?<strong>Chapter 834:</strong>


    “He’s in the car.” It had been Caden’s idea, and Hank had been reluctantly involved.


    “Perfect. I need to speak with him anyway. You drive,” Alicia said firmly.


    Hank scratched his nose, struck by how little Alicia had changed.


    She didn’t need to hear Caden’s excuses to grasp his motives. He opened the car door for her and gestured for Alicia to get in. Sitting in the spacious backseat, d in luxurious leather, was Caden.


    Alicia settled in and spoke calmly.


    “Mr. Ward, if you need something,e directly to me. There’s no need for these games.”


    Caden’s gaze lingered on Alicia, taking in the woman before him. She looked much the same, yet something about her was undeniably different. Her demeanor had shifted—calmer now, more self-assured. If this had happened a few years ago, she would have refused his help. She would have insisted on driving on a t tire rather than epting a ride.


    “Is something wrong, Mr. Ward?” Alicia’s voice cut through his thoughts, steady andposed.


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    “You’ve been staring for a while.”


    Caden blinked, startled out of his thoughts. He quickly shifted his gaze, trying to regain hisposure.


    “No, nothing like that. Just a little trouble with my eyesight. Can’t seem to focus on your face right now.”


    Alicia studied him for a moment, then responded with sharp rity.


    “Well, let me get straight to the point. About the medical project—I’m all for peaceful coexistence with you, Mr. Ward. But we’ll bepeting for resources from Warrington. May the best person win. If you’re nning to sabotage me, that’s on you. If I fall behind, I’ll deal with it and won’t me you.”


    Caden couldn’t help but appreciate her blunt honesty, but he could tell that she wasying it on thick.


    “Ms. Bet, you’re overthinking this.”


    “I don’t y dirty. I’m actually inviting you to Warrington to help speed up the project,” he said with a slight smile.


    Alicia held back a scoff, her lips twitching slightly. She kept her voice even, though.


    “Well, thank you in advance, Mr. Ward.”


    “Don’t mention it. It’s still early. How about we find a quiet spot to sit and talk for a while?” Caden suggested, his tone casual.


    Alicia leaned back in her seat, ncing around the luxurious interior.


    “Your million-dor car is plentyfortable, Mr. Ward. I think we’re fine right here.”


    Meanwhile, Hank, feeling a bit out of ce in the midst of their formal exchanges, got momentarily distracted. In his haze, he didn’t realize that he almost ran a red light. When he noticed it, he mmed on the brakes just in time. The sudden jolt sent Alicia forward. Reflexively, she leaned into Caden’s side. Her hand shot out to steady herself andnded right on his firm abs.


    Hank immediately apologized, his face reddening.


    “Sorry! I lost focus for a second and didn’t see the light. Ms. Bet, are you alright?”


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