Chapter 23 Crisis
Make sure her body could never be in one piece again.
“Mom, the Chow Chows are about to go wild!”
Sandy’s voice rang out, but there wasn’t a trace of hint in it. Normally, she was terrified of those massive dogs. But now? She sounded thrilled.
Ruby tensed up instinctively, silently praying the dogs would finally snap.
In the next second, one of the Chow Chows dug its front paws into the ground, ready to launch itself like a missile toward Alice.
Sandy couldn’t bear to watch. She squeezed her eyes shut, expecting the sound of Alice’s screams to follow.
But it never came.
But
Instead, what she heard was Ruby sucking in a sharp breath.
Frowning, Sandy cracked open one eye–then widened both in disbelief.
The Chow Chow that had looked ready to attack was now lying peacefully beside Alice.
Only then did they notice that all four dogs had injuries across their backs–deep gashes, like knife wounds. Blood was still oozing from them.
Alice gently stroked one of the dogs on the head, her other hand carefully applying ointment to its wound. The Chow Chows, huge and imposing just moments ago, were now obedient and calm.
One even licked her palm, as if in gratitude.
Sandy was speechless.
Thiscouldn’tbe real.
She rubbed her eyes hard, hoping it was just a hallucination.
But no—this was all really happening.
Her face lost all color.
Even her body started to tremble.
There was something off about this bitch.
Ruby’s expression turned grim.
And as if Alice could read their minds, she slowly turned her head to look at them.
Neither Ruby nor Sandy had time to put on their usual façade.
Alice smiled at them, out of the blue.
“You know,” she said, “you two actually said something right earlier.”
12:48 PM
Chapter 23 Crisis
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Ruby glanced at Sandy. They both had the same uneasy feeling–whatever was coming, it wasn’t good.
Alice continued, “Chow Chows are loyal. But they only protect their true master.”
Almost like a testament to her words, the dogs were responding to them; they stood up and barked furiously at the mother and daughter.
Sandy nearly stumbled backward in fear.
Ruby managed to keep a straight face, but even she couldn’t hold up under the sheer intimidation of the dogs. She turned and slammed the door shut.
The moment the door clicked closed, the barking stopped.
Alice chuckled. She adored those furballs that could read the room.
What a pity she didn’t have the time to raise pets. Otherwise, she would’ve taken all four home.
“You helped me today,” she said softly. “And I helped you. Let’s call it even. Now go find your real master.”
The Chow Chows wagged their tails, as if understanding her words, then turned and ran off in another direction.
Alice watched them go, a bit reluctant to let them leave.
Eric wheeled himself over.
“How did you know they were hurt?”
Alice placed her hand on the wheelchair handle and began pushing him forward.
“Everything alive has its own spirit. They could sense that I saved you–and your father.”
Eric looked a little surprised. “So they came for help?”
…
Alice raised an eyebrow. “Took you long enough to figure that out.”
Eric sighed.
If he didn’t die from his injuries, this woman was going to kill him with frustration.
“But still,” he muttered, “even if the Chow Chows knew how to find help, they wouldn’t act on their own. Their master must’ve sent them.”
At that, something clicked in his mind at her words.
“Someone hurt them on purpose,” he said slowly, his voice cold. “Made them go berserk.”
Alice nodded seriously.
“Your family really can’t stand the sight of you, huh?”
Eric was speechless.
She wasn’t wrong, but did she have to say it out loud?
Chapter 23 Crisis
They left the mansion and returned to Eric’s villa.
Ever since Clara had been dealt with, the place had felt eerily empty.
Stanley had since hired a new round of staff.
When they arrived, it was all unfamiliar faces.
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The new housekeeper was a capable woman named Dawn Freeman–neat, quick, and clearly experienced.
Alice was pleased. After giving a few key instructions, she let Dawn handle the rest.
She was exhausted but still insisted on giving Eric another session before finally heading off to rest.
By the time she woke up, it was the next morning.
Dawn had made a delicious–looking breakfast, but Alice barely got a bite before Stanley walked in.
“Mr. Eric,” he said, “Nolan Group just announced that the design department has been officially handed over to you.”
Alice quietly picked up a bagel.
Stanley continued, “And according to the latest updates, the department currently has a project tied to a famous heritage artist from back home. The order is a difficult one.”
Now he had Alice’s full attention.
The bagel suddenly didn’t taste as good anymore.
Seeing that they were both listening, Stanley carried on with his report.
“We’ve only got three days left. Every draft we submitted has already been rejected by the artist.
“He said if he’s not satisfied within three days, he’ll cancel the entire partnership with Nolan Group.”
Normally, such a deal wouldn’t be a big deal for the company
But now? The design department was Eric’s responsibility.
Send Gifts
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