With 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 some spoiled 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 some time alone . 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 . I'll pay you back for the damages . " " Want some ice 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 " I'll 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 . I 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 I 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 I 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 me to check it out . " " 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 I can pick up . I heard from Zachary about what's been going on at home . Sorry you got caught up in it . " " You guys are kind of funny , you know that ? " Alessia's words caught Liam off guard . He turned to look at her , but all he saw was her face scrunched up from the cold of her ice cream - so cute he couldn't help but laugh . 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 , but the corners of his lips kept twitching up , no matter how hard he tried to suppress it . 212 15:40 Chapter 37 " How is it interesting ? " Liam asked .