Chapter 104
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Chloe quickly put away her phone.“It was just a random disturbing video that popped up in my feed, not a personal
message.”
Chloe couldn’t let the Welch family find out about this.
Her orphan status had been the reason she was taken in by the Welch family.
Besides, there had to be more to her father being alive.
A bad feeling settled in Chloe’s stomach.
Chloe quickly changed the subject.“How could you get back? How’s Noah doing?”
“He’s better.”
Luke then withdrew his hand.“You mentioned on your livestream that Noah was sick. What did Alice say?”
Chloe sighed.“She seemed even angrier. She said I shouldn’t have said that in front of so many people.”
Chloe did so deliberately.
It was a public display of moral condemnation to make sure Alice never wanted to return.
“Don’t blame yourself. Alice has changed,” Luke said.
He glanced around the bedroom, before hesitating, “Chloe, your room is a bit small. I’m thinking of renovating the guest room for you. But this bedroom should go back to Alice. What do you think?”
Chloe’s face froze.
She hadn’t expected this conversation.
Chloe had moved into Alice’s room, treating it as her own.
Moving out had never crossed her mind!
And with Alice saying she was cutting ties, Chloe would be the only heiress of the Welch family, deserving the biggest room.
But Luke suggested that she move out.
Luke continued awkwardly, “Chloe, don’t overthink this. It’s nothing personal. Alice has been upset, so we need to give her room back.”
Alice’s declaration of severing ties felt like a slap in the face.
Luke reflected on his unequal treatment of Alice and Chloe, realizing the need for fairness. Anyway, Alice cared.
So, Luke needed to change.
“Luke, what are you saying? Why would I overthink it? This room is Alice’s. Giving it back is only right.”
Chloe put on a sweet, understanding smile.
Inside, though, she seethed with hatred for Alice.
Luke relaxed.“I knew you were the most understanding. Alice has a terrible temper. We just have to go with the flow. Don’t worry. I won’t treat you unfairly.”
“I know.”
“Oh, right. As for those jewels and accessories you were keeping from the party when Alice apologized, please pack them up. Give them back when she returns.”
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Chloe’s smile almost faltered when she heard that.
It was okay to move out, but returning the jewels felt like physical pain.
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Chloe’s eyes welled up.“Luke, I know those jewels are just for safekeeping, but I wore them to several events. If I don’t wear anything next time, the media might write nonsense.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll get you some new jewelry.”
“Okay, thank you, Luke.”
Though resentful, Chloe maintained her composure.
Chloe seemed so caring. Luke sighed.“If only Alice were as understanding as you.”
Things would be so much easier.
A hint of mockery flickered in Chloe’s eyes. Her obedience was a performance to win over her brothers.
She had endured so much.
After Luke left, Chloe’s cheerful facade crumbled.
She thought she was almost on par with Alice.
But reality slapped her hard.
Chloe’s phone buzzed with a second message, “Coco, no matter how hard you try, you’re not a Welch. We’re family.”
Hatred burned in Chloe’s eyes as she was reading the message.
It had been years of careful planning, and Chloe treated Alice’s brothers as her own.
But what did she get?
Chloe was always second to Alice.
Chloe finally opened the first message. It was time to plan her escape.
Once Alice returned, Chloe would have no place left in the Welch family.
Alice enjoyed the next few days, gaming and streaming.
Then, a call from the Department of Education came.“This is Alice, right? We’re from the Department of Education. There have been multiple reports of cheating regarding your exam results. We need to investigate and request your cooperation at school.”
Alice wondered, “Cheating?”
She hung up, feeling a mix of amusement and anger.
She didn’t need to guess who reported her.
The only person who would be jealous enough was Chloe.
Alice didn’t panic, because her grades were clean.
Before leaving, she looked around the empty apartment. Jack and Andrew were at work by day.
The mini–game they had developed was about to launch.
Alice decided not to tell Jack and took a cab to school. She could handle this herself.
At school, Alice found the principal Drake and her homeroom teacher Ingrid waiting.
In the office, a middle–aged man said, “You’re Alice, right? I’m investigating the exam scores, and I have some
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questions.”
“Go ahead.”
Alice sounded calm.
Ingrid jumped in, “Alice’s scores improved dramatically, but she was always a good student. A sudden breakthrough isn’t impossible. She’s capable, and we’re not afraid of a review.”
“The test papers are still under review. We will investigate fairly and impartially.”
After the questioning, Alice asked, “Who reported me?”
“We can’t reveal that. That’s all for today. We’ll discuss this further later,”
Ingrid was anxious.“Alice didn’t cheat! Have her take another exam, and you’ll see how capable she is!”
Alice was touched by Ingrid’s belief in her.
Drake said calmly, “Alice, don’t worry. A clean conscience fears no accusations.”
Alice nodded.“I know,, so I’m not worried.”
“Good. That’s all. You can go now and wait for the results.”
After Alice left, Drake made a call.“Mr. Wilson, I need to inform you of something.”
Jack paused his meeting and stepped out after hearing Drake’s report.
He stared at the cityscape, his voice serious.“She went to school?”
“Yes, to cooperate with the investigation. She has already left. The accuser claims I gave Alice special stationery, assisting her in cheating.”
“Ridiculous.”
Jack knew the truth. Alice didn’t need to cheat.
He tapped on the glass, his eyes gloomy.“I understand.”
A chilling smile touched Jack’s lips after he hung up.
Andrew emerged from the meeting room.“Whoa, what’s with that creepy grin? What call was that?”
“Someone reported Alice for cheating.”
“Seriously? Who’s that shameless?”
Jack’s eyes hardened. “Some people think they can get away with anything. Find out who reported Alice and get the surveillance footage from the exam hall, specifically Chloe.”
Jack remembered Alice saying Chloe often cheated.
Such people think they were clever. They probably did something during the SAT.
If they wanted to play dirty, Jack would play dirtier.
Back in her apartment, Alice was troubled.
She knew Chloe was behind it.
What a low blow!
After much thought, Alice called the anti–cheating hotline.“I want to report someone for cheating.”
It was an eye for an eye.
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Alice wasn’t sure if Chloe cheated, but based on Chloe’s usual habit, she might have.
And it would give Chloe a taste of her own medicine.
While out shopping, Alice saw a familiar car parked on the street.
She quickened her pace, pretending not to see it.
“Alice, wait! Let me explain!”
Luke rushed after her.“Ethan is back. Go apologize, or you’ll be doomed!”
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