Ch. 136..140: Charmed by the Billionaire CEO Chapter 136-140

Chapter 136: Alice past-(IV)

Dylan’s place

"Are you sure about your plan" Vincent sat across Dylan while he sipped the whine from his glass?

"You don’t have to worry, dad. Just make sure Theon signs the paper as soon as possible the rest will take care" Dylan was sure that his plan was going to work.

He wouldn’t have agreed to marry Alice if he wasn’t inclined to get Theon’s share and company. He wasn’t someone who liked to stick to a particular person, and marriage was something he didn’t believe in.

He only wanted to trap Alice because it was essential for his plan to work, so once they got the share, he defamed Alice and broke his engagement with her.

She was only a scapegoat for him to reach his destination.

While the father and son were enjoying their victory in advance, Dylan received a call from Brook.

His lips curled into a smile, and he picked up the call, but the words he heard next widened his eyes in shock, and his smile faded.

"Don’t show your face until I ask you to" he gritted his teeth in anger when Brook told them that Alice was saved, and they barely managed to escape from there.

Ending the call, he turned to Vincent and informed him about the plan getting backfired.

"I told you to be sure of everything. How can you mess like this, Dylan? What if she exposes us" Vincent was now on the verge of breaking down.

Dylan just looked at Vincent’s worried face. With their plan ruined, Alice had a high chance of exposing him to her parents, which he could let happen.

"She won’t be able to do anything," he said, giving his father a meaningful look.

****

Ashley’s house

"When will she wake up, dad," Ashley asked her father anxiously.

After she rescued Alice from the club with the help of the guard, who not only helped her to reach the room where Alice was but also helped her to catch those men who were supposed to be Dylan’s friends.

But unfortunately, they were two, and the single guard couldn’t fight them, leading them to escape from their clutch.

"The doctors have checked her, dear, and have drained out the drug, but still, it will take time for her to wake up," Richard said, looking at the poor girl on the bed.

When Ashley called him, asking him to come to the location she sent, he wanted to question her for visiting such a place. But when he reached there, whatever he saw made his blood run cold.

Alice’s body was lying on the bed, unconscious, while Ashley tried to wake her up. She had marks on her arms, and even the side of her lips was bleeding. Her dress was torn and messed up. The sight itself was painful.

He removed his suit and rushed to the unconscious girl covering her and picking her up before carrying her out of that place.

Ashley didn’t say a word and just looked at Alice, waiting for her to open her eyes and talk to her.

*****

The next day Alice finally opened her eyes, looking at the different place, when the memories of last night came rushing through her mind, and she jolted up in fear.

"No....." she screamed and frantically started examining her body. The blurry image of last night made her feel disgusted, and she rubbed her skin roughly.

Ashley, who was sleeping on the chair next to the bed, snapped out when she heard Alice scream painfully, and the scene she saw in front of her eyes scared her to death.

"Alice... what are you doing...." she yelled, quickly climbing the bed and stopping her from harming herself like that.

Alice turned to see the person, and she broke into tears," Ash... they tainted me. They destroyed me," she cried as she kept rubbing her skin.

Ashley felt terrible for Alice. Being taken advantage of was the biggest shock a person could feel. And in Alice’s case, Dylan took advantage of her trust.

"Stop it, Alice.... don’t harm yourself. Stop this craziness. Nothing happened...." she screamed the last part loudly, which made her freeze in her seat.

"Nothing happened to you, Alice. We reached before they could do anything" Ashley was grateful that they reached on time before something horrible happened to her.

Alice turned her head and looked at Ashley, who nodded and broke down hard this time.

Ashley hugged Alice as she let her cry until she realized the pain she went through while protecting herself from those bastards.

Once Alice calmed down, Ashley informed her about Theon calling her this morning and inquiring if Alice was with her.

"He sounded angry with how he talked, asking me about you," she continued.

Alice frowned and fell into deep thought." Ash... I need to reach home. I have to tell my father what happened to me, and it’s Dylan behind this"

Ashley agreed to her, and they quickly got changed before they left for Alice’s house.

*****

Keller Mansion

Quickly stepping out of the car, Alice rushed inside the house. As soon as she entered, her eyes fell on her parents.

Theon and Ashlyn were sitting in the living hall and looked around when they saw Alice sprinting inside the house hurriedly. "Mom....dad," she said as she approached them, but instead of answering her, Theon stood up and slapped Alice taking her by surprise.

