Quinn shot Alexander a quick nce before grabbing the sheets and heading to find the washing machine. The vi might look huge, but it didn''t actually have that many rooms. After tossing the sheets in the washer, she made her way back to the living room.


    Alexander was still parked on the couch. Quinn hesitated for a sec, then plopped down across from him.


    Alexander coughed a couple of times, covering his mouth with his fingers, then snuffed out his cigarette in the ashtray.


    Quinn eyed him with concern. "You good?"


    "What do you think of the name Leopold?" Alexander blurted out.


    "Huh?" Quinn was totally confused.


    Alexander rified, "For the kid."


    He stared at her nkly for what felt like forever.


    Dipping his finger in his water ss, he scribbled ''Leopold'' on the table.


    Quinn asked, "Does it mean something special?"


    "Nope," Alexander replied, keeping it short.


    "So, how''d youe up with it?" Quinn pressed.


    Alexander paused, then shrugged, "Saw it in a magazine. Looked decent."


    "Alright. Sounds good to me. Let''s roll with it," Quinn agreed easily.


    She''d brainstormed a ton of names over the past year, but none of them fit Sprout''s vibe. This one nailed it.


    "Cool. When you head outter, make sure to take Leopold with you," Alexander insisted.


    Quinn was floored. "Did you just pick a name so I''d take him off your hands faster?"Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "You wanna leave him here forever?" Alexander shot back.


    Quinn was speechless.


    She locked eyes with Alexander, the tension in the room thickening.


    Alexander knew she''d found the photo. No point in pretending anymore. Even if there were bugs, they had other ways to talk.


    Quinn couldn''t keep up the act. She raised her hand and signed, "Why? Why are you so eager to ditch me?"


    Alexander watched her fingers, his eyes flickering, but he stayed silent.


    When Quinn used signnguage, Alexander should''ve known she was onto everything.


    But he didn''t say a word.


    Quinn stared at him, waiting for an exnation. Whether he had his reasons or just didn''t want her involved, she needed to hear it.


    But after what felt like ages, Alexander acted clueless and said nothing.


    Quinn suddenly stood up, ring at him.


    "I don''t want him anymore!" she yelled.


    Alexander was stunned. "What did you say?"


    "I don''t want him anymore. If his dad doesn''t want him, why should I? You deal with it. Whether you toss him or sell him, he''s yours now," Quinn snapped, storming out without a backward nce. She was partly being spiteful, but she also knew Alexander would never abandon the kid.