Chapter 358


    Allison was a bit on the fence about the whole Nichs thing, debating whether to spill the beans to her


    mom. However, her mom’s rtionship with Penelope had always rubbed Allison the wrong way.


    Penelope and Leah had nearly cost Grace her life and yet, her mom was still very attentive to


    Penelope


    After bidding Nichs farewell, she ducked into the changing room to switch into a new outfit.


    Scanning the room and not finding Payton, she casually asked, “Where’s Payton?”


    “I haven’t got a clue, Ashley replied, “Haven’t seen her since yesterday.”


    Allison whipped out her phone and shot Payton a text, asking why she was a no-show but there was no


    reply.


    Back in the day, even when Payton had sses, she would always drop a text to let Allison know. What


    had happened these past two days?


    “Ashley, did Payton mention anything about her MIA to you?”


    “Nope, radio silence. Tried to get her to go shopping with me yesterday afternoon but she bailed.”


    The Burke residence


    As James walked through the door, the butler immediately said, “Mr. Burke, you’re finally back, your


    parents have been waiting for you.”


    James raised an eyebrow, “What’s the buzz?”


    “We have guests, your parents want you to join them”


    “Who?” James was caught off guard.


    He walked into the living room, Sitting on the couch was a girl in a light pink dress with long hair,


    beautiful eyes, and wless skin. Milo looked at his son, “What took you so long? Come over here.”


    James approached, “Dad, mom, who’s this?”


    “This is Cicely.” Amanda introduced, “She’ll be staying with us from now on Get to know each other and


    y nice.”


    James nced at Cicely, who stood up, looking a bit awkward. She said softly, “Hi,”


    James nodded in acknowledgement, then said to Amanda, “Mom, I’m heading upstairs if there’s


    nothing else.”


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    Knowing her son, Amanda nodded, “Alright, go ahead.” As James ascended the stairs, Amanda turned


    to Cicely. “Cicely, this is home now. If you need anything, let me know.”


    Milo added, “You can always turn to Amanda if you need anything. Your father and I have been friends


    for years. I won’t stand by and do nothing when he’s in trouble. Don’t worry. I’ll swing by the police


    station tomorrow and see if there’s anything I can do.”


    Cicely bit her lip without saying anything. In just two days, her family was turned upside down. Her


    father’spany went under, he was embroiled in legal trouble, and her mother was detained. Milo


    offered Cicely shelter at the Burke residence toy low.


    James made his way upstairs, ncing back at Cicely in the living room. Looking at the young girl’s


    clear and refined face, although surprised by this sudden addition to the household, he didn’t really


    care. Her name was Cicely. Herman’s daughter.


    -He was somewhat familiar with her family’s situation. Their main business was jewelry. While not


    longstanding friendship tracing back to their earlier generations. However, their business had always


    been struggling, and under the pressure of Northfield’s major jewelers, many of their stores had closed.


    Despite their online business doing alright, they’d hit a snag this time.


    The already teeteringpany had gone belly up. Their cash flow was in a mess and couldn’t be


    resolved. Herman had been locked up, and Hry was under house arrest.


    And Cicely, the only child of Herman and Hry, had to face a group of disgruntled shareholders after


    thepany went bust. Milo decided to take her under the Burke family’s wing.


    James shrugged it off. What did it matter to him? At most, there was now one more person to feed at


    home, an extra set of


    utensils. He hardly spent time at home during the day anyway.