He got worked up again, pointing right at my nose, but couldn’t find the words to curse me.

Alice couldn’t stand it anymore. While comforting Edward, she shot me a disapproving glare. “Elise, you can’t talk to Mr. Ford Senior like that! That’s too much! Apologize to him!”

I didn’t even glance at her; I just sported coldly and turned away.

She called my name from behind, while Edward’s breathing grew heavy, as if he was fearing he couldn't hold back his anger.

I tignated them completely.

She could only look at him with a hurt expression and say, “Mr. Ford Senior, she’s always targeting me. I know, and I don’t care, but I really can’t stand how disrespectful she is to you.”

Just as I reached the door, the bodyguards blocked my way.

I gave them a cold glare. “What, I’m not allowed to leave?”

Edward raged from behind me, “Get out! Let her go! I want to see who’s stopping her!”

Only then did the bodyguards step aside, and I walked out without looking back.

Once I was out of sight, I pulled out my phone and contacted Frederick.

His voice was soft, with a hint of ragged breathing. “I’ve gotten Aria out. Meet us in the back alley.”

I nodded and glanced back a few times to make sure no one was watching before heading to the spot.

They were the only ones there. It seemed they didn’t want to attract attention.

He was supporting Ana, whose face was pale and body weak, leaning heavily against him.

She mumbled, quickly covering her face as I approached, “Don’t look at me. I’m a total mess.”

I sighed helplessly. “You’re still worried about looking good at a time like this?”