Chapter 72: Chapter 72

Chapter 72 “I don’t want to repeat myself.”

Noah, usually mild–mannered, was frighteningly serious. He gritted his teeth. Have you forgotten why we’re even here?”

Luke finally calmed down. He’d come to the gala hoping to reconcile with Alice, but things had spiraled wildly out of control.

Chloe, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, whispered to Luke, “Sixth Brother, let’s go. My foot hurts.”

Luke, frustrated but defeated, reluctantly left with Chloe, without a single apology.

Alice watched the whole absurd drama unfold, feeling nothing but weary indifference. Chloe’s same old tricks, Luke’s predictable reaction. it was all tiresome and irritating.

Noah swallowed his disappointment, carefully addressing Alice.“I apologize for Luke. I... I never expected him to act like that.”

The guilt gnawed at him, especially considering Luke’s brazen demand for Alice’s apology.

Alice’s voice was flat.“I don’t accept his apology.”

“Alice, I know you’re angry, and I am too. But you really can’t sign with TikTok. It’s a cutthroat business, and I don’t want you to get hurt.” He looked at her with pleading eyes. “I know you’ve always been obedient, and I’ve neglected you. But that changes now. Sign with Green Apple Live, and you’ll have all the resources you need.”

“I’ve already signed with TikTok. Alice’s tone was casual.

Noah’s face froze. He hadn’t expected her to move so quickly. He was incredulous.“Such a big decision, and you made it alone?

Didn’t you consider talking to the family?”

“My life, my decisions.”

Alice turned and walked away, unwilling to engage further. Noah watched her go, a mixture of helplessness and sorrow washing over him. Alice had changed. She no longer relied on him, not longer revolved around him.

The gala’s minor disruption was quickly forgotten. Alice, the twelve–hit–combo gaming streamer, was a popular attraction. The TikTok manager personally approached her with a contract. “Ms. Alice, let’s do this today.”

Alice nodded.“Okay.”

Noah watched silently, silently draining his wine glass, a suffocating weight in his chest. Alice, confident and accomplished on stage, was a revelation. He realized his little sister had grown up, no longer the dependent child he remembered.

After the gala, Alice made several valuable connections. Leaving with Chloe, Chloe was practically ecstatic. That was so satisfying! Chloe getting what she deserved! I’ll be dreaming about it!”

Alice smiled. After all this time, Chloe’s tactics haven’t changed.” But she wouldn’t be a victim this time.

Daniel, the coach of the ‘Ball‘ e–sports team, approached them.“Ms. Alice, may I offer you a ride home?!

Alice was about to refuse when Noah intervened.“No need. I’ll take my sister home.”

Daniel raised sure your sister wants go with you?” raised an eyebrow. “Are you “She’s still my sister. Don’t even think about it, Coach.” Noah didn’t want Alice involved with the Ball team Alice stepped back, putting distance between herself and Noah.“I can get myself home. I don’t need either of you.”

“Alice. I need to talk to you.

Alice’s expression was think there’s calm.“I don’t think there’s anything talk about.”

“Alice, I know you’re angry, and Luke’s behavior was unacceptable. I’ll make sure he pays for this. Are you really going to let this drive a wedge between you and the rest of the family?”

Alice found the question laughable. Hadn’t the family always sided with Chloe? She responded coldly, “It makes no difference to me.”

Waiting for a taxi, a familiar car pulled up. Alice knew who it was.

The window rolled down, and Jack’s gaze met hers.“Get in.”

Alice got into the passenger seat.

passenger seat. As she closed the door, Noah approached. “Alice, I know you’re tired. Can we talk another time?”

Alice pursed her lips.“Maybe.”

Noah floored the gas pedal.

Noah stood there, defeated, turning to Daniel. “Coach, Alice will never sign with your team. Give it up.”

“You Windhams are so confident. Why are you so afraid of competition? I’ve never seen such blatant favoritism. It’s unbelievable.”

Daniel, though, glanced in the direction Alice had gone. If he wasn’t mistaken, that was Noah driving. No wonder Alice was a twelve–hit–combo pro! But why was “he‘ here, personally picking up a girl? Something was definitely up.

you get here?”

In the car, Alice discreetly glanced at Noah “How did “Coincidence.” Jack’s long fingers gripped the steering wheel, his expression slightly uneasy. “Did you enjoy the gala?”

“It was... interesting. Thinking of Luke and Chloe’s meltdown lifted her spirits. Jack looked at her, aware of what had transpired.

He’d come to make sure she was okay, expecting her to be upset. She was much stronger than he’d imagined. Alice’s phone buzzed. A message from her older brother. She didn’t bother reading it; it was probably more moral lecturing. She was tired of their endless guilt–tripping.

She put her phone down. “Let’s get some barbecue.”

“Where do you want to go?”

“There’s this amazing place by our old school. I used to sneak out to eat there. It felt like I was committing a crime every time, always worried about the smell sticking to my clothes.” Jack followed her lead. “Why sneak out?”

Chapter 72 “Because Noah forbade junk food. He said it was unhealthy... Her voice trailed off. Jack noticed the shift in her mood.“Leaving the Windham family... no regrets?” “None.” Alice lowered her eyelids.“They were nice enough about small things, but when it mattered–like choosing a college after graduation, or anything involving Chloe – they always made me compromise, make me give way.”

She didn’t need their paltry favors. And she wouldn’t be manipulated by their guilt trips. Jack’s lips curved into a slight smile. He’d worried for nothing.

The car pulled up to the school gates, Jack frowned at the slightly grungy surroundings but sat down calmly nonetheless.

Alice ordered a feast of her favorite things. I haven’t had this in ages. And two beers, please.”

The owner, looking at Jack, asked Alice froze. Boyfriend?

Alice, “What about your boyfriend?”