The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 379

"Alice, did you need me for something? Whatever it is, just tell me. If it's something I can do, I'll take care of it for you."

Alice raised an eyebrow, her tone deceptively mild. "Really? Hayden is your boss, you know."

Suzie offered a friendly, entirely sincere smile. "He's my boss, but I listen to you, too."

This seemed to satisfy Alice. She gave a slight nod. "Then I'll just be blunt."

"Of course."

Suzie nodded, keeping her expression as relaxed and open as she would with any close friend. But internally, a heavy knot was forming in her stomach. She had never felt such cold distance between her and Alice before...

While Suzie was caught up in her thoughts, Alice's voice broke the silence.

"Suzie Sterling."

The formal use of her full name made Suzie freeze. Alice never called her that.

"W-what is it, Alice?" Suzie stammered slightly.

"Suzie, we've known each other for a long time now, and I'm not the type to beat around the bush. I want... I want you to leave Timefly Studio. Can you do that?"

Alice's voice was very soft, but laced with absolute authority. It left zero room for negotiation.

After delivering that loaded statement, Alice stood up slowly, her heels clicking softly as she paced the small private room.

"The way Hayden dotes on you far exceeds how a man treats a sister. Speaking woman to woman, I'll be completely honest with you. Even though I know there's absolutely nothing inappropriate going on between you two, and I know you both view each other as chosen family... I wouldn't even like him spending this much time with his actual sister. Let alone someone who shares no blood with him. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Alice's sudden, razor-sharp honesty left Suzie paralyzed in an incredibly humiliating position. She had always believed that Alice, just like Hayden, viewed her as a little sister. Clearly, she had been delusional.

Suzie had worried in the past that Alice might get jealous of their bond, but based on their interactions, Alice had never shown even a hint of insecurity. Coupled with Hayden constantly assuring her that Alice adored her and saw her as family...

But a thousand assurances meant nothing against the harsh reality of Alice finally speaking her mind.