Chapter 173:


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    Caden said, “Yeah, I''m new around here. “I heard you’re pretty skilled, so I wanted to check it out.” The man immediately picked up on the hostile undertones in Caden''s voice. He recognized that Caden was no ordinary contender, and if a confrontation did ur, it was unclear who would emerge unscathed.


    Deciding to calm the situation, the man quickly got dressed. “I''m tied up right now, and today''s session is over. Maybe another time.”


    Just as he was about to leave, Caden blocked his way. His piercing gaze locked on him. “Did Alicia do something to upset you?”


    The man shudded slightly. He replied defiantly: “No, we are on good terms.”


    Caden''s expression turned sarcastic. "So why the harsh treatment of her?"


    The man hesitated. Despite his fear of Caden, he refused to back down. “Why does she have to get all the attention? She''s new here, and she''s already outshining everyone. I didn''t mean to hurt her today. “I just wanted to teach her a little lesson to keep a lower profile.”


    Cadenughed. “And who appointed you to teach him a lesson?”


    He began to roll up his sleeves, the tension in the room palpable.


    The man''s eyes widened in fear. “What are you nning to do?”


    Caden replied, “It''s been a while since I''ve had a proper workout. You look like a perfect opponent to practice against.” After washing his hands, Caden noticed Alicia standing outside, looking puzzled.


    He frowned briefly, then wiped his hands nonchntly. “Didn’t I ask you to wait in the car?”


    Alicia had heard the altercation. The realization that Caden had defended her stirred mixed emotions in her, feelings she hadn''t fully processed yet.


    After a moment of silence, she approached him. “Well… is he okay?”


    Caden looked at his reddened knuckles, his expression distant. “I bullied you, and you care about him?”


    Alice instinctively blurted out, “I''m not worried about him. I''m worried that there might be repercussions. What if there are consequences?”


    Caden''s features softened slightly. “It''s okay. His injuries are minor. “I’ve already called an ambnce.”


    Alice breathed a sigh of relief.


    Shortly after, medical personnel arrived to take the man away.


    Alice took one look at the scene and was stunned.


    “Fuck! You call that a minor?” she burst out, her voice rising in rm before she controlled herself and lowered it, giving Caden a stern look. “His face was covered in blood. You call that ‘minor’?”


    Caden put his arm around her as they climbed into the car. “She''s still breathing, right?” he said nonchntly.


    Alicia couldn''t help butugh. She realized that Caden had everything under control. Despite her rough treatment of the man, there was nothing she could change. Deep down, she felt satisfied.


    As they settled into the car, Caden shifted his gaze to him. “Did you just swear?”


    Alice blinked. “So what if I have?”


    “Impressive,” Imented, with a slight smile of satisfaction. I have rarely heard her use suchnguage. “She swears again.”


    Without hesitation, and in a yful tone, Alice said, "Caden, you stupid asshole."


    Caden was momentarily speechless.


    Alice sat on hisp then, gently applying some ointment to his knuckles. Her punches had been powerful, and her skin had cracked, but she barely noticed the damage.


    Caden felt no pain, but Alicia insisted on tending to his wounds. I have allowed it.


    When she finished applying the ointment, Alice said, “That''s it. Now go drive.”


    When she tried to slide off hisp, Caden grabbed her hips and pulled her back. “Do you feel sympathy for me? Are you not angry anymore?”


    Alice replied awkwardly, “You defended me. It’s natural for me to be worried.”


    Caden smiled.


    Silently, he let go of her.


    He walked over to the driver''s seat, while Alice looked at him anxiously. "Are you sure you can drive with that hand?" she asked.


    Caden replied with a smirk, “I could drive with one hand tied behind my back.”


    She was speechless.


    After the disturbing incident at the studio, Alicia couldn''t stand to stay there anymore. Caden arranged private sessions for her with a trainer.


    As she got out of the elevator, Alice thought about what was left in her kitchen. “We''re out of food. How about some pasta with tomato sauce for dinner?”


    Caden simply agreed.


    Entering her apartment, Alicia was surprised to find the room filled with jewelry boxes. Caden casually tossed her jacket.


    "It''s almost Christmas. These are gifts from clients. They would just gather dust in the warehouse, so I thought you might like to pick out something to wear," he said.


    Alice felt doubtful. She looked inside one of the boxes. Even the least expensive item was valued at over $100,000.


    During her two years of marriage to Joshua, she had lived frugally. The opulence before her seemed excessive. She sighed and said, “This could be worth all my savings. Your clients are truly extravagant.”


    Caden replied, “I only work with those who are not ashamed to show off their wealth.”


    Aliceughed softly and then carefully put the jewels away in the wardrobe.


    Later that night, Caden hugged her from behind, cing soft kisses along her neck.


    Alice''s eyes sparkled with moisture and tenderness as she savored the moment, looking at him dreamily.


    Caden''s heart skipped a beat.


    I was really fond of him.


    It seemed like he couldn''t hide anything from her, right?


    Her emotions emerged, leaving soft marks on her skin. The phone beside Alicia vibrated.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    He wanted to ignore the call, but he answered without realizing it.


    Realizing it was Hank, Caden quickly covered his mouth.


    However, in her panic, she bit his hand.


    Hank, oblivious to themotion, continued, "Mr. Ward, Mrs. Ward has arrived in Warrington."


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