Ashley, who stood behind, was also shocked by Theon’s reaction, and then she looked to the side and gasped," Dylan."

"You ungrateful girl. This is how you repay us for taking care of you all these years" Theon’s harsh words surprised Alice, and she raised her head, looking at him in astonishment.

"I should’ve known you were of no good, and now you prove that you are unworthy of being called my daughter."

Alice had no clue what was happening, but when she heard a familiar voice, she snapped in its direction.

" Uncle, please don’t stress yourself so much," Dylan said, and she frowned.

Ashlyn, who was quiet all this while stood up and pulled Alice aggressively." How can you disgrace us, Alice? Where did we lack in your upbringing that you did such a disgusting thing? How will we face the people" she said, holding her head and sniffing.

Alice creased, listening to her mother’s words, confused when her eyes fell on the pictures.

"This..." her voice was barely audible, and she fell, picking up the pictures from the table.

"T-this... is wrong..." She yelled at her parents.

Getting up from the ground, she reached her father. "Dad, this isn’t what you think. I was framed, and that’s why I came rushing home to tell you that he...." she pointed at Dylan and continued," framed me using his friends."

Alice’s anger had reached her limits, and she dashed running to Dylan, pulling him by his collar. "Tell them the truth, Dylan. Tell them you wanted to take revenge on me."

"You ungrateful brat..."

Alice forcefully pulled away from Dylan and was again slapped, making her fall to the ground.

"Now you will blame him for your wrongdoings" Theon raised his voice as he looked at Alice with disgust.

Alice was shocked by her father’s harsh actions towards her. All these days, she felt that finally, Theon was changing his attitude towards her, but she was wrong. He believed this man who is the main culprit here.

Standing up, she composed herself, staring at Theon with blank eyes." You trust his words more than your daughter’s dad" she asked, trying hard to keep herself from breaking down.

She clutched her palm, digging her nails into her skin when she saw Theon turning away his face from her, and finally got her answer.

There was nothing she could do even if she kept screaming her asking them to trust her because he had already believed Dylan’s lie.

The thought of Adan having her pictured skipped her mind, and that was where she made a mistake. Ignoring the most prominent threat, she came here to tell her parents about Dylan and his wicked game but what she got in return was her father’s hatred.

She could clearly see how ignorant Theon was towards her; her words didn’t mean anything to him.

"I got my answer, dad," she sadly said. There was no way her father was going to believe her. She was stupid even to think that the man who avoided her his whole life would change his heart for her.

For him, she was only a scapegoat whom he wanted to marry off to a man who would eventually become the successor of his empire. He only wanted power which he would get once Dylan became a part of his family.

Her head turned to look at Dylan," You can’t keep hiding for long, Dylan. One day, your truth will come out, and that day, you will see your downfall," she said with remorse.

Taking one last glance at her parents, she let out a smile as her eyes could hold the unshed tears." Since you find me disgusting, then wouldn’t it decline your reputation to keep me with you" she said, making both Ashlyn and Theon turn to her in shock.

"What do you mean," Ashlyn asked.

"Thank you for raising me until now, and I can’t let you all take the burden henceforth," she said and turned around, leaving Theon and Ashlyn in shock.

"Think that you don’t have a daughter from this day one" she walked out of the house without sparing them a glance.

Ashley, who stood at the door, shook her head in disgust and turned away, following Alice.

Chapter 137: Alice past-(V)

Ashley took Alice back to her place as she didn’t want to leave her alone after whatever happened in the Keller house.

She couldn’t believe her parents trusted that lair than their own child and even said hurtful words to her.

As soon as she stepped inside the room, Alice asked Ashley to be alone for some time. Without obliging, she agreed and closed the door before walking away.

****

Study

"I felt like choking his throat" Ashley slumped on the couch, grunting in anger.

Everything was so vivid in her thoughts that she couldn’t stop cursing those people in her mind.

"Did Alice know Dylan was behind her father’s shares as he wanted to use them to enhance his business here" Ashley frowned and snapped at him?

"What do you mean, dad?" she asked, unsure what he meant.

Richard, who had done a background check on the Grey, had found some crucial information about them.

Dylan wasn’t someone who would settle down that easily when he was labelled Casanova. He only agreed to marry Alice because he wanted Theon to transfer his entire share under his name, and once he got what he wanted, he would ditch Alice.

And today was supposed to be when Theon would transfer his share to Dylan and get rid of Alice; he came up with this plan where he would defame her, which would eventually make everything easy for him.

