Her Icy 149
Chapter 149 Set the Stage
But judging from the urgency in Alaina’s voice, it was clear–her plan had failed.
+8 Pearls
“It’s kind of … and kind of not …” Alaina stammered over the phone. “I don’t even know how to explain it. You’ll understand when you see it yourselves.”
Edwin could hear the frustration in her sigh and replied, “Alright. We’re coming home right now.”
Once the call ended, a sly smile tugged at the corner of Alaina’s lips.
She glanced around and spotted a middle–aged woman walking out of the building. “Geneva! Where are you off to?” she called out warmly.
“Oh, I ate too much lunch,” Geneva Carlson replied with a chuckle. “Just walking it off a bit. What about you? Coming back from somewhere?”
Alaina let out an exaggerated sigh and plastered on a distressed look. “Don’t get me started. I was out shopping, minding my own business, and had to rush back because of Edwin’s troublesome little sister.”
Now, Geneva had always loved listening to neighborhood drama. Her eyes lit up at Alaina’s complaint. “You mean Caroline? I haven’t seen that girl in days. What’s she done this time?”
Alaina tilted her head toward a bench nearby. “Let’s sit down for a bit. I’ll tell you everything.”
Geneva agreed with a curious nod. “Sure.”
As soon as they sat down, Alaina launched into her rehearsed speech, rapid–fire.
“Helen just called me and said she caught Caroline rummaging through my room, digging through my things. She said Caroline was shouting that all my jewelry and savings were part of the family assets–and that they were hers! Can you believe it? I’ve spent my whole life saving that money. If she takes it, how am I supposed to survive?”
She lifted her wrist and dabbed the corner of her eye with her sleeve–though there were no actual tears.
Geneva was outraged. She slapped her thigh and exclaimed, “That’s outrageous! How could she treat you like that? After her mom passed, you practically raised her like your own. And now she turns around and does this? Heartless!”
Alaina gave a motherly, saintly smile. “I know she’s scared about the future. No degree, no real skills, and she’s worried she won’t make enough money to get by. I don’t blame her. I just wish she’d leave me a little something to retire on.”
“You’re too kind,” Geneva huffed. “She bullies you, and you still think of her well–being? Honestly, I doubt she’ll appreciate it. She’ll probably just keep pushing her luck.”
Just then, Alaina spotted Edwin’s car pulling into the complex. She quickly turned to Geneva with a gentle smile. “I heard Helen made a fresh pot of bone broth. Why don’t you come upstairs and have some with us?”
Geneva looked caught off guard. “Oh no, I couldn’t … That’d be too much.”
But Alaina had already heard from other neighbors how much Geneva loved bone broth.
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Geneva gave in and followed her slowly toward their house.
Alaina deliberately slowed their pace, chatting casually, stalling until the brothers arrived.
And right on cue, as they reached the building entrance, the Somerton brothers walked up. They all took the elevator together.
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Miguel had been confused all along, and now that he was face–to–face with Alaina, he couldn’t help but ask, “Alaina, Caroline just came over to have dinner. What happened this time to make such a mess?”
Since Caroline had left, Miguel had taken time to reflect on every argument they’d had.
Deep down, he knew–they hadn’t all been her fault.
He was sure something must’ve triggered it again.
Alaina glanced at everyone in the elevator, then replied vaguely, “You’ll see when you ask her yourself.”
Geneva was right there–so she couldn’t reveal too much in front of her.
And when she noticed Miguel frown and open his mouth again, Alaina quickly cut him off.
“We’re almost there. No need to rush your judgment. This way, you won’t end up thinking I’m picking on her.”
Out of all the brothers, Miguel was the one who always took Caroline’s side. Anytime Alaina was even slightly harsh, he’d speak up for the girl.
But this time, she wanted him to see Caroline’s room with his own eyes. Maybe then, he’d finally be disappointed in her once and for all.
Miguel sensed the tension in her tone and chose not to press further.
A few moments later, they reached the front door.
The moment they stepped inside, they were met with silence. It was oddly quiet.
All of them were surprised.
Edwin looked around and asked, “Where’s Caroline?”
Alaina felt a flicker of doubt herself–not about Caroline, but about Helen.
She’d expected her to be here already, but the living room and hallway were empty.
Right then, Alaina’s phone buzzed with a message from Helen.
“Mom, just take them straight to Caroline’s room.”
ht then, Alaina’s phone buzzed with a message from Helen.
“Mom, just take them straight to Caroline’s room.”
Seeing the message, Alaina didn’t waste time trying to figure out where Helen was hiding. She raised her gaze, smiled politely at Edwin, and said, “She must’ve gone to her room. I’ll take you there.”
Seeing the message, Alaina didn’t waste time trying to figure out where Helen was hiding. She
