Alice hadn''t considered that possibility. In her past life, Chloe had relentlessly pursued Garrett, aiming for a wealthy marriage. The Windhams were probably beneath her aspirations. Alice shook her head. I''m not sure." Ethan had always favored Chloe, even suggesting she be raised by the Windhams in her past life. She didn''t know the reason.


    After a


    moment


    Mary Parker said, "Go back to the dorm. Don''t wait for me.”


    Lana Parker replied, "We have plenty of time. I told the dorm manager we''d be backte. It''s fine."


    Alice added, "Three came, three go back."


    Mary Parker avoided Alice''s gaze, her hands clenched under the nket. She said nothing.


    The three returned to the dorm. Lana Parker and Alice slowed their pace to amodate Mary Parker.


    After showering, Alice went to bed; she''d had enough exercise.


    The next day, having no sses, she slept until noon. She found a spread of delicious food on her desk. Did Mary Parker usually eat this well?


    Mary Parker mustered her courage.“Join me for lunch.”


    “Okay.” Alice realized Mary Parker was thanking them.


    After washing up, Alice discovered the food was from Pear Garden Restaurant. She recognized the dishes and presentation. Mary Parker''s family must be wealthy.


    Alice went to the esports club. Her drama was still filming.


    She overheard the director yelling at Chloe. Her manager rushed over. "Ms. Windham, you''re here! Come over here, out of the sun." Alice was the majority shareholder; they couldn''t afford to offend her.


    Alice sat under the parasol, Caleb''s usual spot. Chloe''s face darkened when she saw Alice.


    Alice smiled subtly at the manager. "Is Chloe not performing well?"


    "Ms. Chloe is a neer. Her acting needs improvement."


    Alice said to Chloe, “Learn from the director. Don''t waste thepany''s resources.” Chloe''s eyes filled with anger. Since Alice became the majority shareholder, everyone was changing their tune.


    Alice went to the training area, leaving Chloe behind.


    Someone whispered to the manager, “Didn''t Ms. Chloe take over thepany? Why is it Ms. Windham now?"


    "You don''t understand. Alice''s the real Windham heiress. Siblings don''t hold grudges forever. After some time, they reconcile. Outsiders are always outsiders." The manager''s words were meant for Chloe. If she hadn''t provoked Caleb with the video, the livestream wouldn''t have happened, and Caleb wouldn''t have been disfigured. Alice''s takeover showed family was family.


    Chloe felt the coldness of human nature and seethed with hatred. Once Alice returned to the


    Indhams, she''d be finished. She wouldn''t tolerate it any longer.


    Alice messaged the PR team, “Keep a close eye on Chloe.” Having been pampered, Chloe would Chapter 264


    contact her father once her illusions crumbled.


    Over the next two days, Chloe was constantly scolded on set, and her manager was cold towards her-likely at Caleb''s behest.


    On Friday, Alice was added back to the family group chat; she''d left after her rebirth. Noah messaged her:["It''s the weekend. Free for dinner tonight?] She''d y along, adding fuel to the


    fire.


    Alice agreed, Chloe, seeing the message, smashed her cup. Alice hadn''t been in the group chat for a while; that was her happiest time. Now Alice was back to disrupt things. She used an old phone to make a call, her voice trembling."How much longer must I endure? Can''t we do what we did with the car ident and get rid of Alice?"


    “Ah Xiang, patience is key. You said the Windhams were investigating the ident. I can''t act now; I''ll be discovered,"


    "Must I endure this forever?"


    "For now, yes. Take what you can from the charity foundation. Once 1 convince Ethan to work with my rmended person on the Al project, we can drain most of the Windham''s funds. Then you can leave the Windhams."


    Chloe reluctantly agreed. She''d endure it. She would repay her humiliation tenfold once the Windhams were bankrupt.


    After training, Alice received a call from Jackson. His voice was calm.“Any ns for the weekend?"


    None. I''m returning to the Windhams tonight; I need to y my part.” Her voice was excited.


    Jackson sensed her anticipation."You seem eager!"


    “Of course. It''s a grand show."


    "But I''m worried about you going alone. I''ll go with you." What if the Windhams harmed her?


    Alice choked on her water. "You''reing with me?”


    "Am I that undesirable?"


    Sheughed."No, but there''s no need to meet them. Visit Mom and Dad''s graves with me during the Alicer New Year." Only her parents were her family.


    Jackson was silent for a long time. "Okay." He was uncertain. Would Alice still be with him wher he confessed?


    "Let''s have dinner tomorrow."


    “Okay. Give me the address. Keep me updated."


    She provided the address. As she left campus, she saw Caleb''s car. His manager was outside. "Missi Windham, our future movie star is here to pick you up for dinner.”


    Chloe emerged, recognizing the car. She walked over.“Fourth Brother, are you here to pick us up?”


    Caleb rolled down the window, his mask hiding his expression. His voice was cold.“I''m here for my sister. Who are you?"