Chapter 177:


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    Alice''s heart skipped a beat.


    She took a deep breath before picking up Caden''s call. “What?” she muttered weakly.


    Caden''s voice came through clearly. “Where are you?”


    Alice was in a hurry. “I''m changing. If you need to say something, go ahead.”


    Caden''s expression soured at the mention of her ''changing clothes''.


    Just then, Monica entered the room.


    Alicia quickly hid her phone under the nket.


    Monica sensed the tension and whispered, “Bad timing?”


    Alice shook her head. “What do you need?”


    “I noticed you’ve been here for a while,” Monica said quietly. “I thought I’d check on you.”


    Monica saw Alicia struggling with her dress and walked over to help her.


    Thinking the call had been disconnected, Alice copsed onto the bed. “I''m exhausted. “I couldn’t sleep until three in the morning and I got up at seven.”


    Monica realized what she had kept Alicia awake and gave her an understanding smile.


    The strapless dress allowed Monica to gently massage Alicia''s shoulders.


    Alice sighed in relief. “Yes, right there. I feel wonderful… Oh, take it easy,” she whispered.


    Her nonsense caused the call to end identally. Exhausted, Alicey down on the bed, staring at the ceiling.


    Monica noticed her expression. “Do you look down, Alicia?”


    Alice shook her head.


    "Why would I be? I''m about to be free."


    Monica leaned on her hand, watching Alicia. “You seemed more cheerful a few days ago.”


    "I''m happy, only inside," Alice replied. Feeling self-conscious under Monica''s gaze, she looked away.


    “Do you and your partner have any problems? Have you had an argument?” Monica asked, trying to understand.


    Aliceughed lightly. “Why should we argue?”


    Their rtionship had been strained for years. Both had often fantasized about strangling the other. With a heavy sigh, Alice quickly stood up. “Come on, it''s time to go.”


    At one o''clock, Caden''s car arrived at the entrance of the art exhibition. Mr. Wade stepped forward to wee him.


    Speaking in a low voice, Mr. Wade said, “I have a meeting with Joshuater. I will take care of everything as you instructed, Mr. Ward. There is no need to worry.”


    Caden nodded indifferently. He stepped out of the car, his presence imposing and authoritative.


    Surveying the scene, Mr. Wade asked, "Mr. Ward, where''s your date?"


    Caden''s expression turned grim. “She''s gone, they found her in someone else''s bed.”


    Mr. Wade stood there bewildered, not knowing what to say.


    Hank said, “Thank you for your concern, Mr. Wade. Mr. Ward isn’t feeling particrly jovial today, so it’s best not to bring up the subject of women.”


    Hank made a sign for silence.


    Mr. Wade agreed. “Understood.”


    As Caden was about to get in, Gerry''s car pulled up. Gerry looked out of the window. “Caden.”


    Caden turned to him. As Gerry walked out, Caden''s eyes caught sight of Alicia. She was wearing the custom-made dress he had arranged for her, and she looked more stunning than he had imagined. The cool breeze yed with her long curls, adding to her allure.


    Alicia smiled, her demeanor effortlessly making her the center of attention at the event.


    Caden let out a smile.


    It turned out that it was Gerry she hade with. Arm in arm with Monica, Alice walked over to Gerry.


    Caden stood with a dignified and striking stature. He seemedpletely indifferent.


    Alice avoided his gaze. After greeting Mr. Wade, she went inside.


    Caden also ignored his presence.


    They passed each other as if they were strangers. Gerry, always casual, said, “Why are you two acting like enemies? “You’re adults, but you act like children.” They walked inside.


    Caden watched Alicia as she walked away. The dress he had tailored to fit her waist perfectly, and her movements were graceful and serene. A pang of irritation washed over him.


    Calmly, she picked up a ss of wine. Gerry, always eager for gossip, picked up a ss and clinked it against Caden''s. “So, about Joshua…”


    Caden''s expression soured and he set the ss back down.


    Gerry looked confused. “What''s wrong?”


    Caden replied coldly, “You touched it. “I won’t drink it now.”


    Gerry stood there stunned for a moment, his eyes wide. “What''s wrong with you, Caden? Do you think everything I’ve touched is too disgusting for you?”


    “Yes,” Caden replied, his voice firm.


    Gerry couldn''t believe him, but he soon realized the reason for his bad mood.


    “Is your problem that I brought Alice to the exhibition?” Gerry clicked his tongue and scolded, “Really,peting with a woman is not a good image for a man.”


    Caden grabbed another ss of wine and drank it quickly. Then he asked, “Do you find Alicia attractive?”


    Gerry looked thoughtfully at Alice. “She''s pretty, but no, not really. “We know each other too well.”


    Gerry was puzzled. “Why are you asking that all of a sudden?”


    Caden swallowed, his Adam''s apple bobbing slightly. “No particr reason.”


    Gerry was skeptical. “You don''t think I brought Alice because we''re tied up, do you?”Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


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