Chapter 3
As soon as Alessia finished speaking, the butler appeared, ushering in another man in a suit. Both were carrying suitcases in their hands. Ileana Tate’s eyes locked onto those two cases with a barely concealed greed.
She recognized them instantly–they were the latest limited–edition designer luggage, the kind she could only dream of owning. The Morton family could never give her something like that, but for Alessia, having the whole collection was effortless.-
“Sir, ma’am, miss, the butler greeted.
“What’s all this?” Yvonne asked.
Just some knickknacks I picked up while traveling abroad, Alessia replied smoothly, cutting in before anyone else could speak.
“Well then, take them all with you, Yvonne said indifferently. To the Tates, these trinkets were hardly worth mentioning.
“Mom, it’s not that I mind my sister reclaiming her belongings,” Ileana piped up, her voice soft at first but growing louder, “It’s just my adoptive family’s house is really small. There might not be enough space for all these things…
She hesitated, then added, “I don’t mean anything by it, I just worry my adoptive parents might not be happy. It’s her first time coming home, and it’s great that she’s returning, but bringing so much stuff might leave a bad impression…”
Her clumsy performance made Yvonne frown, but lleana didn’t notice. She thought Yvonne was upset with Alessia.&
Alessia smirked. “You don’t need to worry about that. I’ll handle it. Mr. and Mrs. Tate, thank you for raising me these seventeen years. not ungrateful–ll remember everything I owe you.“}
“That’s good to hear,” Scott said. “I’ll have my assistant wire you a hundred thousand. That should keep you going for a while. After that. you’re on your own.
Scott really knew how to handle things. Wonne didn’t object either. They never burned bridges and were careful not to make unnecessary enemics &
Alessia wasn’t stupid, she’d be a fool to turn down free money. These days, every cent counted.
“A hundred thousand!” Ileana blurted out, struggling to keep the envy off her face and her smile from faltering.”
“You have a problem with that? Scott glanced at her coolly.
“No.” Ileana ducked her head. “I’m just jealous, that’s all. My sister’s always had your love…” She looked the picture of innocence, like a fragile flower in the rain.
But this was the Tate family.”
“The Tates won’t mistreat your Scott said, his tone businesslike. Tm busy with some projects right now, but once things settle, I’ll host proper reunion to introduce you to everyone.” After years in business, Scott could see right through leana’s little act.!
Alessia caught the fleeting, triumphant smirk on Ileana’s lips. She took back what she’d said earlier about Ileana being clever. She wondered how the Morton family had managed to raise such a child–a girl who only looked shrewd on the surface, but couldn’t hide her foolishness the moment she opened her mouth.
Hopefully, there was at least one sensible person in that house. Alessia decided to give the Mortons a chance only because one of them had helped her before. Otherwise, she would have struck out on her own the moment she left the Tates &
She believed in settling scores, but also in repaying kindness when she could. Selfish as she might be, she still had a sense of right and
wrong.
Brushing aside her thoughts, Alessia stood up. “Well, I won’t keep the Tate family from enjoying their rounion.”
No drama, no arguments–everything had gone surprisingly smoothly.
Butler Dawson found himself admiring Alessia all over again–no, Alessia Morton now. She was sharp enough to realize the situation was decided, so she ended things cleanly, avoiding any embarrassment for either side, and even managed to come out ahead.
‘Good luck, Miss Dawson said as he and Mae stood by the front door, their expressions complicated.
Alessia offered a carefree wave, then turned and left the home she’d lived in for seventeen years, carrying only a single small suitcase the one she’d brought back from abroad.
this place. Despite seventeen years here, Alessia’s belongings were few, as if she’d
Strangely enough, she felt no real attachment to th always known she didn’t quite belong.
