Chapter 77

Despite her attempt to hide it, I could sense that she was uneasy and dissatisfied in this place. I ate my meal in silence. Just as I finished eating, my phone rang, drawing the attention of the other three at the table. I didn't recognize the number, but I answered anyway, "Hello?" After I hung up, Alex's gaze lingered on my phone. "Who was that?" Mom asked with concern. "I heard you talking about a housing agent on our previous call." I nodded in response. "What?" Mr. Hastings Senior exclaimed, turning to glare at Alex. "We have plenty of properties available. How could you let Serena rent an apartment? You're supposed to be her brother." I quickly interjected, "It's not Al's fault, Mr. Hastings Senior. I want to find an apartment on my own. I can't rely on Al for everything." "Why is that a problem?" Mr. Hastings Senior responded with dissatisfaction. "We're family, after all." Mom chimed in, "Serena is right. Alex has already done so much by arranging a job for her. Seren