Chapter 60

Alicia placed the lunchbox on the coffee table and looked at Gabrielle with a conflicted expression. “I heard you and Jonathan mention my name. Is it about Elise again? Did they fight because of me?” Her voice held its usual innocent ring. With her sweet face, she seemed incapable of harm.

I still found it hard to believe she was the one who’d attacked me by the pool. Had I not seen her true nature, I might have fallen for her innocent façade like everyone else.

Gabrielle fought to control her anger, but her seething was evident. “You know you’re the wedge between them, so why do you keep showing up? Or maybe you wanted them to break up all along.”

Gabrielle's accusation hit its mark, and Alicia couldn't bear it. Tears welled in her eyes as she turned to Jonathan.

Alicia mumbled, “Sorry, Jonathan. I’ve been nothing but trouble. If it weren’t for Mr. Ford Senior’s request, I wouldn’t have burdened you.” She lowered her head. “Don’t worry. After Mr. Ford Senior is…” She wanted to say “gone,” but choked back tears, too heartbroken to speak. “I won’t bother you anymore.”

She knew how to appear vulnerable. If I were Jonathan, I might have fallen for it.

As expected, Jonathan coldly glanced at Gabrielle. “Have you been at Millenia Corporation so long that you’ve forgotten your place?”

The threat was clear, and Gabrielle paled. “That’s not what I meant…”

How could Jonathan threaten Gabrielle's job?

Thad, having heard enough, came down the stairs. “Keep business and personal matters separate. How can you take this out on her?”

Hearing my voice, they turned to look at me. Gabrielle’s eyes lit up, and she rushed over. “Are you alright, Elise?”

I shook my head and held her hand. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

Gabrielle gently touched my cheek, concern evident in her eyes. “But you’ve gotten so thin. You haven’t been eating well lately, have you?”

I managed a faint smile. “Relax. I won’t do anything that stupid again.”

Jonathan stood and walked toward me. He was very tall. His presence felt oppressive. “What are you doing out here? Where is Hugh?”

I met his gaze. “I came out on my own. Are you going to take it out on them too?”

His tone was sharp. “If you knew I’d lash out, why didn’t you just stay put?”

I glared at him. “If you know you have a bad temper, why can’t you control it instead of taking it out on others?”

I threw his words back at him. “Instead of blaming me, why can’t you admit you enjoy picking on people beneath you? Does that make you feel powerful?”

Right after I finished, the room fell silent. Gabrielle stared at me, her emotions unreadable. Alicia looked shocked, as if I’d lost my mind. “Do you even realize what you’re saying, Elise?”

Her tone was laced with disdain. “How is that an abuse of power? Their jobs and lives depend on Jonathan. Shouldn’t they be grateful? Who are they to…”