Chapter 104
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The live stream cameras now focused on the trainees as they worked through the arrangement.
With a quiet moment to himself, Darren pulled out his phone and opened a game.
Alicia, meanwhile, opened X and browsed the trending list. The moment she saw the top entries, she knew Jason was behind it.
There were three hashtags trending about Nicole: [Nicole music virtuoso], [Nicole’s family gifts], and [Nicole is spoiled by wealthy family p>
A couple of unrelated topics trailed below, followed sharply by the trending topic: [Alicia severs ties with her family p>
Alicia tapped open the three trending posts about Nicole.
One featured a video, so she slipped on her earbuds.
Watching Nicole not only flaunt her proficiency with multiple instruments but also deliberately showcase the affection of her father and brothers came as no surprise.
It was clear Nicole was laying the groundwork for her eventual identity reveal.
Both women understood this moment was inevitable, yet each was biding her time, waiting for the optimal
moment to strike.
Alicia was waiting for the backlash to hit Nicole hardest, and Nicole wanted to soften and spin the narrative when the time came.
Beyond strategy, Nicole’s performative display was undoubtedly meant to needle Alicia, especially with Leo’s birthday banquet fast approaching.
If Alicia took the bait, as her temperament often led her to, she would likely arrive at the event cold and distant toward Leo.
His displeasure would inevitably follow, and once the guests departed, he would summon her for another scolding.
She would be blamed for nothing, subjected once more to comparisons with Nicole’s perfect composure and grace, much like parents who hold up another child as the standard, their disappointment palpable.
In moments like these, Alicia found it impossible to stay silent.
She would argue back, sparking another heated clash with Leo.
And that was precisely when Nicole and her mother would step in, the picture of compassion and understanding, ready to soothe his temper in the aftermath.
Alicia knew all too well that fighting with Leo only played into their hands.
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Chapter 102
But there was no use clinging to a relationship or a father’s love that had already been lost.
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His heart had long been swayed. In his eyes, anything she did was just another act of immature defiance. So rather than endure his accusations in stifled silence, she preferred to confront him directly.
If she was going to be miserable, she’d make sure he didn’t walk away untouched.
Alicia opened the trending tag about herself and considered the idea of editing the two videos together as a birthday gift for Leo.
First, she could highlight the Hammond family’s lavish affection for their stepdaughter, showcasing Leo and Nicole’s picture–perfect bond.
Then, with a brutal cut, she would reveal the footage of the real daughter disowning the Hammond family. Now that would deliver an impact.
A wicked smile touched her lips. ‘Now that is a gift,’ she murmured to herself.
The idea settled in, feeling more fitting by the second.
Without further hesitation, she picked up her phone and typed out a message to Jason.
Alicia: [Jason, do me a favor and send over those two videos from the trending list p>
Jason: [Figured you’d ask p>
He sent her a single, pre–edited clip that merged both videos.
Alicia: [You read my mind. Seriously, how do you always nail it p>
Jason: [Just looking out for you p>
Jason: [This feels like the start of something. What’s the plan p>
Alicia: [I’m thinking of gifting this little edit to Leo for his birthday p>
Alicia: [Imagine it playing on the big screens during the party. Perfect, right p>
Jason could already picture Leo’s face darkening in real time.
Jason: [Only you could pull that off p>
Jason: [Flawless. I’m taking notes p>
He filed the idea away for his own father’s upcoming celebration. Alicia had a way of turning the expected upside down.
Alicia: [Obviously p>
A faint, knowing smile softened Jason’s usual detached expression as he pictured the self–satisfied look she’d
9:43 Thu, May 7
Chapter 102
be wearing just then.
Jason: [Brilliant p>
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On the other side, inside Hammond Group headquarters, an assistant knocked and entered the executive office.
Approaching the desk, he addressed Kevin. “Sir, regarding your request to monitor Alicia’s activities p>
He offered his phone. “She’s currently trending online. Would you like us to suppress the topic p>
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.