Chapter 6

David was one of three siblings. His older bro was Felix Tudor, and his little bro was James Tudor.

Right now, Felix was running the show at Apex Technologies Group. David wasn't into the family biz and had started his own gig somewhere else.

When Marcus picked up David's call, he felt a bit uneasy and kinda annoyed. Man, if only this engagement was with Celeste, the Bailey and Tudor families would already be tight. No need to stress about the age thing and wait for Alice to finish school before tying the knot.

Marcus asked, "Mr. Tudor, what's up?"

David had the Tudor fam backing him and was a big deal on his own. Marcus wouldn't dare piss him off, even if David was marrying Alice; he'd still treat him with mad respect.

He was already bracing himself for the fact that Alice might've messed up with David, and David, in a fit of rage, might send her packing.

Alice was nothing like her mom. Maybe 'cause her mom passed away early, she got more and more wild after joining the Bailey fam. She'd blame Celeste for her screw-ups, rip Celeste's clothes, swipe stuff, and all that jazz.

She did stuff only a petty thief would do. At first, Marcus felt bad for Alice, thinking she turned out this way 'cause she didn't have her mom's guidance. But as these incidents piled up, he got super disappointed in Alice. He planned to raise her till she was 20 and then let her fend for herself.

David glanced at the private room and said in a low voice, "It's nothing major. Mr. Marcus Bailey, I just wanted to tell you to keep Ms. Bailey in check."

Hearing this, Marcus got pissed.

He knew it! Alice never behaved and was always stirring up trouble!

Marcus quickly replied, "Mr. Tudor, please don't be mad. Alice has been spoiled since she was a kid. She's got a real stubborn streak. I'll call her right away and talk to her!"

David frowned, and his tone got serious, "Mr. Marcus Bailey, I'm talking about Celeste."

"What!" Marcus was floored. Celeste? When did Celeste piss off David? It was serious enough for David to call personally.

David didn't wanna say more. After a few words, he hung up.

Just as he hung up, Alice walked out of the private room.

Even though Alice acted like nothing happened, David knew she knew he had called Marcus.

This made David feel even more for her. Thank God she was with the Tudors; otherwise, she'd be dealing with more crap with the Baileys. Even her own dad, Marcus, assumed it was Alice causing trouble when he heard "Ms. Bailey."

Alice was misunderstood by Marcus and framed by Celeste, and her tough act was heartbreaking.

David didn't wanna blow her cover. He gently took Alice's hand. Alice was surprised at first but didn't pull away. They walked back to the villa in silence.

That evening, Alice sat cross-legged on the bed, drying her hair with a towel, staring blankly at the floor.

She didn't expect Uncle Tudor to be so kind-hearted, even calling Marcus.

All these years, besides Lucas, no one had stood up for her like this. It was impossible not to feel touched.

David was someone who could make you feel both touched and pissed.

Alice sighed slightly. If only David weren't so strict with her. Whenever she wanted to teach those who bullied her a lesson, David would always pop up out of nowhere.

But then again, how long did David plan to keep an eye on her?

Thinking about this, Alice hung the towel around her neck, slipped on her slippers, and walked to David's room.

Before knocking, Alice crossed her arms and leaned against the wall, thinking about what to say.

Alice thought to herself, 'David, you don't need to babysit me every day. I can get to school on my own.'

David would definitely ask why.

'David, can you stop meddling in my business? You're just my temporary guardian. Do you really think you're my fiancé?'

Alice grinned. If she said that, she'd probably get a smack.

Just as she was thinking, David suddenly opened the door and walked out.

He didn't expect Alice to be standing right there. When the door swung open, they bumped into each other.

Alice covered her nose and took a couple of steps back.

David looked at Alice and felt awkward, "What are you doing standing at my door?"

Alice, feeling guilty, averted her gaze and chuckled awkwardly, "I just wanted to say goodnight. Goodnight!"

With that, Alice slipped back to her room and only breathed a sigh of relief after closing the door.

David looked meaningfully at Alice's room, glanced at the cup in his hand, and decided not to go downstairs for water.

The next day, Alice found her breakfast in a different spot.

Usually, she sat to David's left for breakfast. Now, that spot was empty, and she was in the next seat over, with a seat between her and David.

What was that about?

Alice tilted her head and looked at David.

David ignored her confusion and said in his usual tone, "Are you not planning to eat breakfast?"

Alice didn't think much of it. After breakfast, she was ready to wait for David to take her to school and think about how to ditch him.

David said, "I don't have time today. You can go to school by yourself."

"Huh?" Alice looked at David, blinking twice, "David, did you just say I should go to school by myself?"

David frowned, "Is there a problem?"

"No, no." She just found it strange. She had spent the whole night thinking of a solution, and her problem was solved suddenly. What had gotten into him?

David took out some money from his wallet and placed it on the table. "Take a cab."

"Okay." Alice took the money without any hesitation and left.

Once she was gone, David breathed a sigh of relief.

However, by noon, David received a call from Oliver.

Oliver said, "Mr. Tudor, Alice didn't come to school today. Do you know what's going on?"

At the arcade, Simon gripped the steering wheel, foot on the gas, trying hard to overtake the car in front.

Simon questioned, "Aren't you afraid David will catch you for skipping school?"

After being lectured by Dylan all night and learning from him who David was, Simon had developed a fear of David.

Dylan said that despite David's seemingly easygoing nature, when he got angry, few could withstand his wrath. And when he was stubborn, few could stop him.

Took the inheritance of Apex Technologies Group, for example. Chairman Caleb Tudor intended for his three sons to compete fairly. He actually favored David the most. It's not that Felix wasn't good, but Felix was too gentle and kind. Some business partners might take advantage of his good nature. On the other hand, David was clear-cut in business matters. Despite his easygoing appearance, he was tough to deal with.

But just because of his toughness, when David withdrew from the competition, no one could persuade him to return. Instead, he started his own company and did very well.

Thinking about David today, Alice frowned seriously, as she turned the steering wheel, "He's acting a bit strange today."

Simon asked curiously, "How so? By the way, was what you said yesterday true? That he would rape you when he got angry?"

Alice replied, "He was angry yesterday and didn't rape me. What do you think?"

Simon hesitated, "Maybe he was mindful of the crowd?"

Simon also found it unlikely. Just as he crossed the finish line and the game ended, he turned to Alice. "So, how was he acting strange? Was he being gentle with you or not losing his temper?"

"No." Alice shook her head, her expression very serious. "It seemed like he was avoiding me."

Simon was puzzled and raised an eyebrow at Alice. "What did you do to him?"