Chapter 53:


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    A wave of awkwardness washed over Caden.


    Her initial thought was that an inappropriate photo of Alicia might be circting.


    I have looked up.


    Alice, now separated from the group, stood alone and distant. Her expression soured as she considered retreating into the adjacent vegetation, clearly disturbed and intimidated by the crowd.


    In a stern voice, Caden ordered, “Drive over there and confiscate their phones.”


    Hank noticed immediately.


    As Alicia was about to g down a cab, a Maybach suddenly stopped in front of her, blocking her path. Hank got out of the vehicle and, with authority, demanded that the group hand over their phones.


    He then deleted all the photos they had taken, right in front of Alice.


    Alicia, initially shocked, soon rxed into a smile and said, “Thanks, Hank.”


    Hank modestly declined thepliment. “Mr. Ward''s orders. Where are you headed, Miss Bet? “I can offer you a ride.”


    Alicia looked at Caden.


    Leaning back in the backseat, Caden was absorbed in his phone, his sharp profile radiating indifference.


    She hesitated a moment and then said, “Thanks for the offer, Hank, but I''m not sure if it''s on your route. “I’m headed to the Yates mansion.”


    Hank replied with a hint of surprise, “Actually, he is on his way. Mr. Ward is on his way, too.”


    Alice was speechless.


    She wondered why Caden, who harbored such disdain for her father, would visit the mansion.


    Seeing no choice, Alice got into the car.


    Her long skirt, which reached down to her calves, was ufortable when she sat down, forcing her to adjust it and the straps of her dress out of concern for her cleavage.


    Caden took a look at this setting.


    "There''s nothing to see. Why bother covering up?" I havemented nonchntly.


    Irritated, Alice snapped, "Just because you can''t see anything doesn''t mean I can''t choose to cover up. By your logic, you should walk around naked, since you''re hardly impressive."


    Hank was taken back by the exchange. He thought to himself, Am I really getting all this drama for free?


    Caden''s smile was evident. “You''re quite changeable. Justst night, you expressed how much you missed me, and now, look at your behavior.”


    Hank found the unfolding drama fascinating, thinking to himself of the unique content unfolding before him. Alicia inhaled deeply. “I’ve already exined it to you, it was just a typo!”


    Caden replied nonchntly, “Oh, yeah?”


    Frustration grew inside her. He always had a maddening way about him.


    Caden grabbed his phone and quickly essed his chat history from the night before.


    Alice felt ufortable. “What are you doing?”Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    “I’m just taking a screenshot to see if others believe it,” Caden replied nonchntly.


    "Who are you going to send it to?" asked Alice, her anxiety growing.


    If it had been Gerry, it wouldn''t have been a problem, but Caden''s response was, "Joshua."


    Alice started and her heart raced. This could sabotage everything.


    He thought about picking up the phone, but remembered an earlier incident at the office and controlled himself.


    “Then do what you think best. The rumors about us won''t hurt me,” Alice said, forcing a smile. “In fact, being linked to Mr. Ward might work in my favor.”


    Caden thought back to the previous night and smiled. With a flick, I closed the phone and casually said, “Sent.”


    Alice''s smile faltered and she gritted her teeth. "Don''t forget to tell me his answer. I''m very curious."


    “I will,” Caden confirmed.


    Choosing silence, Alice turned around.


    Hank caught a glimpse of Caden''s expression, a mix of amusement and irritation. He had never witnessed such a youthful side to Caden. Caden always became more talkative around Alicia, as if every encounter was a celebration.


    The car was silent until Alicia''s phone interrupted the silence.


    Answering in a softer tone, Alice spoke, “Monica, what’s wrong?”


    Monica''s voice was heard, expressing her discontent. "The outfit you''ve chosen doesn''t work, Alicia. It''s too simple and won''t achieve the effect we need."


    Alicia, wary that Caden might overhear her, moved to the car door. In a low voice, she confided, “The outfits you suggested are too risky to wear in public.”


    Monica replied, “They only show a little neck and legs, and they''re a little shorter than your usual style. Didn’t you once say that bolder is better?”


    Quietly, Alice admitted, "Still, I''m a bit hesitant to show him so much."


    Monicaughed and replied, “Okay, I’ll let it go. Honestly, your face is enough.”


    Alice perked up. “I have another strategy in mind, too.”


    “Oh? What’s your backup n?” Monica inquired.


    After ending the call, Alicia picked up a new book she had purchased. Leaning back, she held the book up so that its title would catch Caden''s attention.


    The title read: The Maniptors'' Trick. Caden was speechless.


    Noticing his interest, Alice narrowed her eyes and gave him a yful smile. “Are you curious? Do you want to read it too?”


    He walked over and handed her the book. “How about we read it together?”


    Caden looked down. He tried hard to concentrate on the text, but Alicia''s subtly exposed cleavage was unmistakably visible.


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