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She hugged me. “If I’m ever falsely incarcerated and put in prison, I want you”—she pinched my cheek—“to be the maverick who masterminds my escape, okay?”

I chuckled. “Okay. But no one will dare touch you.”

She rested her head on my shoulder for a moment. I looked down when I heard a little snore.

I didn’t tell Vanessa that my lawyer would sue the city on her behalf so she could recuperate the money and time she’d lost. The City of Providence and its officials owed the Lam family much more than money could ever offer.

My Lily Pad had an emotional day. I could share this news with her later.

CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN

ATTIKUS

A few weeksof stability and no chaos gave Vanessa time to focus on her mom and her art gallery. Vanessa’s mom and Mom Gigi had been hanging out at my house often. Ellen joined whenever she could. Agnes and Joseph even stopped by a few times.

My house had never been this full of life. But I loved it and decided to host more gatherings.

The more my circle of people grew, the more I feared retaliation from Ashton. I didn’t give a damn that his new name was Madeline. He would always be the vile Ashton Lindor to me.

Vanessa and I had a lunch gathering at the Krazee Tavern today at one in the afternoon. The boys and their significant others, along with Mom Gigi, Ellen, Heidi, Agnes, and Joseph, would be attending. Remi had reserved the banquet room at his restaurant for us.

I walked into Vanessa’s studio and saw her standing with hands on her hips, staring at the painting of Madeline Claude-Collins. “It looks eerily like her.”

Vanessa crossed her arms. “I can’t believe she didn’t cancel the order. Instead, she wants it for an event at the Silver Cloud Hotel in three days.”

“That’s probably because you told her you were finished with the painting.”

“I guess so. Madeline must know I’m your wife by now. She didn’t when she first placed the order, but surely she does now.”

“I’m sure she knows,” I said. “She’s a narcissist. Since she ordered a large painting of herself and already paid you half, she’s going to want it, regardless.”

“You’re right.” She sighed. “I don’t have any more custom art lined up. Thank goodness.”

“How are you delivering this painting to her?”

“A delivery service will ship it to the Silver Cloud Hotel.”

“That’s a good idea. I don’t want you anywhere near that hotel.”

She took my hand in hers. “Ready for lunch?”

“You go ahead. The boys and I have to stop by Remi’s place to sign early copies of WaterFyre Rising.”

“You have early copies already?” Her eyes filled with excitement.

“We selected a group of gamers from around the world to download the early copies to play and promote them. But these physical copies are collectible items that we’ll give out as prizes for those who get us the most pre-orders.”

“That’s amazing.” She embraced me. “I’m so proud of you and the boys!”

“You inspired a large portion of Level Seven, so thankyou.”

After Vanessa left, I headed over to Remi’s house to sign the physical copies.

Remington, Grayson, Royce, Forrest, Arrow, Orion, and I stood around the dining table and lifted our whiskey tumblers, celebrating our success.

We’d have a large celebration with everyone later, but right now, we needed this comradery.

“The game has grown over the years. Eachof us created a worldthat symbolizes our fears and dreams,” Remi said. “Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with me.”