Chapter 53 Alice never expected this welcome. She remembered Noah and Luke showing up after her exams. last time, but all the attention was on Chloe. She was always overlooked. This time, someone had planned a celebration for âherâ. It was touching.
Jack leaned against a car, his figure tall and lean. He looked at her, his handsome features more serious than usual, less languid. Alice bit her lip and walked towards him.
Jackâs gaze was warm.âCongratulations. Itâs finally over.â
Garrett waved a banner enthusiastically.âAlice, this is my surprise for you! Do you like it?â Alice laughed, a little shyly. âThanks, itâs a bit much.â
âThe more the merrier! Better than some insincere people showing up with just a bouquet of flowers, right?â Garrett knew how to deliver a subtle burn..
Alice saw Noah approaching from across the street, carrying flowers. Last time, Noah had brought flowers... for Chloe.
Noah crossed the street, his expression hopeful.âAlice, I wanted to park here, but all the spots. were taken. I had to park across the street.â He hadnât expected this.
Garrett teased.âIf they really cared, they wouldâve come early, not at the last minute. No sincerity. Right, Jack?â
Jack said calmly, âPeople who think apologies are so grand probably wouldnât understand.â
Noahâs face was strained.
Chloe ran out.âNoah, youâre here! The flowers are beautiful!â She ran to Noah. Noah looked awkward; he only had one bouquet.
He coughed, bypassing Chloe to reach Alice.âAlice, congratulations on finishing your exams!â
Alice looked at the flowers. Thank you, but give these to Chloe. People might think you favor me over Chloe, whoâs adopted.â
×××× Noah felt a familiar chill.âThese are for you.
get Chloe flowers later!â
âNo, Chloe has been so kind to me. Her father saved my life! How can you be so biased? If thereâs only one bouquet, it should be for Chloe!â Aliceâs tone was calm but firm.
Noah froze. Heâd said those exact words before. Whenever there werenât enough things to go around, Alice always gave way. A sharp pain stabbed at his heart. Heâd been incredibly wrong!
He stammered, âAlice, I used to...â
âThe past is the past.
You have to move on,â Alice said breezily. âI have a class reunion tonight. Iâll go.â She went to Jack.âGive me a ride!â
Jack looked at her, saying nothing, opening the car door for her. The red sports cars sped off.
Noah wanted to stop her, but his feet felt heavy. Aliceâs words echoed in his mind, like knives piercing his heart.
Chloe watched the cars leave, seething with jealousy. How did that school nurse have so much money? Alice was good at getting favors.
Chloe said unconvincingly, âNoah, donât be angry. Alice will understand. Sheâll cool down.â
Chapter 53 âYou donât understand!â Noah felt Alice wouldnât forgive him.
Luke arrived. âNoah, the exams over.
I booked a restaurant. Letâs celebrate.â
Chloe nodded. âGreat, letâs go.â
Luke looked around.âWhereâs Alice?â
Chloe, forcing a smile, said, âShe left with the school nurse. I donât know how he rented so many cars. Quite a show.â
Lukeâs face turned grim.âNoah, why didnât you stop her? The exams are over, but you let her run wild!â
Noah looked distressed. âYes, the exams are over.â Alice had said to move on. Was she leaving the Windham family?
Luke had hesitated before coming, but heâd missed Alice. Noah couldnât accept this. He turned.âI have some business to attend to. You guys go ahead.â
âNoah, arenât those flowers for Chloe?â
Noah gave the flowers to Chloe.âSorry, Chloe. Good luck on your exams.â He was flustered. Heâd only bought one bouquet to avoid appearing biased.
Chloe accepted the flowers, feigning gratitude. âThank you, Noah. Iâm grateful to have. grown up here. Iâll move out after college so college so Alice wonât be upset. 1 know my place.â Luke said, âChloe, donât be silly. Youâre our sister! Weâll make up with Alice.
Itâs not your fault!â Chloe lowered her head, looking vulnerable.
Noah said, âYour brotherâs right. Stay here, donât worry.â Noah left, feeling overwhelmed. Heâd actually considered Chloeâs suggestion. That wasnât fair to her. There must be another way to win Alice back. They were family, bound by blood!
Alice sat in the passenger seat, enjoying the wind. Jack stopped at a red light.âText me after your reunion.â
âIâm going home,â Alice said calmly.âItâs time to end things. Her plan was to leave after the exams. She didnât want to stay a moment longer.
âHow?â
Alice smiled. Iâll cause scene and leave.
So theyâll stop haunting me.â Jack rested his hand on the steering wheel. Alice wasnât as weak as she seemed. Her patience with the Windhams was to avoid affecting her exams. She was clever. Unfortunately, they misunderstood, thinking she was just throwing a tantrum.
Jack dropped her off at the restaurant. After the reunion, Alice took a cab home.
The butler was shocked to see her.âMiss Alice, why are you back?â
âThis is my home. Is that strange?â Alice retorted, going to her room. She found Chloeâs things. there!
The butler explained, âMiss Chloeâs room leaked, so she stayed in yours. Noah said youâre both girls, you wouldnât mind.â
Alice looked cold. She threw Chloeâs bedding and belongings into the hallway. The butler was shocked and angry.âMiss Alice, how could you?!â
Chapter 51