Chapter: 336

“What exactly was Alicia doing there?" Lilliana inquired through the phone.

The man echoed the question to Georgia, who, struggling for coherence, managed to convey the story.

Yet, she chose not to implicate her employer, placing all blame on Alicia instead.

Lilliana's anger turned to laughter, her suspicions now validated.

“Release her," commanded Lilliana. She continued, “Monitor Alicia closely from this point and keep me informed."

Alicia, after exiting the apartment, sought refuge in a hotel where she promptly fell asleep.

Drained physically and mentally, she slept through the day, plagued by bizarre dreams.

Upon waking in the darkness, she felt even more depleted.

As she sat on the bed, feeling dazed, she examined her sore foot, which was painful but not debilitating.

Intent on treating Monica to dinner, her plans were interrupted by an incoming call from an unknown number.

Answering it, she recognized the voice immediately.

"Ms. Bennett, it's me."

Caught off guard, Alicia responded with a hint of surprise, “Miss Mendoza."

With a gentle laugh, Gina replied, “Let's keep it informal. Call me Gina."

Feeling uplifted after her conversation with Gina, Alicia decided against inviting her for a meal due to the peculiar circumstances and chose to meet Monica instead.

She arranged a lavish array of dishes on the table.

As Monica settled in, she inquired, “Is it just us?"

Alicia, picking at her food to ease her hunger, confirmed, “Yes, it s just the two of us."

Monica surveyed the table, puzzled. “Is all this really just for us?"

"It's a celebration," Alicia explained, sharing details of her recent split from Joshua.

"I no Longer have to visit the Yates Mansion or keep up appearances. Now, I can do as I please." Toasting with a glass of milk, Alicia added, "Gina has offered her support as well."

Monica, recognizing the significance, concurred that they had good reason to celebrate.

“Yet, you seem so down. Why is that?" Monica touched Alicia's forehead gently.

Alicia offered a smile. "No, I'm quite content. I've just been really hungry."

In truth, Alicia felt rather somber.

The previous day's ordeal at the Yates Mansion had left her mainly frightened, worried they might act rashly.

After addressing her foot injury, she had attempted to discuss this with Caden but was met with indifference.

Eating quietly, Alicia sought Monica's companionship for later.

“Monica, would you join me somewhere after our meal?"

Alicia had enrolled in a fighting class, a choice Monica fully supported.