Chapter 182
182 A Little Gift
“I just stepped out from the lounge to check if you’d arrived,” Linda said softly.
Boston stated, “So, you called other brothers too.”
Linda looked even more hurt.
“But you’re the only one who actually came.”
Free Cons
She took a shaky breath and lowered her voice, guilt lacing every word. “I know it’s time I left, time I gave way to Alice.
“This whole time, I was selfish. I wanted to stay close to all of you. But I’m not really a part of the Spencen.
Tears finally spilled down her cheeks, silencing her completely.
Boston said nothing, only glancing at his assistant.
The assistant quickly stepped forward and gently patted Linda’s shoulder.
“Ms. Linda, please don’t cry. Mr. Boston’s in hot water today because of your little stunt. The more you cry . the more stressed he’ll be.”
“I know, but I can’t help it,” she sobbed. “I don’t want to leave him.”
The assistant rolled his eyes.
Seriously ? If you can’t handle the consequences , maybe don’t drag the rest of us down with you?
She had randomly sent out a random room number … to Risa, of all people.
That kind of mix–up could cost your brother his whole career.
Even if it was a misunderstanding, it wasn’t one easily forgiven.
“Ms. Linda, maybe you should go enjoy the rest of the evening. We’re heading back,” the assistant said bluntly.
“If any reporters come in later, you know what to say, right?”
Linda nodded, “I do.”
“Good. We’ll be off, then.”
His tone wasn’t exactly warm, but Boston didn’t stop him.
Linda bit her lip and watched them leave, not daring to say another word.
Just then, Les stepped out of the private room.
He spotted her standing there blankly, and he frowned. “What happened?”
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182 A Little Gift
Snapped from her thoughts, Linda looked at him fondly.
She should’ve known better by now.
If she really wanted a stable future, she should’ve chosen someone like Eric.
Then she wouldn’t need to cling to her useless brothers..
“Nothing,” she murmured with a bitter smile.
“They were talking about the chess tournament. My sister, Alice, is getting really popular.
Les let out a cold chuckle.
“The higher you climb, the harder you fall.”
Linda’s sadness deepened.
“I never meant for things to turn out like this. I’m the fake daughter, and now she’s stuck dealing with the mess.”
Les gently wrapped an arm around her.
“It’s not your fault.”
He wiped away her tears. “Don’t cry, okay? The big shots are about to leave. Once I see them off… want to come over to my place?”
Linda was shocked.
She wasn’t ready to take that step–not yet.
If anything were to happen, it should be after they get engaged.
Les persuaded her earnestly.
“I mean, if you go home now, it would only upset you.
“Don’t worry. I respect you. I’ve got an apartment nearby, You can stay there on your own if you want.”
Rich guys and their endless homes .
Linda finally managed a small smile.
“Thanks . ”
“Come on, no need for thanks between us.”
He kissed her lightly on the forehead.
“Be good. Get some sleep. Everything will feel better tomorrow.”
Linda giggled. “I’m lucky to have you.”
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182 A Little Gift
Alice knocked back a few shots of fiery liquor, her eyes sharp with rising irritation.
Risa, on the other hand, was still grinning as she swirled her glass.
“Honestly, I thought you weren’t mad.”
Alice’s voice was low. “It’s not that I’m mad he showed up. It’s that he had no reason to. This was supposed to be a private meeting. Almost no one knew we were meeting here.
Risa, ever carefree, giggled.
“The room might be tucked away, but we probably got spotted on the way in.
Alice shook her head. “No, this was deliberate. I have a feeling someone I know set this up.”
“Levi?” Risa guessed.
Given how he and Boston were rivals, it wouldn’t be shocking.
Alice scoffed. “He doesn’t have the time or the guts. Not under Ryan’s watch. He so much as breathes wrong, and his career’s toast.”
Risa grew serious.
“Then who? Don’t tell me it was your
fake sister? ”
Alice’s eyes flashed with cold fury.
She slammed her glass down on the table.
“You might be right; it could be her.”
She grabbed her phone and started scrolling through the security feed.
Sure enough …
Risa leaned in, gasping at the screen. “Holy crap!”
The footage showed Linda meeting with Boston,
Alice silently pocketed the phone.
“Interrupting our gathering? Fine. She deserves a little something in return.”
Risa watched her and couldn’t help but mourn for the tragic fate that would befall Linda.
Being a fake daughter wasn’t a crime.
At least the rest of the Spencers still–cared for her.
But poking the hornet’s nest that was Alice? Had she already forgotten how she passed out cold the day of the wedding?
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182 A Little Gift
Risa, worried Alice might get too worked up to enjoy the night, tried to calm her down.
“Okay, okay. She’s just a bug–barely worth it. Don’t let her ruin your fun.”
+3 Free Cons
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