"Blackmail?" Alice was taken aback. "What do they have against you?"Andrew held Alice's hand between both of his hands gently and spoke with glassy eyes. "Alice, do you trust me?"Alice nodded her head, looking at Andrew's face intensely."I'm holding something of immense weight, and I'm not yet ready to unveil it. Can we leave it unspoken?" Andrew's words were gentle, imbued with deep affection.Even though Alice maintained a certain stiffness and was unwilling to let it go until she had the full story, she found herself swayed by Andrew's request once more. She was convinced he had a solid reason."Very well, I won't inquire further, but don't expect forgiveness just yet. You had your reasons, yet you could have confided in me.""It's not the concealment of our marriage that bothers me, but the lack of explanation," Alice said sternly, turning her back to him once more.Andrew let out a gentle sigh, a faint smile gracing his lips. "She doesn't know how to get angry or throw a tantru
"What nonsense; how could Ronny do that?" Andrew asked in disbelief. "Yes, boss. Ronny provided assistance to the culprit. While their association was brief, he was complicit." Even Vicky felt blue to disclose this, but the fact will remain unchanged that Ronny betrayed Andrew. Andrew clutched his head, unable to comprehend. Ronny, a trusted subordinate, had turned on him. What could have driven him to betray Andrew? "How did you get to know?" Andrew asked with a stiff face. "Through the recovered texts." Andrew ran his fingers in his hair. "Where is he right now?" "I've assigned someone to tail him ever since I uncovered his deception. However, two days ago, he tried to flee the city, forcing me to detain him." Vicky said. "Hmm, I see. Two days ago, you handed me the reports. It's possible the perpetrator stole it after we exited the study. She may have given him a heads-up, leading to his attempt to be fugitive." Andrew said it with deep thoughts. "I share the same thoughts.
As the Kingston family bid their farewell, a profound quiet blanketed Alice's hospital space. "Isn't the Kingston family too nice?" Skylar said. "Certainly, they do. Grandma used to whip up nourishing meals for me even back then..." Alice's reminiscing was abruptly halted by the sound of her ringing phone. She widened her eyes, seeing 'Do Not Pick' Monica's number flashing after so long. "Yes." Alice still didn't forgive her and was not interested in her snobbish rambling. "I'm well aware, Alice, that you put good words for me before Mason's parents, leading to Mason's return to US a few days ago. I won't be offering my thanks for this." Monica said it with her usual attituduous element. "I don't even expect, so better cut chase." Alice retorted with the same temperament. Skylar frowned while listening to Alice's rude words and raised her eyebrows to ask who was on the other side. Alice showed her mobile screen to let her know the name of the caller. "I'm reaching out to tell
Alice's voice cracked with emotion as she spoke to Andrew. "Why would they do this? Just the other day, everyone found out about my mushroom allergy. It can't be a mistake. Someone added it intentionally," she said, tears rolling down her cheeks. Despite Alice being aware that a foe was manipulating Monica to harm her, Andrew understood that she remained oblivious to the fact that her life was at stake. Alice turned her gaze towards Andrew, who was deep in thought, his silence leading her to believe he was in shock. "I can imagine, Andrew; you're probably bewildered or even questioning my sanity, but I thought long and hard before coming to this conclusion," Alice rambled, wiping away her tears. "What's that?" Andrew asked in a trance. The impact of hearing the assailant's name still hung heavy on him, but seeing Alice suffer through the same ordeal was even more unbearable. "This isn't Monica spinning yarns. Sophie mom's agenda was not just to harm me but to wipe me out. All the
"You're a woman I've cherished from a distance for a long time." Andrew confessed.With a blend of surprise and a warm flush, Alice found herself in a state of disbelief."Come on, don't make up stories just to elevate my spirits."Amidst his chuckles, Andrew confessed, "However, I'd move mountains to see you smile; I'm honest about my crush.""But....Bursting with excitement, Alice was on the edge of her seat, eager to get her questions answered. She had a list of things to confirm, but Andrew intervened, putting a halt to her inquiries."Can you let me finish first?""Definitely," Alice agreed, making a zipping gesture across her lips."I mentioned before that your interview inspired me, and later I happened to watch one of your movies, which turned me into a fan of your acting.""Ever since then, in my spare moments, I've been devoted to searching for and watching your interviews. Slowly, I've made my way through each one, and my admiration for you has grown. Your journey towards
