Chapter 14

It suddenly hit Alice—today was Alexander and Victoria’s engagement party.

Just yesterday, when she had gone to the Sullivan Estate to return the money, Benjamin had casually mentioned it.

Now, she stood frozen, watching Victoria in her breathtaking wedding gown. A diamond necklace sparkled at her throat, matching earrings catching the light, and a delicate flower crown rested atop her head.

Victoria looked ethereal, like an angel descended from heaven.

She was the undeniable star of today’s celebration.

And Alice?

What was she even doing here?

Her gaze dropped to her own attire—a white blouse smudged with dust, a black skirt frayed at the edges, covered in lint.

Was she here to beg for scraps?

What was Alexander thinking?

What did Victoria’s engagement have to do with her? Why drag her here just to humiliate her?

A sharp pang of anger twisted in her chest.

Alice met Victoria’s eyes, her expression calm but laced with quiet sorrow. "Yes, what am I doing here?"

"You! Alice Carter!" Victoria’s voice was a venomous hiss. "You have no shame! Today is my engagement with Alexander! Look at you—filthy, limping like some alley cat. How many men have you been with just this morning? Get out before you ruin everything!"

Victoria’s fingers twitched as if she wanted to claw Alice’s face.

Did she think securing this engagement had been easy?

Alexander despised publicity, so she’d kept everything low-key. Even now, the Knight family hadn’t been formally informed—her father had only found out after discreet inquiries.

Thankfully, the Sullivans had connections. In just one day, they’d pulled together everything needed. Victoria’s dress, Olivia’s gown, Benjamin’s tailored suit—all designer pieces worth hundreds of thousands.

They’d even invited a handful of close relatives and friends.

An engagement was still a celebration, after all. Even if modest, a few witnesses were necessary.

Inside, Olivia was preening before their guests. "The Knight family may be the wealthiest in Harborview, but Alexander is remarkably humble. As his future mother-in-law, I admire his steady, dependable nature."

"Mrs. Sullivan, Victoria is so fortunate. Marrying into the Knight family—what an honor! We’ll all be counting on your generosity in the future," one guest simpered.

The others murmured agreement.

Every woman in Harborview dreamed of marrying Alexander Knight. The line of hopefuls could probably encircle the city. But only one could claim the prize.

And those close to the chosen would naturally swarm for favor.

Just as the guests were lavishing praise on Olivia, Victoria’s shriek cut through the chatter.

"Security! Get this trash out of here!"

Benjamin and Olivia stormed outside, their faces darkening at the sight of Alice.

"Alice," Olivia spat, jabbing a finger at her. "You just had to show up and ruin things, didn’t you? Heard about the engagement and couldn’t resist causing trouble?"

She sneered, gesturing to Alice’s disheveled state. "Look at her! Clothes torn, walking like she’s been—well, we all know what she’s been doing. Victoria told me you’ve been selling yourself at night. Did you come straight from your latest client to curse us?"

"Alice," Benjamin growled, "if you’re here to make trouble, that’s one thing. But if you dare provoke Alexander—you’re signing your own death warrant."

The guests joined in, their voices sharp with disdain.

"Think you can steal Victoria’s spotlight? After eight years under their roof, this is how you repay them? A viper in their home!"

"If you’re looking for customers, you’re in the wrong place. The men here wouldn’t touch gutter trash like you."

"Still not leaving? You ungrateful wretch! Trying to destroy Victoria’s happiness? Why didn’t you rot in prison? Get out before Alexander sees you—or you’ll wish you had!"

Benjamin shoved her violently.

Alice’s hands clenched. The urge to fight back, to hurt them, burned through her.

But—

Why had Alexander asked her here?

A smooth, amused voice cut through the tension.

"She’s not a beggar. Nor is she the whore you’re describing. She’s my guest."

Every head turned.

"Dominic?" Victoria gasped, paling.

"Miss Sullivan," Dominic Pierce’s peach-blossom eyes gleamed with mischief. "Congratulations on your engagement."

"You—you and her?" Victoria’s voice shook.

"Indeed. Miss Carter arrived in my car. She’s my plus-one for your little celebration." Dominic slid an arm around Alice’s shoulders, pulling her close.

Alice leaned into him, her gaze icy as it swept over the crowd. "My apologies, Miss Sullivan, Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan. I’m here as Dominic Pierce’s honored guest."

A strong hand suddenly wrenched her away from Dominic.

Alice looked up—into Alexander’s furious face.

"Alexander! You’re here!" Victoria brightened instantly. "Do you like my dress?"

"Alexander," Olivia rushed to explain, "we kept it small, just as you wanted. But somehow, she found out—"

She faltered under his murderous glare.

"Why," Alexander bit out, scanning the crowd, "are you all here?"

Victoria froze. "What?"

"Leave. Now." His voice was arctic. "Or face the consequences."

The Sullivans and their guests stood paralyzed.

Then Alexander’s gaze locked onto Dominic.

"A-Alexander, you’re holding my—"

Dominic didn’t get to finish.

Alexander’s grip on Alice tightened. "Come with me. You’re changing into a wedding dress."