Capítulo 11: An Expensive Gift

Alice didn't hesitate as her father's hand came down she dodged the attack swiftly.

In one swift movement, she caught his wrist, twisting it just enough to, make him wince in pain, his shock quickly morphing into fury. He tried to shove her off, but she evaded his attempts, every step calculated, controlled.

Williston's face reddened as he struggled to match her, his breaths coming in angry huffs. The servants around them stood in stunned silence, eyes wide with fear.

"Guards! Restrain her!" he barked, his voice trembling with frustration.

Alice smiled coldly, rolling her shoulders as if warming up. "Finally, a challenge. I've been waiting for a chance to stretch." Her voice was calm, laced with sarcasm, as the guards closed in.

They moved in quickly, but Alice was quicker. She sidestepped their attacks with ease, her movements graceful and precise, as if in a practiced dance. One guard swung at her, and she ducked, retaliating with a sharp kick that sent him sprawling across the floor. Another lunged, but she blocked his blow effortlessly, striking him with her elbow. One by one, they fell, unable to keep up with her skillful attacks.

As the last guard staggered backward, defeated, Alice turned her attention back to Sherlin, her gaze darkening. "Now, Sherlin," she said, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper, "where is the book?"

Sherlin's face went pale, and her bravado crumbled. She trembled under Alice's gaze, finally muttering, "It... it's hidden in the library, behind the painting of the golden phoenix."

Alice gave a slight nod to a nearby servant, who, after glancing nervously at the others and recalling Alice's strength, quickly scurried off to retrieve the book. While they waited, Alice cast a cold glance at her family, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

"You see? If you'd just told me the truth earlier, none of this would have been necessary." She glanced at each of them, noticing the simmering anger in their eyes, yet they remained silent, still haunted by the image of her dispatching the guards with ease.

Moments later, the servant returned, carefully holding the book. Alice took it, her fingers brushing over the cover, her expression softening slightly. This book held secrets and treasures she wouldn't allow to fall into the hands of the undeserving. With a final look at her family, she stepped toward the door.

"I think my time here is up."

Williston's face twisted in anger. "Leaving already?" he sneered. "And don't think you're free of your obligations. I expect you to sign those divorce papers. Now!"

Alice stopped, casting a sidelong glance at him. Her voice turned mocking. "I'll gladly sign the papers," she said, her tone dripping with disdain, "if you hand over the 50% shares my mother left me."

Williston's expression tightened, greed flashing in his eyes. "You're a fool, Alice. You couldn't handle those shares if I gave them to you. You'd drive the company into the ground."

Alice's expression hardened, a look of utter disdain crossing her face. "Then it seems you're not ready for the divorce," she replied icily.

Turning to Sherlin, Alice smirked. "If you're so desperate to be with John, you'd better convince your father to hand over what's mine."

Without another word, she turned and walked out of the room, leaving her father and stepfamily glaring after her, their faces twisted in anger and resentment but unable to do anything.

Alice stepped out of the Wilson mansion with an icy calm that masked the fury churning beneath her composed exterior. Her dark eyes held a glint of restrained anger, but she had already smoothed her expression into one of detached indifference. The sharp click of her heels against the marble steps echoed in the silence, each step measured and deliberate as she left the tense scene behind.

The fresh air barely registered as she walked, her gaze fixed forward, her expression unreadable. She inhaled deeply, forcing the lingering frustration to settle. They're not worth it, she told herself coldly, but her clenched jaw betrayed the underlying tension.

Just then, her phone buzzed in her hand, breaking her from her thoughts. She looked down, frowning as she saw the sender's name. John. Her lip curled ever so slightly, the distaste evident as she opened the message.

"We should meet soon. Let's talk things over. Maybe we can clear the air."

A humorless smile crossed her lips, her eyes hardening as she read his message. As if there's anything left to discuss, she thought, her finger hovering over the block button. She felt the familiar wave of loathing rise as memories of his betrayal flooded her mind. She wanted nothing more than to erase every trace of him from her life.

But then she hesitated. The DNA test. The thought stopped her cold, her expression shifting as a new plan formed. If she wanted to confirm her suspicions, she needed a sample from him. She needed to pull through for her daughter.

Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully, the disdain in her gaze turning to cold calculation.

Forcing herself to act, she typed a brief, almost dismissive reply: "Fine. I'll let you know in the upcoming weeks when am free"

She hit send and lowered the phone, her expression unreadable again as she slipped it back into her bag. Every part of her hated the thought of being in the same room as him, but she would tolerate it—just this once.

