?<strong>Chapter 867:</strong>


    Caden ced the ss down and smoothly slid into the seat next to Alicia.


    “Wow, it’s lively over here.”


    At that moment, Yvonne approached with Luci, beaming. “Is there room for us? Luci feels anxious around strangers and prefers to be with familiar faces.”


    There was indeed space at the table. Ciara warmly gestured to the seat beside her for Luci. Luci, with a shy nod, epted and said, “Thank you.”


    Ciara, charmed by Luci’s politeness and sweetness, treated her with kindness.


    Luci stole a nce at Alicia across the table. Alicia met her gaze, but Luci quickly averted her eyes, seeming slightly ufortable, and turned her attention to her meal.


    Alicia remembered seeing Yvonne give her a casual look as she walked away earlier. It appeared that Yvonne and Luci might be up to something.


    Alicia wasn’t paying attention to Luci or Yvonne for the moment. Her interest was piqued by something else. “What happened to Mr. Langstaff’s hand?”


    Caden handed her a grilled steak. “It’s a prosthetic. Last year, I went to Sowell and had a renowned orthopedic specialist make it for ke.”


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    Alicia was impressed. “That’s remarkable.” The hand looked convincingly real.


    Caden watched her as she ate, admiring her profile. She ate with grace, neatly cutting her food and bringing it to her mouth with a fork. Her lips appeared particrly charming as she dined. Lowering his voice, Caden smiled. “Tell me, who is remarkable?”


    Alicia nced at him, noting his gaze growing flirtatious. She remembered their previous meals together; if they sat side by side, he would invariably touch her secretly. He would maintain a straight face while his hand wandered beneath the table.


    Instinctively, Alicia pressed her legs together. “The orthopedic specialist, of course.”


    Caden responded, “I can’t agree more, and you know what? She was very busy. I had to book an appointment six months in advance.”


    Alicia sensed his attempt to take credit. She feigned indifference. “I see.”


    Caden narrowed his eyes slightly. “Is that it?”


    Alicia teased back. “What else? Should I give you an award now?”


    His expression softened. “I helped ke. Why would you give me an award?”


    Alicia shrugged. “Then why seek praise from me? You should have Mr. Langstaff praise you.”


    Caden muttered, “Not funny…”


    Alicia offered a dry smile. “I just don’t want to flirt with you, Mr. Ward.”


    Caden was left speechless.


    He remembered times when she wasn’t so distant, rewarding him by wearing enticing outfits and yfully twirling before him. Those memories vividly resurfaced.


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