Chapter 199
Chloe was convinced Alice was being kept by Andrew Yates.
Ethan’s expression was unreadable.“Are you sure?”
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“Think about it, Brother. There were hints in New York. Now, she’s in Washington, working at this company, and suddenly a shareholder. Something’s fishy.”
Ethan knew this tactic was common among the elite. Setting up small companies for mistresses was a small expense. But he hadn’t expected Alice to hook up with a Yates heir. She was getting ambitious!
Chloe, seeing Ethan believe her, smirked.“Brother, we need a plan. If Alice has that man backing her, she’ll always look down on us!”
“She dares. I’ll try to meet that Yates family member and talk about Alice.” He was her brother; the man couldn’t ignore him. Alice couldn’t keep making mistakes.
Outside, Alice finally relaxed. Her representative vented, “Alice, your brother is outrageous! Before Mr. Henry arrived, he mocked and belittled you. Then he changed his tune, using moral high ground! It’s like you stole our trade secrets!”
Alice thanked Henry.“Thank you so much. You were amazing.”
“It was my job,” Henry replied. Seeing Alice’s politeness, he contrasted it with the Alices‘ behavior. They were clearly biased. But with the Wilson family heir backing her, ten Alice families wouldn’t matter. He remembered Alice and Jack were in that accident, and Jack asked him to keep it confidential. He finally met the girl the Wilson heir was so protective of.
Alice exchanged contact information with Henry before he left. She remembered Garrett Yates mentioning his cousin, but she didn’t want to ask Henry. She’d ask Andrew Yates later. It was odd they both had the same surname.
Back at the company, Alice checked the AI project progress. With Henry as their lawyer, everyone was more confident and efficient.
Alice was coding when Jack arrived. She was wearing glasses, intensely focused on her work. Her fingers flew across the keyboard. She looked slightly dazed.
Andrew Yates whispered, “Ethan contacted me through an intermediary, wanting to talk about Alice. They suspect something because of Henry.”
Jack looked away.“Meet him. See what he wants.”
“Okay, I’ll probe Ethan to see if he learned anything from Garrett Yates. I’m off.” Andrew Yates left. He was merely a public front; Ethan targeted him first.
Jack sat down, also checking the AI project. Time flew. The sun set. Alice finished her tests and stretched her neck. Everyone had left. Her boss’s office was still lit. Andrew Yates?
She knocked. A cold voice said, “Come in.” Jack’s voice.
She opened the door, seeing ‘Jack at his computer, wearing a white long–sleeved shirt, sleeves rolled up to reveal his forearms.
“What are you doing here?”
“Why can’t I be here? Disappointed to see me?” He leaned back, his gaze on her. Alice leaned against the door.“I thought it was Andrew Yates. You’re quite the diligent
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Chapter 199
consultant.”
“Come here. Did
you find
any problems?”
Menu
Alice approached.“A few minor issues. We’ll need a meeting to address them.” Jack tapped his desk.“Check this. Did you find the same problem?” He’d also been testing? Alice went to his side. Jack stood and offered her his seat. He poured her a glass of water. Alice clicked the mouse.“You found it too. I wasn’t sure.” Jack was more skilled. He leaned over the computer, calmly explaining the issue. Alice listened attentively but then noticed they were close. He was bent over, almost holding her. She couldn’t focus. She took a sip
of water.
Jack straightened up.“Thirsty?”
Alice nodded.
He smiled.“I drank from that cup.”
Alice’s face flushed. “I’ll get you another.”
“No, let’s eat.” He created distance, as
if erasing the moment of intimacy.
Alice stood. “It’s late. I need to get back to the dorm before curfew.”
Jack checked the time. It was late. YunDa dorm curfew was 11 pm.“I’ll take you back.” Alice sat in the passenger seat. The silence was uncomfortable. She initiated conversation.“Andrew Yates didn’t come today, huh?”
“Why do you need him?”
“He got that lawyer, Henry. The famous one!”
Jack said calmly, “Yes, I know.”
“What’s Andrew Yates’s relationship to Garrett Yates?” Alice knew Andrew Yates was wealthy, but she didn’t expect him to be connected to the Yates family in Washington.
Jack stopped at a red light.“Why ask?”
“Garrett Yates was at court with Chloe. He said something strange, implying Henry took the case because of his cousin.” She omitted Garrett Yates’s comment about her affairs.
Jack knew he couldn’t hide it.“He is Garrett Yates’s cousin.”
Alice was shocked.“Andrew Yates is the heir to the Washington Yates family?” She hadn’t known he was so influential! “Your good buddy is loaded.”
Jack was slightly uneasy.“He’s alright.”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“No need.”
Alice considered that. Andrew Yates probably didn’t want to reveal his identity. The car stopped at the school. Alice waved goodbye.“Drive safely.”
“Alice, you ditch your sugar daddy for this poor schmuck? Playing both sides? Don’t you worry
that Yates will find out and dump you?”
Chloe, reeking of alcohol and perfume, stumbled out of a bare Jack’s expression turned cold.
