Chapter 35

“You can’t be serious,” Alek followed Emma around their bedroom as she packed an overnight bag. “Moving into your grandfather’s mansion? For how long?”

“As long as he needs me,” Emma replied, folding a sweater. “You saw him yesterday, Alek. He can barely get up the stairs.”

Three weeks after Franklin’s cardiac episode, his health had deteriorated further. Though he insisted he was fine, his color was poor, his energy non-existent.

“That’s why he has round-the-clock nurses,” Alek argued. “And Walter. He doesn’t need you living there.”

Emma zipped her bag. “He needs family. Someone who loves him, not just employees who care for him.”

“And what about us?” Alek gestured between them. “We’ve barely begun addressing our issues, and now you’re moving out?”

“I’m not moving out,” Emma corrected, exasperated. “I’m temporarily staying with my grandfather while he recovers.”

“Same difference.” Alek raked a hand through his hair. “You’re avoiding difficu