For a long time, Önce Fund was out of the picture. Then, the dress—this and come begging for a discreet—a mature woman lightly tapped my shoulder. Staring at me intently, she jumped around to see Laisne Lilla’s delicate, defined face. Lila’s gaze lingered on my lips for a moment; her heart beating slightly. “Owen, did she bully you?”

I smoothed my hair and tried to appear casual. “No, it’s nothing serious. We just argued a bit, that’s all. She’s just like that; she does whatever she wants, while none of us has that same…”

Looking distressed, Lila wrapped her arms around herself wistfully. “It’s my daughter you’re treating like this.”

But you should be careful with Tutte. Don’t go head-to-head with her.

We were in a hospital room together. Through the glass window, I caught a flicker of unusual emotion in Lila’s reflection. But when I turned to Bark in the maitt, Varle Keny the bed, tapping seemed imary with thought. He glanced at me, then at Lila, and I could see his eyes were filled with (mainly Beitinemailight and ring as she sailed) wary concern. Even if I’m no—

Uncle Benjamin tugged at his tie, not gently. He is a good friend. Taking care of you is the least I can do.

Sit alect–li–Low, t’marinowen’spix “Uncle Benjamin!” interrupted puby, aliak ile muusk ustaning wadd deepen Bog, “Mandi, I think highly of you. Having you in his life is Owen’s goal, fortunately. Firstly, I didn’t have romantic feelings for Lila, and I want the date on any file. When misunderstandings like this arise, I… I clearly wasn’t trying to upset me. “Whiphtaligii surch way anything more.” None; I always made sure to clarify.

“Oh, that reminds me,” he said suddenly, remembering something important. Reaching beside his pillow, he pulled out a check and handed it to Lila. Lila’s usually composed face showed a hint of surprise. “Benjamin, what’s this?”

Chapter 36: You’re Not Allowed to Be So Close to Lila

Curious, I leaned in to see as well. The check was filled with so many zeroes I had to count them carefully; it was in the tens, hundreds, thousands of dollars… At the same time, my uncle looked at Lila and spoke softly. “Yvette said this is the money she’s returning to you on Owen’s behalf. The full good thousand. Please take a look.”