Chapter 56
After flipping the table, I calmly wiped my hands.
Luke stared at my unexpected behavior. “Alice, are you crazy?” I’d never done this before! I even burned Chloe’s things! This wasn’t me.
I kicked a chair, my voice flat and impatient. “You’re too loud. If you don’t want to eat, then don’t.” I had zero patience and didn’t want to watch Chloe’s act.
Chloe burst into tears.“It’s my fault! I’m the sinner!”
“Chloe, you’re too kind. If anyone’s leaving, it should be her!”
I readily agreed. “Fine, I’ll go.” I’d achieved my goal and didn’t want to waste time.
Noah protested. “No, Alice, you can’t go! This is your home! Where else will you go?”
‘Noah, cut off her credit card. Let’s see how long she lasts outside!”
My expression was indifferent.“Whatever.” I wouldn’t forget being stranded on the streets last time, almost begging for food. You need your own money!
I packed a small backpack with a few clothes and my ID, leaving everything else.
Noah looked panicked.“Alice, don’t listen to Luke. Didn’t you say you’d come back after the exams?”
My gaze was steady.“Yes, I did.” I’d said that to prevent Noah and Luke from doing anything to disrupt my exams. Now the exams were over.
‘Alice, we’re family, bound by blood. Even with disagreements, it’s not a big deal, right? I know you were wronged. I’ll make it up to you.” Noah hadn’t slept well, and hadn’t dared to contact me. Things were finally clear; the memories were like knives. From the moment Chloe arrived, I’d been suffering. Noah hadn’t dared to think about it until now.
I smiled calmly.“Noah, don’t say that. I’m getting a part–time job after graduation, learning to live independently. Chloe can have my room. Her father saved my life; it’s the least I can do.”
Luke scoffed.“She should have done that a long time ago.” He thought I was afraid of him cutting ties.
I continued, “Since the exams are over, Chloe should continue training for the team. She’s a member; you can’t just exclude her because she’s not good. That’s unfair. We are a family team; even if Chloe isn’t skilled, she’s hardworking. Losing the finals wouldn’t be the end of the world!”
Luke’s face was strained.“Of course, I’ll arrange it.”
I nodded.“Good. I’m leaving. Contact me if you need anything.” I left without looking back.
Luke panicked.“Noah, you let her go?”
Noah sighed. “What else could I do? You told her to leave! You said you wanted to cut ties!”
“I… I was just angry!”
“Luke, those hurtful words aren’t easily erased. The damage remains.” Noah looked at Luke, seeing his former self.
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Chloe, seeing Noah’s distress, said, “Noah, I’ll move out. Then you can persuade Alice to return.”
Noah shook his head. “No need. Stay.” This wasn’t about Chloe moving out.
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“Noah, I’ve decided. Thank you for everything.” Chloe began packing. Noah’s attitude change was too swift; she
needed to act.
Luke was anxious. “Noah, Chloe never felt secure here. Alice is forcing her out. Don’t you see? Chloe didn’t do
anything wrong.”
“But Alice suffered for years.”
“But Chloe’s father saved her life! It’s about gratitude!”
Noah clutched his chest, gasping for air. He blacked out, murmuring my name. He’d failed his sister. He’d been horribly wrong.
I left, taking a cab to the apartment. Finally free!
At Jack’s door, I was about to knock when it opened.
“Congratulations, Alice!” Andrew held confetti cannons, showering me with paper.
I was surprised. Jack stood nearby, leaning against a table with a small cake.
I asked, “Is someone’s birthday today?”
Andrew said, “Leaving the Welchs is your rebirth! Cake time!” He’d felt sorry for me after learning about my life.
My eyes were a little teary.“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. We’re friends. Eat, make a wish.”
I wished I’d never have to deal with the Welchs again, and I’d live for myself.
Afterward, Jack asked calmly, “What do you want to do now?” He would help me achieve anything.
I thought.“Livestream. Make money.” I needed to support myself now.
Andrew said, “Perfect! There’s a Hall of Fame competition starting tonight. You can livestream it.”
I remembered that event. Last time, I’d ranked high, but Luke gave my account to Chloe. No one knew my This time, Chloe wouldn’t steal my glory.
Jack asked, “Which platform?”
Andrew suggested, “Shrimp Live. It’s a big, reliable company, good for newcomers.” It was a Wilson family company. Jack warned Andrew with a look.
effort.
“Where the money is,” I replied. I’d heard of Shrimp Live, a Wilson family business. Luke had started a platform, but it was smaller. Last time, after the finals, it had become very successful. Without me, it would probably fail
now.
I registered on Shrimp Live: [Sweet Lemon]
I started my livestream, focusing on my hands and keyboard, using my past experience.
Outside the study, Andrew looked at Jack.“Aren’t you going to help her boost her score?”
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“No need. She’ll make the top 100 tonight.”
“So confident? I’ll send her some gifts, remember to reimburse me!”
Andrew opened my stream; few people were watching, but one hater was there.
[She’s cheating! Look at those scores!]
[I’ll eat my socks if she’s not using hacks!]
[She’ll lose when she starts the ranking battles!]
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I saw the accusations. The accusations brought in more viewers. My first battle: I defeated my opponent in one move! The chat exploded!
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
