Chapter 130
Chapter 128
Now that Nicole was attempting to steal the match Alicia herself had been promised since childhood, she saw no reason to hold back.
A well–placed push would not only expose Nicole’s scheming but also help settle matters between Alicia and Nicolas for good.
Diana looked taken aback, and Nicolas seemed momentarily lost for words.
Diana studied Alicia in confusion. “Are you truly serious about cutting ties with the Hammonds p>
She had heard about Alicia’s recent conflicts with the family, even whispers of a permanent split, but everyone assumed it was just anger talking.
Alicia replied honestly, “Ever since Nicole and her mother came to the Hammond family, there’s been less and less room for me p>
She offered a slight shrug. “I would rather walk away with dignity now than wait to be discarded later.
“I’ve already spoken about it publicly in my livestream, and I will be making a formal announcement on
Twitter.
“So you see, Mrs. Moore, the alliance between your family and the Hammonds no longer concerns me p>
Diana fell silent for a long moment, her brow furrowed.
“But you are the Hammond’s daughter,” she said finally. “Why should you be the one to step aside p>
She studied Alicia closely, her disapproval evident. “Besides, if you leave now, wouldn’t you simply be giving that woman and her daughter exactly what they want?
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“Your brother may be the heir, but as a Hammond, you are entitled to your share of the family assets.
“Are you truly willing to walk away from everything p>
Alicia exhaled softly, a note of quiet resignation in her voice. Mrs. Moore, you may not be aware, but every expense since my childhood has been covered by my late mother’s inheritance.
“Nicole, however, receives a generous monthly allowance, and every aspect of her life is carefully managed.
“Mr. Hammond and his sons often go out of their way to select thoughtful gifts for her.
“When we were in school, Mr. Hammond attended every parents‘ evening for Nicole after she cried just once about feeling overlooked, yet he never once came to mine.
“Even the butler uprooted the flowering crabapple trees I loved because Nicole preferred azaleas. “Whenever something happens with Nicole, the moment she starts crying, the Hammonds treat me like I’m the wicked stepsister who’s been tormenting her.
“Nicole wants to break into the entertainment industry? The Hammonds pour money and connections
O
08:50 Sat, May 9 NAD
Chapter 128
into making it happen.
“She even landed the family company’s endorsement deal.
“But when I tried to do the same? They threw up every roadblock imaginable.
“Now the whole internet believes Nicole’s the real Hammond heiress while I’m just some opportunistic outsider pretending to be part of the family.
“I got torn apart online for it. And not one of them ever spoke up to set the record straight.
“I invited them to my show, but not one of them bothered to come.
“The very next day, they all rushed off happily to support Nicole at her performance instead.
“And while they were busy posting cheerful photos together like the perfect siblings and friends they were, I was lying alone in a hospital bed, recovering from an accident that happened during my own show.
“Things like this kept happening, over and over. I couldn’t even begin to list them all.
“To them. Nicole was the real daughter, the real sister. I was just someone in the way, an eyesore, keeping their picture–perfect family from being whole p>
Alicia’s eyes grew moist, and her laugh held a trace of bitterness. “Once your heart turns cold, money loses its meaning.
“And as for being known as a Hammond daughter, I don’t need that title anymore p>
If she was going to sever ties with the family, she wanted people to understand she wasn’t doing it on a whim.
She had been driven to this, pushed out by the very people who should have welcomed her.
Nicole and her mother had spent years cultivating a pristine image in their social circle. Now, Alicia would make sure everyone saw their true colors.
She was prepared to walk away, but not without making sure the world knew why.
Diana might be discreet, but her younger sister had never been one to hold her tongue. What she heard, she shared.
That was precisely why Alicia had chosen to speak so openly in front of them. She knew Diana’s sister would carry the story beyond these walls.
08:51 Sat, May 9 NO
Chapter 129
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.