LOGIN[Alice’s POV]Adam walked with me, back to the lab. We were silent most of the way but the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken implications.“Well, with the development of David’s new family affairs, it could mean his attention will finally switch from you,” Adam said hopefully, when we reached the laboratory.We stood at the door while I hesitated to go in.“We can only hope so,” I said. “Listen, Adam, thanks so much for your support through all this. I can’t think how I can ever repay you.”“Listen, you take care,” he said warmly, before heading away. “I’ve got an investigation to conduct.”With a smile, he was gone and I let myself into the lab.I pondered the situation for a while, my thoughts switching from Lily’s startling revelation, to what I could do to clear my name.I needed someone I could trust, who knew how to dig for information. Sure enough, a familiar name soon came to mind.Noah Priestley.Noah worked at the university, in their tech lab. I had come to know him and hi
[Alice’s POV]While the outcome of the board’s vote fell in my favor, to my im·mense relief, still I felt disturbed.Lily’s blatantly provocative behavior when we arrived for the meeting, with smug smiles and cutting comments, shouldn’t bother me yet it still managed to rattle me.Even though she had achieved her goal to destroy my marriage and get David all to herself, still she clearly harbored a toxic animosity toward me.When Lily pointedly accused me of plagiarism and declared that my conduct was shameful, I was beyond furious. How dare she try to shame me!Her behavior was disgraceful, acting as if it had already been proven that I had stolen someone else’s work. And this coming after her concerted campaign to steal my husband. Now, she wants to join others trying to frame me for unethical practices, with no shred of proof.I had hoped that, with the end of my marriage, the healing could begin. I didn’t want to keep battling her at every turn. Why couldn’t we just leave the past
[Lily’s POV]When David’s personal assistant took leave for six months, I saw my opportunity. I grabbed at the chance to work closer with him, to become indispensable, to entwine myself further into his life.Besides, I had finished redecorating the villa and needed a new interest.“David,” I tried, after plying him with his favorite whiskey. “With Sylvia off to the Himalayas for heavens knows how long, you’re going to need an interim secretary.”David sat back in his leather armchair, looking relaxed for a change. He glanced at me.“Well, that’s true. Why?”“So…” I began, “I would like to volunteer. I mean, you wouldn’t even have to pay me! You know I have an active mind, I’m totally loyal to you, and I need a new challenge.”I thought, after all, how hard could it be? Booking flights, taking notes, making sure he didn’t skip lunch.He appraised me for a moment. Took a couple of thoughtful sips. I kept quiet, letting him consider the possibility.“You only have a medical background,
[Alice’s POV]Adam collected me from the lab, later in the week. The institute’s board of directors had called an emergency meeting. They were wasting no time in acting on the mounting pressure.“Let’s go, Alice. Time for a showdown,” he said, trying to smile. Trying to lighten the gravity of the situation for me.But it didn’t work. I was terribly worried. Everything I had fought so hard for, was on the line.On our way there, I said, “But I haven’t been invited to attend the meeting, Adam. I mean, I’m not on the board.”“Maybe not, but I am. And with you being a major shareholder, I have invited you to accompany me.”“Do you think David will be there?” I asked.“I expect so. He’s still a director.”We exchanged meaningful glances. David could hardly be expected to go against any vote of the board.When we entered the institute’s boardroom, I got a shock.David was already there.And so was Lily!I was speechless but Adam dove right in.“What is she doing here?” he demanded, his expr
[Alice’s POV] Perhaps Endall was right being so angry about the defamatory articles suddenly trashing my hard-won reputation in all those medical science publications.Despite the accusations having no basis in truth, I was becoming increasingly concerned as I watched them spreading unchecked through otherwise reputable academic journals, and being widely dissected in medical forums.Feeling a little shaken by the backlash, I sought advice from Adam.“This has got to stop,” he growled. His expression was controlled but underneath, he was furious. I could tell by his set jawline and the tick of a muscle under tension in his jaw.“I’ve been watching this garbage spread, and it’s not only dangerous to you, but it threatens the integrity of the institute, as well,” he said.I shrugged. I didn’t want to make too much of it. “I don’t think there’s anything I can do, Adam,” I said. “I don’t know the source of these false rumors. And that’s all it is, really, just rumors.”“Don’t worry too m
[David’s POV]After I had paid a visit to Doctor Bailey this afternoon and received confirmation of Lily’s pregnancy, I drove over to the International School. Today was Camilla’s first day at her new school and I so much wanted to be a part of her new adventure.The first day of school is a big milestone in a small child’s life. I felt I should share it with her but I was no longer permitted to be involved. Still, if I could catch a glimpse of her, that would be something.Alice would collect her when school finished, so I found a vacant space in the school’s parking lot and kept out of sight. Soon, I heard the sound of children’s voices as they burst out of the school and started running to their waiting parents.Leaving the car, I moved closer, keeping a watch on the doors to the building. It wasn’t easy finding my daughter amidst the noisy scrum of excited kids heading home for the day.Then I spotted her. She barreled down the front steps at a crazy pace, excitement written all o
[Alice's POV]The air stood still for a second, then slowly began to move — but it was no longer to Lily’s controlled rhythm, but mine.I said, “Gentlemen, I want to add one thing.” I reopened the folder, and tapped my fingertips on a few pages of printed experiment data sheets. “These are the resu
[Alice's POV]He simply straightened up, and leaving the balcony, he walked toward me. Coming back into the conference center corridor, he closed the balcony glass sliding door, and joined me.“Professor Lawrence is looking for you.” His voice was low and gentle. “He told me that several European i
Alice‘s POVHe was standing over me in an unconscious act of intimidation. He was seeking validation.I leaned back against the pillow and looked up at him, with a pitying smile. Where to start, I wondered.“David, it’s not that I’m hiding something from you,” I said on a weak breath, each word str
Lily‘s PerspectiveWhen I pushed open the heavy front door to Newcombe Manor, I was greeted by the cold, musty smell belonging to the old money class of society.But from tonight onwards, this smell will become much more pleasing to the senses.“Aunt Lily, can I sleep in Mommy’s room tonight?” Cami







