The prison guard spotted themotion and rushed over immediately.

    “1123’s having withdrawal symptoms-”

    Chaos erupted all around, but Fortune had already achieved her goal. If Ileana was lucky enough to make it out of prison alive, she should count her blessings. Otherwise, driving her mad would have been the least of her problems.

    When Max got the news, he felt not a shred of sympathy for Ileana. After cooperating with the police, Ileana was released from jail–only to be transferred straight into a psychiatric facility.

    So much for freedom. All she’d done was trade one endless hell for another.

    When Alessia heard about it, she couldn’t help but feel a little wistful.

    If Ileana hadn’t brought this upon herself, things could have turned out so differently for her. But greed knows no bounds, and she’d been insatiable–so much so that in the end, she destroyed herself, undone by her own schemes.

    She thought she was clever, hoping to ride others‘ coattails and secure a lifetime offort. But didn’t she realize? In their circle, everyst person was a master at this game.

    “Lessie, don’t just sit there. Go see your mentor off.”

    Today was the Morton family’s housewarming, so Xander, Mae, and Eddie hade over for dinner, along with Mia and the others. To everyone’s surprise, even York Max–whom they’d invited on a whim, not expecting him toe–showed up to join the festivities.

    The house buzzed withughter and conversation as everyone gathered around the table. Soon, the day slipped away in the warmth of food and friendship.

    As evening fell, Alessia agreed to see the guests off. Cole drove Xander and Six Dawson home, while Ethan took Mae. The rest of the group–Mia and her friends–caught a ride back to campus with Liam, who happened to be heading that way, Esme was absolutely thrilled.

    Everyone else made their way home, and finally, the Morton family could copse for a well–earned rest.

    After a whole day of excitement, the vi finally quieted down. A few people lounged on the sofa, winding down, except for Ivan, who sat poised and attentive,

    09:58

    watching an art documentary on TV. Alessia sat beside him, answering his questions and exining details as he asked.

    Ding dong.

    The doorbell rang.

    “Lessie, could you check who that is? Maybe someone forgot something,” Karen said, struggling to her feet.

    “Sure.” Alessia ruffled Ivan’s hair and stood up, but Ivan quickly paused the TV and

    hurried after her.

    “Ivan really sticks to Lessie like glue,” Karen remarked with a smile.

    “Kids know perfectly well who treats them well and who doesn’t,” Brendan sighed. They’d been too inattentive before–how had they missed something so obvious?

    Hand in hand, Alessia and Ivan headed outside. The front yard was brightly lit, the flowers and shrubs perfectly tended thanks to Karen’s careful touch. They strolled down the stone path, with the driveway for cars off to the other side.

    “Who is it?” Alessia called out.

    “The Quincy family–Hamilton.” The reply came through the inte, the voice slightly aged.

    Alessia quickly searched her memory. That was her mother’s father–her grandfather. She remembered now.

    Back when she first returned to the Morton family, Alessia had researched everyone, so she knew all about how the Quincys had opposed Karen and Brendan’s marriage. In the year since she’de back, not once had she seen ianyone /ifrom the Quincy family. She’d assumed they’d cut all ties for good.

    Apparently, they had a knack for picking just the right moment to show up.

    Alessia didn’t open the door right away. Instead, she called Karen. On the other end, Karen was silent for a moment, then finally found her voice and told Alessia to let them in.

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