Chapter 15 " Neil , are you sure you don't mind hanging out here with Pearl all day ? " Esme set down a mug of coffee in front of him , the foam topped with a perfect little cat face . " It's really no problem . " Neil grinned , unable to resist giving Pearl's belly another gentle rub . Ever since they'd brought the kitten in for her spay surgery , it just made sense for her to recover at Esme's café . Even with the cone of shame , Pearl hadn't lost a bit of her appetite . She dove into her food like a champ , and that's how she ended up with the name " Pearl . " After that day , Neil seemed to have made Esme's shop his second home . He'd show up before she even unlocked the door , and linger until the very end of the day , reluctantly saying goodbye . Business had picked up , too - maybe because of Neil , maybe because everyone loved Pearl . Either way , Esme's quiet , laid - back life had turned into a blur of busy shifts and constant motion . " Esme , have you found a new place to live yet ? " Neil asked , concern in his eyes . She shook her head and let out a sigh . " None of the apartments I've looked at feel right . For now , I'm just crashing here at the café . " She stretched , working the tension out of her shoulders . " The fold - out bed isn't exactly luxury , and Pearl just curls up at my feet . " Neil hesitated , then spoke up . " My place is actually pretty big . If you want , you could stay with me . Only if you're comfortable , of course . " " Neil ……. " Esme started to decline , but suddenly , the memory of when they first met flashed through her mind . For some reason , she found herself nodding . " Okay … " " Wait - really ? " Neil looked genuinely surprised , his eyes shining with happiness . Esme felt her cheeks flush and quickly looked away . Neil's smile widened . " Let's do it tonight , after you close up . No need to wait around ." He was already heading toward the loft to help her pack . " We've got two hours until closing . Let's get your stuff together and head out . " Esme couldn't help but laugh at how eager he was . " What about Pearl's things ? That'll take a while to move ! " From halfway up the stairs , Neil turned and winked . " Don't worry . I've already got everything set up for her . " Esme just stared after him , a strange feeling twisting in her chest . Was he planning this all along ? Meanwhile , at the Mitchell family estate- 1/2 Chapter 15 Mr. Price entered the parlor , moving carefully as he handed a folder to Liam and Grandma Mitchell . The moment Grandma Mitchell read the words on the page , she nearly fainted . Liam stared at the report , his knuckles turning white as he gripped it . " Test result : Liam is not biologically related to the fetus ." He let out a cold , humorless laugh , letting the crumpled paper fall to the floor . A storm of emotions flickered in Liam's eyes . Mr. Price stepped forward , voice low and urgent . " Mr. Mitchell , Mrs. Mitchell , don't worry . I'll handle the woman and her child . She won't trouble the Mitchell family again ." But Liam's lips twisted into a hard , chilling smile , his bloodshot eyes full of something fierce . " No need , Mr. Price . This woman - she's the Mitchell family's problem now ."