Chapter 893

Trystan gave Asher and Elysia each a kids' phone with just four contacts—himself, Bethany, Asher, and Elysia. Then, he stayed put, watching until Bethany and the others got in the car before he left. … When they got home, Bethany took Asher and Elysia to change. Asher finished first. He stepped out of his room but paused when he heard Mateo talking on the phone in the kitchen. The tension in Mateo's voice caught his attention, so he quietly moved closer. Mateo's face was all twisted up as if about to snap. His tone was low and sharp, and his patience was running out. "I told you, I can't go back." Whoever was on the other end said something, and Mateo shot back, "I don't care. I don't want to go back anyway." His voice grew more frustrated with each word. "How many times do I have to say this? I've made up my mind. And if you're just calling about this, don't bother me again." Before hanging up, he warned, "Don't tell Beth about this." Asher had been standing by the kitchen doo