Chapter 245

Chapter 244

Chapter 244

Everyone followed Alice’s lead this time as they swiftly emptied their wine glasses.

“Speaking of which, Josh, I managed to extract a stag gering 30 million dollars from Daniel. I’m uncertain when he’ll call back. Once the funds are in, we can invest in scripts and produce idol dramas.

How does that sound?” Alice suggested, saying.

At last, Josh’s restraint broke. He gently touched Alice’s shoulder and expressed concern, saying, “You’re distressed. Feel free to take it out on us… We’re your emotional punching bags. Please, spare yourself from this torment!”

Gazing at Josh’s earnest demeanor, Alice refilled her glass with white wine, downed it in one go, sighed, and shared, “It’s not your fault. There’s no reason for me to lash out at you all. Moreover, I bear the blame. I was naive; there were countless hints, but I remained oblivious…”

“You…” Josh’s voice carried a trace of anguish.

Alice began to speak, signaling him to take a seat, her tone measured, “Honestly, your sisters were dressed too humbly, and I should’ve sensed something amiss from the start. Additionally, during the night I met your parents, I saw the bodyguards…

“Daniel’s words managed to sway me. There were other subtleties, and had I examined them more closely, his true identity would’ve become apparent. I failed to do so.”

“It’s not your fault. My brother involved everyone in deceiving you. Even if you harbored countless suspicions, it wouldn’t have mattered.” Josh responded with a sigh.

As Alice continued to drink, she smiled and inquired, “Since everyone is here, why not share a few secrets? Apart from your family, who else partook in this lie?”

Although Josh was hesitant to divulge, all eyes rested on him, particularly the piercing gazes from Theo and Andre.

He could only yield to the truth, saying, “It’s the individuals you’ve encountered… including your older brother, Johnny. They were all privy to my brother’s true identity.”

Raising an eyebrow, Alice replied, “So, essentially, everyone knew except me. I was the only one left uninformed.”

“It’s entirely my brother’s doing! He should not have begun this deceit! It all started with a single falsehood, snowballing into something unmanageable, rolling down a hill and growing in size.

Rectifying it now is a formidable challenge. Alice, do you despise my brother?” Josh replied angrily.

you

Alice rested her wine glass down, surveyed the gathering, and asked, “If it were any of you, how would feel?”

Each person regarded Alice earnestly, deliberating momentarily before offering candid responses.

One voiced, “If I loved him, I’d not harbor hatred. At most, there’d be a commotion followed by reconciliation.”

Another contributed, saying, “Not me. Matters of principle like this wouldn’t permit forgiveness on my part.”

A third interjected, “I can only forgive him if he possesses exceptional qualities, and the concealment pertains solely to his identity. Otherwise, I would not bring myself to forgive.”

“And you, Josh?” Alice inquired, directing her gaze to him.

After a pause, Josh hesitated before responding, “It hinges on how he treats me. If he’s indispensable to me, if I can’t envision a life without him, I’d locate myriad reasons to pardon. I’d forgive.”

Their viewpoints were anticipated, and Alice chuckled at their replies.

“Don’t force yourself to maintain a smile, you… What do you genuinely think? Be candid with us,” Josh implored, genuinely concerned for Alice.

“You’ve all reacted normally,” Alice affirmed with a nod.

“And you…” Josh inquired with a hint of caution as he observed her.

Alice poured herself another glass of wine, swirled it gently, and consumed half before responding, “You know what infuriates me the most?”

In response, Josh’s apprehension escalated, prompting him to inquire, “Isn’t it because he deceived you?”

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