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“Sylvia deserved it.” Kaylee broke a fry in half.

“Why do you say that?”

“She hired those women to attack Vivian!” Kaylee’s eyes widened. “Andyoudid nothing about it.”

I sighed. “How did you know about Sylvia?”

She shrugged. “Kids know a lot of things.”

“I dealt with it in my way.” I leaned into the table. “In a way that wouldn’t get me arrested. You’re thirteen. I don’t want this on your record.”

“My dad had one. It’s where I’m headed anyway,” Kaylee muttered, looking sad and defiant.

“Sylvia claimed you dumped hot coffee on her dress, pulled her hair, and called her a bad word. Then she found her Mercedes scratched with the same bad word painted on her car.”

Kaylee stared at me and said calmly, “Sheisa bitch.”

I wanted to strangle her, but I also understood her anger and her protectiveness toward Vivian.

At this moment, I applauded all parents and guardians for having the patience to deal with teenage angst. I was probably just as bad at my age.

“Language, little girl.” I inhaled a breath. “You’re lucky she didn’t press any charges. There were videos of you damaging her car.”

“No, there weren’t.” She smiled.

“What do you mean?” I arched an eyebrow.

“Becauseyoudeleted them.”

The fuck?“How do you know?”

Two cameras were nearby, and I’d asked the PI to delete them immediately.

She shrugged. “I know you can do certain things. I’ve watched you do them at Whiz Kidz. You’ve talked on the phone, asking people to do stuff for you. You’re good with computers, and you have connections.”

Christ.I had to be extra careful around this girl.

“Why did you callme?”

“Because it would break Vivian’s heart.” Kaylee sighed. “Please don’t tell her. She’s taken me in and made me her family. She’s my guardian, the best big sister I could ever ask for.” Tears filled her eyes. “And it pissed me off Sylvia hired those women to attack her. That’s just mean!”

I got out of my seat, walked over, slid into her booth, and slung an arm around her shoulders.

More tears came. “So when I saw Sylvia parking her car, I couldn’t help it. She’s dressed all pretty, but she’s anugly, meanperson! I can’t believe she’s your ex.” She glared at me. “What’s wrong with you?”

I didn’t answer.

I let her cry and spill all her frustration. When she was done, she turned to look at me with embarrassment. “Sorry I got you into this mess. Sorry that you have to buyhera new car, which she doesn’t deserve. Unless you mean a toycar.” A smirk appeared on her lips.

I chuckled. “No, it’s an actual car.”

She sighed, resting a cheek on her hand. “I’ll help you pay for it. You can have all my savings in the bank. Vivian started setting it aside for me.”

I appreciated her thought because it showed she acknowledged her mistakes and was dealing with the consequences.

“Don’t worry about it,” I said. “Consider this a favor. I might ask you for it back someday.”

“That soundsworse. What kind of favor would a rich guy like you want?” She gave me a suspicious look. “I’ll stick to the savings account. I know it’s not enough, but I’ll pay you more each week when I get a job. Hopefully, I’ll get a good job that pays well.”