Dean could not wait any longer. So he stood up and marched into the orphanage. There he saw her, both of them. Già Rossano and Alanna. It made his blood run cold to see Alanna so close to someone from a family of dangerous vipers.He would do everything to stop this adoption from happening. Alanna spied him, and he saw her face change literally. She lit up with joy and moved around Già to run towards him. Dean felt his heart tighten with gratitude. He bent to pick her up as she ran into his arms, and twirled her around. Alanna shrieked with delight. He hugged her briefly before setting her down again."How are you doing?" He asked."I'm fine, thank you." Alanna responded, smiling up at him.Dean could not help but smile back. Leilani would be so happy if she ever saw this. Alanna had grown up to be a polite, beautiful girl the way she had always envisioned. "I got something for you." He said, handing her the big stuffed pink teddy that had been stuck under his arm. Alanna shri

Dean stepped out and tipped the driver generously. He saw a woman leaning against a fancy car waiting for him."Jessica Bordeaux?" He asked as he walked towards her. "Yes. You are late." She said, accepting his outstretched hand in a handshake. She was wearing a blue suit and nude-coloured shirt. The sunglasses she wore concealed her eyes, and her dark hair was long and thick and fell to her waist.She led him to the building and softly opened the door."My sales partner is not here today. But she will be with us at the next appointment when we check out other buildings." Jessica Bordeaux said finally taking off her glasses. She had beautiful brown eyes."I only have high scale properties on my list today, I hope you enjoy the tour." She said.Dean did not miss the look in her eyes, despite her effort to be polite. He could see that she thought this meeting was a waste of time.He was not wearing any fancy clothes and did not show up in a fancy car. He had arrived in a public dusty

"The app is ready," Liam said over the phone a few days later."Good, when can I see a demo?" Dean asked."Now. I am setting up a virtual meeting, so I can show you." Liam responded. Dean was impressed. "You are very efficient. You are always one step ahead."Liam laughed, pleased with the compliment. "You'll have a permanent place in my company." Dean said.Liam went quiet, he was probably trying to digest the information. This was a surprise. The software development was supposed to be a one-off gig.It was not planned, Dean had simply realised he wanted to keep Liam to himself just now.He had proven himself to be very resourceful. He had given Dean contacts of all the important people he would need to start his business. "Thank you." Liam finally said. "Do you have a name for your company yet?""No. My meeting with the brand strategist is still hours away." Dean responded as he accepted the virtual meet invite Liam sent to him.Dean's mouth hung open as he watched the live de

Florenza waited for the maid to hand the food tray over. She was watching the girl walk carefully towards her when they heard the familiar unhumanly strangled cry from not so far away.The tray slipped out of the maid's hand and fell to the floor, while the cook who was starring a broth on the stove jumped several inches into the air."Come on. Step away from the glass pieces." Florenza said kindly, guiding the maid away from the pile of mess now on the floor. The cook turned to look back at them. There were questions in his eyes. Florenza avoided looking at him as she said. "It's just the wind. I think it will rain tonight.""That sounded nothing like the wind." The cook said. Although he still looked shocked, he was finally gaining control, because his voice came out steady. "Kindly dish out another serving. Mr Rossano must be very hungry by now." She said with an amiable smile. The cook looked at her like she could not be serious. She could not possibly be talking about food af

Dean could barely sleep the whole night. Early the next morning he set out for the orphanage. "A hyperactive child you told me." He said with a bitter laugh as soon as he came in through the door."What?""You said a hyperactive child pushed Alanna." Dean said. "Yes?" The nun was frowning now. "Were you ignorant of what was happening, or you simply chose to not tell me that Sarah was a bully?" Dean said through his teeth.He was visibly shaking with anger. "How do you know about Sarah?" The nun whispered in shock. "Alana said she has been bullied in THIS ESTABLISHMENT." He said in exaggeration, mocking what she said the other day. "for years now. Did you not know or you chose to do nothing about it."The Nun stood up angrily. "I will not have you question my efficiency.""You were supposed to protect all the children here, but you did not.""Do you know I can ban you from ever coming here?""You'll not." He said strongly. "And you are avoiding my questions.""I am not answerable