Rising From Betrayal Reborn As The Family Outcast (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 67

Chapter 67

All eyes turned toward the doorway of the dressing room.

Nicole hadn’t anticipated Alicia calling her out so bluntly this time.

She took a small step back, her voice wavering almost timidly. “Alicia, it’s not what you think. I was just…”

“Save it,” Alicia cut in, her tone dripping with irritation. “Leo and your mom are still breathing. Do you have to walk around looking so miserable every single day? It’s exhausting to watch.”

Upon hearing her words, everyone in the room stared in disbelief.

Not only had she addressed their father by his first name, but she had also spoken in a manner none of them expected.

Kevin was the first to break the silence. “Alicia, what are you even saying?”

She turned her gaze toward him, her tone sharp. “Got a problem with your hearing? Do I need to repeat myself?”

Kevin and the others exchanged uneasy glances. No matter how tense things had gotten before, Alicia had never been this outright cutting.

Nicole hadn’t expected Alicia to be so blunt either.

A flicker of triumph stirred inside her, though she made sure to widen her eyes in feigned shock. “You can insult me all you want, but why bring Dad into it? And to even talk about him dying?”

Alicia’s lips curved into a faint, sardonic smile. “Aren’t you the one who’s always so delicate, crying about ending it all? Yet all these years, you’ve never actually gone through with it.

“Why not put on a little performance for us now?

“Since you’re so unwilling to mourn Leo and the others, maybe they could mourn you instead.”

Nicole stared, genuinely taken aback. “How could you?!”

‘She’s really lost it, actually telling me to die,’ she thought.

Tears welled up instantly as she turned a helpless, pleading look toward the Hammond brothers.

Austin frowned, his expression heavy with disapproval. “We know you don’t like Nicole, but that was too much.”

Alicia met his gaze with a cold laugh. “If you know I can’t stand her, why do you keep shoving her in my face? Isn’t that just asking for trouble?

“All she does is sob and whine. If that’s not a performance, what is?

“Maybe you enjoy the drama, but I’m not twisted enough to appreciate such a depressing show.”

Austin faltered, momentarily speechless. “You!”

“Moron.” Alicia rolled her eyes, her voice flat.

His eyes widened “What did you just call me?”

She arched a brow, unimpressed. “Moron. Need me to say it again?”

“Have you completely lost your mind? I’m still your brother,” Austin shot back, disbelief coloring his words.

Alicia let out a derisive snort. “Letting yourself be played like a puppet, yeah, that’s pretty moronic.

“And just so we’re clear, I’ve cut ties with all of you.

“So don’t pull the ‘big brother’ card on me anymore.

“Honestly, at this point, I’m just worried you’ll try to drag me down with you. Do us both a favor and stay out of my life.”

Austin’s expression darkened. “Who said you could cut ties? We never agreed to that.”

Alicia rolled her eyes again. “Since when do I need your permission? Who do you think you are?

“I walk away when I want. Your agreement has nothing to do with it.”

Frustration boiled over. “What do you even want?” Austin demanded.

Alicia replied calmly, her tone deliberate. “For you to leave me alone. It’s really that simple.”

“We’re your family! How is that bothering you?” Austin retorted, his voice rising.

Alicia sighed, a look of pure exasperation crossing her face. “Not only a moron, but one who doesn’t understand basic English.”

She glanced dismissively at the others in the room. “Maybe send someone who can actually hold a conversation next time.”

Austin was left speechless. Not only had she insulted him, but she’d outright dismissed him as unworthy of her attention.

Seeing the tense standoff, Caleb stepped forward. “Dad’s birthday party is in a few days. Come back home with us to help prepare.”

Alicia regarded him with undisguised disdain. “That’s right. Now, would you mind moving? You’re in the way.”

“How did you become like this?” Caleb pressed, the hurt evident beneath his frustration.

Alicia’s laugh was short and bitter. “All thanks to you.”

Kevin began, “Alicia, let’s sit down somewhere and talk, okay?”

She met his gaze, her reply straightforward and cool. “There’s really nothing for us to discuss.”

Her impatience with them was plain to see.

A heaviness settled in Kevin’s chest, tight and uncomfortable.

He softened his tone. “We just want to talk about the arrangements for Dad’s birthday party.

“And to ask what you’re planning to give him this year.”

He’d noticed that the more forceful anyone from his side became, the more she withdrew So he took a step back, letting his manner grow gentler.

Alicia gave a faint, knowing smile. “I’ll leave the party planning to you all, but don’t worry. I’ve already taken care of the gift.

“As for what it is,” she added, her tone light but deliberate, “it’s better as a surprise. You’ll find out at the celebration.”

She was confident it would be something they wouldn’t forget.

Her eyes swept briefly over the team. “I should get going. I’ve got things to attend to.”

Without waiting for a reply, she left with Sherry.

This time, no one tried to stop her.

Her stance was unmistakably firm. She had no interest in further discussion, and pressing her would only invite sharper, more cutting remarks.

Besides, the curious glances from nearby staff were growing harder to ignore. None of them wanted to cause a scene or become the subject of whispers.

They would have to give her space to cool off and hope for another chance to talk at the birthday celebration itself.

In that kind of setting, even if she was still upset, she would likely show some restraint, if not for their sake, then at least out of respect for their father.