Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 1819

Alice couldn't stand being lectured.

She had heard those same hollow words a thousand times growing up, and they still felt like nothing more than empty platitudes.

Her life was her own business. She hadn't caused any trouble—so why did they feel the need to interfere?

"What's your problem?" Jenson puffed out his chest, but the cold, murderous look in Alice's eyes made him falter. He couldn't shake the feeling that if he pushed her too far, she'd have no problem taking him down.

Alice rolled her eyes and turned on her heel, walking out without a word.

Ricardo immediately followed, but Chandler stepped in front of him. "Aren't you going to explain why you're here?" he asked curtly.

"Wherever the killer is, that's where I'll be," Ricardo replied, his voice brimming with conviction. "You and Jenson are in on this together, and I'm going to take you down, no matter what it takes."

"Do you really think if we wanted you dead, you'd still be breathing?" Chandler's voice remained calm and steady, but the underlying threat was impossible to ignore.

"Bring it on, then," Ricardo shot back. "I've already thrown caution to the wind—let's see who's tougher."

Meanwhile, Jenson couldn't shake the pang of guilt over Orson's death.

Stepping forward, he pulled Chandler aside and took control of the conversation. "I'll say this one last time—your father's death has nothing to do with us. Our patience has limits. Next time, you won't be so fortunate."

"I believe in the principle of 'good begets good, evil begets evil,'" Ricardo said with a biting sneer. "God will never let wrongdoers go unpunished."

"Let's hope your God has a remedy for stupidity," Chandler retorted. Without waiting for a response, he turned sharply on his heel and strode toward the sofa.

"Just you wait!" Ricardo snarled, giving them one last glare before storming out.

Jenson sighed and moved to close the door.

Caught off guard, Jenson was momentarily speechless. He quickly regained his composure and left the room without another word.

The hotel was in high demand, and he was determined to secure the last available room for himself.

…

At the hotel entrance, Ricardo caught up to Alice, blocking her path before she could leave.

"Wait!"

"What's the matter? Do you expect me to take responsibility for you now?" Alice replied, her tone laced with impatience.

"That's not what I meant," Ricardo fumbled, his words tumbling out awkwardly in contrast to her composed demeanor. "What I meant is… I'll take responsibility for you."