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?” I 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 some when I 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.

“Shelia!” I 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 came to 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 time to 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 some flowers, 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 some carp for the fish tank. Could you help me catch 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 some more flowers?”

“There's no hurry,” Georgia replied pleased.

Alice walked away a little. As she reached for a flower, she twisted her ankle and screamed as she bent down. Startled, Georgia rushed over.

"Miss Bennett, are you okay?"

The grass was thick and obscured the ground, making it difficult for Georgia to replace her way. As she approached Alicia, she felt something crunch under her shoe.

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 her hand was covered in another pile of dog poop.

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