"The person she enlisted, Nick Baker, carries a criminal record, having been found guilty of the murder of Sophie Kingston's ex-husband, Clay Gilbert."Alice wondered aloud, "Wait, didn't her ex-husband meet with a car accident?"Even Andrew found himself taken aback. Despite his youth, he remembered vividly that it was that very accident that took away the person he cherished most in his life."Indeed, how does that make sense? It was a car collision, and my mom was another person involved in the accident. I remember it with such clarity.""Yes, it was indeed a car accident. However, following a thorough investigation, the police concluded that Nick Baker, coincidentally a garage worker, had tampered with Clay Gilbert's vehicle.""A car mechanic?" Andrew and Alice exclaimed simultaneously, their eyes widening as they locked gazes. "This is all so strange.""How could she employ an auto expert as a chef, especially one who's responsible for her husband's demise? This just doesn't add
"Alice, finally I got rid of you. Farewell, my dear. Rest in peace." The nurse whispered.Her joy knew no bounds, and she erupted into manic laughter. Yet, her glee was short-lived as she caught a glimpse of a subtle stir in Alice's motionless frame.Alice's hand lifted; she discarded her oxygen mask, got up, and perched on the bed. "Sophie Mom, you've got it all mixed up. I'm perfectly fine."Sophie was left in stunned silence, and then anger welled up inside her like a storm. She clutched the syringe as if it were a dagger, thrusting it toward Alice's neck. Just in the nick of time, Andrew rolled out from beneath the bed and restrained her hand."Stop right there, Sophie Kingston. Lay a finger on my wife, and you'll regret it."Andrew swiftly maneuvered, twisting Sophie's arm and securing it behind her back. He forced her into a chair, swiftly fastening her restraints. Then he yanked off her wig and glasses, exposing the disguise."Urgh." Sophie shook her head."Damn, that's one hel
Frozen in place, Alice withheld her breath as the gun remained pointed at her. After a short pause, she subtly turned her head to size up Sophie from the corner of her eyes, as Sophie continued to cry out and intimidate those around her. She capitalized on this chance, promptly clasped the hand wielding the gun, directed it upwards, then deftly twisted it, causing the weapon to drop, and restrained both of her hands behind her back. With her proficiency in martial arts, she swiftly subdued her in a matter of moments. In a swift motion, the officer advanced and handcuffed Sophie, as two lady cops quickly positioned themselves on either side, taking hold of her hands. "Alice, you bitch, I will kill you." Sophie roars like an animal. "Officer, just lead her out of here," John said. "Hold on..." Alice's sharp tone brought everyone to a standstill. She walked over to Sophie, took her stance, and questioned, "When and how did I offend you? What's the origin of this deep-seated hostilit
Listening to lawyer Jones's argument, Alice and Vicky held their heads. They were at a dead end when a sudden voice made them jump in surprise."Pardon the interruption, but I have evidence that exposes Mason Rex not only as a bad father but as a genuinely awful person," Andrew declared with a sense of outrage upon entering the courtroom.Alice and Vicky exchanged surprised glances before turning their attention to Andrew, whose expression was stern and his eyes blazed a fierce red. Even Mason and Jones were visibly shaken, captivated by the intensity emanating from his fiery gaze.The judge glared at him and massaged his temples. "What's going on here? Mr. Kingston, maintain order in the court or face removal. Defense counsel, enlighten us on this new development." His irritation heightened with the persistent interruptions.Vicky was completely in the dark about what Andrew was talking about, rendering him dumbfounded. He looked at Andrew and the judge with a zipped mouth, like a de
"I may not have singled out your name, but to the plaintiff's lawyer, your statement carried significant weight."Vicky's remark triggered laughter in the courtroom, leaving Jones feeling offended."Excuse me, we don't need to play a cheap trick when truth is our ally. Mr. Rex is Emma's biological father, and a parent needs no justification to reclaim their daughter.""Your honor, I earnestly implore the court to weigh Mr. Rex's blood relation to the child and render a decision in his favor. Allow an anguished father to reunite with his daughter."Jones, at this moment, had no recourse but to go to court, relying on Mason's biological fatherhood as the sole influential factor in tilting the case in their favor.Vicky sighed and shook his head, accustomed to Jones's theatrical displays and feigned emotions aimed at swaying the court."What if there's a legitimate reason?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow."What?""What if I propose that even a father like Mason may have a rationale fo
In the courtroom, Paul Rex brought to light a new revelation, a piece of knowledge shared among Alice, Andrew, and Vicky. Yet, their challenge lay in the absence of concrete proof to back up the information they possessed."Point duly noted, Your Honor. Mr. Mason Rex professed a profound love for his ex-wife and conveyed regret for the child. However, this revelation unveils a contradiction—indicating he was never genuinely inclined towards marriage or assuming responsibility for the child but was compelled to do so."Vicky's words stirred a reaction from Mason, who hastily stood up to defend himself. In response, Jones gestured for him to exercise caution and avoid actions that could prove unfavorable in the proceedings."What unfolded next, Mr. Rex?" Vicky shifted his focus back to Paul, encouraging him to pick up where he left off."I deeply regret coercing this troublemaker and hoping he would reform for the well-being of his wife and child. Sadly, my choice subjected the poor wom
