Chapter 65

"Celeste!" Juniper grabbed her arm, her eyes practically screaming, "Don't say another word!" Pissing off Lucas wouldn't do anyone any good.

Over the years, Juniper had Lucas all figured out. Once he made up his mind, it was set in stone, and not even Marcus could change it. She couldn't help but wonder what that mysterious woman had told Lucas to make him treat Alice like his own granddaughter.

A few years back, Juniper even suspected Alice might be Lucas's secret daughter. Why else would he spoil her more than Celeste? When Alice and Celeste were kids, Lucas would scold Celeste over the smallest things.

The wind was howling at the door. Robert wheeled Lucas into the living room like he owned the place and headed straight to the kitchen to make him a cup of hot coffee.

Juniper didn't dare call out Robert for his boldness. She glanced at the bodyguards in black at the door and then looked at Lucas, cautiously asking, "Lucas, who are those guys at the door?"

"I borrowed them from Gavin," Lucas said, making Juniper's heart skip a beat.

Gavin was a tough-as-nails general, retired but still a big deal in the military. He was often invited to give speeches to new recruits.

Gavin might seem like just another old man, but if he wanted something, a ton of people would jump to help him. Plus, he and Lucas had been tight for years. Even if Lucas was in bad shape, Gavin would always have his back.

Lucas didn't notice Juniper's worried look. He took a sip of his coffee and glanced at Celeste, who looked like she'd been wronged, and sighed, "Celeste, you were such a smart and clever kid. Why are you turning into your mother as you grow up?"

Juniper's face showed a flicker of annoyance, but since it was Lucas, she kept quiet.

Lucas continued, "Forget about Alice's background. She's sensible and doesn't fight for anything. Why can't you accept her? Has she ever fought with you over your dad, mom, or the family inheritance?"

Since Lucas brought it up, Celeste couldn't hold back anymore. "Lucas, she might not have fought over dad, mom, or the inheritance, but she took you away from me! You treat her like your own granddaughter, but what about me? I like David, but you said I could marry anyone but him. But I only like him. I only love David! If you really are my grandfather, you should care about my happiness and take the engagement back from Alice and give it to me! I'm the real daughter of the Bailey Family! She isn't!"

Lucas listened to Celeste and smiled slightly. "You like David, so I should give you the engagement?" He shook his head. "Do you think just because Gavin and I say so, the engagement will happen? If David doesn't agree, the engagement means nothing, got it?"

Celeste was stunned. "Lucas, are you saying if David doesn't agree, the engagement is pointless?" She couldn't believe it. "Is it because David wants to be engaged to Alice that this engagement exists?"

Lucas gave Celeste a long look and said nothing more. He'd said enough. It was up to Celeste to figure it out on her own.

The bodyguards in black got a call from Gavin, telling them to take Lucas back to the Tudor Mansion.

Juniper saw what was going on and quickly asked, "Lucas, won't you stay for dinner?"

Lucas just waved her off. The bodyguards led the way, two of them carefully lifting Lucas and his wheelchair down the steps, then driving him to the Tudor Mansion.

Gavin had laid down the law: both families had to be there tonight, especially James. If he didn't show up, he'd be shipped off for a couple of years of military training.

Two or three years in the military would turn a pretty boy into a tough soldier. James didn't want that, so he agreed to be there without a fuss.

Early that morning, Seraphina heard from Gavin that Lucas would be coming for dinner and staying the night. She went upstairs to prep a guest room, airing out the bedding, putting out fresh flowers, opening the windows, and setting out some of Gavin's favorite books. She made sure everything was perfect.

"Gavin, are there any dietary restrictions for Mr. Bailey? Let me know, and I'll go shopping with the staff to get it," asked Seraphina.

"He's not picky. Just grab a salmon and a chicken, and make some chicken soup to nourish him. The food at the nursing home is bland and not very nutritious."

"Got it, Gavin. I'll let David and Alice know. I'm heading to the mall now."

Gavin had already texted David, telling him to bring Alice home for dinner and to keep Lucas's discharge a surprise for her.

When David got the text, he felt a mix of emotions. Even Gavin knew how to make Alice happy, but he was always clueless and had to ask for advice.

No matter what he did, he always seemed to annoy Alice. Maybe he was taking her for granted and testing her limits. If he kept it up, Alice might lose patience with him and her feelings might fade.

David frowned, his mood darkening. Was Alice starting to dislike him? That couldn't happen.

"I think you need a good luck charm or something," Esme said, crossing her arms and leaning against the wall as she looked at Alice. "You've had the worst luck this year."

Alice stood shoulder to shoulder with Esme, staring blankly at the dozen or so hostile people in front of her. "Yeah." She then pointed to the leader, Clara. "Do you know why she always goes against me?"

Esme replied, "Because she likes David."

Alice pointed to herself. "Do you know why I always go against her?"

Esme's curiosity was piqued. "Why?"

Alice looked back at Esme. "Because she cursed my grandfather to an early death."

"Seriously?" Esme glared at Clara. "That's crossing the line! People need to have limits. She's way out of bounds. Let's just beat her up!"

Esme dropped her bag, rolled up her sleeves, and walked towards Clara, hands on her hips, chin slightly raised, eyes full of disdain. "Clara, I don't get it. You're a college student and still think fighting solves everything?"

Clara's eyes were full of malice, her fists clenched, her gaze locked on Alice, completely ignoring Esme.

"Miss, if you're here for Ms. Smith, you better leave. Why get involved?" The tattooed guy next to Clara sneered, "We're only here for her. It has nothing to do with you. If you don't want trouble, leave now, or you won't be able to later."