Chapter 38
Alice had delicate features and a calm demeanor, but her eyes were stubborn, carrying a hint of rebellion. She firmly replied, “Even a hundred times, I still refuse,” she said firmly. Chloe seized the opportunity.“Brother, don’t be angry. I have a tutor helping me catch up, and I’ll improve my grades soon. Alice is working hard on her practice questions, and I’m going to learn from her, I promise!”
Noah chimed in, “Brother, I’ll handle their grades. Don’t worry.”
But Ethan was furious, Stop making excuses for Alice! I know her personality too well. Just because Chloe came to the Welch family, she’s been uncomfortable and looking for trouble! Alice, let me tell you, no matter how much you sulk or threaten to run away, it won’t change the fact that Chloe is part of our family. Even if you leave, she won’t.”
Alice lowered her head, her expression unreadable. Noah looked at her, feeling sympathy. “Alice, Brother didn’t mean it that way!”
Alice looked up, her gaze cold and distant. “I don’t care,‘ she replied, leaving the private room. Noah’s expression changed, wanting to chase after her, but Lu Dong’s furious voice stopped him,, Stop right there, Noah! You’re too soft–hearted, that’s why she’s manipulating you!”
Noah sighed, “Brother, it’s not like that.” Alice had changed. In the past, he would have thought she was just throwing a tantrum. But remembering her expression earlier filled him with worry; he had never seen her look like that before.
Chloe interjected, “Brother, Noah, please stop arguing. It’s my fault for not doing well on the exam. If only I were as smart as Alice. I wish I were as smart as Alice
Ethan’s tone softened. ‘It’s not your fault. Luke’s team took up your time. Noah told me what happened. Chloe, don’t defend Alice. Just because she’s family, we won’t favor her.”
Chloe smiled through her tears, “Thank you, Brother. I’ll work hard from now on.” In this family, Ethan was the hardest to please. Plus, since he was rarely home, Chloe had always been a bit scared of him. Thankfully, Alice had given her a great opportunity to shine today. But Noah felt Ethan had misunderstood Alice. “Brother, Alice also participated in the competition. If it weren’t for her efforts, we wouldn’t have won the revival match.”
“I almost forgot. I almost forgot. She pretended to refuse joining the sixth team to force them to beg her, but when Chloe showed up, she felt uncomfortable and secretly practiced, just waiting to show off in front of you guys.”
“Brother, that’s not true.” Noah felt helpless. He saw Ethan’s attitude towards Alice, realizing he’d been the same way. Was that why Alice had her heart broken and distanced herself from them?
In that moment, Noah was choked up, unable to say a word. He realized he had been unfair. The real problem wasn’t Alice; maybe it was him.
Noah noticed Ethan and Chloe chatting amicably, seemingly forgetting Alice’s absence. He felt uncomfortable; this was supposed to be Alice’s celebration dinner.
He slipped away and tried calling Alice; but there was no answer. He texted:“Alice, where are you?”
Alice read the message, leaving the restroom. Looking in the mirror, she saw her red–rimmed eyes. She’d decided not to let the Welch family affect her, yet Ethan’s words still stung. She splashed cold water on her face. In a month, she wouldn’t have to endure this anymore.
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Chapter 38
Menu
After leaving the restroom, she planned to take the elevator out of the restaurant. “Why are you here?” Alice looked up to see Jack and nervously lowered her head, “I’m here for dinner.” Her voice was hoarse.
Jack stepped closer, “Were you crying?” Her voice sounded off, like she had been in tears. Alice instinctively denied it, “No.” Just then, the elevator opened, and Noah stepped out. Upon seeing him, Alice immediately dashed into Jack’s arms, gripping his shirt tightly. She wished she could shrink into Jack’s embrace, not wanting her second brother to see her here. Jack was momentarily stunned, looking down at the girl clinging to him, her warmth almost intoxicating. He felt a strange urge to create some distance. But as soon as he moved, she wrapped her arms around his neck.
To outsiders, it looked like they were a couple in love. Jack raised an eyebrow, surprised by her
tions. The usually composed man was at a loss for what to do.
Alice peeked out; Noah had returned to the private room. She realized their intimate position. and noticed how tall Jack was. She was almost on her tiptoes, and he had to lean down for her to wrap her arms around him.
Alice released him awkwardly. “Noah came out of the elevator, and I didn’t want him to see me, so I borrowed you as a shield.”
Jack squinted, probably guessing why she was here and why she was feeling down. His voice was teasing, “You could just find any guy to block for you?”
Alice looked at him, surprised.“No.” Since the person standing next to her was Jack, she instinctively sought refuge in his embrace. If it were any other guy, she wouldn’t have thought of it. Probably not.
After hearing her answer, Jack felt inexplicably better, “Did you come to eat with them?” “Yes. They said it was to celebrate my good exam results.” she said sarcastically. She noticed him. with a beautiful woman earlier; now he was alone.
Jack said calmly, “Ranking tenth this time, not bad.”
Alice felt a surge of pride. “It’s okay. I have a chance to aim for Harvard University now.” He’d said her rank wasn’t good enough before.
Seeing her little smug expression, Jack smiled, “Have you eaten yet?”
“No. I don’t want to stay here.”
“Because of them?”
Alice nodded. “If you’re busy, I’ll go back to the apartment.” She didn’t want to go home. “If anyone leaves, it should be them.”
Alice was a bit confused by his meaning. Was he trying to kick her second brother and the others
out?
That was impossible!
- ed. If you’re busy, I’ll go back to the apartment. She didn’t want
“If anyone leaves, it should be them.”
to go home:
Alice was a bit confused by his meaning. Was he trying to kick her second brother and the others
out?
That was impossible!
