hapter 51
Jonathan had already made it clear. Everything hinged on Alicia’s choice now!
Brenda clutched her napkin a little tighter. She suddenly smiled and took off the emerald necklace from her neck. “My mom gave me this on my wedding day. It has been passed down for years.”
She walked up to Alicia with a gentle look in her eyes. “When I first saw you, I just knew this necklace would look amazing on you, Alicia.”
When Brenda took off the necklace, the whole room fell silent. Even I was blown away. That emerald was the most exquisite thing I had ever laid eyes on.
A flicker of joy flashed in Alicia’s eyes, but she quickly stood up and waved her hands, looking flustered. “I can’t accept this. It was a gift from your mom. How could I possibly take something so meaningful?”
She pursed her lips. “Besides, I’ve heard how valuable this emerald necklace is. Even money can’t buy it. A lot of women would kill just to get a glimpse. You’ve treasured it for years. How could I possibly take it from you?”
She said all the right things to sound modest and humble, but the way she kept glancing at me with that smug look made it obvious she was showing off.
With Jonathan backing her, Brenda didn’t even think twice about using such a pricey piece of jewelry to win Alicia over. Even though I was Jonathan’s actual wife, I was nothing–Alicia didn’t even have to try.
I raised an eyebrow and looked straight back at her, calm and unbothered.
If Alicia wanted Jonathan that badly, why not just make him divorce me and marry her already? What was the point of all these petty little games?
Brenda had been around long enough to know exactly what was going on. She could tell Alicia was just pretending to turn it down, so she simply smiled and slipped the necklace on her without another word.
She got all sentimental like she truly adored Alicia. “Look at that. It looks beautiful on you. The emerald
necklace is named Verdant Bloom. It matches your skin tone perfectly.”
Alicia’s cheeks turned rosy as she shyly glanced at Jonathan. “Do you think this is too much, Jonathan?”
Jonathan’s expression was indifferent. “Keep it if you like it.”
Only after getting his approval did Alicia finally nod and accept it.
They looked so happy together. I couldn’t watch any longer, so I got up and walked away.
Gabrielle trailed behind me. “Where are you going, Elise?”
I responded, “I’m going to check on Frederick. He must be feeling pretty awful right now.”
When I came to Frederick’s room, Gabrielle turned to me and said, “Go check on him first. He probably
only wants to see you right now. I’ll wait for you in the lounge.”
Chapte
Inodded and knocked on the door, but there was no response from Inside.
I didn’t give up and kept knocking until Frederick’s cold voice came through the door. “Get lost
I lowered my voice. “It’s me. If you want me to leave now, I’ll go.”
I pretended to walk away, making sure my footsteps were loud enough. A moment later, the door creaked open behind me.
Frederick stood behind me and said coldly, “Get in.”
I spun on my heels and gazed at him in resignation. “I didn’t do anything to you. Why am I your punching bag all of a sudden?”
Frederick snorted. “Blame your husband and his homewrecker girlfriend.”
I raised an eyebrow at him. “That’s not fair. Alicia is Jonathan’s woman. Why are you coming at me?” Frederick snickered. “Aren’t you two sharing everything as husband and wife? That makes his mistress your problem too. You’ve got every right to deal with Alicia and every reason to answer for her behavior.”
