Chapter 67
Alice hung up, finding in ridiculous, Generous? Last time, her generosity had led to her dying alone in a mental hempie
Noah texted:ŢI increased your allowance by $10,000. Stop being angry, okay?]
Alice smirked. She’d never cared about having more than Chloe. They never understood what mattered to her.
She went to Garrett’s room. He was yawning, his hair messy. He handed her a card. Get your hair done this afternoon. Tell them I sent you.”
“Thanks” Alice took the card. The Windhams would have arranged this before. Chloe and Luke would be at the event. She didn’t care about makeup, but this was her first public appearance since leaving home. She didn’t want to be underestimated.
Jack glanced at Alice, seeing a smile–no more anxiety or timidity. He smiled slightly. The sapling he’d nurtured had finally growTI.
Alice took her dress and prepared to leave.
Garrett said, “Alice, we have things to do. We can’t wait around for you to get ready. I have no patience for that!” He and Jack couldn’t be seen together by reporters,
“It’s fine. I can go myself.” Alice looked at Jack. He looked up, his gaze deep.“Call me if you need anything.”
Alice smiled and left.
After she left, Garrett said lazily, Jack, Alice’s an adult now. Getting dressed up is normal. She’ll date, get married. You can’t make her a prude! Some smooth–talking guy might trick her!”
Jack, after suppressing his annoyance, kicked Garrett. Garrett, anticipating this, jumped and continued, “Didn’t you say Alice liked someone? Maybe a classmate! They’ll be lovey–dovey in college!”
“Shut up! Jack rubbed his temples, feeling agitated.
Alice took a cab to the salon. Jane arrived shortly after. “Is this salon trustworthy? I’ve never heard of it.”
“A friend recommended it. It should be fine.” Alice had invited Jane; the invitation allowed a guest.
At the salon, Alice said, “I was referred by Garrett.”
“Miss Alice. He told me. Come in.”
Alice waited for her hair and makeup. Jane said, “Alice, the haters are awful! Chloe even liked their comments! Everyone thinks you have a sponsor. Noah’s your brother; why isn’t he defending you?”
Alice was calm.“Whatever.”
“I used to envy your brothers, but now I see they favor Chloe. It’s better not having them.”
Alice looked at her reflection, feeling detached. She was finally independent.
Hours later, the styling was done. Alice put on the dress; she looked unfamiliar.
Jane took pictures.“Alice, you look beautiful! Chloe manipulated you, making you feel invisible.”
Alice took some selfies with Jane. “Let’s go.”
They took a cab to the event at a five–star hotel. Many luxury cars and reporters were there.
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Jane was nervous. I’ve never been to such an event. If you weren’t here, I’d be helping my brother, not entering through the front door!”
Alice acted nonchalant. ‘Don’t worry. We have invitations.”
As they approached, reporters swarmed towards someone.
Jane looked. “A celebrity!*
Luke and Chloe emerged from a car. Chloe was in a custom dress, wearing an emerald necklace and jade bracelet, looking like a wealthy heiress
Alice recognized the jewelry–the apology gifts her brothers had given her. Now Chloe had them. Alice didn’t feel sad: she didn’t care about her brothers anymore.
Chloe enjoyed the attention; the jewelry was valuable. Alice was gone; now Chloe had everything
A reporter asked Luke, “Mr. Windhamke, is it true that ‘Sweet Lemon‘ is your sister, Alice?
Chloe’s smile froze. Why bring this up? Why did Alice keep appearing?
Luke looked flustered. He’d been drinking heavily, trying to numb himself. He’d only come because of this event. He heard ‘Sweet Lemon” would be there. He wanted to see who she was–was it Alice?
Chloe said, “We’re also curious. She hasn’t revealed her face.”
“But some say her voice sounds like Alice Windham. Is that true?*
Chloe’s face was strained. “Yes, but there are look–alikes. Similar voices are common. It proves nothing.” Alice
couldn’t have become a famous streamer. It was coincidence.
“Miss Chloe, you don’t think ‘Sweet Lemon‘ is Alice Windham?*
“I don’t. If she was that good, she wouldn’t be on Shrimp Live. Alice would be on Green Fruit.” Chloe glanced at Luke. Luke, right?”
Luke looked uncomfortable. He couldn’t answer. If Alice was “Sweet Lemon,” would she sign with his platform? Before, he’d have been sure. Not anymore. But he didn’t want to lose face. “Yes. If my sister debuted, she’d sign with me. They were family.
Ch
