Mia was munching on snacks when her mom started in on her again. “Mom, you’re just upset I haven’t been fussing over Henry’s school stuff, right? But honestly, even if I wanted to, I couldn’t get a foot in the door. His grandpa, his uncle, his godfather, and his dad—they’ve all already talked to the school, and I’m totally out of the loop. Besides, if I tag along on my husband’s work dinners, he ends up babysitting me.”
Madison sighed. “Then at least help Henry pack up the rest of his things at home.”
Mia started ticking off on her fingers. “Naomi bought Henry a backpack, you got his bedding, Molly picked out new clothes for him, my husband handled all the paperwork, and Cooper—he’s all the way overseas—still managed to mail him notebooks and pens. Seriously, I don’t even know what’s left for me to do. Mom, this is my first shot at raising a kid. Why don’t you just tell me what else I should get ready?”
Madison just shook her head, speechless.
That night, Andre swung by to pick up his wife and kid, and he’d already heard from his mother-in-law about the day’s complaints. He just shrugged. “Honestly, Mia wrangling Henry day in and day out is harder than anything money can fix.”
Sure, they could buy whatever they needed or let assistants handle things, but when it came to keeping that little troublemaker in line, it was all on Mia.
Henry wasn’t signed up for any official after-school programs, but pretty much every day, some family member took it upon themselves to introduce him to something new.
It was still too chilly for the outdoor pool, so Andre just carried Henry down to the indoor pool in the basement.
Just like his uncle wanted, Henry learned best when he was having fun.
Meanwhile, over in Newtown, Annie was back at work after her break.
Conner’s billion-dollar factory was finally up and running, and Eldoria had just partnered with the Hernandez Group from the West. Thanks to all the technical hurdles, only two companies worldwide were even close to getting into this new energy business.
If she found any wild berries, she’d bring them down for her sister and little niece.
She’d let go of everything now—after barely surviving, she finally saw things as they were. Life on the mountain was simple and quiet, even a bit dull, with patchy internet. But with the basics Dean had taught her, she passed the time reading medical books or practicing her calligraphy.
Elizabeth had just learned how to say “Ah!” and would video call her aunt at night, all wide-eyed and confused—why wouldn’t the person inside the phone come out and play?
Maja couldn’t help but laugh at her niece’s adorable, puzzled face, talking to her for ages even if Lizzy just babbled. Only Lizzy could make Maja smile like that.
Whenever she had some free time, Maja would trek down the hill to visit Lizzy, always bringing along a toy or a little treat. “Lizzy, Auntie’s here!”

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