Chapter 10

Alice's entire body tensed when Victoria's cruel words hit her ears.

Her fingers itched to claw at that perfect face until it matched the ugliness inside.

But she couldn't.

Not with the tiny life growing inside her. A violent confrontation could endanger her baby.

Instead, she forced a laugh. "Is this your new business venture?"

Victoria smirked, tossing her hair. "I'm just concerned about hygiene. Who knows what diseases you carry? You'd contaminate our entire estate."

"Then why insist I stay for dinner?" Alice countered calmly. "Unless you're looking to expand your... services?"

The entire Sullivan family gasped.

No one noticed Alexander's piercing gaze fixed on Alice, his eyes like shards of ice.

Abruptly, he grabbed his keys and strode out.

"Alexander, darling, wait—" Victoria scrambled after him.

"Associate with trash like her again," his voice cut through the air, "and our engagement is over."

He didn't even glance back.

Victoria stumbled after him, wailing. "You can't be angry over some gutter rat! Let me walk you out—"

"You vile creature!" Olivia shrieked. "You drove him away on purpose! Get out! Now!"

Alice turned to leave.

"Stop!" Olivia's voice cracked like a whip.

Alice paused.

"Transfer $50,000 by tomorrow."

"For what?" Alice's hands clenched.

"Eight years of room and board. Consider it cheap." Olivia smirked, knowing Alice couldn't possibly afford it.

Alice laughed bitterly. "Two years ago, I served prison time for your daughter. Last month, you sold me to that drug addict. My debt is paid."

Olivia's smile turned vicious. "Unless you want your mother's grave dug up and her bones scattered?"

Alice's nails bit into her palms.

"Fine," she spat. "Tomorrow."

Outside the Sullivan estate, tears burned but didn't fall.

Crying was pointless.

She needed $50,000. Fast.

Near the gates, Victoria clung to Alexander's arm, fake tears streaming. "I never meant to upset you! I'd never force you to marry me! I'll just find some ugly old—"

Alexander cut her off. "The wedding proceeds in two months."

Victoria's tears vanished instantly.

"Remember," he added coldly, "I value discretion."

"I understand completely!" she gushed.

As his car disappeared, Victoria's face twisted. "You'll never ruin this, Alice. I built my happiness on your suffering."

Alice walked past them blindly, toward the bus stop.

Alexander's car sped by without slowing.

It was nearly midnight when she reached his old townhouse.

To her shock, he sat waiting in the smoke-filled living room, the dim light carving shadows across his sharp features.

The air prickled with danger.

"How long have you been scheming against the Sullivans?" he demanded.

Alice blinked. "What?"

"First meeting to discuss my engagement, and there you are. Convenient." His glare could flay skin.

This woman had nerve, acting so at home among people who despised her.

"What exactly are you warning me about?" Alice cut to the chase.

"Victoria is innocent. She's no match for your tricks." He leaned forward. "Name your price to stay away from them."

Alice's lips curved. "Would $50,000 suffice?"