Chapter 339 Menu Mrs. Parkerâs question drew everyoneâs attention. The rumors of Jack breaking off his engagement with Julia because of another woman were rife.
Alice felt uncomfortable under the scrutinizing gazes. She met Jackâs gaze; his eyes were inscrutable.
He looked at her, saying calmly, âNot yet.â
Mrs. Garcia looked pleased. Sheâd known Jack wouldnât publicly acknowledge a girl from a modest family. This was probably a temporary infatuation; heâd eventually marry someone of equal standing.
Mrs. Parker pressed, âBut you called Miss Windham your girlfriend earlier.â
âBecause I havenât won her heart yet. Itâs wishful thinking on my part,â Jack said, his voice smooth and sincere.
Aliceâs heart skipped a beat. She hadnât expected him to publicly humble himself like this.
Mrs. Parkerâs smile faltered; she was surprised. Alice had managed to completely charm Jack. Mrs. Garcia smiled, but her eyes were cold. Losing the man sheâd had her eye on for years wouldnât sit well.
âMr. Wilson needs to work hard. Alice had many suitors in school,â Mary said, linking arms with Alice.âIf he doesnât act fast, someone else will steal her away.â
Mrs. Parker frowned.âMary, donât say such things.â
Aunt, Iâm telling the truth.â Mary subtly supported Alice; she knew everyone looked down on Alice because of her family.
Jack looked at Mary.âHappy birthday. Time flies. I remember you as a little girl.â
âI used to chase you two around. But because of my leg, Iâd often get hurt, and Grandma Wilson would scold you,â Mary said, her mood improving.âItâs time for dancing. Alice, do you dance?â
Alice nodded. Sheâd attended countless events like this in A City.
Mary extended her hand.âMay I have this dance?â
Mrs. Garcia interjected, âMary, you donât invite girls to dance. Dance with Mr. Wilson; youâve known each other since childhood.â
Mrs. Parker agreed.âYes, you were supposed to dance with Mr. Windham. Dance with Mr. Wilson instead.â
Alice looked at Mrs. Garcia; she was a master manipulator. This would make others resent Mary for dancing with Jack, especially mentioning their childhood friendship.
Mary refused.âNo, Mr. Wilson should dance with Alice.â
Mrs. Garcia persisted.âMary, itâs your birthday. Miss Windham wouldnât mind, would she?â
Alice met her gaze, smiling.âI donât mind.â
âSee? Mary, donât be shy,â Mrs. Garcia said sweetly, but her eyes held coldness.
Mary glanced anxiously at Alice and Jack; she knew Mrs. Garcia was manipulating them.
Jack looked at Mary.âSorry, I only want to dance with the girl I like. But I can find you a different 966 3 Chapter 339 partner.â
Menu âIâm here! Didnât miss the cake cutting, did I?â Andrew Yates arrived, with Wilson Garcia. Mary breathed a sigh of relief.âZifeng, may I have this dance?â
âOf course! Let me protect you; I wonât let any other guy have a chance.â Andrew Yates, understanding something was amiss, invited Mary.
He whispered, âWhatâs going on?â
âMrs. Garcia wants Mr. Wilson to dance with me and leave Alice out.â Mary explained her close friendship with Andrew Yates.
Andrew Yates understood.âThe Mos are persistent.â
Alice watched Mary and Andrew Yates dance, noticing Mrs. Garciaâs displeasure. Alice looked at her directly.âYouâre Maxâs mother, right?â
âYes. What do you want?â Mrs. Garciaâs coldness lessened, her smile deepening. What was Aliceâs plan?
Alice said, âYour daughter, Max, falsely accused me of theft and wanted to send me to jail.â Mrs. Garciaâs smile vanished. She cursed Max mentally. What a stupid daughter! Despite her anger, Mrs. Garcia spoke calmly.âI just found out. Max is easily influenced. Iâve already scolded her.â
She turned to Mrs. Parker.âIâm so sorry.â
Mrs. Parker understood and turned to Alice.âMiss Windham, you wouldnât mind a little inciden like this, right?â
Aliceâs eyes grew colder. They were trying to morally pressure her.
Jack, his face stern, cut in.âSheâs kind and forgiving, but that doesnât mean *I* am Chapter 340