Chapter 10 A warm look glimmered in Karen's eyes . " The Mortons raised you well . You've had a rough time with us , haven't you ? " Alessia shook her head but didn't mention anything about her life with the Mortons . In truth , the Mortons were either cold or downright crazy ; if she'd turned out halfway normal , it was thanks to someone else's influence entirely . By the time they got home , Karen was already bustling in the kitchen , getting lunch ready . Alessia sank into a chair and started replying to her messages . " Miss Morton , have you finally finished up your endless paperwork ? " The message popped up at ten in the morning - clearly the sender knew her schedule all too well . " You mocking me ? " Alessia's fingers flew over the screen . She hit send at eleven - thirty , a good hour and a half later , but the reply came back instantly . " Wouldn't dare . " Cole Whitley sent a groveling animated sticker . Alessia smirked and shot back a playful punch emoji . " So , I guess you're living the good life ? Otherwise , you wouldn't have tossed two suitcases at my place and then ghosted me ." She was used to Cole's nonsense and responded with a random sticker , not bothering to engage. " When are you coming by ? " he texted again , quick as ever . " I'll find a time in the next couple of days . " " How about I get you a new place ? " She rolled her eyes and sent an exasperated emoji , ignoring Cole's sudden burst of insanity . Pushing her phone aside , she wandered into the kitchen , where Karen handed her a piece of roast beef as a little treat . Alessia's delighted grin earned her an extra slice . " Mom , you should open a restaurant . You'd put the five - star chefs out of business . " " You sweet talker . Now , go set the table - it's almost ready . " Karen ruffled her hair , clearly not taking her daughter's comment seriously . Alessia just arched an eyebrow and obediently grabbed the plates and silverware . Meanwhile , in a sleek downtown office , a young man in a stiff , ill - fitting suit sat at his desk . He twirled a pen absently in one hand , phone in the other , brow furrowed 1/3 15:36 in thought . A knock sounded at the door . " Come in , " Cole said , barely glancing up , maintaining his pensive pose . " Mr. Whitley , here's the latest bid proposal for your review . * " Just leave it on the desk , " he replied , voice a touch deeper now , the awkwardness of adolescence behind him . " If there's nothing else , I'll be heading out . " Larkin Yardley , all of twenty - five but with the stoic face of an aging curmudgeon , stood stiffly by the door . " Wait . " Cole stopped twirling the pen and crossed his legs , eyeing Larkin . " Is there something else , sir ? " " Tell me how do I get that girl to actually live in the southside house ? I gave her that place for her birthday , and she's only ever glanced at it once . If she doesn't like it , she could just say so ! The westside place is almost ready too , but why would she want to live somewhere so cramped ? None of those apartments are bigger than her old bedroom . She's been pampered her whole life - why's she acting like she's used to roughing it ? " Cole grumbled , muttering more to himself than to Larkin . Larkin , used to the absurd dilemmas of the wealthy , kept his composure . " Miss Morton is a very independent and strong - willed person . " Cole shot him an exasperated look . " You think I don't know that ? Can't you give me a solution ? " " Sorry , that's a bit outside my job description . " Larkin's tone was calm and professional . Cole clenched his jaw , lips twitching in frustration . " Larkin , you're twenty - five and still single . Maybe it's time to reflect on your life , " Cole said , putting on his best mock - sage expression . " You're single too , sir . " Larkin folded his hands in front of him , all respectful patience . " I'm too young to be dating . But you - if you wait any longer , you'll be late to the party ." With that , Larkin fell silent . Cole , satisfied with himself , raised an eyebrow in triumph . 212 15.26 " All right , I'll review the proposal this afternoon . " " Understood . " " Oh , and from now on , call her Miss Morton . " " Of course . " Larkin didn't ask questions that weren't his business . That was the mark of a true professional - and the best assistant Cole could ask for . As Cole set his phone aside and turned to work , Alessia was just setting down the silverware when Brendan walked in the door . 212