Chapter 108 The Art of Deception 279 % #Finished Alice felt as if she had plunged into an icy abyss at Days heartless words .
Tears welled up in her eyes , trembling on the edge before finally spilling over .
Choking back sobs , she pleaded , Lauren is our daughter too .
How can you be so cruel to her ? You lost her when she was just a child .
She suffered so much .
Do you not feel even the slightest guilt ? David let out a cold laugh , his expression laced with mockery , Cruel ? Guilty ? His voice dripped with scorn .
Dont forget , you were the one who deleted that surveillance footage .
You destroyed the only proof of her innocence .
If were talking about cruelty , I could never match you .
Alice flinched at his words , her body trembling .
Her face twisted with pain and regret as tears streamed down her cheeks .
I … I only did it for Willow , she whispered , her voice thick with sorrow .
She was just a child .
It was an accident .
I couldnt let her carry such a heavy burden at such a young age … And now you blame me ? David scoffed .
You made a mistake , and somehow , thats my fault ? I wasnt thinking clearly back then, but whats your excuse ? Seeing Alice waver , Willow quickly put on a heart wrenchingly pitiful expression , her eyes brimming with tears .
She threw herself into Alices arms , sobbing .
Mom , I never meant to hurt anyone .
If I had known how much pain it would bring Lauren , I would have confessed everything back then .
Her frail , remorseful act softened Alice instantly .
The anger drained from her face , replaced by deep .
SOITOW .
Gently stroking Willows hair , she whispered , Sweetheart , I never blamed you .
Youre my daughter I know your heart better than anyone .
Willows face remained innocent , but her eyes gleamed with silent mockery .
What a fool .
All it takes is a few well timed tears , and she falls for it every time .
Her gaze flickered toward the hospital rooms doorway , locking eyes with Sharon .
A knowing smirk passed between them , and Sharon even flashed her a discreet thumbs up .
Willows chest swelled with satisfaction .
handphile This is how you play the game distract them with one hand while you move the other .
Manipulating Alice was almost too easy .
It was intoxicating .
1/3 Chapter 108 The Art of Deception Finished Memories of her eager enthusiasm from earlier that morning surfaced in his mind , making his pulse quicken If only Alice would just leave .
Then he and Sharon could pick up where they left off A slow , knowing smirk tugged at his lips .
He gave Sharh a subtle nod .
Sharon bit her lip , teasingly lifting the hem of her white coat , just enough to reveal the black stockings beneath .
The sight sent a rush of heat through David .
He nearly lost his composure , longing to act on his desires right then and there .
But with Alice still present , he had to restrain himself .
He sighed dramatically and waved his hand dismissively .
Fine ! The only thing that scares me is your tears .
Ill send someone to look for that ungrateful brat , alright ? He picked up his phone , pretending to issue orders .
But instead of arranging a search for Lauren , his message went straight to Sharon .
The words were so suggestive that she felt a rush of heat climb up her neck .
Her legs nearly gave out from under her .
Meanwhile , Alice remained oblivious to the silent exchanges .
She continued to hold Willow , gently patting her back in comfort .
She let out a quiet sigh .
How could anyone blame Willow for what happened five years ago ? If anyone was to blame , it was Elaine for being careless … and Lauren , for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time .
If Lauren hadnt been there , none of this would have fallen on Willows shoulders .
It was fate .
After soothing Willow for a while , Alice smiled warmly at her .
Mom , Im sorry , Willow murmured sweetly .
I was being selfish .
Youre the one whos still recovering , yet here you are , comforting me instead .
Alices heart melted at her daughters kindness .
Her exhaustion seemed to lessen .
Patting Willows back , she whispered , Silly girl , Im fine .
As long as youre happy , thats all that matters .
Then , she turned to David , her gaze growing firm .
David , we need to send more people to find Lauren .
No matter whats happened , she is still our daughter .
We cant just abandon her.