Chapter 319:


    Just before dinner, thendline in the living room rang.


    Ciara intentionally asked Caden to pick it up.


    He held the receiver, saying nothing at first.


    Not long after, Alicia’s voice came through with a light tone.


    “Mrs.


    Ward, we’re at the door.”


    It had been days since hest heard her voice.


    It felt like an eternity.


    Caden pressed his lips together and narrowed his eyes, showing no emotion.


    Alicia hesitated for a moment and asked, “Mrs.


    Ward? Can you hear me?”


    Caden remained silent.


    Then, he hung up without a word.


    Caden knew that if he had said a word, Alicia would have run without hesitation.


    He couldn’t risk that.


    Without wasting time, he headed straight for the door.


    From behind, Ciara called out, “You brat! It’s freezing outside.


    At least bring a jacket!”


    “I don’t need one,” Caden replied without stopping.


    Meanwhile, Alicia sat in her gallery office, staring at her phone and contemting.


    Ever since Ciara purchased the painting, Alicia had sensed something was off.


    Ciara’s enthusiasm had been too much, too sudden.


    So tonight, Alicia had decided to send the painting through her assistant instead.


    The call was a test, and by coincidence, Caden answered.


    He didn’t speak, but Alicia knew it was him.


    It was a strange kind of instinct.


    As she watched the fireworks outside her window, a soft chuckle escaped her lips.


    She never imagined she would use such cautious moves against Caden.


    The truth was, she missed him.


    Even so, she refused to fall into the same mistakes again.


    When Caden stepped outside and realized Alicia wasn’t there, he knew she had outsmarted him.


    She was just as sharp as Ciara.


    Half an hourter, Alicia’s assistant and the others returned to the gallery.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Alicia handed out holiday gifts, including some cash, and told them to head home and rest.


    Her assistant hesitantly asked, “Ms.


    Bet, aren’t you going home?”


    “I’m heading back too.


    Thank you for workingte on Christmas Eve,” Alicia replied.


    Her assistant giggled.


    “It wasn’t tiring at all.


    Plus, you gave us five times the pay! I’m absolutely thrilled!”


    Alicia left the gallery with them.


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