CHAPTER 224
Sophia smiled in the midst of her concern. "We are a family, and families are always united in joy and sorrow. We will help you build a future filled with love and security for your baby."
Paul, though still stern, showed a glimpse of compassion. "We will protect you, Brittany. And this baby will know nothing but love and security."
As they faced the challenges ahead, the family forged a bond that was stronger than ever. They decided to consult with the authorities to ensure Kevin could not harm Brittany or the baby she was carrying. The road ahead was uncertain, but with the unwavering support of her parents and friends, Brittany felt a newfound strength.
The room echoed with a shared commitment-to protect Brittany and her baby from the shadows of the past. Little did they know that this unexpected turn of events would not only strengthen their family bonds, but also lead them on a journey of healing and resilience.
"But how did Kevin get out of prison on probation? We didn't even hear anything," Paul said unhappily. He grunted harshly, then pointed at Nicholas. "Did you know about this case and keep quiet, Nick?"
"I only found out about Kevin getting out of prison after I found him coming to this house."
"You mean... when we went to Paris?" Sophia asked for confirmation. She looked at Brittany and put her arms around her gently. Sophia then asked Brittany a question. "Is everything okay? You feel good? Kevin didn't do anything bad to you, did he?"
"He came close, but I pointed my fork at him to protect myself, Mom."
As Paul spoke, he looked at Brittany in surprise and replied. "Fork? You should have pointed the knife at him. He's an asshole! He made you sad like this, he even ruined your future. He should be put to death!"
"Calm down, Paul. Our daughter is going through a difficult time, she needs our support to deal with this," Sophia said, trying to calm her husband's emotions.
Then, Nicholas tried to mediate the heated atmosphere between them. "I'm checking the documents issued by the prison and the police station regarding Kevin's release. I've checked the warrant to release him and I found Hendrick's signature on it, he's in charge of what goes on at the city jail. I'll look into that too."
Paul snapped his fingers in the air, then pointed at Nicholas with an enthusiastic expression. "That's a good idea. You should also see if there is any possibility of fraud or nepotism going on inside the prison. We can punish Kevin and put him in jail again if we have strong evidence of nepotism."
Nicholas nodded his head in agreement. "But I can't investigate quickly. I have other matters to settle here."
"What's wrong, Nick? Is there a problem in the office?" Sophia asked curiously.
Nicholas looked at Alicia, then back at Sophia and Paul. "The field team is investigating the death of Alicia's parents."
Sophia and Paul gasped in shock. They immediately looked at Alicia and said, "We are very sorry and sorry for your parents, Alicia. I'm sorry that we forgot to say this."
Alicia smiled politely and nodded her head. "You don't need to be embarrassed. My parents had a private funeral, I didn't tell or invite anyone."
"There is a possibility that Alicia's parents were murdered, and this murder is related to another murder case," Nicholas said, he muttered then continued, "The field team is focusing on this serial murder case."
"Serial killings?" Sophia's voice filled the room, she was startled and clutched her chest. She looked at her husband and asked, "Is the city going to be okay? I think we need to help Nicholas, find a solution for our own daughter, Paul."
The tension in the room was heightened when Nicholas made a shocking statement about a possible connection between the deaths of Alicia's parents and a bigger, more sinister serial killer case. Sophia, who was usually calm, felt her heart racing, and Paul began to think about the possibilities associated with the serial killer case.
Paul finally took a stand. He sighed, then said, "I'll try to protect my daughter, so you can focus on the serial killer case. Do you have a plan?"
Nicholas nodded. "It all seems to be related to business, politics, and money, but the police are still figuring out the center. All of these cases are related to Ace, to the murder case at Golden High School."
"Ah, that case. That was the first time I handed you a complicated murder case, wasn't it?" Paul looked at Brittany, "It happened at Brittany's school and it was bad."
"Ace escaped and it's really giving us a hard time. The police are convinced that all these murders are Ace's doing."
