Chapter 16 that was the case, Kylie be playing a dangerous game. And Trevor would be the other man with a ring on it. wasn’t type to make accusations without proof, “Haven’t a he admitted. “III look Zach promised, to uncover the truth. simply nodded, his mind already on the next move. Kylie had been non–stop breakfast, by lunch, Liam had brought a that could’ve fed small army. The shop was usually manned Liam and a young guy named Kevin Roth, fresh off the high school graduation. Kevin wasn’t the bookworm type, so he’d jumped into the workforce. had this uncanny ability to switch languages, chatting up customers from all over the place with ease. him decently, and in meals, but no housing. There were bonuses for up every day and for making sales, was into live streaming, using his charm and good looks to sell products online. He had a fan base and had a the day before a single sale, raking in a hefty commission. “Kylic, let’s some barbecue tonight, my treat!” Kevin said between bites his lunch, to an invite. before Kylie answer, gave him the side–eye, the universal sign for “not a good idea. ” “She’s been fingers to the those old all day. She needs rest, barbecue. And you, focus on your stream this afternoon. Try to sell off those new items we got in. Kylie smiled, “I tonight. I need to be with my family. They’re under the weather. Kevin’s face fell, he hide his disappointment. “Alright. this painting is I’ll take you both a barbecue feast, Kylie promised. was kind to him since he her brother Hoard’s peer would remind her of Hoard. Kevin’s spirits a but then he remembered the boss would be there too. He hoped a one–on- one with Kylie. been surprised when he first saw her at the shop, working on the ancient paintings. He’d expected someone much older, but Kylie was and dedicated. sit for completely absorbed in work. This was what his grandfather he could manage. was impressive, and she was sight for sore eyes to the he’d seen elsewhere. Liam’s phone chirped, he snatched up with a smirk. “You’re right? I’ve got this kickass Renaissance landscape that’s been touched up good you’d think it’s fresh off the easel. Just scored it a couple of back. He paused, nodding. “Auction, yeah. “What? He wants that?” he continued. Kylie, within earshot, put two and two together. That to be the handed over. Liam’s clouded over. “It’s not the dough. already made a pact the auction house. But I’m working on two more Renaissance gems. How about I swing by that they’re up?” After beat, seemed got the thumbs up. As he ended the call, turned to Kylie with a gleam in his eye. “Kylie, if threw some extra green your way? Could you swing earlier or hang around later get this job done These Renaissance joints are flying the walls. without missing a beat. “What’s the raise look like?” She was okay with it as as the money was enough. Chapter 16 30 Liam replied, his tone confident. seen her magic the paintbrush, and it was the real deal. was already picturing to get a the auction house once these masterpieces were finished. Kylie pondered it for a hot then gave a nod. Kevin wanted to butt in, but the echo his granddad’s warning him zipped up. Samuel in, his face after hearing Julie’s of the call with Kylie. He smashed his water glass. the table, the water spilling in a splash. He shouted, “Great, she’s denying using card I gave her? I’ll have assistant charges now. Who does think she’s dealing with? And she’s skipping out on hospital, leaving Mel hanging. She’s a lies and done Julie was nursing a headache that had been there since yesterday. “No clue where been. Not at Amanda’s place. If she gets into trouble and people find out she’s one of ours, we’ll be the talk of the town. “I’ll give her a ring, her come home and make Austin said, a mask cold fury. never taken a liking to Kylie, his country–bred who couldn’t win their parents Melanie. “It’s my fault, really. Please be angry. Melanie her voice above a her head hanging low. Julie’s heart broke for her. “It’s on you, honey. It’s Kylie’s mess!” Austin had Kylie’s number in his phone, but he’d never used it. call went through instantly. He give Kylie a chance to diving straight lecturing mode. He said, “Kylie, get your act together and apologize to everyone back home. We’re family, and we work through this. was caught in gridlock, the world outside her car window a cacophony of honking. Austin’s scolding the phone was the tipping point “You’re insane,” grumbled before ending the call. She wasn’t the type lose temper, but the Lampard family’s high- handedness was too much. The words echoed through and an icy silence fell. “What kind of discipline did she have growing up?” “Look the language! So unrefined! It’s just Julie muttered, her head in her hands. Samuel and Austin shared look, their faces with anger. Everyone was on edge, except for Melanie, who was secretly relishing the drama. The interruption of phone was surprise. Lampard, I’ve it. Your secondary card hasn’t been used at all,” the assistant said. was shocked. are saying?” repeated the information, thinking have a miscommunication. in disbelief. sure about the card number? There’s no way it’s clean. The news had Julie and Austin exchanging glances, while Melanie’s heart sank, realizing she’d stop Samuel from checking the credit card.