Dylan would not only get rid of Alice but also get Theon’s entire share he put in Keller and wouldn’t take it back once given.

Ashley listened to Richard carefully, and as she kept learning more, her blood boiled, and she slammed her hand." I am going to kill that bastard. How can he hurt my Alice dad."

Ashley couldn’t erase the images of Alice when she found her in that room. She could still feel a shiver run down her spine, thinking if she hadn’t shown up in time, they would have succeeded in taking advantage of her unconscious state.

"It will be of no use, Ash", she heard Alice’s voice, and she turned, looking at her standing at the door frame.

Alice came out of the room because she suddenly felt thirsty. Taking the water jar, she walked through the hallway when she passed Richards’s study and heard them.

Alice stood there like a lifeless person as she looked at them both and continued," Even if we expose Dylan, my dad would still trust him."

Her voice wasn’t sad as before but purely cold as she had finally realised that no matter what she did or said, she wouldn’t get her father’s trust.

"But what if we find his friends and pressurise them to speak the truth" Ashley still thought if they caught hold of Dylan’s friend, Theon would finally see through Dylan’s lie.

Letting out a chuckle, Alice smiled," They weren’t his friend Ash, but some men he hired to carry on his plan."

Ashley was surprised by the new revelation. Dylan was more intelligent and more cunning than she had thought him to be. He just fooled everyone, but the one who got more affected was Alice.

Breaking out from her, though, she looked up. Alice was already gone. Richard and Ashley were surprised by her indifferent behaviour, which somewhat scared them.

*****

Evening

Alice had skipped her lunch as she didn’t come out of her room even after calling her twice. Ashley thought she might be sleeping, so she didn’t disturb her.

But even after so long, she couldn’t find Alice stepping out of the room, so again she decided to check.

As she reached her room, she heard a faint voice. It sounded like crying, but then she heard a loud bang which startled her, and she slammed the door.

"Alice...open the door", she called her name, but then the sound became even louder, and this time she heard Alice yell," Go...."

Fear crept into Ashley’s heart, and she sprinted away, calling the maid to bring the spare key to Alice’s room.

As soon as the maid rushed to give her the keys, she quickly opened the door and dashed inside.

Ashley felt a lump in her throat when she saw the entire room turned upside down. Everything thing around was messed up and destroyed.

"A-Alice..." she called her name anxiously, looking around the room when she saw the bathroom door open.

She ran to the bathroom without wasting time and saw Alice sitting under the shower, scratching herself. Her heart broke looking at her friend who was having a mental breakdown.

She kept mumbling to herself without caring about how badly she had hurt herself and started to bleed.

Ashley ran to her and fell to her knees," Alice, please stop.... you are hurting yourself", she cried, trying her best to stop her. But as if she didn’t hear anything, Alice continued hurting her and crying her heart out until she fainted.

Ashley called her father and a few servants, who helped her take Alice out of the bathroom and soon the doctor was called.

****

Alice had turned suicidal and couldn’t cope with the incident that happened to her. Even after a month had passed, Alice was just the same. She had again tried to harm herself, which led her to take therapies.

It took her some time because the trauma was too complex for her to forget, but she finally managed to break free, and soon Ashley saw some changes in her.

Though she wasn’t as carefree and cheerful as before, she was still way better than those days when she had lost all hope. She changed utterly, breaking free from that tied-up life she spent in her father’s house, turning bold and brave. Ready to fight for herself.

Her parents tried to get her back, but she wasn’t ready to step her feet into that house that didn’t belong to the girl she had become. She could follow her father’s order or keep listening to her mother’s rant. That obedient Alice who agreed to their every word to get their love and attention was gone. Because now she didn’t care for them and wanted to live a life that made her happy.

She became the girl whom no one ever thought...

*****

Present

Noah poured all his emotions into that one kiss. He was to let her feel his love, tell her that she was perfect even with flaws. He wanted to say to her that no matter how long will it take for her to work on herself, he would leave her.

Pulling away, he looked at her flushed face. No matter how long he stared at her face, he wouldn’t get enough.

Bringing his hand to her face, he wiped her tears off and rested his palm on her cheeks, brushing it carefully with his thumb." No matter how long it takes for you to work on yourself, I will never leave your side," he voice was so deep that it stirred her heart.

"I didn’t realise before, but I can’t live without you, Alice."

