Alessia arched an eyebrow , a sly smile curving her lips . " You're blending into your new identity pretty fast . " " Word's gotten out , you know . Are you really okay ? " Justin's playful expression faded , concern flickering in his eyes . " This ? Barely worth my attention . She needs the Tate family name for appearances . Do 1 ? " Her eyes sparkled , brimming with confidence . Justin let out a short laugh . " True . There isn't a place you can't walk into and own . " He glanced around the room , lips pulling into a dissatisfied line . " But isn't this place a bit cramped ? Didn't Cole gift you an entire house ? Worst case , you can have my spare place . " He shook his head , looking genuinely perplexed . " Can you really stand living here ? " " I've got my own plans . " Justin shrugged , used to Alessia's stubborn independence , and decided not to argue further . The workers moved quickly . After a brief discussion with Alessia , they had the room transformed in less than an hour . She and Justin also took the opportunity to rearrange Zachary's room , optimizing the space . With Justin's input , every inch was put to its best use . He'd have gladly renovated the rest of the house too , but Alessia declined , her mind already drifting elsewhere . Meanwhile , Alessia sent Ivan to move his things in . " Yours is inside ; this part out here's mine ," she explained , pointing to the bed tucked at the back as she walked Ivan through their new room . A curtain split the space in two , letting sunlight filter into each side .. Alessia's bed was in the farthest corner , separated with both a curtain and a pair of bookcases . Two desks sat by the window ; Ivan's side had a small cabinet packed with paints and brushes . Alessia's bed had another curtain , creating a private little cocoon for sleep - even if someone came or went , she wouldn't be disturbed . " We keep our boundaries , mind our own business . You paint , I do my thing . 1/3 15:37 Peaceful coexistence . Consider this my bribe - deal ? " Ivan clutched his paint box , eyes fixed on the cabinet overflowing with art supplies . " Alright , go unpack , " Alessia said , ruffling his hair . This time , Ivan didn't protest . She smirked . " Kids are so easy to please . " With Ivan settled , the boys ' room was finished soon after . Alessia surveyed the updated spaces and nodded in satisfaction . With Justin handling things , she never worried - he had a knack for transforming a place , making even the smallest details shine . This line of work was made for him . " Thanks for all your help . " " Miss Tate , it's nothing . Next time you need something , just say the word , " said the lead worker , hefting his toolbox with a good - natured grin . " I'm Morton now , " Alessia corrected gently . Her words made the two people in the kitchen freeze . Karen's eyes immediately reddened ; she ducked her head , focusing on rolling sushi to hide her trembling hands . Brendan , too , looked unsettled . He wiped his hands , walked over , and gave Karen's shoulder a comforting squeeze . The foreman , who had worked with Alessia before , caught on immediately . " Understood , Miss Morton ." " I'll get going , then . Call me if you need anything . " Justin hung up on another incoming call , blocked the number with practiced ease , and pocketed his phone . " Got it . Thanks for today . When this settles down , dinner's on me . " He just bumped fists with her in reply . " See you around , Uncle ," Justin called as he left . " Sorry I couldn't be a better host - come by again when you have time , " Brendan replied , waving them out . No sooner had Justin and his crew left than Carey and the others showed up . Brendan started to say something to Alessia , but seeing the guests arrive , he dropped it and helped Karen welcome everyone in . The house quickly filled with chatter and laughter . Alessia , never one for overly noisy crowds , slipped away after a quick greeting and retreated to her room . 213 15:37 It wasn't even noon , and she was already drained . 3/3