By the time I reached the third room, the door was slightly ajar, and light spilled into the hallway.

My steps slowed.

Then I pushed the door open.

There she was.

Sitting quietly on the bed... surrounded by her things.

For a moment, I just stood there, staring.

So she really moved out.without thinking I opened the door and barged in, she was visibly startled when the door suddenly opened and looked up at me.

I stepped inside slowly, shutting the door behind me.

"Why did you move to this room... again?"

"I wanted a change of scenery. I’ll move back later," she replied coolly. "Did you need something?"

I frowned at her tone, but somehow, my anger subsided.

That was clearly not the real reason—but she also looked like she had no intention of telling me the truth.

Without another word, I pulled out the black credit card and placed it on the nightstand, sliding it toward her.

"If there’s anything you want, just buy it."

She glanced at the card briefly. "No need. You can keep it. I’m not lacking anything."

"This is something I promised you," I said. "I went back on my word. I should make up for it."

She pressed her lips together, clearly unwilling to continue the conversation.

"There’s no need for this. I don’t want it."

"Don’t be like this with me, Alicia," I said, my voice lowering. "I know you’re distancing yourself on purpose, but there’s no need for that."

Even as I spoke, I didn’t know why those words were coming out of my mouth.

"After the divorce, you’ll still be Nana’s most cherished granddaughter. We won’t be able to avoid each other forever... so it’s better to face things calmly."

I saw something flicker in her eyes.

For a brief moment, I wondered what she was thinking.

Then she lowered her gaze and let out a soft sigh.

"...Just leave it there."

I watched her for a while, trying to read her expression—but found nothing.

Eventually, I turned and walked out.

"Goodnight."

She didn’t respond.

Back in the master bedroom, the space felt eerily quiet.

Then suddenly, my phone rang.

I took it out and saw Nana’s name flashing on the screen.

I knew this was coming.

After my phone had fallen and broken earlier, I hadn’t been able to reach anyone until now.

"So you’ve finally decided to turn on your phone."

Her calm voice came through the line the moment I answered—but I knew better.

She was furious.

"I’m sorry, Nana. My phone fell and broke. I was busy, so I couldn’t replace it until this evening."

"Did I ask for your unnecessary explanations?" she snapped. "Where were you? What was so important that you could abandon your wife and family? Your duty as the heir to this empire?"

"I’m sorry, Nana."

"Sorry?" she scoffed. "Sorry for what exactly? For leaving your family for that good-for-nothing girl? Or for not caring about what people might say—what your wife might think?"

I remained silent.

"Did you even know Alicia almost lost her life?" she continued sharply.

My eyes widened.

"Alicia... what?"

"What happened to Alicia?" I stammered.

"Don’t you feel ashamed asking me that?" she snapped. "Shouldn’t you have been there? I’m warning you, Alexander—you’d better take care of that poor girl. She doesn’t deserve any of this."

Her voice hardened.

"I’m starting to think I made a mistake marrying her to you. I trusted you with her safety and happiness. Whatever nonsense you’re thinking, you’d better drop it and face your responsibilities like a man."

Beep.

The call ended, leaving me frozen in place.

I immediately dialed Jane’s number.

"Hello, boss."

"Find out what happened to Alicia at the lake house during the celebration."

"Yes, boss."

A few minutes later, he called back.

"Boss, I’ve checked. It seems some women pushed her into the lake."