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."
Felix nodded, satisfied with Alicia's decision. "Good. She's experienced, and I'm sure you'll benefit greatly from her insights. Now, let's focus on preparing for next week's meeting. We need a smooth transition for the benefit of the company and the employees."
As the discussion shifted to practical matters, Alicia couldn't help but think of Nicholas' still looming proposal. The dynamics of love, duty, and the corporate world blend into a complex issue. Determined to navigate this intricate web gracefully, Alicia throws herself into preparations for the upcoming meeting, with the fate of Alpha Company hanging in the balance.
"This is Christine's profile and background if you want to know."
Felix had just picked up another folder and handed it to Alicia. "She is a confidant of Madame Michelle and Mr. Edward, she knows you and knows a lot about your background, but you have never met before. I will schedule a meeting for next week. Maybe the day before the internal meeting. How about that, do you agree?"
Alicia looked at Nicholas, as if asking for indirect approval. The girl looked back at the excited Felix and nodded her head. "That sounds good. Can I meet Christine outside this building? I'd like to talk casually since this is the first time I'm talking about business."
"Sure. Whatever you need, whatever you want, I'll help you get it."
After the discussion was over, Alicia and Nicholas prepared to leave with their folders in hand. Alicia intended to study everything before the meeting. She would be the CEO if she married Nicholas. She just needed to say yes, but her heart was still filled with doubts. Until Felix shook her hand and ended their conversation,
"This is the first time we've met, but I can tell right away that you're very knowledgeable and I'm sure you'll be able to adapt quickly. This is your company, this is your family empire. I wish you luck, Alicia." Alicia released their handshake and smiled. "See you next week."
"See you next week, Felix."
"Should I call a bodyguard to take you out?"
"Oh, there's no need to do that." Alicia took Nicholas' arm and said, "I'm going with my boyfriend. Everything is fine."
Felix looked at Alicia's hand and smiled at that. "Of course. He'll keep you safe. Bye, then."
As if he understood Alicia's wishes, Felix did not make much comment on her decision.
Alicia and Nicholas left Felix's room for the elevator. It was a spacious building with many people passing by them. None of them realized that Alicia would become a CEO because of her young age. No one knew that Alicia who had just entered the elevator was the daughter of Michelle and Edward, the business owners of Alpha Company.
"Alicia, you ignored my proposal earlier," Nicholas muttered in a sad tone.
Alicia frowned. "Can you call that a proposal?"
Nicholas smiled. "You know I'm serious, right?"
"Of course. But you don't have to do it in front of Felix. I'm so embarrassed."
The elevator doors closed behind Alicia and Nicholas, confining them in a cocoon of privacy for a moment. The air was thick with unspoken tension as they descended, the weight of Felix's words and Nicholas' proposal lingering between them.
"Alicia," Nicholas spoke softly, his gaze searching between Alicia's gazes. "I meant what I said earlier. I'm serious about us."
Alicia sighed, leaning against the elevator wall. "Nicholas, this all happened so fast. I have a company to run, and decisions to make, and now you've thrown this into the mix."
"I know, and I apologize if this seems impulsive," Nicholas replied, his expression earnest. "But I love you, Alicia. I don't want to see you burdened by all this alone. We can face it together."
The elevator dinged, signaling their arrival on the ground floor. As the doors opened, they stepped into the bustling lobby, mingling with the crowd. Alicia felt the weight of her responsibilities growing heavier, the choice between love and duty becoming more complex.
Nicholas opened the door for Alicia when they arrived at the parking lot. He served her like a princess, just like any other day. However that day, Alicia felt very awkward because of the impromptu proposal she received.
The cityscape passed by as Alicia wrestled with her thoughts. Nicholas took her hand, giving it a comforting grip. Nicholas knew his beloved was struggling, her mind filled with important and complicated matters.
"Alicia, I understand the pressure you're facing right now," he said. "But imagine what we can achieve together. As partners in life and business."
Alicia could not deny the appeal of Nicholas' vision, the idea of traveling together both personally and professionally. However, doubts remained, and she needed time to unravel the tangled threads of her emotions.
"I needed to meet with Christine, understand what was expected of me, and figure out the best path for Alpha Company," Alicia says. Alicia looked ahead with a shadow of the future. "I hope you can always accompany me in any situation, Nick."
