Nicholas Hollis turned his back to her, suddenly conflicted. He had once loved Rachel Lynch, but after so many years, that love had dwindled to almost nothing. Even if he occasionally remembered Rachel’s goodness, they were distant memories.
He reached out his hand and slowly covered Alice Lynch’s.
"It’s okay, you should go rest now."
His voice carried a hint of weariness, and Alice knew he probably had something on his mind, so she didn’t disturb him any further and slowly returned to the bedroom.
This battle, without a doubt, she had won. With Eleanor Hollis’s temperament, she would definitely not return to the Hollis Family. From now on, the Hollis Family belonged to her and Anna’s world.
Alice’s lips curved as she lay down on the bed, recalling her first meeting with that sister.
She and her sister looked alike, but years of different lifestyles meant that the other’s aura was far superior. She fished for bits of information, finding out her current husband was a promising young artist who might become a legend in the art world.
She also knew the Hollis Family was very well-off, ranking high in Serenford.
Clearly born to the same mother, why was there such a disparity in their lives?
She wasn’t willing to accept it; that unwillingness grew stronger as she interacted with Rachel.
When Rachel excitedly told her that someone from the Hollis Family would soon come to get her, that evil thought sprouted in her mind: she would take her sister’s place to live a good life.
After all, her sister had enjoyed years of wealth and luxury; now it should be her turn.
So when Rachel was unconscious, she had hit her hard and pushed her into the river. By now, Rachel was probably nothing but bones.
Back then, she had beaten her sister, and now she would beat her sister’s spawn just the same.
Alice was very smug, lost in thought when the bedroom door opened, and Nicholas Hollis walked in.
"Nicholas, you must be tired, let me run some hot water for you."
She quickly got up and went into the bedroom to prepare the hot water.
Nicholas saw how considerate she was and thought of how she had stayed by his side all these years, feeling even more reluctant.
Things would continue ; after all, Rachel was dead, everything was over, and once Eleanor was brought back, the Hollis Family would be complete.
The two finally lay in bed, Alice gently nestled into his arms.
Nicholas placed his hand on her stomach and sighed.
"There’s no child here, is there? Don’t lie next time; I don’t like women who lie."
Alice stiffened all over, suddenly not understanding what he meant by those words. Did he see through her intentions long ago?
He knew she wasn’t Rachel, yet he chose to keep her by his side?
Thinking of this, Alice’s face broke into wild joy.
Nicholas looked at her gently and sighed.
"I’m not a fool. With all the evidence Eleanor provided, it’s impossible to falsely accuse you. I know you’re Alice, but from now on, you can only be Rachel."
Alice had always worried that this issue would end her relationship with Nicholas. Now with him willing to express his stance so clearly, she almost instantly clung to him tightly.
"Nicholas, I’m sorry, I am indeed Alice, but I didn’t hurt my sister. When I saw my sister with my husband, I was so angry that I replaced her at the Hollis Family. You know, I’m weak, being betrayed by both family and love was unbearable, leading me to make such a wrong step. But I’m very fortunate to have met you."
Nicholas furrowed his brow, Rachel had been involved with Alice’s husband?
His heart grew furious; no wonder Alice had come to the Hollis Family, she was likely heartbroken by the two of them.
"So where are they now?"
Alice’s face was covered in tears, biting her lip and shaking her head.
"I don’t know. When I saw them together, I was devastated. At the time, I was pregnant, almost jumping into the river. They abandoned me and vanished. I don’t know where they went. Nicholas, if my sister were to return one day, would you cast me off?"
Nicholas held her with a pained expression.
"No, it was Rachel who betrayed me first; I will not forgive her."
Alice’s eyes glinted with hope. This was good; all her anxieties were now completely gone.
While these two luxuriated in affection, things weren’t going well for Eleanor Hollis. Just as she lay down, she had a nightmare.
She dreamed of her mother being thrown into the river, struggling desperately, her face full of despair, so vivid it was chilling.
Eleanor tried to reach out, but felt herself getting further away, ultimately watching her mother sink until not a single bubble surfaced.
Eleanor shook with grief, her body trembling as she felt unable to breathe, on the brink of suffocation.
Hugo Quinn saw her pale face, knowing she had a nightmare, and tried to wake her.
He patted her face, looking at her worriedly.
One tear slipped from the corner of Eleanor’s eye, her whole body curling into a ball.
Hugo tenderly held her, naturally hearing the murmurs she uttered in her sleep.
Nicholas Hollis had truly hurt her this time; she had given up on the Hollis Family but couldn’t let go of her mother’s wrongful death. But it had been so many years, there was no evidence to prove Alice killed Rachel.
Eleanor slowly opened her eyes, seeing Hugo’s concerned face; clarity gradually returned to her eyes.
"You had a nightmare."
He brushed away her tears with his fingertips, sighing softly.
Eleanor turned over, her eyes reddened.
"I’m just so unwilling, Alice killed my mom, yet she’s still living life to the fullest, enjoying everything that belonged to my mom." ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel•fire.net
"I know you’re unwilling, Eleanor, crying is useless. If you want her to pay the price, you have to use this more."
Hugo pointed gently at her head, his face a gentle smile.
Eleanor nestled into his embrace, calming her emotions.
"I know, I’m just too hasty."
Hugo stroked her hair, speaking in a comforting tone.
"We don’t know exactly what happened back then; unless Alice voluntarily confesses, we need something to threaten her. Anna Hollis is a good option; to Alice now, Anna is her everything. If you want Alice to speak the truth, start with Anna."
Hugo pierced through to the issue, gently clasping Eleanor’s hand.
"Leave this to me. For now, don’t think about the Hollis Family. That family has nothing to do with you. Find a chance to cut ties completely."