Noah had never felt so scared in his entire life, but he couldn’t forget the image of her sitting under the water and hurting herself. His heart bleeds, recalling the moment he had seen her blood flowing along with the water.

Burying his face into the crook of her neck, Noah hugged her. She had become his life, and he would seriously die if something happened to her.

Never in his life had Noah thought he would love Alice to the extent that she would become his heartbeat. So to keep himself alive, he had to protect his heartbeat and keep her by his side secure; he had to help her.

Alice lay stiff and let Noah hug her. She was still processing his words, getting them fixed in her mind and heart. She wanted to be a better person and come clean, so she would love him the way he loved her... flawlessly.

She felt her skin getting wet and breaking out of her state. Noah was crying while he hugged her tightly. Her hands slowly reached his back, and she hugged him.

For him, she can fight with herself. She would join the broken pieces and make her whole, a new person who would love and cherish him.

"I love you, Noah", she whispered next to his ear and his stiff.

Alice said it, after all... She didn’t want to hold back because of her past. Noah wasn’t like them. He was different and loved her no matter how miserable she was. So why can’t she heal herself? She can’t become selfish for his love without returning the same.

Noah slowly pulled away and looked at her anxiously." What did you say?" he asked, thinking he might have heard something wrong.

Alice watched his confused face and, without hesitation, cupped his cheeks and pulled him for a kiss, confirming her words to him.

This was the only way she could tell him what he mean to her and how important he was for her.

Chapter 138: Are you sure

[ Mature content]

Sliding her hand down, she pulled up his t-shirt. Getting her hint, Noah pulled away from the kiss and saw her frown," What happened?" she asked, watching him hesitate.

"Are you sure you want this? I mean.. we can wait," he said, looking at her hands covered with bandages.

Alice didn’t want to stop because now, she had already realised how much she loved him and what he meant. She knew she had to overcome her fears, and for that, she had to accept him fully.

How she craved his touch and how her body reacted to it gave her the answers.

Back then, when she used to flirt with men, she wouldn’t go beyond a kiss because whenever she felt their hands on her body, she would be reminded of that horrible night and immediately retreat.

But with Noah, it was different; she initiated the kiss first and realised that his touch gave her peace. She wouldn’t recall her past whenever she would kiss him. And the same went with her sleeping disorders. She fell asleep without any nightmares.

She would be a fool if she couldn’t see these changes. She was slowly coming out from her darker past. She was slowly healing, and the one who healed her was nonother than Noah.

Noah kept staring at her. One minute had passed, and she didn’t say a word, so he concluded that she wanted him to stop. But when he was about to pull himself up, she pushed him, making him fall on the bed and cradle up, sitting on him.

"I don’t want to stop."

Noah’s eyes widened, and he gasped like fish trying to say something, but his words died even before coming out when Alice captured his lips.

Noah closed his eyes and gave in, sensing the urgency in her actions. In no time, they were utterly undressed only with their inner clothes.

Alice kissed Noah like a hungry tigress. Tasting every corner of his mouth, she slowly started kissing his cheeks and jaw, trailing down to his neck.

Noah had lost his sense of thinking with the way Alice was showering love on him.

Cupping her buttocks, he squeezed them lightly, listening to her moan against his skin.

Noah opened his eyes and looked at her. Their eyes met as she licked the skin of his chest.

She looked like a seductress who was invited in for some fun. Noah felt the fire in him ignite a hundred times faster, and he swiftly changed their position.

Alice was lying under him while he hovered her entire frame with his muscular body. His intense gaze was burning holes into her body, and she felt intimidated by it.

Noah was always in control, but now, he looked like he would not wait until he unleashed his hunger for her.

"Take me, Noah... Make me forget everything and fill me with your love."

Alice didn’t want to stop. She wanted to feel him inside her. She wanted to be loved by him. Whether rough or gentle, she was ready to give herself to the man who not only made her fall in love but also gave a new meaning to her life.

Noah was overwhelmed by her words. He knew it was her first time and wanted it to be memorable.

Sealing her lips, Noah kissed her passionately. He was gentle as he savoured her mouth, tasting every ounce of sweetness from it.

Alice could feel the heat rush in her body, and she turned when he let go of her lips and kissed her face. He kissed her eyes, nose, and jaw, slowly moving down her neck.

Stopping right in the middle of her chest, he saw her breathe heavily. Her chest moved up and down, letting him know she was nervous.

Looking up at her flushed face, he moved up and kissed her lips." Look at me, Alice," he said and saw her opening her eyes.

