The Queen They Let Go (Alice and Eric) novel Chapter 187

Chapter 187 The Morning After

Charlie turned to Boston. “Are you saying Linda and Les might be… a couple?”

Gary shook his head, unconvinced.

“No way. At the chess tournament, she was clearly still hung up on Mr. Eric. I could tell–she hasn’t moved on.”

Charlie nodded. “Gary’s right. We even tried to test whether Eric had any feelings for Linda, and now you’re showing us this video?”

Without another word, Boston played the footage from his car’s dashcam.

No need for commentary–the truth was plain to see.

Gary’s hands trembled as he held the phone.

Charlie, ever the calm one, immediately called Linda. After all, he’d always been the one who doted on her

most.

The call went through.

And was quickly declined.

When he tried again, her phone had been turned off.

Silence fell among the Spencers.

If anyone still believed Linda was the same sweet, innocent girl they had always protected–well, they’d be fools.

After a long pause, Boston finally spoke again.

“Sometimes things aren’t what they seem. The chess tournament hit her hard. When you see how cold the world can be … your perspective changes. She’s probably just going through a late rebellious phase,” he added.

”

Gary agreed.

“Even when people change, it doesn’t happen overnight. She’s probably just acting out.”

Charlie didn’t argue. If anything, he appreciated that they were trying to give Linda the benefit of the doubt.

Deep down, though, they all knew the truth.

The Spencers had given her everything–money, love, support

But she lived in the real world/not in a bubble.

No one stays that innocent forever.

14

Chapter 187 The Morning After

Still, they loved her.

Compared to Alice–who had the ability but kept it hidden from them–at least Linda had always been honest, if a little impulsive.

Charlie looked toward the second floor, concern etched on his face,

“Damon’s been trying hard to get close with Mr. Reese’s good graces lately.”

In their family, there was no such thing as personal gain.

Everything was shared–resources, connections, and opportunities.

That’s how Gary, even though he focused on chess, could pull top executives from the business world with Charlie’s help.

And Linda, after enjoying their family’s protection all these years, owed them something in return.

“We’ll talk to her when she gets back tomorrow,” Charlie said firmly.

That settled it. No one argued. One by one, they went to bed.

But they’d miscalculated.

Linda didn’t come home the next day.

Boston couldn’t wait around. He had classes to attend, then an audition with Risa.

So he left.

His assistant drove him personally and, judging from Boston’s expression, knew better than to ask any questions.

Morning sunlight crept across the room as Alice slowly opened her eyes.

Ah. That familiar ceiling.

She was still at the villa!

And the bed? Big. Soft. Way too comfortable.

Say what you want, but this patient definitely knew how to keep his doctor happy.

If only the stupid memories hadn’t come flooding back.

Last night…

Oh boy. She didn’t even dare think about it.

She flopped onto the bed and played dead.

So much for her icy–cool, professional image. It had shattered into a thousand little pieces.

C

2/4

Chapter 187 The Morning After

The Queen of Liberty had officially been unmasked.

Now what?

All she wanted was a little fun–not the responsibility that came with it!

She glanced nervously at the bed nearby.

Phew! It’s empty.

79%

45 free Coing

Good. Maybe nothing actually happened. Maybe she hadn’t committed any crimes. She breathed a sigh of relief.

Just as she was about to sit up, the bedroom door opened.

Alice froze, speechless.

Eric stepped in, carrying a tray of breakfast,

“Eat,” he said flatly, voice cold as ever.

Uh–oh. He’s still mad.

Alice’s guilt swelled up all over again.

She scrambled for words.

“Not hungry?” he asked, setting the tray on the side table.

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