Nicholas nodded solemnly. "Yes, it looks like Ace masterminded a dangerous game. The police believe these murders are somehow related to Ace's grudge against a certain family. A family like Alicia's."
Sophia sighed, "This is really bad."
Nicholas sighed, grappling with the gravity of the situation. "There's a lot we need to figure out. Ace's motive is elusive, but the connection is there. We're not just dealing with a random murder; there's a purpose behind every murder."
Paul, determined to protect his daughter, interjected, "We can't let Ace harm another family. What is the plan, Nicholas? How can we stop this?"
"We've been trying to catch Ace and all the investigations are still in progress," Nicholas said.
Paul then looked at Alicia, "This must be hard for you too. I'm sorry that we can't help, we have to take care of Brittany and maybe that's how we can help Nicholas, Nicholas doesn't need to help us so much to focus on the case."
Nicholas replied, "Thank you, Paul. Now, Alicia and I have to go. At least we feel relieved that we helped Brittany talk to you."
"I should thank you," Paul said. "Thank you for not abandoning her at a difficult time.
CHAPTER 225Alicia and Brittany hugged for a long time at the door. And after a while, Brittany stretched the distance between their bodies. Brittany wiped away the tears that were rolling down her cheeks. She was truly moved by everything that had happened that day."I'm grateful to you both. I didn't expect Mom and Dad to be mad at me. I can see they're disappointed, but they didn't ignore me and that's more than enough."Alicia lifted the corners of her lips that were polished with pink lipstick, it was a very thin lipstick. She grasped Brittany's hand, then let out a sigh of relief. "You're lucky to have parents who support you in this situation. I wish you and your baby good health. But most importantly, you need to protect yourself from Kevin.""Alicia is right. Maybe I'll send a policeman to guard your house for the next few days. Would you feel safe with that?"Brittany smiled and nodded in agreement. "That would be more than enough. Keeping Kevin away from me and the baby wil
CHAPTER 226Alicia couldn't give an answer when Nicholas suddenly asked. She felt awkward because she had said a word that she shouldn't have said in front of Nicholas. But talking about marriage shouldn't be this complicated either. Alicia looked at Nicholas, stared at the man who was currently her lover and muttered something long."We need a lot of things for marriage. And I don't think marriage should be a prerequisite for entering and managing a company." Alicia looked at Felix who was also looking at her curiously. "These are two different things, aren't they?"Felix smiled a little. He looked at Alicia with admiration. "I like the way you see the world. But alas, this is business. Business is business. There are many people who would like to sit in your shoes, but Madame Michelle has put you in that position without you having to work hard, and you shouldn't waste it." The forty-year-old man took out a folder from inside his tote bag, he placed the folder on the table and showe
CHAPTER 227"I need time to think," Alicia finally admitted, her eyes flickering between Nicholas and Felix. "This is something I need to think about very carefully, and I want to make the right decision for everyone involved."Felix agreed and nodded understandingly, his gaze showing unwavering support. "Take all the time you need. We're here for you, no matter what. This company is also part of your future family. Just like Michelle said, you are a part of all of this."Felix leaned forward, his tone softening. "Alicia, you are not alone on this journey. Madame Michelle's choices may be mysterious, but her intention is to create something lasting and impactful. It's not just about business; it's about the lives we can touch and the positive changes we can make together."Alicia appreciated the reassurance, but unresolved emotions still remained. "I will meet with Christine before the official handover. It's only fair to understand who will be taking my place for the time being."Fel