Alice looked at him with her glittery eyes. She looked restless, showing her inner torment. But when they met his calm one, her anxiousness slowly began to fade, and she calmed.

"I will never hurt you, Alice. I promise," he said and saw her nod her head.

Alice smiled as tears formed in her eyes. She wasn’t upset but was happy to have someone by her side finally.

Noah fixed his eyes on her and slowly moved his hand down, sliding to her stomach and stopping it on her womanhood. Just a simple touch, and she closed her eyes, moaning.

Alice felt so blissful at this moment that she couldn’t contain and express her emotion. He was touching her from the fabric, but still, it made her lose all of her senses.

"Noah..." she called his name and opened her eyes to look at him.

She could feel her stomach churn. A weird kind of sensation passed through her and released.

Noah’s lips curled up into a smile as he watched her breathe heavily." That was easy," she heard him say.

Alice knew what it was, making her turn red in embarrassment. Though she was already aware that she had released her first organism, she still couldn’t stop being shy.

A person who had never thought of ever enjoying sexual pleasure and finally tasted it, and now all she could feel was getting shy.

Covering her face with her hands, she hissed.

"Don’t hide your face", She heard him say, and the next second she uncovered her face looking straight at him.

Noah could see Alice was too embarrassed, and he didn’t mind. It was evident that her to get shy, which made him adore her even more.

Using that same hand, he slid down her panties and threw them away. His fingers then touched her petals as she slowly rubbed them, making her moan.

Alice arched her back when she felt him open her folds and rub her clit even faster.

Noah was enjoying the sight in front of him. He could tell she loved it, making him feel proud of himself.

For the first time, he was happy for doing deeds that weren’t out of lust but with love for the woman who changed him for the better. He longed to be left whoring around when he laid his eyes on Alice, and now he was proud to find the right girl for him.

Inserting his finger into her hole, he heard her call his name," Noah... ah..."

Alice could feel her pelvis contract as he deepened his finger’s thrust. She couldn’t help but hiss in pain as she called his name.

Noah only stopped when she finally came out for the second time, spilling her cum on his hand.

Alice shivered at the release and watched him bring his hand to his mouth and lick the juice. His eyes never left her, though they had softened a little bit, the lust was still present.

His eyes fell on her chest, and he voiced his thought," Remove it."

Alice had not realised until now that she was still wearing her bra. Quickly following his words, she unclasped the button and removed the only garment on her body, tossing it away.

By the time she was done, Noah had already removed his boxers and moved between her legs.

"It will hurt a bit, but then everything is going to be fine," he said as he positioned himself, spurning out his long cock in front of her honey pot, and the next second he entered in.

Keeping his move gentle, Noah slowly entered Alice. He heard her hiss in pain, and he stopped.

"Does it hurt too much? If you want, we can stop," he asked, getting worried for her.

Alice clutched the bedsheet as she tried to adjust his length, and when she was comfortable, she said," No... don’t stop. I want you entirely in..." she was now desperate to feel him inside her.

Alice lost her rationality when she pounced on him like a hungry tigress. She knew there wasn’t turning back once she agreed, and now she was happy that she realised it was earlier than imagined.

Noah smirked at her desperation and entered her ultimately. His eyes looked at Alice’s reaction, and he was happy that he had satisfied her.

Moving his hips, Noah thrust deeper until he heard her moan. Her every moan was igniting his desire, and he speeded his move.

Alice felt her body move rhythmically with his every thrust. Her toes curled up when she felt his thrust turn wild.

Moving down, he captured her lips, hungry, while keeping his pace fast until they reached their climax and emptied simultaneously.

Noah slumped down on her as they both panted heavily. Alice smiled, warping her arms around him and caressing his back.

Once they both had calmed, Noah pulled back and asked," Ready for another round"

Alice nodded, and her lips were again sealed for a kiss. They forgot the count and only stopped when Noah slept after getting tired. They made love in broad daylight, giving themselves to one another and sealing their fates together.

Chapter 139: Agree to date

Karl couldn’t sleep the entire night, patiently waiting for the sun to show up. Looking at the time, he quickly jumped from the bed and rushed to shower.

Changing into a new pair of formal, Karl then picked out one suit that went with his clothes and dashed out of his house.

He drove to the Knight’s mansion and reached there within no time. Sitting inside the car, he took a deep breath, comforting himself.

"You can do it, Karl, if you don’t want to lose Gwen forever" Karl patted his heart and looked at the mansion in front of his eyes.

