Alice didn''t believe Caleb. She knew how much he loved to act, both professionally and personally.


    Caleb smiled, whispering, “I heard your team needs sponsors. I''ll help. Cooperate, be good.” Alice refused to cooperate. Caleb forcefully put his arm around her, feigning closeness. Alice noticed the media was present; he''d nned this. She wouldn''t cooperate elsewhere, but not at the base. It would reflect poorly on the team. Caleb was famous, and had never revealed hist family. What was he doing?


    Calels said to the cameras, "You''re curious about my injury? My sister did this. We were sparring, and she''s improved a lot. I can''t beat her."


    His public persona was that of a warm, caring older brother. Fans expressed envy. Alice''s expression was grim. Someone said, "Your brother is so kind, helping you gain poprity and sponsors. Why the long face?"


    Alice looked up; Max and Chloe were in the crowd. Max was Caleb''s fan? Chloe said, “Sister Alice, smile. People


    People will think you resent your brother." Alice''s hands clenched. Caleb leaned in, whispering, "Cooperate. It''s for your own good." But she''d never asked for this! They alwayspensated her in ways "they decided. A girl in a baseball cap spoke up.“Why should Alice cooperate with a family that mistreats her? She cut ties with them. Everyone knows that.”


    Alice''s eyes welled up; it was Jiang Lu, her ssmate. Chloe was surprised to see her. Caleb''s expression hardened, but his smile remained. “I only learned about this recently. My sister and the family had a huge fight. But she''s always my sister."


    Jiang Lu pointed at Chloe. "What about her? You favored the adopted daughter over Alice. Chloe, hating being reminded of her adoption, said, “Jiang Lu, we were ssmates. You''re close to Alice, but you shouldn''t spread rumors. The brothers treated us fairly.”


    “Fair? When you were sick, Alice had to get food. She was the top student, but had to give up Washington University to attend a second-tier school with you. Is that fair?" Jiang Lu knew what happened in high school..


    The crowd gasped. Even reporters were shocked.


    Caleb''s expression turned cold. He whispered, "Your friend is loyal, but she shouldn''t say Should I teach her a lesson?"


    "Don''t touch her," Alice said. She knew Caleb''s methods.


    this.


    Caleb


    smiled."Then


    exin things. Or your friend will have problems."


    Alice gritted her teeth, looking at Jiang Lu. She was grateful for Jiang Lu''s support but couldn''t let her get hurt.


    She smiled. "Those things happened, but it''s not Caleb''s fault. He''s been kind to me."


    Caleb''s smile widened."Good girl."


    After interacting with fans, Caleb left. The fans followed. Max left, too, Chloe red at Alice,


    1734


    61.55


    surprised Caleb had boosted Alice''s image. She''d thought she''d sessfully driven a wedge. between them. Something felt wrong.


    Alice approached Jiang Lu."Why did youe?"


    “I was at the finals. I wanted to see you after you became captain. I had to speak up.” “Why didn''t you message me?"


    Jiang Lu smiled shyly. She hadn''t interacted much with Alice in high school, and felt guilty about her role in isting her.


    "Don''t worry. Let me introduce you to the team. You wanted to visit Cloud Battle." Alice''s mood. improved.


    Jiang Lu was worried. "What''s Caleb doing? He''s trying to guilt-trip you again?" She''d seen Caleb''s attitude toward Alice.


    Alice''s smile faded. "He likes to y the good brother in public. He''s covering up his injury.” “Did you really hit him?"


    Alice nodded.


    Jiang Luughed. "Good for you!"


    treat


    Alice introduced Jiang Lu to her teammates. Alice wanted to them to dinner. After training, Alice and Jiang Lu left. Alice noticed a van. Ignoring it, her phone rang-Caleb. She knew he wouldn''t stop calling. She answered."What?"


    "Get in. I need to talk."


    I''m going to dinner. Say it now."


    Caleb said impatiently, "Get


    in the car,


    OT


    your


    friends will have problems."


    Alice looked at the van. She asked Jiang Lu and her teammates to go to the restaurant. She''d jointer. She got into the van. Caleb and Chloe were inside. Chloe looked like she''d been crying. Caleb patted the seat beside him."Alice, sit."


    Alice didn''t move. "What do you want to say?"


    "I know I was harsh at the party. Chloe misled me."


    Alice wondered what he was doing. Caleb looked at Chloe. "Apologize to


    Alice."


    Chloe reluctantly stood."Brother Four, I was worried about Brother and Luke''s projects..." Caleb pped Chloe hard. Her face immediately swelled.