Yvonne transferred the money in record time . By the time Alessia received the notification , the sun was just beginning to dip behind the rooftops , and she had finally managed to track down the Morton family . It wasn't that Alessia couldn't handle a GPS - she could . But the Mortons lived in a tucked - away corner of the city , surrounded by rows of weather - beaten apartment blocks , the kind that had clearly seen better decades.- As she rolled her suitcase through the narrow streets , Alessia passed a few shirtless guys loitering at the corner , cigarettes dangling from their lips . They whistled at her , but she didn't spare them a glance , just kept her head down and moved on , checking each building one by one . Alessia had always been wary of strangers , so she never considered asking anyone for directions ; that stubborn independence cost her some extra time . The structure hunched under centuries of neglect , its windows framed in corroded lace . Sunlight dared not cross the threshold ; inside , the dark sat thick and patient . It was hard to imagine the Mortons - once a wealthy family - now living here , in such shabby surroundings . Once upon a time , their daughter had wanted for nothing , but now , stripped of all privilege , it was no wonder she was desperate to reclaim her place . Shaking off these thoughts , Alessia climbed the steps . The main gate was so old it barely functioned as a barrier ; anyone could come and go . The hallway was lined with all sorts of junk , and the air was thick with the sour smell of spoiling food . Alessia wrinkled her nose , frowning in distaste . The Mortons ' apartment was at the far end of the second floor . For all their misfortune , the family still held onto some dignity - their doorway was spotless , a sharp contrast to the mess outside . After double - checking the apartment number , Alessia lifted her hand to knock just as the door swung open from the inside . She reacted quickly , stepping aside before the door could hit her . A head poked out , startled to find someone standing there . " Sorry , are you alright ? " The voice was calm and gentle , with a warmth that put Alessia at ease . " I'm fine . I was just about to knock . " 1/2 15.25 Chapter 4 " Who are you here to see ? " He opened the door wider , and in the dim hallway light , Alessia finally saw his face clearly . He was tall - at least six foot two - and had to duck slightly to avoid hitting his head on the doorframe . His features were soft and non - threatening , and even in the yellowish light , his skin seemed almost translucent . The crisp white shirt he wore probably his uniform from the bistro - looked especially sharp on his broad shoulders and slim waist . He was the kind of person who'd stand out in any crowd . " Heading out ? " Alessia asked , turning the question back on him . " Yeah , I'm off to my part - time job , " he replied , his tone easygoing . " Well , I'll cut to the chase . I'm probably your sister - biologically speaking . " Alessia's words were sincere , but the abruptness caught him off guard . " What ? " Zachary Morton stared at her in shock . Before he could say anything else , a woman's voice called from inside the apartment , " Zachary , you're still here ? Don't forget to pick up your medication before you go ! " Both Alessia and Zachary turned toward the sound . " Mom , " Zachary called back . Alessia found herself meeting the woman's gaze - a woman in a simple dress and apron , her hair streaked with silver , yet carrying herself with unmistakable grace . " Hello ," Alessia greeted her first . " Hello , sweetheart . Who are you looking for ? It's not very safe around here at night are you on your own ? " The woman wiped her hands on her apron , her voice full of concern . " Uh … Ileana - no , I mean , she goes by Ileana now . Didn't she mention anything to you ? " Alessia hadn't expected the encounter to unfold quite like this . " Ileana ? " At the mention of the name , both mother and son exchanged a look tinged with disappointment . " To put it simply , I'm probably your biological daughter . We were switched at birth . She's gone back to her family , so it makes sense for me to move out . The rest … can we talk inside ? " פופ