CHAPTER 228"Can we talk about us later, once I have a clearer picture?"Nicholas nodded, respecting Alicia's need for space. "Of course, Alicia. Take the time you need. I'll be here, whatever you decide. You know, I always support you in any situation. You can call me whenever you need me."Halfway through the trip, Nicholas suddenly thought of Alicia's favorite snack. Caramel ice cream from Uncle Chuck's shop. The man turned the steering wheel, not immediately returning to his house, but turning to Alicia's favorite ice cream shop. Alicia, who was looking out the window, noticed Nicholas' change of direction. She turned around and raised her eyebrows."You didn't intend to ask me to go somewhere, did you?""Tsk, you're really good at guessing things. That high intuition of yours really still works well," Nicholas complimented, Alicia smiling proudly at the small compliment. Nicholas mumbled, then threw a riddle. "Can you guess where we're going now?""I don't know, you are someone w
CHAPTER 229Alicia took a sip of the caramel ice in her glass, contemplating the gravity of the situation. "Nick, Angela isn't just Ace's mom. She and my parents are connected in ways I'm still trying to figure out. Ace's disappearance and my parents' murders may be connected, and Angela seems to have the missing pieces."Nicholas looked at the chocolate before him without interest. His appetite for a good time was gone in an instant. He looked around. His face looked serious, he was thinking about things. And Alicia was quite aware of that and allowed the son of Emma and Alan to take his own time.There was silence for a while, before Nicholas spoke up again. "If Angela is involved in this case, it means that everything related to Ace is probably related to her presence.""Are you going to investigate?""The police team checked on Wilson Blake before he fell into a coma and was hospitalized, I heard that Mr. Blake and Mrs. VashylChenko's romantic relationship didn't work out. They se
CHAPTER 230"I think the Ace family has secrets that we really don't know about, other than the business, politics and family issues that are all clearly exposed in the media."Alicia bit her lip, trying to contemplate Nicholas' words. Little did the girl know that not only had she fallen in love with Ace, but Alicia had fallen in love with a real danger. Ace was a real danger, and he was standing in front of her eyes. Alicia truly regrets her decision to love Ace in the past.She shouldn't have gotten caught up and not fallen in love with Ace. If time could be turned back, Alicia would definitely choose to live her own life without enjoying her encounter with Ace."Hey, Alicia, why are you daydreaming?"Nicholas' voice broke through Alicia's tangled thoughts. Noises began to fill her head as she regretted her past mistakes too much. Alicia tried to smile, then she stirred the half-eaten caramel ice awkwardly. "I'm sorry, I think too much when I'm with you.""I don't like it when you
CHAPTER 231The sound of a car in the distance made Ace, who was busy checking his cell phone, look away. The spotlight from the car that was about to turn made Ace's eyes glare. But his gaze became alert. From the silhouette of the car on the other side, Ace could see Alicia laughing with Nicholas. Ace squeezed the edge of the steering wheel, before he finally drove off in the car he had managed to get from Alicia.Ace had been keeping an eye on Alicia for the past two days, trying to record all of Alicia's activities for a greater purpose.On the way, Ace muttered under his breath. "This city is too cruel for you, Alicia. You should come with me. We'll leave all this behind and start a new life in England."On the other hand, Kevin had just walked into his house. Not even a few steps in, the living room light, which had been off, turned on by itself. Kevin was startled. And when he turned around, a slap landed on his cheek abruptly.PLAK!Because of the severity of the slap, Kevin f
CHAPTER 232If someone were to ask Kevin why he was so determined to keep Brittany, the answer would be because she was the only one who met his expectations. They'd been in a relationship for a long time, they'd endured the hardships of college together, they'd shared the same ups and downs, they'd shared the same love.They shared so many things that Brittany didn't realize that Kevin had a terrible personality hidden inside him.That day, was the day Kevin met Brittany. It was one year ago.Brittany was busy with her cell phone in her hand when someone with a stack of books blocking the view bumped into her. They collided and both fell to the floor. The thick books Kevin was carrying scattered to the floor, Brittany's Momentarara also fell and threw her cell phone.Brittany stood up in a panic. "Oh my, I'm sorry!"The girl picked up all the books, as did Kevin. He felt guilty for bumping into Brittany and did the same. After he was done with the books, Kevin tried to make sure that