" Are there any other Tristans I should know about ? " " So , the company you're talking about is A & C Entertainment ? " Liam's eyes widened , his voice trembling slightly . " Oh , I didn't tell you that , did I ? " Alessia's reaction was almost nonchalant , especially compared to Liam's shock . " Didn't tell me - are you serious ? " Liam stared at her , feeling a sudden tightness in his chest . " Does it really matter ? " Alessia shrugged , as if it were the most obvious thing in the world , leaving Liam at a loss for words . " It … it doesn't matter ? " " Let's do this : I need to go to headquarters next Saturday . Take the next few days to think it over . If you're interested , come with me , " Alessia cut in , deciding there was no point dragging things out . " … Alright . " " You can talk it over with Mom and Dad before signing anything , but leave out anything about me , especially what happened tonight . Deal ? " After so many jaw - dropping revelations , Liam felt oddly calm . He grinned , reaching out to ruffle Alessia's hair . " You really do know how to keep us on our toes . " " Planning to use me ? " Alessia's words were matter - of - fact , but there was an unexpected note of vulnerability in her voice . " Whatever your reasons , if you agree , I'm confident I can make you a star .". " No , that's not it . " " Hm ? " " I just hope that one day , we can be the ones you can count on . " Liam's tone was sincere , his gaze steady . For a moment , Alessia found herself at a loss for words . She had plenty of people she could trust , plenty more who were tied to her by mutual interest . There were a few who might stick by her to the end , but no one had ever said they wanted to be her strength . It was a strange feeling . Alessia couldn't quite describe it - maybe it was the sugar 1/3 15:40 Chapter su from her ice cream , but suddenly the summer night didn't feel so stifling . An awkward silence settled between the siblings . Almost in unison , they both scratched their noses and looked away . " Lessie ! Liam ? " Zachary's voice cut through the silence like a lifeline , and both of them gave a quiet sigh of relief . Sentimentality just wasn't their thing . " Hey , Zach , " Alessia called out , while Liam gave a half - hearted wave , slipping back into his usual cool demeanor . " What are you two doing out here ? " " I figured you'd be home soon , so I came down to wait for you , " Zachary said , not mentioning he'd already been waiting nearly an hour - didn't want Alessia to feel bad about it . Truth was , Karen and the others had been hounding him to come down and look out for her . Zachary's words jogged Alessia's memory - she'd forgotten to text him . She glanced over her shoulder ; under the street lamp , a group of rough - looking guys were leaning against the wall , smoking . " So , how'd you two end up coming back together ? " " I- ' " We bumped into each other on the way , " Alessia answered quickly . Zachary looked at Liam , who nodded , in confirmation . " Alright , it's late . Let's head in . ' " Are Mom and Dad asleep ? " " Not yet . " " How's the food stand going ? " " Not bad . They're messing around with new recipes - keeps them busy , and things feel a lot lighter at home . " Zachary glanced at Alessia . " What about you ? Seemed like you got off work early today . " " Boss had something come up . " The three of them chatted idly as they walked , their shadows stretching long beneath the streetlights , close together despite the space between them . Alessia was sandwiched between her brothers , their shadows leaning into one another . There was no show of affection , nothing sentimental - just the quiet comfort of 2/3 15:40 διαμισι family .