Clearing his anxious thoughts, Karl stepped out of the car and headed towards the mansion.

*****

Gwen stepped out of her room, getting ready to leave for work. She was feeling much better than last night, and her head had also stopped paining. Though some fatigue was evident on her face, she decided to ignore it.

Walking to the dining area, she watched her family membered already present.

"Where are you going?" Grace asked as soon as she saw Gwen.

"Work, mom..." pulling a chair next to Ashley; she settled down.

Ashley turned and whispered," Is something wrong? You look upset."

Her words surprised Gwen, and she shook her head, denying her doubts," Nothing...I am good," she lied and looked away.

It was so apparent that she couldn’t even conceal it. She wanted to share her feeling with someone, but knowing that it was soon going to end, she kept it to herself.

"By the way, mom. I think you should stop pampering these two from now on. They are grown-ups and can take care of themselves," Tristan said, catching everyone’s attention.

"You are right, brother. I agree with you on this" Gavin gave thumps up and stuffed his mouth with bread.

Grace felt targeted and sat on the chair next to Trevor and looked at her kids. Yes, they are mature enough to care for themselves, but being a mother, wasn’t it her responsibility to look after her children?

"Honey, Tristan is right this time. They are adults, and we need to give them the space they need," Trevor said, looking at Grace, who glared at him.

"Fine, go... but keep me updated," she said, barely agreeing to them.

"You," she then looked at Tristan," Keep your eyes on her. If she doesn’t seem reasonable, bring her back home or ask Karl to drop her off," Grace declared.

Tristan sighed, watching his mother ignoring his words right on his face. "Fine"

Everyone was having breakfast when Karl walked in. He knew he would meet everyone once he got inside, which he wanted.

Since he had already made up his mind, Karl didn’t want to beat around the bush. Mustering up the courage, he looked around, and his eyes fell on Gwen.

She didn’t look good, and that ripped his heart. He was the reason for her sadness, and now he wanted to take it away from her and fill her life with happiness.

"Karl", he heard Grace’s voice, breaking his attention from Gwen.

"Good you came. Come and have breakfast with us," she said.

Karl smiled and walked to them. Taking the seat next to Gwen, he sat down.

"Hi.." he said to her with a smile.

Gwen didn’t answer him and continued with her breakfast.

Tristan was observing the two when something clicked in his mind, and he said," Gwen, have you pondered on the chat we had in the car."

Tristan purposely brought up that topic, and she looked at him in shock. There was no way she was going to agree with his words.

But when she thought about what happened between her and Karl last day, she came to realise why not use this conversation as a way to make Karl realise his mistake.

Yes, she was upset with him, but that didn’t mean she would leave him.

She turned to look at Karl, who was already looking at her in confusion, and she smiled inwardly,’ It’s time to make you realise your mistake Karl’

With a broad smile, she turned back to Tristan and answered," I think it’s time for me to find a suitable partner" her words surprised everyone at the table, but the more shocked one was Karl.

"So you agree on dating Luke," Tristan said with a surprised look. He wasn’t expecting her to agree with him so quickly.

"Yes, why not. He is a good person, and didn’t you say it’s time for me to start dating" Gwen said calmly. She could see Karl’s shocked look from the corner of her eye.

"When did this happen, and why am I not told about it" Grace looked at Gwen and then at Tristan.

Tristan turned to Grace, who sounded upset, then looked at his father, passing him a meaningful look.

"Honey, it’s not a bad idea for our children to date. They are grown up," Trevor tried to take with Grace, but she glared at him.

Before she could voice her disapproval, Tristan got up, motioning to Gwen and Karl," I think we should leave. We are getting late for the meeting", he said and walked away, followed by Karl and Gwen.

Stepping out of the house, Tristan turned to them and said," Gwen, you go with Karl and prepare for the meeting. I have some work before I join you both at the office" saying he turned and walked to his car, leaving them both behind.

Pursing her lips, Gwen turned to walk to Karl’s car when she was pulled forcefully," How can you agree to date someone else, Gwen" Karl voiced his displeasure and asked her angrily.

Gwen was surprised by Karl’s aggressive behaviour and pulled her hand away from his hold," Why shouldn’t I? When you aren’t ready to acknowledge our relationship, then why should I dwell around you."

Gwen was pissed with his attitude. He sounded like he cared when he wouldn’t speak or give her any assuring words on the last day.

