Chapter 126
Chapra 194
Chapter 124
He had assumed the mention of money would at least prompt a meeting,
But Alicia replied evenly, “He can discuss that with my legal team p>
If Kevin failed to transfer the dividends directly, she was fully prepared to let the courts handle it. She had no intention of dropping the lawsuit.
Maxwell paused, visibly surprised, “Is that really the best approach here p>
Alicia met his eyes briefly in the mirror. “Just deliver the message p>
With a resigned nod, Maxwell replied, “Alright, I’ll let him know p>
Persuasion had failed. The only remaining option was to bring the Hammond brothers to her directly.
Stepping outside, he called them over and relayed Alicia’s response to Kevin.
The faces of the three brothers tightened with clear displeasure.
Nicole had just changed when she heard they’d come backstage. Without even taking off her stage makeup, she hurried out to meet them.
Yet after a polite but noticeably brief greeting, they had immediately asked Maxwell to summon Alicia instead.
It was painfully evident they were here for Alicia alone.
And when Alicia didn’t appear right away, they actually walked over and waited outside her dressing room. Nicole watched, a sharp twist of irritation tightening in her chest.
Nicole’s eyes grew moist as she ventured, “Maybe Alicia got the wrong idea. She might have thought you were here for me, and that’s why she’s upset p>
She glanced around at them. “I could go in and clear things up if that helps.
Kevin answered without hesitation. “Please don’t p>
Involving Nicole would only make things worse.
He paused, then continued gently. “You’ve had a long day, Nicole. Let me call an assistant to take you home first p>
The real issue between Alicia and the others, after all, was Nicole herself.
Having her stay would only make things worse when Alicia eventually emerged.
Their visit today was meant to mend fences, not create another scene.
For a moment, Nicole simply stared in disbelief. Then tears spilled down her cheeks. “Kevin, did I do something wrong? Are you sending me away p>
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The hurt in her voice was genuine,
In the past, when Alicia had thrown similar tantrums, they would have simply taken Nicole’s side and left.
Now, sending her off first felt like surrender, a gesture of appeasement toward Alicia, and Nicole was determined not to be sidelined.
Watching her cry, Kevin sighed wearily. “You didn’t do anything wrong. But if Alicia sees you here now, it’ll only set her off again.
“Think about it. Both of you are in the public eye. There are reporters and photographers all over the place tonight. If this turns into a spectacle, it won’t help anyone p>
aside p>
He rested a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t read into this. You’re family to us. We’d never just cast you It troubled him to realize how fragile her sense of belonging still was, even after all this time. Austin and Caleb chimed in warmly, “He’s right. You’re our little sister. Nothing’s going to change that.” Caleb reached over and ruffled her hair. “Come on, quit sniffling. A pretty girl like you, you’re gonna end up with a streaky face from crying p>
Nicole finally broke into a wobbly smile and pushed his hand away lightly. “I’m not p>
Just then, Alicia’s voice cut through from the doorway, cold and sharp. “What’s wrong with you? Do you mind taking your little family reunion somewhere else? You’re blocking my door p>
Her gaze swept over Nicole, unimpressed. “And you, I’ve seen this act way too many times. Can’t you at least switch up the routine p>
It was always the same: the tears, the fragility, the performance.
Normally, Alicia would have simply walked away, but tonight they were gathered right outside her dressing room, and Nicole was putting on yet another show, clearly trying to get a reaction out of her by flaunting their closeness.
Alicia wasn’t provoked, but the whole display was exhausting.
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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.