Rush

Chapter 16

Alicia was lost in thought. Her mother had passed away when she was just a little girl, and no codes. came to mind. I’m sorry, Mr. Eastman, I can’t think of any codes at the moment, she apologized. “But since accessing that safe is crucial, I’ll find a way to open it”

Disappointment flickered across Charles’s face, but he quickly reassured her. “Alicia, this is really important. We need to open that safe as soon as possible to reduce our losses. With that document, we can formally hold Michael accountable. He may have fled, but he can’t stay away. forever. Without that file, even if he comes back, we’re powerless against him.”

“We’ll see what lean do,” Alicia promised.

“As it stands, the company’s bank account is downt to its last few dollars. While we work to recover our core technology, we must also find a way to raise funds. I’ve reached out to several bank managers and some of Hofcaster’s wealthiest individuals. I’ll send you the information so you can decide whether to go for loans or investors to address our immediate financial issues,” Charles explained, sharing his ideas.

“I’ll consider it,” Alicia replied without committing to a course of action. Charles didn’t pressure her further, handing over the pre–compiled bank information and contact details for potential investors before she left the office.

Three days later marked the anniversary of Alicia’s mother’s passing. After pulling two all–nighters going over financial information, Alicia dressed in black and took a taxi to the cemetery. She visited her mother’s grave every year without fail. Gazing at the tombstone, she noticed a series of numbers etched into the bottom left corner and something clicked. She jotted down the numbers right away.

That evening, as the rain began to fall, Alicia returned to the Slater residence to find it alight with activity, bustling with a birthday celebration. A smirk played on her lips at the irony, but she walked inside nonetheless.

“Ms. Langley, Mr. Slater is spoiling you rotten! I heard that he never holds birthday parties at the villa, but you’re the first. And he even handpicked a piece of jewelry worth millions for your birthday–shows just how much you mean to him. Here’s to you, Ashley!” Toasts were being made as Alicia slipped into the crowd, unnoticed yet sharp–eyed.

The living room was packed. A sharply dressed man was raising a glass of red wine, proposing a toast. Dalton sar

at the head of the table, and beside him was a woman in a stunning red dress, her cheeks flushed with excitement. It was Ashley Langley, Dalton’s ex. Their closeness showed that their relationship was anything but ordinary.

Alicia walked in wearing simple black attire. She exuded a cool vibe that felt out of place against the warmth of the room. As she entered, she caught the attention of everyone there. Their gazes followed her unabashedly, sizing her up as if she were an exotic pet on display, which she found disconcerting.

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Chapter 16

Dalton, holding a glass of wine, gently swirled it and glanced over as he saw Alicia.

Ashley immediately stood up, clicking her way over in brilliant red heels, flaunting her impressive figure. The expensive necklace she wore, a birthday gift from Dalton, shone brightly.

She puffed out her chest, showcasing the jewels, and said with disdain, “So you’re Alicia? I’ve heard. Mrs. Ellen Slater chose you to be Dalton’s bride. You look alright, but you seem, well,

underdeveloped. Can you even satisfy Dalton? And did he not give you money to dress better? Your cheap look is downright embarrassing”

Laughter erupted from the dining area as the woman finished her taunt.

With a sidelong glance, Alicia retorted, “With your figure and wealth to satisfy Dalton, why hasn’t he married you?”

Those words struck a nerve, and Ashley was fuming.

“Who do you think you are? I’ve heard about your tragic story, Alicia. Your mother died long ago, your father ran off with his new love, leaving behind an empty shell of a company saddled with debt. You’re basically an orphan, and you dare talk to me like that? Do you have any idea how long I’ve been with Dalton? I went abroad to find Dalton a doctor, and here you are, thinking you’re worthy of him? I bet if I slap you now, Dalton wouldn’t say a word to me!” she yelled, her hand, raised to strike.

A sharp sound pierced the air as Alicia swiftly grabbed an antique vase and smashed it, holding its jagged remains to scratch Ashley’s neck. Blood spurted out. Alicia’s eyes were cold as ice as she said, “You want to hit me? Come on, let’s see who drops first!”

A stunned silence fell over the room.