"What's wrong, Alice? Is something bothering you?" Andrew held her face and asked gently.Alice remained silent, burying her face in Andrew's chest, tears streaming down quietly. Andrew's heart sank as he felt her tears."You invited Alice's family? Do you not know how they treated her?" Asher's voice held a hint of frustration as he murmured near Andrew's ear."Alice's family? What the f**k?" Andrew was taken aback by the new revelation and turned to look at the bidder around his age, who had won because both Andrew and Asher were preoccupied by Alice's distressing state."Yes, that's Alice's brother, Jack Cooper," Asher indicated towards the successful bidder. "And those individuals are her parents, while the older folks are her grandparents. The entire family is here," he explained, indicating the group that joined Jack with cheerful expressions."We've secured the win. Thank you, Jack," Alice's father, Barney Cooper, exclaimed, expressing his gratitude.With eyes gleaming, Alice's

"Alice, we traveled across states to be here, just to see you. It's disheartening to be overlooked like this," Grace said pleadingly, but her demeanor was stiff, holding Alice's hand firmly.Alice's voice held a firm edge. "Grandmother, when have I ever ignored you? We just had an honest conversation, something we never did in those 22 years I lived with you."She strained to release her hand from Grace's unwavering hold, but to no avail. In a soft tone, Grace commented, "You're referring to it as a heart-to-heart conversation? You're only undermining your own family."Marie stepped in, a frown creasing her forehead, and gently untangled Alice's arm from Grace's grasp. Her voice was stern as she requested, "Mrs. Cooper, could you please have this conversation from a bit of a distance? Let's not cause unnecessary distress.""Mrs. Kingston, I deeply regret my outburst, but can't you see how she's growing harsh with us? We're her family, after all." Grace's voice wavered with a hint of h

"Mr. Kingston Monica's health is deteriorating rapidly, and her time is limited."Andrew was taken aback by Evelyn's soft yet unwavering revelation. While he harbors a dislike for Monica because of the pain she caused Alice, he never wanted her life to end so tragically."Oh god gracious, how could that be?" Andrew uttered in stance."Monica's pregnancy has taken a dangerous turn, and it's doubtful she'll make it through delivery. Her medical prognosis suggests she might not survive after giving birth, as she'll be expending all her strength in the process." Samantha broke the somber silence with this grim account of Monica's condition."This is really distressing news. What about the baby then?" Andrew's voice was filled with grief and concern.He felt a deep sorrow for the unborn baby, knowing the pain of losing a mother. Although he was five when he lost his own mother, the thought of Monica's child becoming an orphan so soon after entering the world was heartbreakingly tragic."Th

With a graceful gesture, Andrew invited Alice onto his opulent yacht, and their eyes met in astonishment at what lay before them.'I entrusted Vicky with prepping the yacht for the evening, and to my surprise, that troublemaker decked it out for a romantic and cozy rendezvous.'Andrew quietly swore at Vicky upon seeing the yacht adorned with opulent arrangements of fresh flowers. Cascades of roses, peonies, and orchids are nestled in crystal vases, their fragrance mingling with the salty sea air. Petals are scattered artfully all over, adding a touch of beauty."This is yours?" Alice questioned, awe evident in her eyes as she admired the lavish yacht.Would you like a tour of the yacht?" Andrew asked, his lips forming a warm smile.Though Alice found it enchanting, Andrew was still taken aback by the decoration, meticulously taking in every detail.The yacht is adorned with elegant ivory curtains that hang delicately, catching the sea breeze. It offered both privacy and a gentle, warm

Seven days later, in the hospital setting, a nurse walked out of the operating room, cradling a tiny newborn and passing it into Alice's loving arms.With a radiant smile, she declared, "It's a baby girl," bringing immense happiness to the Kingston and Cooper families.Andrew's family was brimming with delight when they heard of Alice's choice to adopt the baby. They couldn't wait for Andrew and Alice to return with the little one.Upon hearing that Monica had been taken to the hospital, they swiftly flew to New York. Only a few hours had passed since their arrival, and they were already at the hospital.Alice was cradling the precious bundle, her eyes gleaming with adoration, while Andrew absorbed the scene with a twinkle in his eyes. Alice's joy was the wellspring of his high spirits.Their happiness was short-lived as a nurse suddenly rushed out, urgently requesting Alice's presence."Excuse me, Miss Alice Cooper; the patient wishes to see you one last time. She's running out of ti