BuzzNovelWith the two of them sorted, Stella dusted off her hands and tossed the rope into a nearby basket.
“I'll cover today’s expenses. The rest is up to you.”
Stella didn’t reply. Instead, she curled her hand into a fist and bumped it lightly against Alessia’s. They didn’t
need words-their understanding ran deep.
Aside from a handful of close friends, no one knew that Alessia was the true investor behind the bar. Outsiders
all assumed it was just a little project her family had set up for her, a way to practice for when she’d eventually
inherit the family fortune.
But Stella could swear on her life that the Laines hadn't put a single cent into this place.
It wasn’t that the Laines refused to help; Alessia was just stubborn. She wanted to prove-if only to herself-that
she wasn’t sspoiled heiress who could only live off her family’s money. No one could control her destiny.
“We're heading out,” Alessia said.
“Alright, see you when classes start.” Stella shot a quick glance at Liam trailing behind Alessia, understanding
the siblings needed stalone. She didn’t
linger.
With a casual wave, the siblings stepped out of the bar. Neither spoke. Liam, guitar slung across his back, walked
silently beside her, his face clouded as if weighed down by thoughts he couldn't share.
They made it to the end of the alley before Liam finally stopped. “Tonight was my fault. Ill pay you back for the
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtdamages.”
“Want sice cream?” Alessia cut him off, not waiting for a response before ducking into the convenience
store across the street. The rest of Liam’s words died in his throat, and he could only follow her inside.
Alessia picked out her favorite flavor. At her prompting, Liam grabbed a cheap popsicle for himself. He paid
without protest, while Alessia stepped outside to wait for him. Once he emerged, they set off together toward
home.
Liam's stride was long, and it took only a few steps for him to catch up and walk alongside her.
1/2
15:40
“Ill transfer you the money for the ice cream later,” he offered.
Liam frowned. “I'm not that broke. Besides, it’s only right for a brother to buy his
sister ice cream. Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Oh, sorry. | just figured you didn’t really see us as family.” Alessia’s tone was light, almost careless-a stark
contrast to Liam's bristling defensiveness. It was as if none of this mattered to her at all.
Liam wasn’t stupid. He realized she was throwing his earlier offer to repay the damages right back at him. He
pressed his lips together, suddenly uncomfortable.
“I never said you weren't family. And | caused the mess-it’s not your job to clean it up, is it?” He tried to reason
with her, but Alessia was never one to play by the rules. She went by her own mood.
“So, should | transfer you the money, then?” She looked at him, all innocence, but Liam knew if she really did it,
whatever fragile bond they had would probably snap for good.
Liam coughed, trying to cover his discomfort. “So... what were you doing at the bar this late, anyway?”
“I saw a post online about a new live singer they hired-apparently brought in a lot of customers. Stella wanted
“You and the owner go way back?”
Alessia nodded. “So now you're playing gigs at night. What about during the day?”
“Just odd jobs, whatever | can pick
up. | heard from Syd about [1
Ra béen sbiRg n at home. Sorry
yOu got caught up in it.” The content
is on novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
“You guys are kind of funny, you
know that?” Alessia’s words caught
Liam off guard. He urged © 10JK ht
NS
her, fhudalife saw was her face
scrunched up from the cold of her ice
cream—so cute he couldn't help but
laugh. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
Alessia shot him a glare, rubbing her brow and letting out a little hiss, clearly annoyed.
Liam pressed a hand to his mouth,
trying to hide his smile butthg m
corners ys isk Bwiching up,
nb-rhatter how hard he tried to
suppress it. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
212
15:40
Chapter 37
“How is it interesting?” Liam asked.
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