Chapter 35: Mind Your Business

Alicia had no idea what the mother–daughter pair were plotting. When dinner was served, she came downstairs as usual.

No sooner had they finished eating than Beatrice spoke up. “Alex dear, when is Catherine and Andy’s wedding? Some of my friends are already asking about the date, and I can’t keep everyone guessing.”

Alexander’s face tightened. He was worried—more than anything—about Alicia ending up with a man who couldn’t give her children. He looked at Beatrice and replied, his tone cold, “Let them decide for themselves. We can’t tell them what to do.”

Beatrice turned to Alicia, unable to hide her impatience. She wanted Alicia out of the house as soon as possible. “Have you talked to Andy about your wedding?”

Alicia met her gaze without answering right away. The quiet weight of her stare unsettled Beatrice, who suddenly felt as if Alicia could see straight through her intentions.

“When we’re ready,” Alicia said at last.

Beatrice ground her teeth, realizing Alicia wouldn’t say more. Winnie looked equally annoyed, but neither of them could do anything about it.

Alexander exhaled in relief at Alicia’s answer. He still hoped she would change her mind about marrying Andy.

After dinner, Alicia went upstairs to rest. The next morning, Andy drove her to her usual drop-off point, reversed the car, and left.

As she walked toward her company’s gate, a car sped up and braked sharply beside her. Ethan stepped out and strode toward her, his expression dark.

Alicia frowned at the look on his face.

“Alicia,” he said, voice hard, “it’s time you stopped pretending. You can’t fool me. I don’t buy the lie that you’re Catherine. Why are you deceiving everyone? Why take someone else’s identity? What do you stand to gain?”

Alicia didn’t answer. She frowned, turned away, and kept walking.

“Don’t walk out on me—” he snapped, reaching for her arm.

Before his hand could touch her, she caught his wrist and twisted. A sharp crack sounded, and Ethan let out a strangled cry. “Argh!”

By the time he staggered back, Alicia had already released him and continued on. She entered the building without looking back, leaving him clutching his arm, shocked and in pain.

“How did she…?” he muttered, bewildered. His brows knit, then he shook his head stubbornly. “I’m not wrong. She’s Alicia.”

He returned to his car and drove off.

Moments later, Eden arrived at the company and went straight to Alicia’s office. Her secretary let him in.

Alicia looked up, irritation flickering in her eyes.

“Hello, pretty,” Eden said with a bright smile. “You look gorgeous this morning.”

He didn’t wait for permission before taking a seat. “You won’t answer my greeting?” he teased.

“What are you doing here?” Alicia asked, her tone cool.

“Ever since I first saw you, Catherine, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you,” Eden said earnestly. “You’re always on my mind. I can’t picture myself with anyone else.”

“This is office hours,” Alicia replied, crisp and controlled. “You should leave.”

Unruffled, Eden stood. “I hope you’ll give me a chance. I’ll go now. But I’ll be back this evening.”

He left, and Alicia didn’t respond to his parting words. She moved through the departments, reviewed reports, and signed documents after a careful read.

As usual, Andy came to pick her up and drove her home. When they pulled into the driveway, Beatrice was already waiting for them at the parking lot—clearly alerted the moment they passed the gate.

The moment Andy stepped on the brake and Alicia got out, he was about to drive off when Beatrice called out, “Andy!”

Alicia walked away without bothering to stay and see what Beatrice wanted.

Beatrice approached the car, where Andy still sat, and said, “Andy, even though we may not be close, I’ve watched you for years. I mean well for you. Take what I’m about to say seriously.”

Impatient as he was, Andy forced himself to listen. His voice was cool and emotionless. “What’s the matter?”

Beatrice sighed, sounding exasperated. “You may not know this, but many young heirs have approached us in recent weeks with the same request—to marry Catherine. If my husband hadn’t been so firm about his principles, Catherine would have been married by now.”

Andy tensed. He remembered the attention Alicia drew at the birthday party, how she effortlessly stole the spotlight. He felt conflicted.

Beatrice shook her head regretfully. “I don’t know how long my husband will stick to his principles and keep denying his daughter a marriage.”

She turned and left. Andy’s face fell, his eyes dimming as he weighed her words. Rubbing his chin, he came to a decision. “She’s right. It’s time for me to marry Catherine.”

Later, after Andy left the mansion, night had fallen when Winnie came by. At the dining table, once they had finished eating, Winnie said in shock, “A man came up to me today and said Catherine’s real name is Alicia. I tried to get him to explain what he meant.”

Alicia looked at Winnie as if she were foolish and sneered. “I wasn’t there with you.”

Beatrice cut in. “Catherine, do you know who that man is?”

Already seeing through the mother-and-daughter act, Alicia stared at them and said, enunciating each word, “Learn to mind your business.”