Chapter 6

The moment they stepped out of city hall, Alice bid Alexander farewell. "Mr. Knight, the hospital doesn't allow afternoon visits, so I won't be returning with you. I'll see Aunt Margaret tomorrow morning."

She understood boundaries well.

When not in Margaret's presence, she deliberately kept her distance from Alexander.

"Suit yourself," Alexander replied icily.

Alice walked away alone.

Inside the car, Nathaniel asked, "Sir, aren't you worried she might run?"

Alexander smirked disdainfully. "Run? If she wanted to escape, why work as a waitress at The Grandview, where I dine frequently? Why approach my mother for money? Those first two 'escapes' were just bargaining tactics."

Nathaniel nodded. "Who could argue with that..."

"Drive," Alexander commanded.

The car sped past Alice without so much as a glance from Alexander.

Exhausted, Alice dragged herself back to her tiny apartment.

She froze when she reached her door. "Alice! So this is where you've been hiding."

Victoria.

Two years ago, Victoria's scandalous lifestyle had led her into bed with a repulsive older man. Midway through their encounter, she'd bashed his skull in with her stiletto.

To cover it up, the Sullivans drugged Alice and planted her at the staged crime scene.

Alice received a ten-year sentence for involuntary manslaughter.

Victoria walked free.

The memory made Alice's fingers twitch with the urge to strangle her.

She met Victoria's gaze coolly. "How did you find me?"

Victoria preened. "Alice, do you know what this neighborhood is called? The Slums. Only place like it in Harborview. Most residents are streetwalkers. Five dollars a pop. Hundred bucks on a good night—not bad money, hmm?"

"So you came to brag about earning a hundred dollars?" Alice retorted.

"You—!" Victoria raised her hand but stopped mid-swing.

She forced a smile. "Almost lost my temper. Anyway, I'm getting married soon. While clearing out the attic, the maids found some photos of you and your mother..."

Alice's breath caught. "My mother's photos? Don't throw them out—I'll come get them."

Those pictures were all she had left.

Victoria shrugged. "When?"

"Tomorrow afternoon."

"Fine. But if that trash stays in my house one extra day, I'm burning it." With that, Victoria strutted away.

Alice collapsed into bed, exhausted from her first-trimester fatigue. She needed rest before tomorrow's prenatal appointment.

At the hospital ultrasound ward, Alice was next in line when her phone rang. "Yes, Mr. Knight?"

Alexander's voice was frigid. "Mother's asking for you."

Glancing at the queue, Alice calculated. "I'll be there in ninety minutes."

"See that you are." The line went dead.

Just as Alice was called in, an emergency case delayed her by thirty minutes. Then she discovered she needed to establish medical records—another half-hour wait.

By the time she reached Margaret's room, she heard sobbing. "You're lying! Where's Alice?"

"Mother, we married yesterday." Alexander presented their certificate.

"I want her here now!" Margaret shoved her son weakly.

Alexander turned—and collided with Alice's wary gaze in the doorway.

Head bowed, Alice approached the bed with a pastry box. "Aunt Margaret, I'm sorry I'm late. I remembered you loved éclairs in prison, so I brought some."

Margaret's tears stopped. "You remembered?"

"Of course." Alice offered one. "Try it."

Margaret clasped her hand. "Call me 'Mother' now."

Alice hesitated. "...Mother."

"Good." Margaret sighed contentedly. "With you beside Alexander, I can rest easy."

Alice's eyes burned. "Don't say that. You'll live long..."

After soothing Margaret to sleep, Alice approached Alexander. "Mr. Knight... about my allowance?"

His expression didn't flicker. "You promised ninety minutes. You took three. Disappoint my mother again, and money will be the least of your concerns."

Alice shivered at the lethal calm in his voice. She knew he meant it.

A bitter smile touched her lips. "Rich people's money doesn't come easy. I won't ask again. Just confirm—you'll establish that city account for me?"

"You'll get what's in the contract."

"Thank you. I have plans this afternoon." She turned to leave.

"Alexander..." Margaret's weak voice called.

He was at her side instantly. "Mother?"

"I know you dislike Alice. But in prison, she protected me when I couldn't. She's loyal to family above all. After everything the Knights have done to us... can't you see? I want someone who'll never abandon you."

"I understand."

Margaret struggled up. "I'm calling Eleanor to confirm Alice is living with you. Only then will I believe this marriage."

Alexander's jaw tightened.

His phone rang. Victoria's saccharine voice purred, "Darling, come discuss our wedding plans? Please?"

"Not today." He hung up.