Jack frowned, ncing at his assistant.


    Alice tilted her head."Did someone call you?"


    “You''re mistaken,” Jack said, stepping in front of Alice, shielding her from view. Several bodyguards surrounded Julia Garcia and escorted her away. The helicopter took off. Julia Garcia watched Jack and Alice leave, tears welling up. She''d seen Jack''s tenderness towards Alice. She''d never seen that side of him; her jealousy burned. Her lifelong dream was to marry Jack, have children. But this neer had ruined everything. She wouldn''t give him up. Her assistant approached."Miss Garcia, I got a picture of the girl, but it''s blurry.” Julia Garcia recognized Alice; she''d seen her at the hospital. Jack had denied knowing her, and she''d believed him. She''d been fooled.


    "Find out everything about her, Julia Garcia ordered, furious.


    "No need. That''s Alice. She targeted your sister, Max, at school. It''s all over the news, the assis said.


    A smile touched Julia Garcia''s lips. If Mrs. Yates knew Alice''s true nature, she would object to their rtionship. She called Mrs. Yates.“Mrs. Yates, are you free for coffee this afternoon? Something came up that I need to tell you.” She had to tell Mrs. Yates and the elder Mrs. Yates what kind of person Alice was. Only she was worthy of Jack.


    Alice and Jack took a helicopter to a secluded but beautiful restaurant, perfect for a date. Alice whispered, "Business seems slow; not many customers."


    It''s a bit out of the way," Jack said, omitting the fact that he''d booked the entire ce.


    They ate quietly; Alice was


    Jack handed her a napkin. “Walk?"


    unusually refined,


    conscious of her image.


    “Okay. Their hands brushed; her heart quickened. He took her hand. Their shadows, intertwined, were romantic and alluring under the moonlight. They walked infortable silence.


    Jack stopped."Bored?"


    "No. It would be prettier during the day."


    "Night is more romantic,” Jack said. Then, fireworks lit up the sky.


    Alice watched the fireworks; Jack watched her. "Beautiful?"


    “I''ve seen beautiful fireworks, but this is different. It''s probably because of who I''m with." She looked at him; the fireworks were a stunning backdrop to his handsome face. Had she initially fallen for his looks?


    Jack was nervous.“Alice, I’m not as perfect as you think. I hesitate sometimes. But seeing you injured...I swore it wouldn''t happen again. So..."


    "So?"


    “So,


    be my girlfriend. Let me take care of you,” Jack said, extending his hand. Alice smiled, cing her hand in his. "Jack, thank you for being there." Not too soon, not toote; perfectly timed.


    2015


    She sneezed. "It''s a little chilly."


    "It''ste. Let''s go,” Jack said, taking her hand. Leaving the Windham family, she was no longer alone. She had friends and a lover.


    They took a while to get back; Alice ran to her dorm, afraid of beingte. Panting, she received a text from Jack:"If you didn''t make it, I''ll wait outside."


    “Made it just in time! I''m exhausted!" Alice said, gasping for breath. Who dates and ends up running like a dog?


    Alice gave her water."How was the date?"


    "Good. We''re officially together."


    "It''s the guy who sent you the patches, right? You denied it."


    Alice smiled. "Treating the team to boba tomorrow."


    In bed, she texted Jack: "What are you doing?"


    "Just got home. Rest early," he replied.


    Jack''s car pulled up to the Huo family mansion. After texting Alice, he went inside. The elder Mrs. Huo was waiting.“Back? You had Daniel deny the Garcia family engagement. You''re serious about this girl."


    "Yes."


    "Any other girl would be fine, but not her. Unless you tell her the truth. she still epts you, won''t object." Jack was silent. "I need time."


    I


    "One month. If you can''t handle it, I will,” Mrs. Huo said sternly. She didn''t want to see either child hurt. Jack, worried about his grandmother''s health, agreed. “I''ll handle it."


    Mrs. Huo sighed. It was a terrible situation.


    The next morning, Alice went to ss. She took a picture of the sky and sent it to Jack. She saw Chloe, dressed in designer clothes, approaching. Chloe paused beside her.“Alice, thanks to Four''s treatment of me, Brother gave me the Love & Hope Foundation."


    was


    Alice''s face changed. "Why did Brother do that?" It her parents'' foundation. Chloe showed off her designer bag."Brother''spensation. If you have a problem, ask him.” She''d suffered and deservedpensation. The Windhams owed her!


    Alice called Ethan angrily. "You gave the Love & Hope Foundation


    Chloe?"


    "Yes. It was for you, but you disobeyed and caused chaos. Consider it a lesson."


    This chapter continues the intricate plot, introducing new conflicts and alliances, while maintaining the consistent Americanized setting and informal tone. The focus on Jack''s family dynamics and his internal conflict adds anotheryer of intrigue.