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
CHAPTER 233Interrupting the warm atmosphere between the three women in the living room, Paul entered with a bag of fruit in his hand. The man was taken aback by the sight before him, wondering why all the women had such puffy eyes. Paul even saw Brittany, his daughter, wiping away tears that seemed like they couldn't stop rolling down her cheeks.Paul looked at everyone in turn, then held up the fruit plastic in his hand and said, "I brought you some grapes. I thought there would be enough for everyone."Sophia approached Paul and gently took his arm. She looked up slightly to see Paul's expression, which still looked confused. With a small smile, Sophia finally began to explain, "Grandma already knows everything, Paul."That one sentence made Paul turn to his mother-in-law. He was silent for a moment, before running over to Grandma and kneeling regretfully. Bowing his head and clasping his mother-in-law's hand, Paul apologized. "I'm really sorry. I couldn't take care of Brittany, Mo
CHAPTER 234Nicholas got out of his car and saw Noel walking towards him. With a small smile, Noel greeted his boss casually."Can't enjoy the New Year's celebration in comfort, Chief?"Noel's one hand, which was holding a cup of coffee from Fast Coffee, was directed at Nicholas. Noel's original intention was to place the coffee on Nicholas' desk. But since the owner of the table had already arrived, Noel quickly gave Nicholas the drink he ordered.Nicholas chuckled and accepted the coffee bought by Noel. Lifting the drink, Nicholas said, "Thank you for the coffee and the sarcasm, Noel. It really helped.""Tsk, this really is an unpleasant Christmas and New Year celebration, isn't it?"The two of them then walked out of the parking lot, heading inside the police station. It was still cold outside, so they both bundled up in thick, long coats to cover their shirts and suits. The snowfall wasn't too heavy, just a drizzle that occasionally hit their faces on the way."Since you gave me t
CHAPTER 235Nicholas mumbled for quite a while, before he unveiled his plan in front of Noel. "First, I did ask Peter to make a discreet inquiry into Hendrick's involvement with Ace, but since I suspect he's involved with Kevin as well, I might need your help as well."But Noel waved his hand in the air. "I refuse.""Why?""Investigating a criminal makes my head explode, now you're asking me to investigate a friend?" Noel immediately expressed her concern. "Let Peter do the job. They're close because they were assigned together. And it'll be easier for Peter to pry out information about Hendrick when they're talking casually about the investigation."Nicholas hadn't thought of that because he was pressed for time, and Noel's words brought Nicholas to his senses. Nicholas nodded in agreement. "You're right about that. But, Peter is a junior police officer, what if something bad happens to Peter when we don't know about it?"Noel rolled his eyes lazily. "Alright, alright. I'll join thei
CHAPTER 275 Nicholas drove the car as fast as he could. He cut through the streets knowing that Alicia was in danger and needed to be rescued immediately. At this moment, Nicholas deliberately did not turn on the siren in his car to avoid things that threatened Alicia. Arriving at Alicia's house, Nicholas could see a suspicious car near Rick and his mother's house. Nicholas' eyebrows furrowed and he slowed down the car. While looking around, Nicholas tried to think of a plan. Until finally, Nicholas stopped his car right behind the suspicious car. Nicholas got out of the car, but his gaze remained wary. He took out his gun and pointed it downwards as he walked into Alicia's yard. He realized that Alicia's door was unlocked even though the lights were off. Just as Nicholas entered Alicia's house, a punch landed from behind. But Nicholas was strong enough to withstand it, so the man immediately turned around and pointed the gun at Ace. But Ace was also ready to shoot Nicholas in the
CHAPTER 274Nicholas observed the change in Selena's expression from a different room. She stood up and hugged herself while frowning."She keeps bringing up Glen. It's starting to worry me," Nicholas muttered.While on the other side, Noel began to open the folder given by Nicholas. There were several sheets of paper inside. They were reports done by Peter and that surprised Noel. He peered into the folder."I didn't know Nicholas would give me this much work." Noel's complaint was heard by Nicholas in a different room, but Nicholas ignored it and chose to focus on Selena. Noel looked at Selena then smiled and put the papers on the table. "I don't want to read all the writing on this paper. So, what can you give me to get me to get you out of prison?""I... I didn't kill anyone."Noel waved her hands in the air, she seemed to look down on the opponent. "That's a very standard thing. Do you have any evidence? Everyone in that base camp is dead, none of them can give you testimony. So
CHAPTER 273Glen looked up, he hadn't finished his fries yet. "Are you leaving now, Uncle? Are you going to see my mom?"Nicholas mumbled for a while, before finally nodding his head. "I'm going to take care of some work and meet with your mother. Is there anything you want to say to her?"Glen's face grew more enthusiastic as he finished the fries in his mouth and looked thoughtful. He looked around before finally seeing Nicholas again. Raising his index finger in the air, Glen said, "I want you to tell my mom that I miss her a lot. I want some chocolate candy from Uncle Chuck's shop! They have the best chocolate in town and I want to try it."Now, it was Nicholas' turn to raise his eyebrows enthusiastically. "Do you know Uncle Chuck's?""My friends in class talk about it, but I don't know. I just heard about it and wanted to try the chocolate candies they have."Nicholas nodded his head. He smiled widely and rubbed the top of Glen's head in relief. At least, the boy still had some e
CHAPTER 272Nicholas dropped Alicia off in front of Alpha Company's office, while he continued on his way to the daycare. He got out of his car, with a bag of fries from Mcd. Nicholas walked in and was met by Lim Sara.Lim Sara, who was working, greeted Nicholas politely. "Good morning, Detective. Have you come to pick up Glen?"A small mumble was heard from Nicholas. He finally explained the situation to Sara. "Um, well, the police still have to check a few things from Mrs. Selena. It may take some time, can Glen stay here a little longer?"Lim Sara looked worried. The woman with her beautiful hair coils mumbled, before nodding and replying, "Of course, Detective. But it seems like Glen is worried about his mother, he's asked about her several times and I can only say that she's at work." Sara turned around, then showed Glen who was sitting alone in the corner of the study room. "Because he stays here alone, without the other children, he thinks that his mother is angry.""Has Glen e
CHAPTER 271Alicia leaned on Nicholas' shoulder, she let the blanket cover their bodies on the sofa. After a night of sleeping together, Alicia woke up first. She took a deep breath and woke Nicholas up."Nick?"While shaking Nicholas' hand, Alicia tried to get her lover to wake up. And after a while, Nicholas did wake up."Um, good morning, Alicia." Nicholas adjusted his sitting position, he then blinked his eyes and began to speak. "How did you sleep last night?"Alicia mumbled. Letting go of the blanket covering her body, she hugged herself. "I got a good sleep because of you. But can't you just relax like this? You said you were going to check on Selena again today?""Yes, there will be a cross-examination. Noel will try to provoke her with psychological techniques," Nicholas said. He looked ahead, then moistened his dry lips. "I wonder to what extent Selena knows information about Ace. If Selena can tell the police about the steps Ace is taking, it would be great for all of us."
