Chapter 45

Stepping into Alexia's new place, Ada looked around with surprise. "Impressive spot! Sunlight pours in, the view is gorgeous, and I have to say-your sense of style shines through. Shame it's not a little bigger,though!"

Handing over a glass of wine, Alexia smiled. "This is perfect for one person. More space would only echo with emptiness."

After taking a sip, Ada shrugged. "You know, if you're ever craving company, just bring a man around.They're good for something,right? People are saying you and Waylon have something going on. I honestly thought his invite to that gala was just a setup, but clearly, I was off the mark. Word is Roger embarrassed himself at the auction. Had I known, I'd have begged my brother to get me a ticket. What a scene l missed!"She gave her thigh a playful smack, the regret plain in her voice.

Calmly, Alexia lifted her glass and took a sip. "Roger had it coming."

That comment brought out a mischievous glint in Ada's eye. "Still, wasn't it Waylon who gave him trouble? Did you ever corner Waylon about why he came to your rescue? Is he really interested in you,or is that just talk?"

In that instant, Alexia's thoughts flickered to Waylon's unadorned hand. "Why would he look my way? Even if he did, it wouldn't be in any romantic sense. I actually asked him, you know. He told me he was just doing his good deed for the day."

At those words, Ada nearly choked on her wine, eyes wide with disbelief.

A small smile tugged at Alexia's lips as she passed over a tissue. "The answer's plain as day. He spotted my struggles and stepped in like some Good Samaritan. Might as well call him the neighborhood's patron saint."

Ada, deflated by her friend's indifference, shook her head and said, "Waylon's in a league of his own. If anyone manages to land him, I'll be seriously impressed."

Suddenly, a sharp knock echoed from the entrance.

Answering the knock, Alexia found a young girl wearing bear pajamnas, cheeks flushed. "Um, excuse me! My cat took a flying leap off my balcony.I think it might have ended up on yours."

Both women hurried outside to investigate. There on the balcony, a frail-looking cat lay still, one leg at an odd angle. Blood had pooled beneath it

Without hesitation, Alexia scooped up the injured animal. Ada's voice rose in alarm. "That's awful! We need to rush it to the vet right now!"

Wringing her hands, the little girl pleaded, "Could you please help me?"

Her request hung in the air as a harsh call sliced through the moment. "Betsey! Where on earth have you gone this time? You're nothing but trouble!"

Fear flashed across the child's face. She shrank back,glancing nervously toward the doorway, where a stern -looking middle-aged woman had appeared.

The woman swept into the room, face twisted in anger. "So this is where you've been hiding!"

Reacting instantly, Betsey Adams slipped behind Alexia for protection. Ada, catching the storm brewing in the woman's eyes, retorted, "Are you her grandmother?"

A flicker of irritation crossed the woman's face.I'm the nanny."

"So you're the nanny? You sure act like you're her grandmother." Ada's gaze traveled up and down the woman, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Realizing Ada wasn't someone to cross, the woman's bravado faded. Instead, she settled for shooting daggers at Betsey. "Get over here!"

A tiny, wavering voice came from Betsey. "| just wanted them to help take thekitten to see a doctor."

A quick look at the injured cat in Alexia's arms drew nothing but a cold smirk from the woman. "Still fussing over that ragged little creature, are you?"

Disgust sharpened her tone. "You're seven, aren't you?Shouldn't you know better by now? All you ever do is make trouble for your mother."

That struck a nerve with Alexia. Her eyebrows drew together as she scoffed, "Is that really the way you speak to a child? At your age, I'd expect you to know basic decency."

A flush crept up the woman's neck. "You've got a lot of nerve, talking back to me. Whatever's going on here, it's none of your business. Family matters don't need outsiders meddling!" 2

Without waiting for a reply, she lunged for Betsey's ear. "How many times do I have to call you? Are you pretending not to hear me?"