Chapter 204
Alice was relieved her menstrual cramps subsided quickly, leaving her feeling physically well. She dedicated herself to teaching for the next few days, simultaneously preparing for the school's Christmas play. The school held high expectations, and Alice frequently rehearsed with her students until late. That afternoon, after the last student departed, she remained in the empty piano room, playing a solo piece.
The piano's melody seemed to claw at her heart, leaving her feeling profoundly empty. After the music ended, she sat lost in thought until Monica called.
Alice took several deep breaths to compose herself. "Alice, it's very late," Monica said softly. "I'm at the school gate. Come out!"
Alice checked the clock; it was after ten. The Warrington winter was brutally cold. Seeing Monica, Alice grasped her cold hands, smiling. "Well? Do you feel warmer now?"
Monica laughed as Alice warmed her hands. "I was so worried about you."
Alice was confused. "What have I done?"
Monica stared at her. Within days, Alice had noticeably lost weight. While superficially unchanged, her intense classroom dedication hinted at a deeper issue. Monica perceived Alice's profound love for Caden.
"Come on, I'll treat you to something delicious," Monica suggested, linking arms with Alice. "I bought a car! It's covered in glitter film, and I even embedded pink diamonds in the license plate. You're the first passenger!"
Alice admired the car's striking appearance. That night, Monica talked incessantly. Alice sensed Monica was hiding something and played along. However, secrets rarely remain buried.
During dinner, the restaurant's news screen showed a report. Earlier that day, Caden had returned to the city and was seen at the airport with a young woman. The woman's face was obscured, but her bearing indicated wealth and status. She appeared close and comfortable with Caden.
A series of blurry photos depicted them holding hands, walking down steps, and him ushering her into a car. Their intimacy was unmistakable; the blurriness somehow heightened their closeness.
Alice looked away, pretending not to notice. Monica watched her with concern.
"Alice, are you okay?"
Alice reassured her, "Caden and I were never serious. We were just using each other. I'm fine."
Monica, inexperienced in romance, was unsure how to comfort Alice. She produced a card. "This is all my savings, plus some help from my father. Use it to start your business," Monica insisted. "You can't say no to me."
Alice accepted the card, tears welling in her eyes. Caden had offered her the ideal Warrington location, paperwork, clients, and investors—all of which she’d rejected, determined to build from scratch. The initial stages would be challenging, but she was resolute. She didn't want to burden Monica. "I'll pay you back as soon as possible," she promised.
Monica refused. "Don't worry about it. If I need money, I'll ask my family."
Monica dropped Alice off at her hotel late.
"Call me if you need anything," Monica reminded her. "I'm available anytime."
"Have a good trip," Alice replied.
Outside the hotel, a figure lurked in the shadows, making a phone call.
"Mr. Yates, she's on high alert. I can't get near her."
Meanwhile, Joshua watched the news report about Caden.
Joshua smiled. "Why the rush? Give it time." With Caden occupied, Alice was vulnerable. Rushing her death would spoil the fun.
Joshua ordered, "Leave her alone for now. Wait for my signal."
Lilliana entered shortly after he hung up.
He sneered. "Did you hear?"
Joshua, reclining and enjoying a massage, looked refreshed.
"I've researched that woman. She's from the Moss family, an excellent match for Caden. This isn't a casual affair."
Lilliana sneered. "Alice was a brief fling. I overestimated her. How dare she be so arrogant?"
Lilliana grew impatient. "Can we act now?"
Joshua's gaze remained impassive.
"Someone else deserves to die more than she does," he said coldly.
"Who?" Lilliana asked.
"Monica," Joshua replied icily. "The drug Alice used on me—Monica gave it to me."
Lilliana's smile turned malevolent.