Chapter 48
Alice looked up and saw her homeroom teacher, then Noah standing outside the classroom. She pursed her lips and went outside. Her expression was impassive.“If you want me to take notes for Chloe, don’t even bother.” She knew Noah was there to excuse Chloe’s absence. He’d probably ask her to take notes and bring home assignments
for Chloe.
Noah felt a knot in his chest. “Alice, is that really how you see me?”
Alice was impatient.“Are you done?”
“Alice, I remember you were a top student in elementary school. Then your grades became unstable, and they kept dropping. Was it because of Chloe? Did you deliberately score around the same as her, or even lower?”
Alice paused. How did he know? Her gaze was suspicious. What was he implying?
Noah saw her expression and knew it was true. He felt a pang of regret. Why hadn’t he noticed Alice’s changes, her kindness towards Chloe? They’d favored Chloe, ignoring Alice’s need for attention.
Alice was annoyed.“Why are you asking? Are you bored?”
“Alice, just answer yes or no.”
‘Does it matter?”
Alice stepped back, creating distance. Her expression was stubborn.“Noah, if you’re truly sorry and want to make amends, don’t bother me until after my exams!”
Noah chuckled wryly. Her distrust stung him. She didn’t trust them at all.
He replied, “Okay, i promise.”
Alice lowered her eyes. “Thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me.” Noah’s voice was hoarse. He cautiously asked, “Where are you staying?”
Alice eyed him suspiciously. What did he want?
‘Don’t misunderstand. You’ve never lived independently. I’m worried about you!” A bitter taste filled Noah’s mouth. His clingy little sister was now so distant. He’d only realized it now.
Alice replied coldly, “I’m fine.” She’d slept on the streets after being kicked out last time, harassed by vagrants, even rummaged through trash cans. She’d endured much worse.
Noah considered. Come back home. Luke will tell Ethan, and you know his temper. It will affect your exams. That school nurse… he’ll also have problems. Come home, and I won’t interfere with where you go, even on weekends. Okay?”
Alice fell silent.
“Alice, don’t rush. Go back to class. If you don’t want to return, I’ll cover for you with Ethan.”
Alice didn’t want to owe them anything.
Alice returned to class, needing time to consider. Noah went to the infirmary. Jack sat on a chair, his wrist resting on the armrest, a watch visible. He raised an eyebrow, his eyes cold.
Noah examined the doctor. The watch was expensive, a limited–edition piece. This wasn’t an ordinary doctor.
Noah spoke. Tm here to talk about my sister. She can’t stay
with you.
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“So?”
“If you care about her, stop influencing her. Ethan will find out, and she’ll be confined to the house, affecting her exams. I just want peace until then, for her sake. What do you say?”
Jack’s voice was slow and arrogant. “You can’t talk to me, and no one can force Alice’s hand. Otherwise, what happened to your company before the finals will happen again.”
Noah’s face changed. “You did that?” He and his fourth brother were supposed to compete in the finals, but company problems forced them to miss it. His brother was still in Hollywood, unable to return.
Noah’s gaze turned serious. “Who are you? What are your intentions towards Alice?” A school nurse capable of this? Why approach Alice?
Jack was arrogant.“It’s none of your business. No one can stop Alice from doing what she wants!”
Noah’s throat tightened. “But she’ll agree. Even though she hit us yesterday, Alice is kind.”
Jack scoffed.“She was on her period. She shouldn’t have gotten wet, yet you made her do it! You don’t deserve her
kindness.”
Noah felt a fresh wave of pain. Luke forced Alice to give up her umbrella to Chloe. He couldn’t argue, and left the infirmary in defeat.
At lunchtime, Alice went to the infirmary. She saw Jack eating. “Not finished? The teachers‘ meals are better than
ours.”
“What is it?”
Jack calmly put down his chopsticks, guessing her intentions. He knew Alice well.
Alice thought for a moment.“Noah talked to me. To avoid trouble, I’ll go back home.”
“Suit yourself.” Jack’s tone was cold.
Alice glanced at him.“I’ll go back to class.”
She didn’t explain. As she left, Garrett called out, “Hey, Alice, that’s just Jack’s way. Don’t be mad.”
“I know. I’m not.”
“Why did you decide to go home? Aren’t your brothers biased towards that stepsister?”
Alice hesitated. “I’m afraid Ethan will find out and cause trouble. He’s got a bad temper, and he might hurt master.”
“Sounds like you’ve got a good conscience! He didn’t treat you badly.”
Alice felt slightly embarrassed.“I talked to Noah. It’ll be less troublesome.”
After Alice left, Garrett sauntered in. “Hey, your little apprentice was looking out for you. Stop frowning, you’ll scare her.”
Jack frowned. “I need her protection?”
“Of course not! Who would dare to mess with you? But she doesn’t know your identity. She’s a good person.”
“I don’t need your opinion.”
Jack was simply uncomfortable. Noah knew how to manipulate Alice.
The family hadn’t cared about her before, now they were trying to force her back.
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“Jack, I’ve been wondering how Alice learned the twelve–hit combo. That’s your signature move!”
