Chapter 139

Alice gripped the doorknob, glaring fiercely at Caden. “Who are you to stop this? I haven’t broken any rules!”

“So why are you leaving?” Caden asked, his voice even. “The contract specifies you cannot refuse certain requests.”

"But it also requires consent," Alice countered.

“You owe me for what you skipped last night,” he declared. “If you're going back on your promise, don't expect the same consideration from me that I received from Randolph yesterday.” His fingers tightened on the doorknob, the wood creaking under the pressure.

It was clear: Caden was threatening her. Why this sudden change?

“Is this breakfast so important?” he asked, his patience thinning. “Or are you bothered by my visit to the Yates mansion yesterday?”

His face remained impassive. “Exactly. You shouldn’t have gone to the Yates mansion.”

“Why not? The agreement doesn’t require your permission for me to meet others or stay out, does it?”

"You are free to stay with whoever you want, except Joshua," she stated coldly.

Alice opened her mouth to reply, but he interrupted. “Remember our purpose here. I am horrified by your actions.”

Alice choked back her words. What was the point of explaining? Would he even consider her perspective? He’d already condemned her.

His resolve faltered. He seriously considered breaking the agreement. With one last look, he opened the door and left.

The door closed, the sound echoing—a sharp reminder of Caden’s defiance. He stood, enduring the hallway’s chill, rooted to the spot. His face darkened.

Despite her lack of skills, Alicia’s temper was fierce, and the thought only worsened her headache. Taking a deep breath, she headed for the shower. As dawn broke, the weight of the situation pressed down on her.

Georgia, noticing Alicia’s absence and fearing intervention from Joshua or the authorities, went out alone to search for her.

As she left, someone covered her mouth and nose from behind, dragging her to a dark corner.

A burly man stood over her, his hand firm. “Stay still. I haven’t come to hurt or rob you. I just want to ask you something.”

Georgia, older and easily frightened, trembled uncontrollably.

The man punched her. She fell silent, her body recoiling. Her mouth filled with blood, some teeth loosened. She sank to the ground, clutching her head, her hands shaking.

"Who was here last night?" the man demanded.

Georgia’s mind raced. The man’s impatience was palpable. “Speak!” he barked.

Hesitantly, Georgia muttered, “I don’t know…”

“You work for the family and you have no idea?” he challenged, his tone sharp and threatening. “Be honest!”

Without warning, he struck her again, knocking out a tooth. Tears filled her eyes, agony twisting within her. “A lady of prominent family and Alice…” she gasped.

The man produced his phone. “Ma’am, can you hear me?” he asked, holding it to her ear.

Lilliana’s voice was clear: "What exactly was Alice doing there?"

The man repeated the question. Georgia, striving for coherence, told the story, but avoided implicating her employer, placing all the blame on Alicia.

Lilliana’s anger momentarily shifted to laughter. Her suspicions were confirmed. "Let her go," she ordered coldly. "Keep a close eye on Alicia from now on and keep me informed."

Meanwhile, Alice, having left the apartment, found refuge in a hotel. Exhausted physically and mentally, she immediately fell asleep.

She slept through the day, plagued by disturbing dreams.

When she awoke, the room’s darkness amplified her exhaustion. She felt drained, her body aching in unfamiliar places. Sitting up, she rubbed her sore foot.

Intending to invite Monica to dinner, Alicia’s plans were interrupted by a call from an unknown number. She answered; the voice was instantly familiar.

"Mrs. Bennett, it's me."

Alicia was surprised, but quickly recovered. “Miss Mendoza?”

Gina’s soft laugh filled the line. “Let’s keep it casual. Call me Gina.”