Chapter 3
She put away her old photos and began packing. A maid knocked “Miss Alice, the party’s started. Master Noah asked you to get dressed and
come down.”
“Okay,”
Alice opened the door and walked directly towards the bustling party. The maid’s eyes widened.“What is Miss Alice wearing? Is she mad“”
At the party, Chloe wore a white evening gown, her long black hair cascading down her shoulders, the image of a pure and kind girl–next–door. Noah and Caleb stood beside her, looking at her with warmth and affection. The scene was idyllic. Noah couldn’t help but think of Alice. If only she were this well–behaved. Over the years, Alice’s personality had become increasingly arrogant and domineering.
“Alice is here!”
Everyone turned to look as Alice appeared. She was expressionless. She wore a simple T–shirt, but on her head was an exquisite gold phoenix crown. Around her neck hung an emerald necklace; on her wrists, jade bracelets and gold bangles; and on her finger, a large pink diamond ring.
Laughter erupted.
“Alice is so tacky, wearing all that jewelry. She looks like a new rich.”
“I think she’s deliberately wearing expensive things to show off and embarrass Chloe.”
Alice sauntered up to Chloe, her tone calm.“Congratulations, you’re finally a member of the Welch family.”
In her past life, Chloe’s adoption had marked the beginning of her nightmare. No matter how hard she tried to please them, her brothers all favored Chloe. Noah had even said he wished Chloe was their biological sister. This time, she gave up on the bullshit family spirit!
Seeing Alice’s expensive jewelry, Chloe felt a pang of jealousy, but she didn’t show it. She shrank back slightly, then answered cautiously.“Alice, I know you don’t want me be your sister., But don’t worry, I won’t compete with you for the brothers‘ attention. After all, I’ll always be an outsider. You’re their real sister, you shared same blood; how could I compare?”
Chloe’s tears welled up.
A cynical smile played on Alice’s lips. Such a delicate false angel.” In her past life, she’d been completely fooled by Chloe’s innocent act, only seeing the woman’s true face before she died.
Seeing this, Caleb quickly explained.“Chloe, don’t cry. Who says you’re an outsider? From today on, you’re my little sister.”
Chloe lowered her eyelids, concealing a flash of triumph.
Noah produced a box.“Chloe, this is a gift for you.”
Chloe looked surprised.“Noah, isn’t this Alice’s gift? I can’t accept it!”
Alice saw the limited–edition figurine inside and wasn’t surprised. In her past life, Noah had ‘kindly‘ decided for her, giving the figurine she’d waited so long for to Chloe as an apology.
Noah:“Just take it. She owes you.”
Caleb said, displeased.“Alice, even though Chloe didn’t mind for pushing her into the pool, and Noah gave her a gift on your behalf, where’s your sincerity?”
Alice nodded.“I know. That’s why I brought an apology gift.”
She removed all her jewelry, placing each piece on a tray.
“This is the antique phoenix crown Ethan gave me.”
“This is the emerald pendant Noah gave me.”
“This is the century–old ginseng Alex gave me.”
“This is the rare pink diamond ring Caleb gave me.”
“This is the jade bracelet Finn gave me.”
“This is the gold trophy Luke gave me.”
Alice placed each item on the tray. “These are all very important to me. As an apology gift, I think it’s sincere enough.”
CO 18 54
Chapter 1
She’d known Caleb would question her apology, so she’d prepared this. Since Chlor had been adopted, her brothers hadn’t given her any decent gifts only these valuable things. In the end, they’d all find excuses to take them back and give them to Chloe.
Caleb’s expression froze when he saw the items. These were Alice’s most prized possessions! How dare she?*
Noah parsed his lipe “Alice, what are you doing?”
“Noah, I said these are my sincere apologies. Caleh, do you think it’s enough”
Alice’s expression was calm, het emotions were unreadable.
Chloe was surprised, wondering what Alice was up to a strategic retreat?
Chloe immediately spoke. “Alice, these are gifts your brothers gave you. They’re tou precious, I can’t accept them.”
Caleb angrily said, “That’s right, these are gifts we gave you. How can you give them to someone else?”
The smile on Chloe’s face faltered. She lightly bit her lip.“Yeah, Alice, I’m just ‘someone else‘. How could I deserve these gifts?”
Caleb realized he’d misspoken. “Chloe, I didn’t mean that. I’ll find another gift for you. You can’t accept gifts someone else has already received”
Chloe immediately smiled through her tears.“Thank you, Caleb.”
Caleb’s heart softened. This is what a well–behaved sister looks like.*
Noah sighed helplessly.“Alice, what are you doing?”
Alice had always treasured these gifts, never letting anyone touch them. He hadn’t expected her to give them all to Chloe as an apology! Was she trying to distance herself from them? Or was she angry because he’d given her figurine to Chloe? He didn’t believe she genuinely wanted to give them away!
