying nothing.

    “What are you guys doing here?”

    “I tried calling, but you didn’t pick up. Thought I’d drop something off for you,” Tristan replied.

    Alessia pulled out her phone and realized she’d identally set it to silent.

    “We came to congratte you on your first day at college. So, how’s dorm life treating you, princess? Getting used to it?” Tristan asked, grinning.

    “Thanks to you, it’s been fine,” Alessia replied, not really meaning it, then turned to Liam.

    “What did

    you bring?” she asked, eyeing the gift bag in his hand.

    “Aren’t you starting orientation soon? I asked some people in makeup, and they said these are the best ones for protecting your skin. I know you never bother with

    0938

    this stuff, but you’ll be standing in the sun all day–better not get burned,” Liam said, handing her the bag.

    Alessia smiled and took it from him. “Thanks, bro.”

    “I got a few extra sets for your roommates. They’re all in the bag–share them around. First time living in a dorm, making friends will make everything easier,i” /ihe said with a gentle smile.

    Chapter