Chapter 57:
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Shelia deeply appreciated her son. It had not been easy for her to conceive him.
When the Yates family was at its peak, Jerald was a prominent figure: intelligent, hard-working, and supported by
a wife with considerable experience, making the Yates family seem invulnerable.
Shelia was the exception, having captured Jerald's affections outside the presence of his powerful wife. She went
from being his lover to becoming his confidant, and used her beauty effectively. However, over time, Jerald's
interest began to fade, which also affected his relationship with Joshua.
Joshua, however, had proven his resilience over the years. Shelia, witness to all his hardships, was determined
not to let any mistake threaten his future.
Before leaving the estate, Joshua visited Alicia in the garden.
“It looks like it's going to rain. Don’t stay out too long,” he advised, putting his arm around her waist. “Are you
hiding so they don't see you?” | have asked.
Alice nodded, subtly moving her hand away. “There are too many eyes around. “It's best not to get too close,”
she suggested, her voice softer than usual.
Joshua knew her well. Despite the difficult circumstances, Alicia maintained her pride. She knew she was in a
difficult situation and that patience would be necessary.
“Do you like any jewelry? “I'll bring you swhen | get back tonight,” he offered, hinting at his intention to stay
overnight.
Alice understood the insinuation and refused. "I don't want anything."
Joshua's gaze intensified, as if he saw her in a new light. He leaned in to kiss her, but Alicia turned quickly,
spotting an ally.
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“Shelia!” | have shouted.
Joshua looked over and saw Shelia. He had no intention of interrupting her, but her disapproving expression
reminded him to be careful of his surroundings.
Discouraged, Joshua quickly left the mansion.
Alice breathed a sigh of relief.
She looked at Shelia, whose expression was stern. Ignoring Shelia's gaze, Alice walked away, zigzagging along
the paths until she cto a spot with flowers to pick.
Shelia, increasingly upset, watched her walk away.
Didn't Alice recognize her importance? She was Joshua's mother, and yet Alice hadn't bothered to acknowledge
her.
With Joshua gone, Shelia felt it was the right tto instruct Alicia. She called her faithful maid, Georgia.
“Do you understand what you have to do?” Shelia asked with a discreet look.
Georgia agreed. “Don't worry, Mrs. Yates. It will be quite a show,” she assured.
Georgia, always sharp and reliable, was Shelia's trusted assistant.
With a haughty nod, Shelia warned, “But remember that Joshua still has feelings for her.”
Georgia replied with a sly smile, “I'll just make sure she stays hydrated, nothing harmful.” She then turned to
Alicia.
The garden led to a less well-kept area where the maids walked their pets. Alice, carrying sflowers, headed
in that direction.
Georgia greeted her with a seemingly friendly smile. “Miss Bennett, what do you bring here?”
Alicia turned to look at her. Her memories of Georgia were vivid and unpleasant.
At first, when Alicia and Joshua were newlyweds, Shelia had been courteous. But as Joshua siphoned off Alicia's
wealth, Shelia's facade fell away, revealing her true nature. Georgia was often the enforcer of Shelia's more
covert schemes.
Whenever Alice visited the mansion, Georgia treated her no better than a servant, keeping her busy without
respite, although Alice received no gratitude in return. At first Alice put up with this treatment out of respect for
Joshua, but she soon realized that her indulgence only invited further exploitation.
Noticing Georgia's insincere smile, Alice sensed that something was wrong and asked calmly, "What's wrong,
Georgia?"
Georgia pointed to the nearby fountain. “Could you help me? Mrs. Yates needs scarp for the fish tank. Could
you helpcatch them?”
Alice quickly understood Georgia's underlying motive. Recalling past conflicts, she replied with a smile, “Of
course, I'd be happy to help. Can I finish picking smore flowers?”
“There's no hurry,” Georgia replied pleased.
Alice walked away a little. As she
reached for a fons twigtediher
puis and aude as she bent
down. Startled, Georgia rushed over.
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"Miss Bennett, are you okay?"
The grass was thick and obscured
the ground, making it difficult Son
EET ET: fet Dae As she
abptdached Alicia, she felt something
crunch under her shoe. The content
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With a sinking feeling, she lifted her foot and discovered that it was a fresh pile of dog poop.
Trying to maintain her composure, Alice felt concerned. “Are you okay, Georgia?”
Revolting, Georgia instinctively tried to push Alice away. Alice quickly dodged her, avoiding reaching her.
Georgia lost her balance and fell to the ground.
As she tried to get up, the stench hit
her and she realized nEDhand Was
cqveredin@ndther pile of dog poop.