Chapter 3: The Tenacity of the Dandelion

Alicia followed the waiter back to the banquet hall and quickly found her mother, Eleanor. However, the scene she saw caused her heart to tighten. Her mother, Eleanor, was talking to several noblewomen, but with a hard look on her face.

As Alicia approached, she heard the unpleasant dialogue.

"Oh, Eleanor dear," said a lady in a fancy gown in a hypocritically sweet tone, "you are trying so hard. And trying to find some social opportunities for Alicia, how... lovely."

Another lady picked up, "Yes, Eleanor. But you have to realise that things are... It's not the same as it used to be. After all, with Aaron gone, your positions... You understand."

Alicia saw a flash of pain on her mother's face, but Eleanor quickly hid it, still maintaining her elegant smile.

"Our family's position remains strong," Eleanor said calmly, "and Alicia has inherited her father's talent and charm. I am sure she will have a bright future."

"Oh Eleanor, you're always so naive," the third lady sighed falsely, "Do you really think the Stewarts will still care about you mother and daughter? Without Aaron, you're like Dandelions in a mansion, just barely surviving in the corner by the seeds that happen to fall by the wind."

Alicia felt a surge of anger burning in her chest. She could no longer remain silent at the sight of her mother holding back her tears.

"But," the other noblewoman added, "Alicia is quite good looking. Maybe she can find a good family to marry, so your situation can be improved."

These words ignited Alicia's anger. She strode towards the lounge area with an icy smile on her face.

"Good evening, ladies." Alicia gracefully bowed to the noblewomen, "I overheard your conversation earlier, I hope I didn't disturb you."

The noblewomen looked at each other with some embarrassment, then one of them said with a forced smile, "Oh, Alicia dear, you're just in time. We were just talking about you."

Alicia smiled and said, "Yes, I heard you. I appreciate all of you for your...concern for me and my mother... Concern." She deliberately put more emphasis on the word "care".

The noblewomen looked at her warily, wondering what the young girl was going to say.

"Firstly, I would like to thank you all for your 'concern' for my mother," Alicia's voice was full of sarcasm, "Your kindness is truly... Touching. However, I think you may have some misconceptions about our family's situation."

She paused for a moment, glancing round to make sure everyone was listening to her.

"You guys say we're like dandelions, barely surviving. But ladies, in case you forgot, dandelions are such tough plants. They can survive in the harshest of environments, even growing out of cracks in the rocks. Moreover, their seeds can float with the wind and spread to faraway places."

Alicia gave a meaningful smile, "So, if we really are like dandelions, then I think that's the greatest compliment we can get. We will survive and thrive in any environment."

A few of the ladies' faces turned hard, but Alicia didn't stop there.

"As for what you call 'status'," she continued, "I would like to remind you that true status is not maintained by marriage or birth. It comes from individual talent, character, and effort. My mother, Eleanor, was such a person. After losing her husband, she remained strong and supported her family, creating the best environment for me to grow up in

Alicia revealed a sweet smile, ''Oh, by the way, I really have to thank you all for the advice about finding a good family to marry. However, I don't think I need to rely on marriage to improve my life just yet. You guys know what? Just a few days ago, I took over the shares of the company that my father left behind. I think this opportunity might be a bit more interesting than marrying into some so-called 'good family'."

The noblewomen were already speechless, they could only stare at Alicia in disbelief.

"Finally," Alicia's tone suddenly became serious, "I would like to ask all of you to show more respect when talking about my father in the future. Mr Aaron Stewart was a great man who made a great contribution to his family and to society. His passing is a loss to all of us. If you can't understand that, then I suggest you keep quiet."

After saying these words, Alicia elegantly turned around and left, leaving several noblewomen staring at each other, not knowing what to do.

Eleanor looked at her daughter's back, tears of pride and emotion shining in her eyes. She said softly to the noblewomen, "Ladies, I think our conversation is over. I wish you a pleasant evening." With that, she too turned to leave, following in her daughter's footsteps.

Alicia walked to the other end of the ballroom and took a deep breath. She felt excited and nervous at the same time, and what she had just said had taken almost all of her courage.

Just then, Edward came over to her.

"That was very impressive," he said with a smile, "you showed true Stuart style."

The charity party was drawing to a close and the guests were leaving. Alicia and Edward walked side by side towards the front door, both of their steps slowing down in unison, neither seeming to want this wonderful evening to end.

"Thank you for your company tonight, Edward," Alicia said sincerely, "I'm really glad to be reunited with you."

Edward gazed at her tenderly, a soft sparkle in his eyes, "Me too, Alicia. It means a lot to me to be able to dance with you tonight and relive old times."

They stopped at the gate. The night breeze was light, bringing a slight coolness. Edward took off his jacket and gently draped it over Alicia's shoulders.

"It's getting cold, so be careful of catching a chill," he said softly, his fingers inadvertently brushing over her shoulders, causing a tiny shiver to run down her spine.

Alicia looked down and stroked the soft fabric, feeling the warmth and faint scent of cologne that lingered on it, and a warmth welled up in her heart." Thank you, Edward. You're still as thoughtful as you were as a child."

Edward smiled, "It is my duty and honour to take care of you." He paused as if he wanted to say something, but in the end just gently shook Alicia's hand, "I should go. Take care, Alicia. I hope we'll see you again soon."

Alicia nodded, "I hope so too. Take care on the road, Edward."

She watched Edward get into his car and leave until the limo disappeared into the night. Alicia took a deep breath and turned around, ready to return to the ballroom, only to find her first and second aunts, Maria and Elizabeth, standing not far away with contempt and jealousy in their eyes.