Karl was shocked by her words. He knew he screwed up everything when he stood silent without answering her that day. And now he regretted being a jerk.

"Gwen, we love each other, don’t we? Then why are you doing this" his voice softened as he took a step toward her, but she moved back, which hurt him?

"You will never bring yourself to accept me, Karl. In your eyes, I will always be your boss’s sister because you will always end up bringing the favours my parents did to you in our relationship."

Why can’t he let go of the fact that they were two individuals who could love each other without any barriers? Why can’t he bring himself to think outside the box and accept their relationship without carrying the baggage of favour he received from the Knights?

Looking at his silence, Gwen felt even more miserable. Sighing, she turned, walked towards his car, and stepped in without waiting.

Karl stood there watching Gwen walk away from him. Suddenly he felt his chest heavy as if he was losing someone precious to him.

Quietly following the car, he stepped in and drove to the company.

****

Inside the house,

"You already know it!..." Ashley was surprised when she found out Grace knew about Gwen and Karl’s secret dating.

Grace shrugged her shoulder and took the seat next to Trevor, who was also aware of it.

"I was already suspicious when I saw her secretly walking out of the house late at night, but then I was confirmed when I found them hugging each other inside the car", Ashley gasped, listening to her words. It was only here who learned it late.

"Then why did you act surprised before," she asked and saw Grace smile.

"Shouldn’t I play along with my son?" she smiled, looking at Trevor, who pinched her cheeks lovingly." You were so good, darling?" he said, smiling cheekily.

Tristan had already discussed his plan with them when he learned they knew about Gwen’s and Karl’s relationship.

Ashley was so amazed by their understanding nature that she felt blessed to have them as her family.

"But I don’t understand why Gwen agreed to meet Luke" Trevor brushed his chin, falling into deep thought.

When they both loved each other, why would Gwen accept dating Luke?

"They fought, I guess. Tristan told me they weren’t talking with each other," Ashley told them.

"Kids these days are so hard to understand. Why can’t they think wisely without rushing into any fights" Grace knew it must be Gwen who would have fought with Karl.

She had complete faith in the boy but didn’t trust her daughter.

"It’s okay, darling, you don’t have to stress about them so much. They are mature enough to handle it. For now, we have to act as per Tristan’s plan," Trevor said, making them understand.

After chatting for some time, Ashley returned to her room. Taking her medicines, she lay on the bed as her mind drifted into thinking about Alice.

"I should check on her," she said and made her a call.

Chapter 140: He knows everything

Noah was lying next to Alice and played with her hair. He woke up after some time only to find Alice awake.

"You are so beautiful, Alice," he said, kissing her cheek and blushing.

Alice couldn’t fall asleep as the memories of their intense lovemaking flashed in her mind. She felt shy when she thought about how she submitted herself to the man who loved her for who she was.

"Say something", she heard him say again.

Noah expected her to answer him after he complimented her, but all she did was blush. He wasn’t used to Alice’s cuter side because she was his bold and fierce fireball who bullied him.

Heaving a sigh, Alice turned to face him," What do you want me to say" she said, smiling at him.

"Anything, just talk with me," he said.

Alice wasn’t good with cheesy words and liked to speak from her heart. But now, when she pondered his words, something clicked in her mind, and she opened her mouth to speak.

"Thank you," she said and watched him knit his brow in confusion.

"Thank you for sticking to me even after knowing how twisted my life is. I can’t thank you for loving me so much that it hurts my heart thinking I am not that strong to love you back with the same passion. But don’t worry, I will disappoint you-" she said playfully and smiled at him.

Reaching out her hand from the duvet, she cupped his face and looked deep into his eyes," Because now I understand what you mean to me, Noah and I have never felt it before. You are the only one who showed me that even I could be happy. So thank you for loving me and believing in me."

Noah’s chest filled with happiness, and he leaned forwards, sealing her lips. "And thank you for giving me the chance to know you, Alice. I love you so much," he said in between the kiss.

Slowly flipping around, he deepened the kiss. Alice wrapped her arms around his neck and synced with his pace as they kept devouring each other’s mouths.

They couldn’t get enough of each other even after making love in the morning.

Noah reached his hand over her chest and squeezed her bosom, listening to a sensual moan in return.

Alice felt her body melting into his touch, and she tangled her tongue into his as she tasted him crazily.

As the couple was getting ready for another heated session, suddenly Alice’s phone rang, and they stopped.

