The Queen They Let Go (Alice and Eric) novel Chapter 446

"Xavier is never going to let us leave the country," Alice frowned. "But I've already sent Clayton to keep him busy."

Clayton's methods were ruthless; he'd have Xavier running in circles.

Gracie would be traveling overseas with her.

The domestic operations would be handed straight over to Stella.

"Do you remember that torn painting in the Torenridge safe deposit box?"

Alice had always had a feeling it meant something important. "We're leaving this time; we should take it with us."

Eric had no objections. "I'll have Daniel pull it out."

Before they left, Alice went to see Julius.

Julius was in excellent health now, all thanks to her.

He was deeply grateful to Alice.

When he heard they planned to go abroad and settle accounts with the Sarratts, he quietly offered his support.

Alice studied him. "General, before I go, I want you to tell me the truth."

One look at her face and he knew he couldn't keep things hidden any longer.

"You're right. Samson was the one I planted at your side to see just how capable you really were.

"And he's also a child of the Sarratts—born with serious defects, abandoned at birth. I happened to be on a mission back then and brought the baby home."

After that, he had sent him to study and gain knowledge—he had done all he could for the boy.

Alice had already guessed as much and nodded. "Then, what about Eugenia?"

Julius's expression shifted.

The change in his face told Alice every one of her hunches had been dead on.

Her eyes burned, rimmed red before she could stop it.

Back then, Jack had personally come to her, asking her to treat Julius.

But who was Julius?

Even if God himself descended, his background would have been vetted thoroughly before he could get close.

At that time, Alice's identity had many flaws, and some clues had been intentionally cut off.

Anyone with a brain would have known her identity was problematic.

For safety's sake, they shouldn't have let her near him.

After all, even without her help, Julius could have held on for a month or two without dying.

Yet, knowing her identity was questionable, they still let her treat him.

Why?

There was only one reason.

Because they knew she wouldn't harm Julius, and her medical skills were good enough to help.

But who could make Julius lower his guard?

There was only one possibility.

"My mentor is here with you."

Her voice came out hoarse, as if she were holding back a storm of emotion.

No one knew the torment she endured in those few seconds of Julius's silence.

If someone were standing behind that door, you'd feel like you were being watched.

But the moment Julius stopped talking, the door vanished.

No—more precisely, the entire front wall slid away.

Only then did the true shape of the apartment reveal itself.

The "wall" had been a hidden movable panel all along.

Once it retracted, she could finally see the full expanse of the open-plan space.

The section that had been blocked off was 200 to 300 square feet, with a sofa, a TV, and a few games and toys scattered around.

Her mentor sat there.

Silver hair twisted into a loose bun, Eugenia wore a dark green gown, perched on the sofa with a white coffee cup in hand, watching a period drama where rain poured down over the palace on screen.

As the wall slid away, Eugenia slowly turned her head toward them.

Her features were soft and serene; even at her age, there wasn't a single wrinkle on her face.

No makeup at all, yet she radiated calm elegance—flawless and composed.

Alice's vision blurred in an instant; her knees went weak, and she found herself dropping to the floor.

When she spoke, her voice came out fractured.

"Mentor."

God, she'd missed her.

Eugenia rose quickly and came over, helping her back to her feet.

"Silly child, it hasn't even been that long—no need for the grand ceremony. I didn't even prepare a gift for you."