Chapter 57

Shelia deeply appreciated her son. Conceiving him had not been easy. When the Yates family was at its zenith, Jerald was a prominent figure: intelligent, hard-working, and supported by a powerful wife, making their invulnerability seem absolute. Shelia, however, had captured Jerald's affections outside his marriage. She transitioned from lover to confidante, skillfully using her beauty. Over time, though, Jerald's interest waned, impacting his relationship with Joshua.

Joshua, however, had proven resilient. Shelia, witnessing his struggles, was determined to protect his future from any threat. Before leaving the estate, Joshua found Alicia in the garden.

“It looks like it’s going to rain. Don’t stay out too long,” he advised, putting his arm around her waist. “Are you hiding so they don’t see you?” he asked.

Alicia nodded, subtly withdrawing her hand. “There are too many eyes around. It’s best not to get too close,” she whispered.

Joshua understood. Despite the difficult circumstances, Alicia maintained her pride. She knew her situation required patience.

“Do you like any jewelry? I’ll bring you some when I get back tonight,” he offered, hinting at an overnight stay.

Alicia understood the implication and refused. “I don’t want anything.”

Joshua’s gaze intensified. He leaned in to kiss her, but Alicia quickly turned, spotting Shelia.

“Shelia!” she called.

Joshua saw his mother and, though he hadn’t intended to interrupt, her disapproving expression cautioned him. Discouraged, he left the mansion.

Alicia breathed a sigh of relief. She looked at Shelia, whose expression remained stern. Ignoring Shelia’s gaze, Alicia walked away, meandering along the paths until she found flowers to pick. Shelia watched, her displeasure growing. Didn’t Alicia recognize her importance? She was Joshua’s mother, yet Alicia hadn’t acknowledged her.

With Joshua gone, Shelia saw her opportunity to instruct Alicia. She summoned her faithful maid, Georgia.

“Do you understand what you have to do?” Shelia asked discreetly.

Georgia agreed. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Yates. It will be quite a show,” she assured. Georgia, always sharp and reliable, was Shelia’s trusted assistant.

With a haughty nod, Shelia warned, “But remember, Joshua still has feelings for her.”

Georgia replied with a sly smile, “I’ll just make sure she stays hydrated—nothing harmful.” She then turned to Alicia.

The garden led to a less-maintained area where the maids walked their pets. Alicia, carrying flowers, headed that way. Georgia greeted her with a seemingly friendly smile. “Miss Bennett, what have you gathered?”

Alicia looked at her. Her memories of Georgia were vivid and unpleasant. Initially, when Alicia and Joshua were newlyweds, Shelia had been courteous. But as Joshua depleted Alicia’s wealth, Shelia’s facade crumbled, revealing her true nature. Georgia often enforced Shelia’s more clandestine schemes. Whenever Alice visited the mansion, Georgia treated her no better than a servant, keeping her relentlessly busy without gratitude. At first, Alicia endured this out of respect for Joshua, but soon realized her tolerance only invited further exploitation.

Noticing Georgia’s insincere smile, Alicia sensed something was amiss and asked calmly, “What’s wrong, Georgia?”

Georgia pointed to the nearby fountain. “Could you help me? Mrs. Yates needs some carp for the fish tank. Could you help me catch them?”

Alice quickly understood Georgia’s true motive. Recalling past conflicts, she replied with a smile, “Of course, I’d be happy to help. Can I finish picking some more flowers?”

“There’s no hurry,” Georgia replied, pleased.

Alice walked a short distance. As she reached for a flower, she twisted her ankle and screamed. Startled, Georgia rushed over.

“Miss Bennett, are you alright?”

The thick grass obscured the ground. As Georgia approached Alicia, she felt something crunch under her shoe. With a sinking feeling, she lifted her foot to discover a fresh pile of dog feces.

Trying to maintain her composure, Alicia asked with concern, “Are you alright, Georgia?”

Revolted, Georgia instinctively tried to push Alice away. Alice dodged her. Georgia lost her balance and fell, landing in another pile of dog feces.