Alice sat stiffly in the back of the sleek car as it cruised through the estate. The tinted windows offered a filtered view of what looked like a luxurious utopia—manicured lawns, opulent mansions, high-end shops, and more sports facilities than an Olympic village. If it weren't for the suffocating atmosphere, she might have been impressed.
In the front passenger seat, Betty wore a smug expression, like a villain who had just finalized a diabolical scheme. Alice noticed the occasional glance Betty threw her way through the rearview mirror—a look brimming with malicious glee. She was definitely up to something.
Betty remembered what the matriach had told her. "Make sure she regrets ever stepping foot into our circle."
Betty smirked. She knew all the nastiest people in the estate and had made sure to put Alice in the same events as them.
She wouldn't have to do anything to this lowlife second-class citizen who found her way in here by luck. Others would help her do it. Especially when they realized she was not rated at all in the Wildfire home and her so called husband did not care about her.
Betty spoke, her tone syrupy sweet. "I'm sure you're excited to see all the wonderful places you'll be frequenting for your events."
Events.
Alice mentally groaned. If "events" were anything like the horror Suzy had described, she was in for a nightmare.
But also, could this Betty girl go back to sounding like a witch? It was creepy when she tried to be nice, considering how only a night ago it felt like she wanted to have her strangled.
Betty gestured toward an elegant, glass-walled building. "That's the main conference hall where the legal meetings are held. It's usually buzzing with important people. Let's hope you can keep up."
Alice resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She had more important things to worry about.
Legal meetings.
The only legal term she knew was, 'You have the right to remain silent...'
Also, she feared that being in the midst of those people, one look at her and they would be able to tell that she wasn't only a fraud but a criminal. Someone with a record. From the North.
They drove past a massive track field where a group of men and women were already jogging in synchronized lines. "That's where you'll be doing your exercise bonding sessions. Your team will be having a meeting soon. You're in for a real treat," Betty added with a saccharine smile.
Alice's stomach twisted with every new peice of information Betty 'graced' her with.
Next was a luxurious public gym, gleaming with high-tech equipment. Betty waved dismissively. "The family gym is better, but you can use this if you want to mingle with other people."
Alice stared at the passing scenery in silent disbelief. Suzy hadn't been kidding—the estate was practically a self-sufficient city. There were restaurants, shopping centers, and even a beautifully landscaped park. As impressive as it was, Alice couldn't shake the feeling that she was being paraded around like livestock before slaughter.
"Well, that's about it for now," Betty said as they concluded the 'sightseeing'.
However, the mouthwatering aroma of steak wafted into her nose, hitting Alice like a freight train.
Her stomach betrayed her with a loud grumble.
Meat.
She looked out the window and saw the building with the sign. It was a steakhouse.
Real, juicy, delicious meat.
Alice pressed her lips together to keep from drooling. Her mind raced back to the pitiful mound of greens she'd been subjected to earlier. This morning, she had gotten groceries to make her own meal from now. It felt like they were trying to bully her but she had actually been thankful for it. Until she opened the bag.
All veggies.
She could not even cry
She was sure the sight of lettuce would be haunting her dreams from now on.
By the time they almost arrived back at the mansion, Alice had made a decision.
The plan was simple:
1. Finish whatever ridiculous tasks Betty had lined up.
2. Wait until 8 p.m., when she was officially free.
3. Sneak out before curfew at 11 p.m.
4. Run to that steakhouse.
It would take a little over an hour to get here if she ran. But she could do it.
Sure, it was a bit risky. But desperate times called for desperate measures. If she had to gnaw on leaves one more time, she might actually lose her sanity.
Alice sat up straighter, her determination solidifying. "I can do this," she muttered under her breath.
Betty shot her a suspicious glance. "You can do what?"
Alice smiled sweetly. "Everything. I can do everything."
Betty narrowed her eyes but said nothing.
As the car pulled up to the mansion, Alice mentally reviewed her escape plan. Tonight, it was Operation Steak Freedom. And nothing—not Betty, not rules, and certainly not this lettuce-loving identity—was going to stand in her way