The entire Hawkins family froze in stunned silence.
None of them had expected Alice Casey to say such a thing.
Under their collective gaze, Alice flushed slightly. "Did I say something wrong? I thought Uncle Walter always mentioned repaying our family because he didn't want to take advantage of us. So I suggested writing a promissory note—this way, outsiders would know Uncle is a man of integrity, and no one could accuse him of being dishonest."
Walter Hawkins snapped back to himself.
For a moment, irritation flickered—his earlier show of the Hawkins Group's power had been twisted into something else entirely.
But… was it truly a misunderstanding?
Doubt crept in.
Yet, looking at Alice—her usual obedient demeanor, always eager to please—he couldn't imagine she was being manipulative.
