His Awesome Ex Is Now Uncle's Lady (Alicia and Austin) novel Chapter 62

Chapter 62 Turning the Tables

Austin exhaled softly, pinching the bridge of his nose between his fingers.

Alicia had returned to the Gibson estate, compelled by Frank’s offhand comment on the phone about company shares, accompanied by a vague promise that he would handle it.

She could have managed without her father, but she was determined to reclaim every last one of her mother’s possessions.

Before stepping back onto the estate, she had meticulously crafted several plans. Had circumstances not forced her hand, she would never have resorted to such extreme measures.

Upon her arrival at the Gibson estate, Aria glanced her over with a sneer. “Well, well, you came alone? Seems like Mr. Burton doesn’t even care about you.

“Mrs. Burton? Come on, that’s all for appearances.”

Alicia’s laugh was light but cutting. “At least that’s better than someone who climbed into a man’s bed only to be discarded. Forget being Mrs. Burton-you’re not even his girlfriend. And yet you parade around like you’re untouchable? If I were you, I’d hide at home for months. Your nerve is impressive, I’ll give you that.”

She had witnessed that mortifying incident firsthand, and every word she spoke carved directly into Aria’s pride.

Aria’s expression contorted with fury, though the younger relatives nearby were clearly entertained.

Their cousin, Gemma Gibson, watched as if observing a performance. “Grandpa was furious a few days ago. I heard it had something to do with you, Aria. Did you really try to sleep with Mr. David?”

“Hey, Aria, I heard Mr. David is a beast in bed. Is that true?”

“If he didn’t want you, you were used for nothing, huh? Lucky for you that Alicia married in-otherwise this alliance would’ve collapsed. Men love a challenge; throw yourself at him, and of course, he won’t value you.”

Aria ground her teeth in silent rage. “Shut up, all of you!”

The truth was, the members of the Gibson family understood little of loyalty or unity. When Frank’s family faltered, the second wife’s family was quick to heap on mockery

Aria had intended to conspire with the others against Alicia, but with a single retort, Alicia had turned the tables completely.

And the instigator had already walked away,

Frank and Kyana were in Richard’s study, discussing Alicia’s wedding gifts.

When Alicia entered, Richard greeted her warmly, as if the tension of the previous day had never existed.

“Alicia, you’re here, Where’s Austin?”

“He’s tied up and couldn’t make it. We’re just here to discuss my wedding gifts. His presence doesn’t change anything.”

At that, Richard’s expression shifted subtly. The talk of wedding gifts was merely a pretense-what he truly coveted was a share of the spoils.

Alicia understood his intentions perfectly, yet she had no intention of yielding.

“You are the eldest daughter of the Gibson family. You should set an example. After all those years abroad, and yet you have no manners. Your wild behavior is a disgrace!”

They had sent her overseas, and now they blamed her for it. Alicia pressed a hand to her cheek, staring at the man she had once called “Dad.”

“Apologize to Kyana!”

Kyana hesitated. “Frank, I’m fine. Don’t push her away again. I understand how she feels. She’s lost her mom, and it’s understandable.”

Even now, she kept using Alicia’s mother as a weapon, mercilessly.

Frank’s expression remained hard. “Do not defend her. It’s my failure to discipline her earlier. One slap is far too lenient. Back then, I should have-”

A sharp, authoritative voice cut through the tension. “One slap isn’t enough? How many more were you planning to give her, Frank?”

Alicia’s body tensed at the sound. I didn’t mention a thing. How did he even know to show up?

A tall man in a gray suit stepped into the room. The suit softened his usual stern demeanor, lending him an air of refinement.

But at the moment, his handsome face was cold, his eyes sharp as blades, scanning the room with icy precision.

When his gaze settled on Alicia, she stood rigid in her long dress, her stubborn expression a mix of grief and unyielding resolve.