Chapter 55
After flipping the table, Alice calmly wiped her hands.
Luke stared at Alice’s unexpected behavior.“Alice, are you crazy?” She’d never done this before! She even burned Chloe’s things! This wasn’t Alice.
Alice kicked a chair, her voice flat and impatient. “You’re too loud. If you don’t want to eat, then don’t.” She had zero patience and didn’t want to watch Chloe’s act.
Chloe burst into tears. “It’s my fault! I’m the sinner!”
“Chloe, you’re too kind. If anyone’s leaving, it should be her!”
Alice readily agreed. “Fine, I’ll go.” She’d achieved her goal and didn’t want to waste time.
Noah protested. “No, Alice, you can’t go! This is your home! Where else will you go?”
“Noah, cut off her credit card. Let’s see how long she lasts outside!”
Alice’s expression was indifferent. “Whatever.” She wouldn’t forget being stranded on the streets last time, almost begging for food. You need your own money!
Alice packed a small backpack with a few clothes and her ID, leaving everything else.
Noah looked panicked.“Alice, don’t listen to Luke. Didn’t you say you’d come back after the exams?”
Alice’s gaze was steady.“Yes, I did.” She’d said that to prevent Noah and Luke from doing anything to disrupt her exams. Now the exams were over.
“Alice, we’re family, bound by blood. Even with disagreements, it’s not a big deal, right? I know you were wronged. I’ll make it up to you.” Noah hadn’t slept well, and hadn’t dared to contact her. Things were finally clear; the memories were like knives. From the moment Chloe arrived, Alice had been suffering. Noah hadn’t dared to think about it until now.
Alice smiled calmly.“Noah, don’t say that. I’m getting a part–time job after graduation, learning to live independently. Chloe can have my room. Her father saved my life; it’s the least I can do.”
Luke scoffed.“She should have done that a long time ago.” He thought she was afraid of him cutting ties.
Alice continued, “Since the exams are over, Chloe should continue training for the team. She’s a member; you can’t just exclude her because she’s not good. That’s unfair. We are a family team; even if Chloe isn’t skilled, she’s hardworking. Losing the finals wouldn’t be the end of the world!”
Luke’s face was strained.“Of course, I’ll arrange it.”
Alice nodded. “Good. I’m leaving. Contact me if you need anything.” She left without looking back.
Luke panicked.“Noah, you let her go?”
Noah sighed. “What else could I do? You told her to leave! You said you wanted to cut ties!”
“I… I was just angry!”
“Luke, those hurtful words aren’t easily erased. The damage remains.” Noah looked at Luke, seeing his former self.
Chloe, seeing Noah’s distress, said, “Noah, I’ll move out. Then you can persuade Alice to return.”
Noah shook his head. “No need. Stay.” This wasn’t about Chloe moving out.
“Noah, I’ve decided. Thank you for everything.” Chloe began packing. Noah’s attitude change was too swift; she
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needed to act.
Luke was anxious. “Noah, Chloe never felt secure here. Alice is forcing her out. Don’t you see? Chloe didn’t d anything wrong.”
“But Alice suffered for years.*
“But Chloe’s father saved her life! It’s about gratitude!”
Noah clutched his chest, gasping for air. He blacked out, murmuring Alice’s name. He’d failed his sister. He’d been horribly wrong.
Alice left, taking a cab to the apartment. Finally free!
At Jack’s door, she was about to knock when it opened.
“Congratulations, Alice!” Garrett held confetti cannons, showering Alice with paper.
Alice was surprised. Jack stood nearby, leaning against a table with a small cake.
Alice asked, “Is someone’s birthday today?”
Garrett said, “Leaving the Windhams is your rebirth! Cake time!” He’d felt sorry for Alice after learning about her
life.
Alice’s eyes were a little teary.“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. We’re friends. Eat, make a wish.*
Alice wished she’d never have to deal with the Windhams again, and she’d live for herself.
Afterward, Jack asked calmly, “What do you want to do now?” He would help her achieve anything
Alice thought.“Livestream. Make money.” She needed to support herself now.
Garrett said, “Perfect! There’s a Hall of Fame competition starting tonight. You can livestream it.”
Alice remembered that event. Last time, she’d ranked high, but Luke gave her account to Chloe. No one knew her effort. This time, Chloe wouldn’t steal her glory.
Jack asked, “Which platform?”
Garrett suggested, “Shrimp Live. It’s a big, reliable company, good for newcomers.” It was a Wilson family company. Jack warned Garrett with a look.
“Where the money is,” Alice replied. She’d heard of Shrimp Live, a Wilson family business. Luke had started a platform, but it was smaller. Last time, after the finals, it had become very successful. Without Alice, it would probably fail now.
Alice registered on Shrimp Live: [Sweet Lemon]
She started her livestream, focusing on her hands and keyboard, using her past experience.
Outside the study, Garrett looked at Jack.“Aren’t you going to help her boost her score?”
“No need. She’ll make the top 100 tonight.”
“So confident? I’ll send her some gifts, remember to reimburse me!”
Garrett opened Alice’s stream; few people were watching, but one hater was there.
[She’s cheating! Look at those scores!]
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Mem
I’ll eat my socks if she’s not using hacks!]
She’ll lose when she starts the ranking battles!]
Alice saw the accusations. The accusations brought in more viewers. Her first battle: she defeated her opponent in one move! The chat exploded!
< Chapter 56
Mera
Chapter 56
