?Chapter 214:


    Alicia was surprised when Caden started a conversation with her.


    He raised his stiff head and managed a forced smile.


    “I’m inviting my client to a business dinner.


    ”


    Caden nced at her from the corner of his eye.


    He could feel the distance she put between them.


    Her unfinished business made Ynda''s presence even more awkward, leaving little to say.


    Alicia was relieved that Caden didn''t make any inappropriatements in that environment.


    However, she couldn''t ignore Ynda''s intense gaze.


    Ynda''s eyes were piercing, as if she wanted to see through Alicia.


    Alicia was unsure of the nature of Caden and Ynda''s rtionship, but she was sure that Ynda had feelings for him.


    When the elevator reached the top floor, Alice deliberately stayedte to let them off first.


    Ynda instinctively tugged on Caden''s sleeve.


    She then turned and offered a sweet, harmless smile as she said goodbye to Alicia''s assistant.


    Meanwhile, her eyes lingered for a moment on Alicia''s face.


    Alice stared back at him emotionlessly.


    After a few steps, Ynda withdrew her hand.


    This action helped her avoid any unpleasant words from Caden.


    She then asked casually, “Caden, do you know the olddy from the elevator earlier?”All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Caden didn''t respond directly.


    Instead, hemented, "He''s younger than you.


    "


    This momentarily took Ynda by surprise.


    Her expression changed subtly.


    She knew he remembered the woman''s birthday, which suggested he knew more than just her name.


    Plus, he had started a conversation in the elevator.


    Ynda thought this was unusual for someone who usually avoided associating with women.


    He smiled and said, “I’m surprised you remembered my birthday.


    ”


    Caden took a seat at the dining table.


    Casually, he mentioned, “I nced at your profile when it was archived.


    I remember all the recent new hires.


    ”


    The restaurant had a warm atmosphere when Ynda sat down.


    Ynda sat down, took off her scarf and ced it beside her.


    She smiled warmly and asked, “Did Miss Bet also work at Blizzard Group before?”


    Caden raised an eyebrow and his gaze towards Ynda became colder.


    Recognizing Alicia was something he didn''t mind, but he preferred to hide it from Ynda to avoidplications.


    “Let’s focus on today’s work,” he suggested, and then began ordering from the menu.


    Ynda’s smile tightened slightly.


    She harbored a slight suspicion about his rtionship with Alicia, arousing a hint of jealousy, although she knew that such feelings were beneath her station.


    “Okay,” Ynda replied elegantly.


    Alicia knew how to keep her professional and personal life separate.


    When she met with the client, her focus was solely on work.


    She lingered, discussed projects, toasted and drank, making sure the evening went off without a hitch.


    Naturally, he had a few drinks.


    Given his low tolerance and mild allergy, he was careful not to overindulge and began politely declining further drinks.


    The client, however, already slightly intoxicated, was defiant.


    He insisted on continuing to drink.


    Her assistant, overwhelmed, could drink no more.


    Taking a deep breath, Alice resolved to continue.


    "Mr.


    Hoffman, it''s rare to see you so cheerful.


    I''ll keep up with you until you''ve had your fill.


    "


    Caden, who had finished eating and was about to leave, stopped.


    He nced around briefly and then said to Ynda, “Wait for me in the car.


    ”


    Ynda''s eyshes fluttered and she whispered, "Okay.


    "


    Caden walked over to Alicia.


    Ynda, with her fists clenched, retreated to the bathroom.


    When Alicia reached for another ss, a hand suddenly stopped her.


    Her ss was shaking slightly.


    Turning around, Alice was surprised to see a familiar face, causing her heart to tighten.


    The tipsy Mr.


    Hoffman quickly sobered up, eximing, "Mr.


    Ward?"


    Caden, without any visible emotion, returned the ss Alicia had been holding to the table.


    In a calm butmanding tone, he asked, “What kind of party requires that much drinking?”


    Alicia''s expression darkened and she nudged Caden gently, silently signaling him not to interfere with her handling of the situation.


    His high status often led him to look down on others, but Alicia knew she would have to handle the consequences of this.


    The group of men at the table quickly responded, “That’s enough, Mr.


    Ward.


    We were just making fun of Miss Bet.


    She hasn’t had much to drink,” they replied.


    Caden had introduced Alicia to them, and it was now clear that she was standing beside him.


    It was obvious to everyone that something was brewing between them.


    Offending Caden or Alicia over a few drinks was not worth the effort.


    Alicia stared at Caden, but he remained impassive, his eyes avoiding herspletely.


    She could sense his anger, but she didn''t understand why.


    Bryant suggested they call it a day with dinner.


    As Alicia continued to entertain herself, Caden took her wrist firmly and ordered, “Go throw up that drink you just had.


    ”


    Alicia tried to pull her hand free but couldn''t.


    Feeling helpless, but trusting in Caden''s intentions, she obeyed without resistance.


    She directed her assistant to make sure the evening went smoothly before excusing herself to go to the bathroom.


    In the bathroom, she quickly purged the alcohol and was rinsing her hands when the toilet door opened and Ynda stepped out.


    Alicia saw Ynda''s reflection in the mirror.


    The sound of running water stopped.


    Ynda adjusted her scarf in front of the mirror, and when Alicia looked at the logo on the scarf, her heart sank.


    It was the scarf she had once given to Caden, and which Ynda was now wearing.