Chapter 9

Alice's breath hitched for a split second.

Of course, a man as distinguished and honorable as Alexander Knight wouldn’t be short of admirers. The only reason he had married her was to grant his dying mother her final wish.

But Alice never imagined Alexander’s girlfriend would be Victoria.

Life was nothing if not cruel.

Those who had once tormented her were now thriving—happy, respected, and living their best lives. Meanwhile, Alice’s future was in ruins. Pregnant, unmarried, and clueless about the father of her child.

She felt like a joke standing there, watching the perfect couple before her.

Victoria’s invitation to collect her mother’s photos had clearly been a ruse.

Her real motive? To flaunt her relationship with Alexander right in Alice’s face.

Swallowing the bitterness in her throat, Alice forced a calm tone. "A tainted woman like me could never land a wealthy husband. I was only joking earlier. Since you have company, I won’t impose. Just hand over my mother’s photos, and I’ll leave."

She didn’t spare Alexander a single glance, acting as though they were complete strangers.

Alexander remained impassive.

He hadn’t wanted to visit the Sullivans, but Victoria had once saved his life. He owed her this much.

Running into Alice here was unexpected.

Benjamin and Olivia exchanged smug glances, thrilled that Alice and Alexander showed no recognition of each other.

Alice had no idea the man she’d slept with—the one she thought had died—was now the most powerful man in Harborview City.

Victoria shot her parents a knowing look before simpering, "Alice, my boyfriend just arrived, and you’re already leaving? How rude. He might think we’ve been mistreating you."

She turned to Alexander, batting her lashes. "Darling, you wouldn’t believe it. My family supported her for years, paid for her education, and this is how she repays us! She even got arrested in college—"

Alexander’s gaze flicked to Alice with open disdain. "You should distance yourself from such disgraceful people."

Victoria beamed. "Of course, darling. But she should stay for dinner tonight. After all, she lived with us for eight years. We still care about her."

From an angle Alexander couldn’t see, Victoria smirked viciously at Alice.

She wanted Alice to witness just how perfect she and Alexander were together.

If not for fear of Alexander finding out, Victoria would have thrown it in Alice’s face: The man you saved by giving up your virginity is now mine.

She wanted to watch Alice crumble.

Realizing the Sullivans had no intention of handing over the photos yet, Alice relented. "Fine. I’ll stay."

She had nowhere else to go for dinner anyway.

Being the unwanted third wheel didn’t matter. As long as she got her mother’s photos, the humiliation would be worth it.

Once seated, Olivia finally slid two photographs across the table. Alice’s fingers trembled as she picked them up.

Tears threatened to spill.

She still didn’t know how her mother had died, yet here she was, forced to endure this farce. The injustice burned.

She would claim the money Alexander owed her. With it, she’d uncover the truth behind her mother’s death.

If the Sullivans were involved, she’d make them pay tenfold.

Tucking the photos into her bag, Alice retreated to a corner of the sofa.

The Sullivans ignored her, too busy fawning over Alexander.

"Mr. Knight, have you and Victoria set a wedding date?" Benjamin’s sycophantic tone was nauseating.

Alexander’s reply was icy. "In two months."

He despised discussing personal matters in front of outsiders—especially Alice.

His wife, sitting there like none of this concerned her.

The audacity.

Benjamin didn’t dare argue. "Of course, whatever you say—"

Victoria pouted. "But darling, two months is too long! The weather will be cold by then. I won’t look good in my wedding dress. Can’t we do it this month?"

Alexander loathed fake sweetness. If not for believing Victoria had given him her virginity, he’d have walked out already.

"The wedding is in two months," he repeated, tone final.

Victoria’s smile turned brittle. "O-Of course."

She shot Alice a venomous glare.

Alice, however, was staring longingly at the dining table. "Is dinner ready yet?"

Victoria’s malice bounced right off her.

Alexander’s gaze lingered on Alice’s composed expression. Something twisted in his chest.

When the maid served dessert—Victoria’s favorite peach pudding—Alice snatched it first and dug in.

Victoria gaped. "You—!"

Olivia forced a smile. "I didn’t know you had such a sweet tooth, Alice."

Alice nodded between bites. "I’ve always wanted to try it. Today’s my lucky day."

Olivia’s jaw clenched. "What else would you like?"

Alice scanned the table. "Salmon. Shrimp balls. Broccoli."

She knew they were seething.

But they had insisted she stay.

The baby in her womb was her only family now. She’d make sure it was well-fed.

If no one else would love her, she’d love herself.

Finally, she set down her fork. "I’m done. I’ll be leaving."

Victoria couldn’t maintain her act any longer. "In such a hurry? Got clients waiting?" she sneered.