Chapter 77
However, Caroline was very much unlike her usual self and wouldn’t listen to reason. Before Alice could finish, she shouted, “I
don’t care. I’m going with you no matter where you go. Daddy said he’s going to play with me today, so he must come too.”
“Yeah, he said he’s staying with you. If you throw a tantrum, he’ll be sad.” Alice looked at Ethan and gritted her teeth. You’re not
staying out of this. I’m going to drag you into this.
“If he comes with us, I won’t be ditching him, then. We’ll be together.” Daddy obviously won’t be sad.
Lawrence looked at his son. He seemed to be oblivious about the matter, but then he noticed Ethan wasn’t even scrolling
through his phone. I guess I have to step in. “You’re meeting a friend? I guess taking your family along won’t matter. Just take
them with you, Alice.”
Alice froze and stared at Lawrence in shock. Why did he agree to this? If we go out together, people might find out we’re
married.
“The media has its eyes on us. If I take Caroline with me, it might pose some trouble for her.” She didn’t bring Ethan up, but
anyone could see what she was implying. If the media knew who Caroline really was, they would figure out who Ethan was as
well.
Ethan finally looked up at her. She’s worried we might be exposed? Or is she just scared of me? Am I that much of an
embarrassment to her?
The look on Rosy’s face changed. “Why don’t you reschedule, Alice? Stay at home with Caroline.” Rosy didn’t want Alice to get
along with her son too much, but she would rather Alice stay home than get exposed. I cannot let anyone find out she’s married
to Ethan.
“Sure.” I guess I can’t leave now.
Ethan narrowed his eyes. So, she’d rather reschedule than go out with me? How much of an embarrassment does she think I
am?
“Ooh, I want to play with some toys.” Hmm, she’s not going out, so we can all be together. Mission accomplished. Yay.
Lawrence realized Ethan was looking miffed, and he shook his head. I did my best. She doesn’t want to go out with you, and
that’s not my problem. Since he had work to do, Lawrence left.
Caroline held Alice’s hand in one hand and Ethan’s hand in another, then she took them to the little play space Rosy made for
her. She sat Alice and Ethan down. They sat close to each other and seemed like they could be a family.
Rosy was giving them a conflicted look. Alice looked up just in time to meet that gaze. She knew Caroline wouldn’t let her go if
she were to leave now, so she played with Caroline for half an hour. When Caroline was immersed in her toys, she slowly got up.
Caroline missed that, but Ethan looked at her. “Where are you going?”
Hearing that, Caroline looked at Alice as well.
“I’m getting some water.” Alice was confused. I thought we promised I would never use Caroline to get close to him. I’m staying
away, so what’s with the dissatisfaction? She left to get water but didn’t go back. Instead, she went to her room.
Ethan’s face fell. Damn. She’s using that as an excuse to stay away from me, huh? What do I look like, an ogre?
When it was nearing dusk, Alice got a message. ‘Jonathan Leeson, the driver, will be at room 505 in Royale tonight.’
Jonathan Leeson was the truck driver who blocked their way seven years ago during the car accident. If it weren’t for him, the
accident wouldn’t have been that serious. If it weren’t for the glass shards that flew toward them, the damage would have been
minimal. She suspected the driver of taking orders for someone, and for seven years, she had been looking for him. Now, she
finally had news of him. I will find out who killed my parents. I must go.
After a whole day of playing, Caroline got tired and fell asleep.
Alice went downstairs to talk to Rosy. “Mrs. Knight, I have to leave. Caroline’s upstairs and asleep. Keep an eye on her, please.”
A moment of silence later, Rosy said, “Okay. Is Ethan up there?” she asked.
“Not sure. Didn’t look,” said Alice without thinking. She went back to her room right after lunch, so she had no idea where Ethan
was.
Rosy heaved a sigh of relief. The agreement she gave clearly stated that Alice could not use Caroline to get close to Ethan. It’s
normal she didn’t pay attention to him, but she didn’t even go and talk to him even though he was upstairs. Instead, she came to
me. She wasn’t even sure if he was upstairs. Rosy had no idea what to say.
Alice left and put some makeup on in the car. News about her was getting a lot more rambunctious lately. She didn’t want to be
the center of attention everywhere she went. That would mean trouble.
Unbeknownst to her, Ethan entered Royale not long after she did. Keith had a gathering that night. Jonathan was working as the
Rowlands’ driver, but Alice had never seen him before. The sleuth she sent only managed to snap a picture of him from afar. The
distance made it hard for her to see him clearly, but she knew she could recognize him as long as he showed up.
There weren’t a lot of people there when Alice came. She came early and sat in a quiet corner. Perfect to check out everyone
who comes in.
Half an hour later, the guests slowly arrived, and there were a lot of them too. Eventually, Keith came in as well, but still, there
was no sign of Jonathan. Alice’s face fell. Did he not come? Or is he outside? It’s possible. He’s a driver, after all. He might not
be allowed entrance. She decided to wait for a while longer. If Jonathan still didn’t show up, she would go outside to check things
out, but then she saw someone she didn’t want to.