Chapter 62

Alice stared at the "Closed" sign hanging on the hotel's grand entrance, her heart sinking. It had been three days since the incident with Mr. Jenkins, and the Ritz Hotel remained shuttered. She clutched Charlie closer to her chest, feeling lost.

"What are we going to do now, sweetie?" she whispered to her son, who babbled happily, oblivious to his mother's worries.

As if on cue, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Max: "Hope you're doing okay. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call."

Alice felt a mix of gratitude and unease. Max had been nothing but kind and supportive, but his power and influence scared her a little. Could she really trust someone she barely knew?

She was pulled from her thoughts by another buzz. This time, it was Emma.

"Hey sis, saw the news. Are you okay? Do you need me to watch Charlie while you job hunt?"

Alice sighed, grateful for her sister's support,she really need another job as she cannot shake off the feeling of shame and guilt and how she wo