oe

ar, ornate door swung open, but it was my adoptive

ever seen before. "Chloe, you're finally here! Come in, come in,

chill down my spine. S

iling at me kindly. A Stallions game was paused on the television behind him-the Hayese

of my old favorite dishes. It was a bigger

utral. "Uncle Theodore, Aunt Eleanor, you didn't have to go t

leanor said, serving me soup. She then asked, seemingly casually, "

ought. The real rea

aid flatly. "I'm

ented, she shines wherever she goes. By the way, I heard you and the

I put down my spoon and looked at them.

news today. Mr. Sterling blacklisted the Franco girl for you. T

heir company's financial crisis was worse than I thoug

mething to say, just say it,"

anor exchanged a

e looked tired and his eyes were full of

anor said quickly, tryi

oss from me and

and Eleanor kept trying to get information ou

is facing some... difficulties. If you could... put in a good word

reedy, desperate

grew up together, you were so close. Xavier was foolish to get involve

ally interrupted

outh with my napkin. "I'm full,"

y to leave this

e stood up too,

and walked t

the stairs, Xavier ran af

" he said, hi

and stared at him c

id, his eyes full of regret. "But,

realized I can't live without you. Ba

me a month ago, I wou

just found

our family's company, won't you?" I

ained from X