Chapter 25 Zachary pressed his lips together , searching for the right words , when Alessia suddenly appeared and gave Six a swift smack on the back of the head . Six yelped , clutching his head , and darted behind Xander for protection . " Father , did you see that ? She hit me again . " " You talk too much . Serves you right ," Xander replied without missing a beat . Six pouted but didn't dare argue . " He's my real brother . I was switched at birth , " Alessia announced , her tone so matter - of - fact that it made Zachary feel strangely guilty . Six's eyes went wide as he glanced between them . " So you got kicked out by the Tate family ? When did that happen ? I've been keeping your old room at Eastwood Estate tidy all this time . Want me to go make up your bed ? " Alessia's lips curled into a faint smile . She ruffled his hair , her tone softening . " Anyway , my name's Alessia now . Don't forget it . " " I won't , I won't , " Six promised quickly , not daring to ask more . " And the room- ? " " No need for it right now ." " Oh . " If you listened closely , you could hear a note of disappointment in his voice . Alessia's smile never faded . Zachary could tell she was in high spirits - the kind of genuine warmth she'd never shown during her time with the Morton family . Back then , her smiles had always seemed forced , distant . Now , there was a real glow about her . " We've got the medicine . It's getting late , so we'll be heading out . And no snacking , you hear me ? Next time , I'll bring you something else to try . " " Yeah , yeah , you nag more than anyone I know . No idea who you got that from . " Xander grumbled , but there was a lightness in his voice that made it clear he enjoyed Alessia's fussing . " If I catch you sneaking treats to Grandpa again , I'll send you on a haunted house tour , I swear . " " I'm sorry ! Sis , you're my only sister ! I wouldn't dare , really ! " Six pressed his palms together in a pleading gesture , nearly dropping to his knees . 1/3 15:38 " Can I ask a question ? " Zachary's voice cut in suddenly , drawing everyone's attention . " There's a medicinal scent in both the room and the hall . I drew up a list of the ingredients , but I keep feeling like I missed something . Mr. Dawson , if it's not too much trouble , could you help me figure it out ? " Xander's interest was piqued . He glanced at Alessia , who just smirked and shrugged , making it clear she hadn't put Zachary up to this . " What ingredients did you list ? " " Agarwood , benzoin … " Zachary recited the items , even giving rough amounts , impressively accurate . Xander nodded . " Alessia , why don't you tell him the last one ? " " Angelica root , " she said . " Angelica ? " Zachary looked surprised . " That's right . The dose is small , though . I'm impressed you even noticed it . " Alessia was a little taken aback by Zachary's unexpected perceptiveness . " You're spot - on with the rare herbs , but overlooked the most common one , " Xander added . " Did you study this before ? " " I grew up around medicine , soaked in herbal baths as a kid . After a while , you pick things up . I know the basics ," Zachary answered respectfully . Xander nodded , deep in thought , his gaze lingering on Zachary . " Did you write this yourself ? " Xander pulled out a slip of paper - Zachary recognized it instantly as the prescription Alessia had asked him to jot down . Surprised , he nodded and glanced at Alessia , who looked back innocently . " What's it for ? " The question made Zachary's heart race . He tried to steady himself , clasping his elegant hands together as he carefully explained his reasoning . When he finished , silence settled over the room . Zachary barely dared to breathe , lips pressed tight , his nerves evident in the way his fingers intertwined . " Would you be interested in learning a thing or two from an old man like me ? " Zachary's eyes widened . Instinctively , he looked at Alessia . She raised an eyebrow , a subtle smile playing at her lips . 2/3 15:38 Chipter 25 " You mean- ? " " I've never married , never had kids . I've seen plenty of talented youngsters , but none have stuck with this line of work . " Xander glanced at Alessia , his meaning clear , but quickly returned his focus to Zachary . 15.38 :