Chapter 132
Chapter 130
Diana had known nothing of the estrangement between them and certainly not that her own son had played any part in the public attacks against Alicia.
The question hung in the air. In her own case, she knew she never would. But with her son at the center of it, she found herself unable to reply.
Nicolas‘ eyes widened in disbelief, “What kind of lie is that? I never told Starlight’s PR team to go after you p>
He turned urgently toward Alicia. “Haley made that up p>
Alicia answered with a cool, dismissive smile. “And if you didn’t give the order, the future head of Starlight Entertainment, why would their PR department keep targeting me?
“But let’s leave that aside.
“Wasn’t it you who brought Nicole into Starlight? Wasn’t it you who made sure the company poured resources into building her up?
“Every time Nicole and I clashed, and she cried or played the victim, didn’t you always take her side p>
“And for the past two years, hasn’t every fight between us, every time we stopped speaking, started because of Nicole p>
Nicolas fell silent. “I p>
He couldn’t argue. Most of their tension over the last two years had, in fact, revolved around Nicole.
“I only ever thought of her as a sister,” he insisted. “Nothing more p>
Alicia let out a short, humorless laugh. “She’s not your sister. She’s not a Moore. It sounds a lot more like you treated her like a girlfriend.
“If you’re both interested, that’s perfect. Your families want an alliance. You won’t even have to hide it p>
Nicolas stiffened, hurt sharp in his voice. “That’s not true p>
He had only ever loved Alicia. Nicole was his friend’s sister, someone he felt protective of, nothing more.
But Alicia didn’t let him finish. She turned back to Diana, her tone resolved. “Mrs. Moore, Nicolas and I aren’t even friends anymore. There’s no future here.
“So when you consider an alliance with the Hammonds, please leave me out of it p>
Just then, her phone rang. Jason’s name flashed on the screen.
She answered quietly, “Sorry, I got held up. I’ll be right out p>
After ending the call, she said to Diana, “My friend is waiting. I should go p>
Diana nodded gracefully. “Of course, dear p>
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Then, her voice softening with genuine warmth, she added, “Whatever happens between you and Nicolas, I was your mother’s friend, and you will always be someone I care for.
“Let’s have coffee together soon p>
Alicia offered a small, polite smile. “I’d like that p>
And without another glance toward Nicolas, she turned and walked away.
The moment Alicia was out of sight, the gracious smile vanished from Diana’s face.
She turned to Nicolas, who stood frozen in disbelief, her expression stern. “Look at the mess you’ve made p>
Her tone turned even sharper. “Even if you don’t marry Alicia, it will absolutely never be someone like Nicole, a girl without shame or scruples p>
Diana had never thought much of Nicole or her mother.
Now, knowing that Nicole had driven a wedge between Nicolas and Alicia so deep that Alicia had walked away, she was resolved.
Such a manipulative young woman would never be welcome in their family.
A daughter–in–law like that would only bring discord, and all that calculated fragility was nothing but trouble.
Nicolas dragged a hand through his hair, frustrated. “There is nothing between Nicole and me. I never knew she felt that way. I have to explain this to Alicia p>
The idea that Alicia believed they had no future was unacceptable to him.
Without another word, he turned and hurried after her.
Watching him go, Diana’s sister shook her head with a quiet scoff. “Took him long enough p>
She had little patience for men who were blind to scheming women. Her own husband had once been caught in a similar trap.
Diana sighed, seeing now how careless her son had been in matters of the heart.
“I’m not getting involved,” she said quietly, though her mind was already turning.
The proposed alliance between the Moores and the Hammonds would need to be addressed clearly and directly at Leo’s upcoming birthday celebration.
Outside, Nicolas pushed through the main doors just in time to see Alicia step into a waiting car.
Her assistant was in the front passenger seat, and Alicia herself slid into the back.
His gaze sharpened. There, already seated beside her, was Jason.
Before he could call out or approach, the door closed and the car pulled smoothly away from the curb,
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leaving Nicolas standing on the steps, his jaw tight and frustration boiling under his skin.
Alicia had blocked his number, his socials, every point of contact. However he tried, he still hadn’t uncovered where she was staying now.
There was no way to reach her. He would have to wait until Leo’s birthday party and hope for a chance to speak with her then.
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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.