With a final glance back at the imposing walls of the Wilson estate, her face set in cold determination, Alice strode down the driveway, her footsteps echoing with quiet authority.

________

Several days later...

Several days had passed since Alice's arrival, days she spent primarily in meetings or catching up on sleep as Marie handled minor tasks. With her workload lightened, she found herself savoring the moments of quiet—a rare luxury.

Today was no different. She woke late, stretched out of bed, and after a leisurely breakfast, decided to take a stroll through the presidential villa's spacious halls. Just as she was turning a corner, her assistant Marie came rushing toward her, looking a bit flustered.

"Good morning Boss!

You need to come downstairs," Marie said, her breath short.

Alice raised an eyebrow, her gaze cool and skeptical. "Is something actually urgent?"

"Just… come see for yourself," Marie insisted, her tone firm but cautious.

After a beat, Alice relented, following Marie to the lobby. Outside, her attention was immediately drawn to the sleek, stunning vehicle parked at the villa entrance. It was a limited-edition Aston Martin Valkyrie, its deep, polished black exterior gleaming under the sunlight—sleek, powerful, and unmistakably rare.

She had no idea as to why her assistant her brought her down stairs and how this had to do with her, Just as she was contemplating a voice came through.

A well-dressed driver approached. "Ms. Alice?"

She looked at him, expression unfazed. "Yes?"

The man handed her an envelope with a slight bow. "This car is yours, ma'am. There's a note for you as well."

Alice took the envelope, studying the note inside with mild curiosity. Her expression hardened slightly as she read:

"Dear Ms. Alice, please accept this car as a gesture of my appreciation for our recent partnership. I am delighted by the success we share and hope to discuss future opportunities over dinner. Shall we meet tonight at Le Château Royale?"

Her fingers tightened slightly on the paper, recognizing the signature: Robert Smith. He was a substantial investor in her company, a man she'd encountered only a handful of times and she couldn't remember him clearly.

"A limited-edition car," Alice murmured coolly, glancing back at Marie with an unreadable expression. "Just for a business partnership?.."

Marie shrugged slightly, a knowing look in her eye. "Mr. Smith must think very highly of your partnership."

Alice folded the note with deliberate care. "I'll meet him let him know"

She didn't want to owe him any favours and intended to settle off the bill for the car since she couldn't return it.

Her voice held a steely edge, clear and firm.

Marie nodded. "Understood. Shall I confirm the meeting, then?"

"Yes, and get in touch with UltraTech Systems," Alice said. "I want the Valkyrie's entire operating system and interior upgraded."

Marie blinked. "UltraTech? They're usually exclusive to private clients—"

"Tell them it's me and that they have two hours to make it happen," Alice replied, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

"Right away," Marie replied, tapping on her phone with a practiced efficiency.

Alice gave the car a final, detached look. She had no illusions about what Mr. Smith's gift meant, but she had no intention of playing into his hands. Tonight, she would uncover exactly what he hoped to gain.

With that, she turned away.

....

As the evening approached Alice prepared to leave. The upgrades on the Aston Martin Valkyrie were complete, with the new operating system installed. Since her driver was using her other car to pick up Emily from school, Alice decided to drive the Valkyrie herself tonight.

As she reached Le Château Royale, she parked in front and began walking toward the restaurant's entrance,

As she admired the lavish hotel decoration subtly.

Midway, she remembered she hadn't locked the car. She turned back, retracing her steps.

Nearby, Raya and her friends passed by, laughing among themselves. Spotting Alice's getting out of an unfamiliar car, Raya sneered. Not recognizing the sleek, rare model, she assumed it was cheap. Smirking, she gestured to her friends.

"That's her car? Let's show Alice what happens when she messes with me," Raya whispered, her tone full of spite.

Had hatred for Alice, grew deeper everyday anytime she thought about, that event at the gala.

She decided to let it out today.

Her friends exchanged amused looks, nodding in agreement. As they approached, they picked up hard objects and began smashing the car.

Alice, who had just turned back, noticed the scene. Her eyes darkened, a cold fury flashing across her face as the temperature around her seemed to drop.

REFLEXIONES DE LOS CREADORES
Kwinn_Angel

Hey my lovely reader's I posted a little later than my normal posting time and I'm terribly sorry for that as I had some business to deal with pls motivate me to continue by leaving nice reviews..Like it ? Add to library!