CHAPTER 270Nicholas put on an apron, before grabbing a cutting board and knife. He took out the onions, garlic and chili peppers. Skillfully, Nicholas began to chop the ingredients into small pieces, and then he heated the oil in the wok. He prepared to put in all the ingredients, and after the smell of onions was there, Nicholas put in the minced meat that he took from the refrigerator. His big hands started moving here and there quickly. He was like a professional chef. Sautéing, putting in spices and making everything better.Besides cooking the meat, Nicholas also prepared two loaves of bread on a plate. He placed the meat onto the bread, then garnished it with lettuce, tomato and some sauce on top.Nicholas patted his palms when he was done. He took off the apron, put it back on the table and started to prepare the two plates of food for the dining table. It was raining outside, and Alicia was still covering herself with a blanket on the sofa.It looked like Alicia was completel
CHAPTER 269Knock! Knock! Knock!Alicia opened her eyes after hearing a knock on the door. She tried to blink her eyes, then got up from her bed. She walked with her weak body to the door. The transparent door showed Nicholas outside, so Alicia didn't have to worry about opening the door.The girl opened the door and Nicholas greeted her enthusiastically. "Hey, Alicia. Why... what's wrong with you? Your face looks pale."Nicholas pressed the back of his hand to his forehead, checking Alicia's body temperature manually. He felt an unusual heat. There was something strange and Nicholas looked at Alicia worriedly."You have a fever, Alicia." Nicholas put his arm around Alicia and carried her into the house. Nicholas closed the door behind him and gently pushed Alicia into the living room. Nicholas helped Alicia to sit down. "Have you had a fever since morning?"Alicia nodded her head. "I... went to see Anna at her house.""Did you manage to meet Anna?""She... was close to my mother, Nic
CHAPTER 268"I may be ignorant of thethe law, I've run afoul of the constitution and statutes, but I know you'll remain a fugitive as long as you live in this world.a fugitive as long as you live in this world."Ace furrowed his browdeeply. "I'll have to think about it."The Fixer picked up the bagwith the money and held it in his lap like the baby he loved. While picking upseveral stacks of money and smelling the odor, The Fixer continued, "If you'dagree to my game, you can come the day before you're due to leave forEngland. Oh, and take Alicia with you. She has to 'die' with you too,right?"They exchanged glances fora few moments, before Ace finally turned around and left The Fixer's hiddenThe Fixer's hidden warehouse. He handed over the one million dollars he gotfrom stealing Amanda, Jill and Jason's money in order to escape farther than New York.than New York. But faking death? Ace hasn't thought of thatbefore.Meanwhile, insidehis base camp, The Fixer was feeling go
CHAPTER 267CHAPTER 267Ace put on his black gloves before he got into the car. His brown eyes looked ahead, while both hands held the steering wheel. The engine hadn't been turned on yet, so the road ahead was very dark. Ace managed to hide the car in a narrow alley that only fit Ace's car. Even then, Ace had to work hard to get it out carefully.After the chase that almost got him caught by Nicholas, Ace felt even more threatened. The streets of New York City were lined with his face. He was the most wanted fugitive in New York City. Even billboards that used to display commercial advertisements or important notices were now replaced with his face. Everyone was looking for Ace Blake."Damn. Where am I going to go now? I can't go without Alicia, but taking her without a plan won't do me any favors either."After thinking for a while, Ace finally started the engine of his car. He positioned the car so that it could exit the narrow alley. The car blended into the crowded street, but Ac