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.