"Who has a death wish now" Noah grunted in annoyance and pulled away, sitting on the bed.

Alice smiled, watching him frown and reached her hand to pick up the call.

"It’s Ashley," she said before picking up the call and looking at Noah, whose expression softened.

He then climbed down the bed giving these friends some privacy, and stepped into the bathroom.

"What.... he knows everything" Alice raised her voice in disbelief when she heard Ashley. She told her that Noah already knew about Dylan and still he was ready to be with her.

Alice was touched by Noah’s selfless love and care for her. After confessing her love to Noah, she had already decided to tell him everything about her hand, Dylan’s past. But to her surprise, he already knew the truth and was willing to be with her no matter what.

Alice felt like crying, but she stopped being vulnerable. Noah wasn’t lying when he said he liked her and was willing to wait for her and accept his love. He wasn’t lying when he said he would make her fall in love with her.

His every word was accurate; it was her who couldn’t see how genuine he was when he said it.

Talking with Ashley, Alice ended the call and climbed down the bed when she saw Noah stepping out. Without wasting a second, she ran to him and hugged him tightly.

"Why are you so nice, Noah" her sudden actions surprised him, but he soon understood her words and hugged her back.

"Because you deserve all the happiness in the world, Alice and I promise to love you with all my heart and make you happy" she was moved by his words that she stood on her toes and kissed him.

****

The entire drive to the company was quiet. Gwen didn’t utter any word, and neither did Karl. Both were busy fighting their thoughts and didn’t realise when they had reached their destination.

Gwen quickly pulled off the seatbelt, stepped out of the car, and walked without glancing at Karl.

His heart broke watching her indifferent behaviour towards him, but he couldn’t blame her. He deserved it. He deserved all her indifference and cold attitude.

This time, he messed up so badly that he couldn’t see any hope. With Gwen slowly crumbling, his decision to announce their relationship upset him.

He followed her without saying a word, and they entered the building.

Gwen sat on her desk, and Karl walked into his cabin and slumped down on his chair.

"I can’t take her ignorance anymore," he said, looking through the glass wall.

"I have to do something before she seriously agrees to date that Luke guy," Karl thought for a while, and his lips curled up with a satisfied smile.

****

Knight mansion

Grace headed to Dante’s room when she stopped reaching his door and heard him talking to someone.

"I know what I am doing, Matt. You don’t have to keep reminding me" she heard him speak to his doctor, whom she had met at his place.

He was the one who told her to pay attention to his diet, and Dante was ignoring his health and not paying attention to himself at all.

Grace could hear the restlessness in his voice, as if he was helpless about something when she again heard him say.

"No, you can’t tell Grace anything, Matt. Keep her away from this mess," he warned on the phone and continued," Fine, I will return as soon as possible, until then, don’t call me" saying he ended the call angrily and tossed his phone on the bed.

Dante’s cancer was slowly spreading in his body; if not treated sooner, his organs might gradually stop working. Matt had convinced him to opt for Chemo, but he rejected him.

Dante wanted to be with his daughter as it was his last wish before he joined his wife.

Pinching the bridge of his nose Dante sighed when the door to his room opened, and Grace walked in.

"Where are you leaving, dad?" she asked, making him look up at her in shock.

Sweat began to appear on his back when he saw Grace standing in front of him and asking him about what he had talked about earlier. ’Did she hear everything’ he thought, looking at her in horror.

"Don’t tell me you have some work for which you are travelling back?" her words made him heave a breath, and he forced a smile.

"Yes, honey, there is some work I have to take care of", he lied, making her frown.

"But you have been here for only a few days. Can’t you skip the work or ask your men to do it" Grace didn’t want her father to go back to the house where she couldn’t take care of him.

All these days with him, she had started to like it. With him around her, she was less worried and wished for him to stay with her and not be alone in his mansion.

Dante saw Grace upset over his departure and patted the seat next to him," Come here", he said and watched her walk towards him and sit down.

"I won’t be away for long," he said, caressing her head.

Grace looked at her father, whose eyes shined brightly looking at her, but deep in her heart, she knew there was something he was hiding from her, and she wanted to find it.

She had heard him talking on the call with Matt and warned her from saying anything to her. And now she wanted to know what it was that he didn’t want her to know.

She smiled at her father, hiding the suspicion behind the disguise. She knew he wouldn’t tell her anything, evident when he lied. But she was his daughter and would soon find out why he lied to her.

"Okay, you can go but keep your word, dad," she said with her smile still on