"Wow, you really filled this basket," Alicia remarked, eyes widening at the elegant arrangement of fruits, chocolates, essential oils, and a handwritten note delicately tucked between them.
"Oo Alicia," Alice said with a hopeful smile, "I want it to be perfect." "Of course it will be," Alicia assured, smirking. "I mean if someone brought me that, I'd forgive them on sight."
She pointed dramatically at the basket, and both girls shared a quick laugh. "I'm all set," Alice exhaled, squaring her shoulders. "Let's go do some damage control."
As they stepped out of the mansion, a fleet of bodyguards lined up in formation, bowing respectfully to the women. Alicia blinked. "My husband must be out of his mind. It's not like we're going to war."
"Oo Alicia," Alice said, chuckling, "you'd better get used to this. "I need time, baby girl. This is terrifying." The sleek convoy of black luxury SUVs pulled out of the estate gates and headed for a modest neighborhood. As the convoy turned into the quiet street, curtains were pulled back, doors creaked open, and people poured out in curiosity.
A middle-aged woman tugged on her husband's shirt as they both stared from their balcony. "Is the president visiting our neighborhood or what?" Children ran after the last car in excitement, while neighbors pointed and whispered. The luxury vehicles had drawn half the neighborhood into the street.
As the convoy came to a halt in front of house number 16, a bodyguard swiftly opened the door for Alicia and Alice. Wow…" Alicia breathed, looking around. "This neighborhood looks peaceful and humble."
"I agree," Alice replied, holding tightly to the gift basket. "Okay, so which one is Rachel's house again?"Kira said number 16."
They rang the doorbell.
The door creaked open to reveal a middle-aged man with kind, weathered eyes and streaks of gray in his beard.
"Sir, my name is Alicia Dark Hart, and this is my sister-in-law, Alice. We're here to see your daughter, Rachel." The man gave a gentle nod. "I see… please, come in."
The interior was cozy and filled with a sense of calm. The smell of baked bread lingered in the air. They were led into a small but neat living room, where a soft rug cushioned their feet. A woman entered with a tray of tea and biscuits. "Hello, I'm Rachel's mother," she said with a warm smile. "Nice to meet you."
"The pleasure's mine," Alicia responded graciously. "Alice is a fellow student of Rachel's we're here on a rather important matter. "My husband's calling her down," the woman added. "She's always studying. That girl never rests."
Alice leaned close to Alicia, whispering under her breath. "That tea made me sick." Alicia stifled a giggle. "Be nice." Alice's eyes narrowed. "I still can't believe Rachel let herself get involved with Liliana. She's smarter than that."Oo Alice, the poor girl probably needed the money."
"She could've come to me," Alice muttered. "I would've given her a million dollars without blinking." Alicia turned to her slowly. "What's your bank balance though?" Alice shrugged. "I don't really know, but last I checked, it was around two billion dollars." Alicia choked on her Chocolate. "What?!"
"Relax," Alice said calmly. "You'd faint if you saw Leo's bank statement. "Don't tell me. I'm not ready for a heart attack." Alice smiled faintly. "Are you ready to go back to school? Put that snake in her place?"
"Oh, I'm so ready," Alice said confidently. "And with Rachel's confession, everything will go back to normal. "Also that boy will be—"
"I don't want to talk about him, Alicia."
Okay, fine," Alicia held up her hands. "Do you want to go shopping?" Alicia sighed. "No, I'll pass. Leo said we're visiting his friend tomorrow, and I'm too tired to move about the mall. We could shop online, though."
"I don't really like online shopping," Alice pouted. "I guess no shopping for me today then." Alicia chuckled. "I wonder, though… isn't your closet full? You literally shop every blessed day."
"And don't you ever get tired?" Alicia teased.
Nope," Alice grinned. "Spending my brother's money? Never going to get tired."
The butler opened the door for them as the car pulled into the estate again. The golden sunlight was fading, casting shadows across the sprawling property. Lisa stood at the entrance. Alicia smiled and greeted her.
Lisa walked right past her.
"Something's odd," she muttered to her daughter. "Where are your shopping bags?"
"I didn't shop today, Mom."
Lisa's eyes widened. "Wait—what? Am I dreaming? The one and only princess of this empire went out and came back with nothing? Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?!" Alice rolled her eyes. "Oo least I forget that woman was in bed with you this morning. No wonder."
"Mother!" Alice hissed. "Enough already…"
Lisa sniffed and tossed her scarf dramatically over her shoulder. "Let's see how long this little humility phase lasts