Luke''s voice was humble."Tell me, and I''ll take care of it." He''d do anything to appease Alice.


    Chloe knelt, pleading. “Alice, don''t me the butler. He didn''t mean it. I''m adopted; I shouldn''t have used my birthday as the code."


    The butler said, “Miss Chloe, don''t kneel for me. It was all my fault.” Chloe knelt, appearing humble and wronged.


    Seeing Chloe''s swollen face, Luke softened."Chloe, that''s not what I meant. This house is Mom and Dad''s; the code was always Alice''s birthday. No one else had the right to change it."


    Chloe forced a smile. I know. I''m adopted; I had no right. The butler overstepped. I promise it won''t happen again."


    The butler knelt."Master Two, I''m sorry. I won''t be so presumptuous again! But Miss Chloe is innocent." Luke''s tone softened. He looked at Alice."Alice, they''re apologizing."


    Alice''s gaze was filled with sarcasm. Nothing had changed. Chloe''s tears and apologies were meant to force forgiveness.


    Jack said coldly, “Can apologies erase the harm Alice suffered?”


    "It''s family..." Luke tried to say, but Jack sped off.


    Luke watched the car, sighing. Why couldn''t Alice understand his predicament? It was difficult to be fair to both. Couldn''t they give each other a chance?


    A cold glint shed in Chloe''s eyes after Alice left. She looked pitifully at Luke."Brother Two, the butler has always taken care of everything. Don''t fire him."


    Luke rubbed his temples."He can''t be the butler anymore; he''ll be a regr servant. I''m going to Peking; the butler can stay here to help you with your studies!" He felt Chloe had been given enough opportunities; if she failed, it was her fault.


    Chloe gritted her teeth. “Thank you, Brother Two!" She needed to save the butler. But she wouldn''t repeat a year locally; she''d go to Peking!


    Resentment filled her eyes as she watched Alice''s car. She would crush Alice one day! In the car, Alice hummed happily. "My hands are numb from pping Chloe! Her expression was priceless! She thought Chloe should be an actress; it would be a perfect fit.


    Seeing her cheerful mood, Jack realized his worries were unfounded. Alice had be much. stronger! He said calmly, "When are you leaving?"


    “Tomorrow, after I finish everything. I''ll buy my ticket to Peking.” She nced at him; she wouldn''t see him often. He worked at the school.


    Jack nodded. “Let''s have dinner tomorrow night." He saw her sadness but couldn''t soften. It was time to let go.


    The next day, Alice saw a feast at Gator''s apartment.


    Gator said, "Little Lemon, a farewell dinner."


    H


    Dapter 122


    "Thank you."


    Alice said to Gator, I hope the investment conference goes well."


    "Me too."


    She looked at Jack."Will youe?" It was a newpany project.


    Jack''s lips were pressed together."I won''t. Your


    pressed together. I won''t. You and Gator go; he''s the boss." Disappointment washed over her. She knew this day woulde, but it still hurt.


    After dinner, Gator went to the balcony to call. Looking at Alice, Jack said calmly, "Be happy. Do what you want. Don''t worry too much."


    "I know.” Her expression was disappointed.


    Jack avoided her gaze."Focus


    Alice smiled.“Dating is my choice.”


    on studying. Don''t rush into rtionships."


    He instinctively reached for her cup. “Little Alice, you can''t hold your liquor. Don''t drink."


    "Will you control


    forever? Her eyes me


    Her eyes were calm as she looked at him.


    She found Jack different; he was kind. She''d even thought he liked her, but she''d been wrong.


    Jack''s throat tightened."Not necessarily."


    Alice''s heart skipped a beat. What did that mean?


    Jack continued, “Since you cut ties with your family, consider me your... family.”


    "I don''t need another brother."


    Alice stood up."I''m full. I''ll pack." She left, dejected.


    Jack watched her go, his expressionplex.


    Gator entered. "Finished? Ready to let go?"


    Jack remained silent, finishing his wine, his eyes dark. He understood Alice''s feelings, but he wasn''t worthy, not qualified.


    The next day, Alice and Gator left for Peking.


    Alice, feeling nervous, looked. out the window.“I hope our project stands out.” Gator said, “Be confident.” He hadn''t expected Alice''s talent. He thought Jack was paving the way for her; she was truly capable.


    They arrived at the investment conference. Alice set up her presentation. Gator, wearing at baseball cap, followed her. He spotted someone familiar."I''ll use the restroom. You handle things."


    Alice nodded. She''d just settled when she saw Luke. She lowered her head. Why were they here?


    Luke, surprised, approached. Alice, you''re here!”


    Luke frowned."Alice, why are you wearing Maple Leafpany clothing? They''repeting with Brother Two!" Why would she help an outsider?