Chapter 38 Alice had delicate features and a calm demeanor , but her eyes were stubborn , carrying a hint of rebellion . She firmly replied , Even a hundred times , I still refuse , she said firmly . Chloe seized the opportunity . Brother , dont be angry . I have a tutor helping me catch up , and Ill improve my grades soon . Alice is working hard on her practice questions , and Im going to learn from her , I promise ! Noah chimed in , Brother , Ill handle their grades . Dont worry . But Ethan was furious , Stop making excuses for Alice ! I know her personality too well . Just because Chloe came to the Welch family , shes been uncomfortable and looking for trouble ! Alice , let me tell you , no matter how much you sulk or threaten to run away , it wont change the fact that Chloe is part of our family . Even if you leave , she wont . Alice lowered her head , her expression unreadable . Noah looked at her , feeling sympathy . Alice , Brother didnt mean it that way ! Alice looked up , her gaze cold and distant . I dont care , she replied , leaving the private room . Noahs expression changed , wanting to chase after her , but Lu Dongs furious voice stopped him ,, Stop right there , Noah ! Youre too soft hearted , thats why shes manipulating you ! Noah sighed , Brother , its not like that . Alice had changed . In the past , he would have thought she was just throwing a tantrum . But remembering her expression earlier filled him with worry ; he had never seen her look like that before . Chloe interjected , Brother , Noah , please stop arguing . Its my fault for not doing well on the exam . If only I were as smart as Alice . I wish I were as smart as Alice Ethans tone softened . Its not your fault . Lukes team took up your time . Noah told me what happened . Chloe , dont defend Alice . Just because shes family , we wont favor her . Chloe smiled through her tears , Thank you , Brother . Ill work hard from now on . In this family , Ethan was the hardest to please . Plus , since he was rarely home , Chloe had always been a bit scared of him . Thankfully , Alice had given her a great opportunity to shine today . But Noah felt Ethan had misunderstood Alice . Brother , Alice also participated in the competition . If it werent for her efforts , we wouldnt have won the revival match . I almost forgot . I almost forgot . She pretended to refuse joining the sixth team to force them to beg her , but when Chloe showed up , she felt uncomfortable and secretly practiced , just waiting to show off in front of you guys . Brother , thats not true . Noah felt helpless . He saw Ethans attitude towards Alice , realizing hed been the same way . Was that why Alice had her heart broken and distanced herself from them ? In that moment , Noah was choked up , unable to say a word . He realized he had been unfair . The real problem wasnt Alice ; maybe it was him . Noah noticed Ethan and Chloe chatting amicably , seemingly forgetting Alices absence . He felt uncomfortable ; this was supposed to be Alices celebration dinner . He slipped away and tried calling Alice ; but there was no answer . He texted : Alice , where are you ? Alice read the message , leaving the restroom . Looking in the mirror , she saw her red rimmed eyes . Shed decided not to let the Welch family affect her , yet Ethans words still stung . She splashed cold water on her face . In a month , she wouldnt have to endure this anymore . 1428 Chapter 38 Menu After leaving the restroom , she planned to take the elevator out of the restaurant . Why are you here ? Alice looked up to see Jack and nervously lowered her head , Im here for dinner . Her voice was hoarse . Jack stepped closer , Were you crying ? Her voice sounded off , like she had been in tears . Alice instinctively denied it , No. Just then , the elevator opened , and Noah stepped out . Upon seeing him , Alice immediately dashed into Jacks arms , gripping his shirt tightly . She wished she could shrink into Jacks embrace , not wanting her second brother to see her here . Jack was momentarily stunned , looking down at the girl clinging to him , her warmth almost intoxicating . He felt a strange urge to create some distance . But as soon as he moved , she wrapped her arms around his neck . To outsiders , it looked like they were a couple in love . Jack raised an eyebrow , surprised by her tions . The usually composed man was at a loss for what to do . Alice peeked out ; Noah had returned to the private room . She realized their intimate position . and noticed how tall Jack was . She was almost on her tiptoes , and he had to lean down for her to wrap her arms around him . Alice released him awkwardly . Noah came out of the elevator , and I didnt want him to see me , so I borrowed you as a shield . Jack squinted , probably guessing why she was here and why she was feeling down . His voice was teasing , You could just find any guy to block for you ? Alice looked at him , surprised . Since the person standing next to her was Jack , she instinctively sought refuge in his embrace . If it were any other guy , she wouldnt have thought of it . Probably not . After hearing her answer , Jack felt inexplicably better , Did you come to eat with them ? Yes . They said it was to celebrate my good exam results . she said sarcastically . She noticed him . with a beautiful woman earlier ; now he was alone . Jack said calmly, Ranking tenth this time , not bad . Alice felt a surge of pride . Its okay . I have a chance to aim for Harvard University now . Hed said her rank wasnt good enough before . Seeing her little smug expression , Jack smiled , Have you eaten yet ? No. I dont want to stay here. Because of them ? Alice nodded . If youre busy , Ill go back to the apartment . She didnt want to go home . If anyone leaves , it should be them . Alice was a bit confused by his meaning . Was he trying to kick her second brother and the others out ? That was impossible ! ed . If youre busy , Ill go back to the apartment . She didnt want If anyone leaves , it should be them . to go home : Alice was a bit confused by his meaning . Was he trying to kick her second brother and the others out ? That was impossible ! In "The Secret of Nami Sushi" by CrushReel, readers are drawn into a captivating tale of mystery and intrigue surrounding a renowned sushi restaurant. As the story unfolds, secrets hidden within the delicate flavors of Nami Sushi come to light, weaving a web of drama that keeps both the characters and readers on edge. Exploring themes of family, tradition, and the consequences of keeping secrets, this novel delves deep into the intricate relationships between the characters as they navigate through the challenges brought forth by the mysteries lurking beneath the surface of Nami Sushi. With a diverse cast of characters each harboring their own secrets and desires, the story unfolds in unexpected ways, offering readers a fresh perspective on familiar tropes. What sets "The Secret of Nami Sushi" apart is its ability to blend elements of drama and secrecy with a touch of culinary delight, creating a unique reading experience that appeals to audiences of all ages. Dive into this gripping tale available to read at CrushReel and uncover the hidden truths waiting to be revealed within the walls of Nami Sushi.