Chapter 25
Zachary pressed his lips together, searching for the right words, when Alessia suddenly appeared and gave Six a swift smack on the back of the head. Six yelped, clutching his head, and darted behind Xander for protection.
“Father, did you see that? She hit me again.”
“You talk too much. Serves you right,” Xander replied without missing a beat. Six pouted but didn’t dare argue.
“He’s my real brother. I was switched at birth,” Alessia announced, her tone so matter–of–fact that it made Zachary feel strangely guilty.
Six’s eyes went wide as he glanced between them. “So you got kicked out by the Tate family? When did
d that happen? I’ve been keeping your old room at Eastwood Estate tidy all this time. Want me to go make up your bed?”
Alessia’s lips curled into a faint smile. She ruffled his hair, her tone softening. “Anyway, my name’s Alessia now. Don’t forget it.
“I won’t, I won’t” Six promised quickly, not daring to ask more.
“And the room–70
“No need for it right now
“Oh. If you listened closely, you could hear a note of disappointment in his voice.
Wessia’s smile never faded. Zachary could tell she was in high spirits–the kind of genuine warmth she’d never shown during her time with the Morton family. Back then, her smiles had always seemed forced, distant. Now, there was a real glow about her
“We’ve got the medicine. It’s getting late, so we’ll be heading out. And no snacking, you hear me? Next time, I’ll bring you something else to try.”
“Yeah, yeah, you nag more than anyone I know, No idea who you got that from.” Xander grumbled, but there was a lightness in his voice that made it clear he enjoyed Alessia’s fussing.
“If I catch you sneaking treats to Grandpa again, I’ll send you on a haunted house tour, I swear.“?
“I’m sorry! Sis, you’re my only sister! I wouldn’t dare, really!” Six pressed his palms together in a pleading gesture, nearly dropping to his
knees.
“Can I ask a question?” Zachary’s voice cut in suddenly, drawing everyone’s attention &
“There’s a medicinal scent in both the room and the hall. I drew up a list of the ingredients, but I keep feeling like I missed something. Mr. Dawson, if it’s not too much trouble, could you help me figure it out?“8
Xander’s interest was piqued. He glanced at Alessia, who just smirked and shrugged, making it clear she hadn’t put Zachary up to this.
“What ingredients did you list?“3
“Agarwood, benzoin. Zachary recited the items, even giving rough amounts, impressively accurate.
Xander nodded. “Alessia, why don’t you tell him the last one?!
“Angelica root,” she said.
“Angelica?” Zachary looked surprised.
“That’s right. The dose is small, though. I’m impressed you even noticed it.“%
Alessia was a little taken aback by Zachary’s unexpected perceptiveness.il
“You’re spot–on with the rare herbs, but overlooked the most common one, Xander added. “Did you study this before?”
“I grew up around medicine, soaked in herbal baths as a kid. After a while, you pick things up. I know the basics, Zachary answered respectfully X
Xander nodded, deep in thought, his gaze lingering on Zachary.
“Did you write this yourself?” Xander pulled out a slip of paper–Zachary recognized it instantly as the prescription Alessia had asked him to jot down. Surprised, he nodded and glanced at Alessia, who looked back innocently.!!
“What’s it for?
The question made Zachary’s heart race. He tried to steady himself, clasping his elegant hands together as he carefully explained his reasoning ”
When he finished, silence settled over the room. Zachary barely dared to breathe, lips pressed tight, his nerves evident in the way his fingers intertwined.
“Would you be interested in learning a thing or two from an old man like me?”
Zachary’s eyes widened, Instinctively, he looked at Alessia, She raised an eyebrow, a subtle smile playing at her lips.
“You mean–77
Chapter 25
“I’ve never married, never had kids. I’ve seen plenty of talented youngsters, but none have stuck with this line of work.” Xander glanced at. Alessia, his meaning clear, but quickly returned his focus to Zachary
