---- Chapter 2: Baby's Got Bills to Collect Monday morning, 8:30 a.m. Clara had already changed into work clothes. Her fresh, makeup-free face looked soft and porcelain-smooth, and those big blinking eyes sparkled with life. She double-checked her purse to make sure she had everything, then ruffled Leo's hair. "Mommy's heading to work now, okay? Can you handle being home alone until Aunt Paige comes over at eleven to cook lunch?" Leo dodged her hand with practiced agility. "One, I'm already four, Mom, so please stop patting my head like I'ma toddler. Two, I'm totally fine on my own! I'ma man now!" Maybe it was because he'd grown up in a single-parent home, but Leo had always been a little more independent and mature than other kids his age. One of the big reasons Clara had rented this apartment was the top-notch security-strict visitor screening, cameras, the whole deal-so she felt comfortable leaving Leo alone for a bit. ---- Aunt Paige, the nanny, was actually a cousin of one of Clara's coworkers at the hospital. She was dependable and punctual-showing up at exactly eleven to cook and clean-and always stayed until Clara got home. "Don't forget to wear your smart watch, okay? Call me if anything happens. I'm off! Love you!" Clara waved, shut the door, and headed out. The second her footsteps faded away, Leo's eyes lit up. Time to call in the virtual assistant on his tablet. "Alexie!" Today, he had important business-debt collection. If he could get the money, he and Elsie could finally live in the same apartment complex! Leo rummaged through his backpack and pulled out that magazine. He studied the cover closely: Aaron Devereaux, founder and senior partner of Devereaux Legal Group. The guy in the photo looked sharp as a blade, with a cool, aloof gaze that practically screamed keep your distance. But what really stood out? His eyes-an unmistakable shade of pale violet. Leo tapped open a browser like a pro. Hal Mommy thought he only used his tablet to watch cartoons. She ---- had no idea he could search the web and game like a total boss. "Alexie, search: Devereaux Legal Group." Alexie's voice responded right away: "Hello. Devereaux Legal Group is the largest law firm in Greystone. Address: Horizon Plaza, floors 18 to 22." Leo replayed it twice. Okay, got it. He grabbed his backpack, popped on a hat, and headed out. Time to roll. The elevator hit the ground floor. Leo gave the security guard his brightest smile. "Morning, sir!" The guard, charmed by Leo's cuteness, smiled right back. When Leo said he was heading to the hospital to find his mom, the guard even opened the front gate for him. The hospital Clara worked at was just 500 meters from the complex, on the left. On days Clara worked late, Aunt Paige would sometimes bring Leo over there to wait for her. The guards all knew the routine. Leo stepped out onto the sidewalk and tried flagging a few cabs-but every time the drivers saw it was a little kid alone, they drove right past without even slowing down. Leo tapped his chin, deep in thought. That's when he ---- spotted a patrol car parked a short way down the block. Bingo! Leo strolled up to the squad car and spotted a man and woman inside, both in uniform. He knocked on the window and gave the female officer his best wide-eyed, pitiful look. "Hi, I'm lost... Can you take me to Horizon Plaza to find my mom?" The officer opened the door immediately. "Aww, what a cute kid!" His chubby cheeks, those huge eyes-was it just the lighting, or were they kind of lavender?-and his naturally curly jet-black hair made him downright adorable. How could anyone say no to this little angel? "Don't worry, sweetie! We'll get you there," she said, helping Leo into the backseat. Then she gave her partner a nudge. "He's in our patrol zone anyway. Let's drop him off." The young male officer started the engine without hesitation. "What's your mom's number, kiddo? We should give her a call-let her know what's going on and maybe remind her to keep an eye on you." Leo froze. If they called Mom, his cover would be blown! ---- "I don't remember her number," he said quickly, "but once I get to the lobby, I'll see her right away." Then he gave the female officer a sheepish grin, dimples on full display. "Please don't yell at Mommy. She works really hard, and... and I don't have a daddy..." His voice got softer and softer, until he lowered his head in silence. The officer's heart melted. "Oh no, don't cry! No phone calls, okay? We'll just make sure you get there safe." She even pulled out her secret stash-a lollipop. "Here, have some candy!" "Thanks! Are you a fairy princess or something? You're so nice and pretty!" The officer burst out laughing, grinning ear to ear. By the time they reached Horizon Plaza, it was already 9:30, peak rush hour. Office workers flooded toward the elevator banks. The female officer opened the car door. "Let me walk you in, little guy." "No need! I see my mommy already. Thanks, beautiful lady!" Leo waved and dashed into the lobby. "Mooom! Mommy, I'm here!" he shouted at a group of women behind the front desk. The officer assumed one of them was his mom, so she waved goodbye and got back in the car. ---- Inside, two security guards stood by the elevators. Leo glanced around nervously, then casually followed behind a plump middle-aged woman. When she wasn't looking, he gently tugged on her shirt. The guards assumed they were mother and son and didn't question it. Just like that, Leo slipped into the elevator and hit the button for the 18th floor. The elevator opened into a sleek, high-end office space. Right in front of him, a shiny sign read: Devereaux Legal Group. The receptionist greeted everyone with a flawless smile as suit-clad professionals came and went like clockwork. Leo walked over and asked politely, "Hi, ma'am. Is Mr. Aaron Devereaux in?" The receptionist blinked, a little surprised to see a kid. But she figured he must be with a client or something. "Mr. Devereaux isn't in yet. Is your guardian with you? If you have an appointment, you can wait over there." "Thank you!" Leo scurried to the waiting area and climbed onto one of the high stools, wiggling until he got balanced. He took off his backpack, pulled out his water bottle, took a few sips, then carefully kept watch on the entrance. Every time a man walked in, he'd sneak a glance at the magazine to compare faces. ---- Ten minutes later, the elevator dinged and out stepped a group of three or four people. The man in front radiated power-custom-tailored suit, crisp and wrinkle-free, dark sunglasses, not even glancing sideways. He gave the receptionist a polite nod, and his assistant followed close behind, rattling off something while holding a folder. That's him. Leo's heart skipped. It was definitely the same man from the magazine. Found him! He slung on his backpack, darted forward, and-since the guy was too tall and walking fast-launched himself at the man's leg, clinging tightly. "Mister!" he yelled, "when are you planning to pay back the money you owe me?" Silence. The entire office froze. Everyone stared. Aaron Devereaux, founder of the top law firm in Greystone, owes the kid money?! The receptionist's jaw hit the floor.