Chapter 27: Vans Parked In The Mansion

Beatrice strode away the moment she finished speaking. Left behind, Winnie clenched her fists, fury burning in her eyes. “Why is that bitch so lucky? Why is she always so damn lucky?”

She stood abruptly and marched off, face tight with anger. A maid stepped forward, hesitant. “Miss, someone came by the house earlier to check on—”

“Scram!” Winnie snapped, and stormed past her.

In her room, Alicia heard a soft knock. She already knew who it was—she could recognize his breathing through the door.

The hinges creaked as it opened. Alexander stepped inside, guilt etched across his features. He closed the door gently and lingered there for a long, uncertain beat, searching for words.

“Do you want to talk?” he asked at last, anxious.

“Yes,” Alicia replied, calm as ever.

He crossed the room and sat on the edge of her bed. For a moment, he simply looked at her, then sighed, the sound carrying regret. “I’m really sorry. I know I should’ve stood up for you and made those who hurt you pay. But as a father and a husband… what can I do? Cathy, my hands are tied. I hope you can forgive me for not taking the necessary actions. I promise, I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Alicia wasn’t surprised he suspected that mother-daughter pair. He knew what they were capable of.

“I understand, Dad,” she said with a small, reassuring smile.

Relief softened his expression. He’d braced himself for anger or tears, but her composure eased him.

“I won’t spare them forever,” he vowed quietly. “I’ll make them regret what they did to you. Maybe not today or tomorrow—but I will.”

Alicia only smiled. She knew Alexander was powerless against Beatrice for now, and that crossing her would cost him dearly. She could wait until he was ready to face the force behind her.

Feeling lighter, Alexander rose. At the door, he paused. “I’m looking into your mother’s accident from years ago. I think I’m finally uncovering some buried lies. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” Alicia said.

She watched him leave and the door click softly shut.

The next morning, the ringing of her phone woke her. She glanced at the screen—Andy was calling.

She went to the window and saw his car parked in the courtyard. Her lips curled into a smile. She dressed quickly and stepped out of her room.

She walked straight to the car and climbed in. Seeing Andy, she smiled and called out in a soft, heart-tugging voice, “Hubby.”

Andy froze, staring at her in a daze. When he came back to his senses, he asked, “What did you just call me?”

Alicia repeated, smiling. “Hubby.”

Andy’s face lit up with a sweet smile. Alicia teased him, “Did you dream about me? Couldn’t wait to wake up and see me? You ran over here before dawn even broke.”

Alicia was always surprised by how easily Andy accessed her father’s mansion. This husband of hers wasn’t as simple as he appeared.

Andy was in an excellent mood, but he feigned a worried tone. “Do you have time?”

“For what?” Alicia asked, curious.

“For shopping,” Andy said. “Today is your dad’s birthday, and I don’t think you’ve chosen your dress and shoes yet.”

“Too tiring,” Alicia retorted. “My stepmom put a lot of effort into getting me a dress. I should appreciate her for helping me.”

Andy stared at her in disbelief, shocked that Beatrice would arrange a dress for Alicia. Still, he chose not to interfere too much in her affairs.

“Someone’s very idle and jobless,” he said lightly. “You can use her as much as you want. She’s a local fashion designer and stylist—she could be of some help to you.”

Alicia didn’t think much of it. Anything from Andy, she accepted readily. “Alright.”

After Alicia got out of the car and left, the woman sitting beside the driver turned to look at the president, her expression full of grievance. She’d been invited to Paris Fashion Week countless times, with countries lining up to have her at their fashion events—yet here she was, being asked to serve her boss’s not-yet wife.

A man in love is truly strange.

Andy’s face became expressionless. “Do your best, Ciara. I’ll make it worth your while. There are several vans in the parking lot. If what’s inside isn’t enough, message me and I’ll send more. I also brought a lot of assistants—you can use them. But don’t make her uncomfortable.”

“Okay, boss,” Ciara replied.

She got out of the car and headed to the vans. When she stepped inside and saw the dinner gowns, their price tags, the shoes, and the jewelry sets, she could hardly believe her eyes. She checked the other three vans and was even more stunned.

She sighed. “The rich never know what to do with their money. They just lavish it so casually.”

Shaking her head, still in disbelief, she stepped back out, overwhelmed.

Alicia hadn’t known that, as soon as Alexander woke, Beatrice and Winnie had hurried to his room to surprise him with a birthday greeting.

When Alexander didn’t see Alicia, he frowned and asked, “Where is Catherine?”

“She’s still asleep. We didn’t want to bother her,” Winnie lied.

Just then, the door opened. Alicia stood on the threshold and said calmly, “Happy birthday, Dad.”

Alexander’s face lit up at the sight of her and at her words. Beatrice’s fingernails dug into her palms. She had been wishing Alexander a happy birthday for years, yet he always responded with a blank expression and a perfunctory thank-you. But a simple greeting from Alicia stirred him—enough to make Beatrice’s anger boil over. She stormed out, with Winnie following close behind.

They had barely reached the hall when the butler approached and said, “Ma’am, there are vans parked at the mansion.”