Vicky vented his simmering rage over Mason's intricate web of lies about his relationship, a revelation that outpaced even the awareness of his legal representative."Your Honor, the accused asserts a lack of recollection regarding the breakup with Miss Cooper. Nonetheless, the truth emerges: he terminated the relationship upon her refusal to endorse his company as a brand ambassador. This is what he is not in a position to accept. Subsequent revelations exposed his infidelity during the course of their relationship.""Miss Cooper, left with no recourse, exposed his misconduct, resulting in the loss of his company. In retaliation, he targeted Miss Monica after their marriage, subjecting her to a tumultuous and distressing life."Vicky's statement was left incomplete as Jones abruptly rose and began applauding. Departing from his usual objections, he introduced a surprising and unconventional method of interruption that caught everyone off guard."Lawyer Jones, can you please put words
"Your honor, before we commence today's proceedings, Miss Cooper would like to make a request to the court," Vicky stated after bowing to the judge.Mason and his lawyer exchanged glances, and Jones threw them a look that said they were pulling the same stunt, but he made it clear it's not going to fly in court—different day, same old song.The judge gave a nod of approval, granting permission for the request.Alice sauntered up, taking her spot in front of the judge after shooting a quick nod. Feeling the weight of onlookers' stares, she nervously licked her lips, sensing the heat in the room.The seasoned stage and on-camera pro, unafraid in the limelight, is now grappling with stage fright for the first time. However, driven by her love for her daughter, she pushes through.Alice let out a deep breath, mustered her courage, and started speaking. "Your honor, during the previous session, Attorney Jones claimed I'm unfit as a mother for Emma, and even...""Your honor, objection. What
Alice and Andrew stepped out of the elevator onto the 52nd floor of the Royman Hotel that evening, ready to meet Mason. Thanks to Vicky's setup, the ball was in Mason's court."Sunny, any hunch on why Mason opted for our hotel meet-up instead of his office digs?" Alice queried as they strolled in."The thief thinks everybody steals. I reckon Mason Rex's a bit wary, fearing we might have some tricks up our sleeves for this meeting. So, he's strategically set it in our territory to clear his name if anything fishy happens," Andrew mused with a touch of suspicion.He read Mason's cunning mind like an open book."Hmm, you are right.""Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Kingston."Mason awaited them in Andrew's exclusive waiting lounge; spotting their entry, he rose, extending his hand for a shake. Andrew, a bit iffy, eventually gave it the nod."So spill it, Alice, what's the rush for this impromptu meeting? Worried that the verdict tomorrow will swing my way and your little angel, oops, I mean my darli
"Your honor, it's crucial to acknowledge that Miss Cooper opted to prioritize her public image over the well-being of the infant.""That's wrong......" Alice attempted to protest, but Jones kept firing questions with a booming voice. "Why'd you stroll out with the baby solo without giving a heads-up to your folks or security?""I went with Emma to the restroom, but she bolted unexpectedly while I was washing my hands. Despite my quick commands, being small and flickering, the little baby wouldn't listen, so I had to dash after her urgently, without alerting anyone to the sudden twist of events." Alice spilled the beans without holding back."Your honor, it's worth emphasizing that the defendant isn't just self-centered but also an inattentive mother, incapable of looking after a one-year-old child," Jones remarked, a broader smirk evident on his face.Once again, he slyly targeted Alice, preventing her from defending herself. "Miss Cooper, in the interview, did you really discuss a o
Alice and Andrew were stunned to see the director of Sunshine Orphanage appear as Mason's witness."Your honor, I'd like to point out that this woman is Mrs. Green, the director of Sunshine Orphanage—the entity the defendant manipulated to falsely assert her adoption of baby Emma. Yet, Director Green's statement provides a stark contrast," Mr. Jones explained.The judge peered over his glasses at the individuals before him and declared,
"I'm the poor man whose daughter you've absconded with, masquerading your adoption as a virtuous act. You're the very definition of an opportunist," Mason hissed, an insidious smirk creeping across his face."Your words hold no weight. She's my child, and you're nothing but a loathsome fraud and betrayer. I'll ensure the truth prevails in court."Alice couldn't contain herself when he claimed Emma as his own, but when she tried to object, Mason's unscrupulous grin remained unshaken.