Chapter51

Jonathanhadalready made it clear. Everything hinged on Alicia’s choice now.

mom gave me this on my wedding day. It has

Brendaclutched her napkin a little tighter. She suddenly smiled and took off the emeraldnecklacefrom her neck. “My mo 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 thenecklace, thewholeroom fell silent. Even I was blown away. That emeraldwasthe most exquisite thing I had everlaideyes on.

A flicker of joy flashed in Alicia’s eyes, but she quicldy stood up and waved her hands, looking flustered. “Ican’taccept 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’vetreasuredit forwars. 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 o

withJonathanbacking 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 backather, calm and unbothered.

If Alicia wanted Jonathan that badly, why not just make him divorce me and marry her already? What was the pointofall these petty little games?

Brenda had been around long enough to know exactlywhatwas 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 atthat. It looks beautiful on you. The emerald necklace is named Verdant Bloom. It matches your skin tone perfectly.”

Alicia’s cheeks tuned rosy as she shyly glanced at Jonathan “Do you think this is too much, Jonathan?”

Jonathan’s expression was inditterent. “Keep it if you like it

Only after getting his approval didAliciafinally nod and accept it.

They looked so happy together.Icouldn’t watch any longer, so I got up and walked away.

Gabrielle trailed behind me, “Where are you going, Elise?”

Tresponded, “I’m going to check on Frederick He must be teeling pretty awful right now.”

When I came to Frederick’s room,Gabrielle turned to me andsaid, “Go check on him first. He probably onlywantsto see you right now. I’llwaitfor you in the lounge.”

I nodded and knocked on thedoor, but there was n

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.

Fredenck stood behind ane and said coldly, “Get in.”

I spun on my heels andgazedatlum in resignation. “I didn’t do anything to you. Why am I your punching bag allofasudden?”

Fredenck soned. Blame your husband and his homewrecker girlfriend.”

1

Traised an eyebrow at am “That’s not fair. Alicia is Jonathan’s women. Why are youcomingatme?

Frederick wicketed. “Aren’t you two sharing everything as husband and wife?That makes his mistress your problem too. You’ve got every tight to deal with Alicia and everyreasonto answertoher beluvior.”