Chapter 409 Awakening
In the hospital.
Alice leaned back on the pillow, her voice barely a whisper. "Dad, Mom, it's all on me. I couldn't keep the baby safe." Tears started to spill from her eyes.
Curtis had just one daughter, Alice. After all she'd been through, how could he bring himself to blame her? His heart was shattered. "It's okay, Alice. It's not your fault. You pushed Mrs. Howard out of the way with good intentions. Who'd blame you for that? It's a shame about the baby, but don't be too down. Your mom and I just want you to be healthy."
Avery's eyes were red from crying. "The Howard family is so ungrateful. Alice got hurt saving Mrs. Howard, and she lost her baby. The Howard family just came over to say a few comforting words. They didn't even mention marrying Alice. Curtis, what are we gonna do?"
Curtis hadn't seen this coming. The Cullen Group and the Howard Group had already started working together. Now that Alice had lost the baby, she didn't have the leverage to marry into the Howard family anymore.
He patted Avery. "Don't overthink it. Right now, all that matters is Alice getting better. Avery, you stay here with Alice. I gotta head to the office this afternoon to sign a contract."
Avery nodded. "Okay."
After Curtis left, Avery closed the door. She walked back to the bed and looked at Alice lying there. "Alice, spill it. How did this happen? Why'd you save Claire? Who cares if she lives or dies? Look at you, you lost the baby and almost got hurt yourself. Next time, if something like this happens, just look out for yourself and don't worry about others. You have no idea how scared I was!"
Alice held Avery's hand. Even though her body hadn't recovered, she couldn't wait to share with Avery. "Mom, don't worry. I'm fine. Even though I'm seriously hurt, it was worth it."
Avery asked, "What do you mean by that?"
Alice replied, "Mom, you know the baby inside me wasn't Adrian's. The due date is coming up. If the Howard family finds out, we're done for. If our deception of the Howards is exposed, the Cullens won't last a day in Vachilit. This baby had to be lost at the right moment, and the charity gala was perfect."
Avery was shocked. "Alice, are you saying you knew the chandelier would fall?" She widened her eyes. "Alice, did you plan this? That's too risky!"
"It was Carlos's plan. I hesitated, but it was my only shot. By saving Claire and losing the baby, the Howard family would feel guilty. With so many media and prominent families there, everyone knew I got hurt saving Claire and lost the baby. Adrian would have no choice but to marry me, and the Howard family would have to give me an explanation."
Avery sighed. "You should've told me beforehand. I've been worried sick these past few days. You're my only daughter. What would I do if something happened to you?"
Alice comforted her, "Mom, I'm fine. Didn't the doctor say so? It's nothing serious."
Alice held Avery's hand. "Once I recover and marry into the Howard family, no one in Vachilit will dare look down on us."
Although it was risky, it was indeed the most effective plan.
Avery, however, felt a lingering fear.
Carlos was not simple. She feared Alice might be deceived. If Alice had an accident while saving Claire, she would lose the baby and possibly her life, and Carlos would be rid of a liability.
After all, Carlos's father was John, and John was the Howard family's head butler.
If it became known that Carlos and Alice had an affair, Adrian wouldn't spare Carlos, and John would inevitably be implicated.
Avery said, "Alice, you should avoid too much contact with Carlos in the future."
Alice was puzzled. "Mom, why? He helped us."
Avery said, "Alice, you don't understand. Listen to me. After you marry Adrian, distance yourself from Carlos."
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