33. Sleep Tight

[LIZZY]

After Joey falls asleep, I finally heed Gemma, one of the chef’s assistants, who has been persistently calling me to join them for dinner. My grumbling stomach bullies me to give in, and I make my way downstairs. As soon as Gemma spots me descending, she quickly scrambles to the kitchen and then hurries over with a kind smile.

“Don’t worry about the boy. I informed the chef you’re coming, and she’s already warming the food.”

Grateful for their support, I reciprocate the smile. I can sense that Vector is likely the reason everyone is on edge, but there’s something more than just fear driving the staff to care. They genuinely appear concerned about Joey and truly want to help in any way they can.

Just the thought of it fills my heart with warmth.

At first, I was a bit cautious—and maybe a little bitch—about their growing involvement with Joey. I didn’t quite appreciate the attention they were giving him. But now I see that it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Joey doesn’t have many