Chapter 296 Alice hadnât expected to run into them at the elevator. The atmosphere became tense; everyoneâs expressions were complex.
Julia Garcia was surprised; she hadnât expected to be caught so quickly. It would have been fine if it were just her and Mrs.
Wilson, as they knew who Alice was, but Mrs. Chen was different. This was bad Mrs. Chen was shocked. She saw Alice and Jack holding hands and sensed their relationship. With the failed engagement between the Tremaines and Mos, and rumors of Jack having a girlfriend, Mrs. Chen was curious but hadnât investigated, fearing Jack. She never expected it to be the Land heiress!
Mrs. Chen looked at Jack, now she understood why Garrett had called; it was Jackâs doing. Mrs. Chen started to speak to Jack, but Mrs. Wilson interrupted. âYou were going for a facial, right? Weâre running out of time, letâs go.â Mrs. Wilson seemed flustered; she rushed towards the elevator.
Alice and Jack stepped aside. Jackâs expression was unreadable; he looked at his stepmother, unsure of her intentions. Heâd expected her to trouble Alice, but sheâd been surprisingly kind.
Jack had planned to confess his identity to Alice, but his stepmother hadnât said anything.
Mrs. Wilson was agitated; she didnât look at Jack or Alice. Mrs. Chen was curious but silent. Julia Garcia was anxious; she didnât want Alice to know Jackâs identity yet. Despite their complex emotions, no one spoke.
Once the elevator doors closed, Mrs. Wilson relaxed. Exiting the elevator, she said to Mrs. Chen,âPlease keep this a secret.â
Mrs. Chen looked at Julia Garcia.âThat girl is no match for Julia.*
âI know, but itâs complicated.â Mrs. Wilson looked at Julia Garcia with guilt.âI wanted you to be my daughterâinâlaw, but no one can change Jackâs mind. Youâre not young anymore; consider dating other eligible men.â She knew Jack didnât like Julia Garcia.
âAuntie Wilson, did I do something wrong?â Julia Garcia panicked; without Mrs. Wilsonâs support, she and Jack had no chance.
âNo, youâve been wonderful. But Jack and Alice are impossible. Besides me, the matriarch wouldnât approve.â Mrs. Wilson left, troubled.
Mrs. Chen comforted Julia Garcia. âTheyâre from different social circles. If the Tremaines donât approve, Miss Garcia still has opportunities. Men are practical when it comes to marriage.â Julia GarcÃa forced a smile. But she sensed something was off. If Mrs. Wilson disliked Alice, why was she so kind to her? This was contradictory. She needed to find out what was happening.
Upstairs, Alice looked at Jack.âDo you know Julia Garcia?â
Jackâs heart sank.âYes.â
âRemember when we had the car accident? She brought you food, saying your mother sent it.â Alice hadnât questioned it before, but now things were different.
Jack nodded. âMy mother sent her, but I donât have a close relationship with her.â Alice understood. Julia Garcia also knew Garrett; they were probably friends.
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Chapter 296 Menu Back in the room, Alice continued eating. Jack was restless, thinking about the encounter. He was relieved Mrs. Wilson hadnât revealed his identity.
Alice finished eating. Jack hesitated.âWhat are you thinking?â
âA friend of mine is having some trouble.â
âWhat happened?â Alice thought it might be Garrett.
âHeâs rich, but heâs hiding his identity from his girlfriend, and heâs unsure whether to reveal it.â
âIn that case, I suggest breaking up,â Alice said seriously.
Jackâs face paled.âBreak up? What if he doesnât want to?â
âIf he doesnât want to break up, why wasnât he honest from the start? Couples should be honest. He hid his identity because he was worried she was after his money, right?â
âNo, itâs not that.â Jack was flustered; heâd never been this nervous.
âThen why?â Jack couldnât tell Alice the real reason.
Alice leaned closer.âJack, somethingâs off.â Jack was sweating.
Alice narrowed her eyes. âYouâre defending this friend SO much; is it you?â
Jack couldnât speak.
Alice laughed.âJust kidding. I think itâs Garrett.â
Jack was sweating; should he confess now? But Alice had suggested breaking up. He didnât want to break up! He had to find a solution. Heâd talk to Garrett.
Alice checked the time.âLetâs go; itâs getting late.â
They left Pear Garden.
Alice saw Lewis and Chloe outside.âYouâre still here?â
Chloeâs face contorted with anger. Theyâd been left out for so long, probably because of Alice. Lewis was furious.âAlice, did you say something to Big brother? He hasnât come out and wonât answer our calls.â
âAsk Ethan. Why ask me?â Alice guessed Ethan had done it intentionally; he likely disliked them. Chloe said aggrievedly, âAlice, I know youâre upset, but this dinner was important for the foundation. You deliberately caused trouble. If the foundation gets in trouble, youâll regret it.â Sheâd heard Mrs. Chen would be there. Impressing Mrs. Chen was crucial for her advancement, but she couldnât even enter Pear Garden. It was all Aliceâs fault. Alice was preventing her from networking with Mrs. Chen.
Lewis grabbed Aliceâs hand.âYou have to take Chloe and me inside, or youâre not leaving!â He couldnât break his promise to Chloe.
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