“How about we grab some bubble teater? My treat. There’s a new ce that opened up–people from the club say it’s really good.” Esme hugged her books as the four of them left ss, ready to drop their stuff and head out for a meal.

    “I’ll treat you guys to noodles from that ce behind campus then. Got paid for my part–time gig, finally.” Mia waved her phone with a grin.

    “I… uh, I…”

    “You? You’ll just help me keep these two bosses happy,” Alessia nudged Joyce’s arm with augh. “We can grab some candied fruit or something for them as a pte cleanser after.”

    The four girls chatted and joked, their conversation as ordinary and easy as any group of friends at college.

    Then a ck car pulled up, and a man in a tailored suit stepped out.

    The group stopped short. Alessia recognized him immediately–the Quincy family’s

    butler.

    “Lessie, who’s that?” Esme whispered. The others eyed him warily.

    “Don’t worry,” Alessia replied, stepping away from her friends.

    “Miss Morton,” the butler said respectfully, “Mr. Quincy invites you to Quincy Manor for tea.”

    i“/iiSo /ithe old man likes to invite people out of the blue, huh?” Alessia let out a dry chuckle, noticing the curious stares from people around them. “Showing up without warning–doesn’t seem much like an invitation. Feels more like a

    summons.”

    “That depends entirely on how you choose to see it, Miss Morton.” The butler’s years of service showed in his unfazed expression.

    Alessia nced back at her friends. Better to deal with this all at once than keep getting interrupted every other day. Besides, curiosity tugged at her–she wanted to see what cards the old man was holding.

    She walked over and handed her books to Esme. “I’ve got to run an errand. Won’t be joining you guys for dinner tonight.”

    “No rush. We’ll eat together next time–the restaurant’s not going anywhere.”

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    “Yeah, we can order bubble tea when you’re back.”

    “Lessie, are you sure it’s okay? The guy looks… shady.”

    “Don’t worry. Just call Cole in an hour and have him pick me up at Quincy Manor.” Cole had left his card with their dorm, just in case they ever needed to reach him.

    Alessia was always like this–never reckless, never timid. She had a way of covering her bases so that no matter what, she’d have an escape. If the road ahead was a minefield, she’d still step forward as long as she was ready.

    “Got it. Take care, okay?”

    They’d seen peoplee to pick up Alessia before, but never with this kind of tension.

    As soon as she got in the car, her friends dashed back to the dorm to call Cole.

    Meanwhile, Alessia gazed out at the unfamiliarndscape and imposing manor as the car pulled up. The butler got out and opened her door; she waited, unmoving, until he did. If he was trying to intimidate her, he was going to have to try harder.

    She followed him along a stone path, passing tidy ponds and a gazebo, then through a wooden corridor to the back garden. There, Mr. Quincy sat on a stone bench, steeping tea.

    He wore a crisp three–piece suit and had a cane propped at his side. Two maids stood discreetly nearby.

    Hamilton didn’t look up as she arrived, nor did he invite her to sit. Alessia didn’t hesitate; she took the seat across from him. If this were her mentor, she’d stand obediently. If it were Charlie, she’d crack a joke. But Hamilton? He was no one to

    her.

    “Hamilton, your way of inviting people is… certainly unique.”

    “I’ll get straight to the point,” he said, setting down his teapot and finally meeting her eyes. “Name your price.”

    “Oh? For all the Quincy family’s wealth and connections, you still can’t get your hands on a letter of rmendation? You really have toe chasing after a junior like me, again and again?”

    Alessia twirled the teacup in her hand, her gaze light and unconcerned.

    Hamilton’s hand stilled, her words hitting home. But he was an old fox–he quickly masked the shadow that flickered in his eyes.