?<strong>Chapter 1019:</strong>


    Alicia sensed Corey’s maniptive intent and brushed it off. “No, I don’t.”


    Ever since Caden’s surgery, he rarely drank, and Alicia, being allergic to alcohol, never bothered with hangover medicine.


    Corey frowned, pretending to be serious. “How can you not have any? Didn’t you always keep hangover medicine for me when we traveled for business?” The room fell silent at his words.


    Alicia saw through his act and smiled faintly. “Corey, if you’re trying to drive a wedge between Caden and me, you’ll need a better excuse. This is just embarrassing.” Clicking his tongue, Corey countered, “I’m not stirring trouble. All I want is some hangover pills.”


    Then, with a mock air of innocence, Corey raised his voice. “Oh, my bad—I forgot you’re married to Caden now. I shouldn’t bring up our past in front of your husband.”


    Alicia stared at Corey, speechless. What past? This man would say anything to get under her skin.


    Without missing a beat, Alicia turned to a waiter. “Could you please bring this gentleman ten boxes of hangover medicine?”


    The waiter hesitated briefly but quickly obliged, ustomed to entric requests from wealthy clients. Corey was caught off guard. He hadn’t expected her quick thinking and felt deted.


    Meanwhile, Caden stepped between them, shielding Alicia from Corey. But instead of losing his temper, he remained calm.


    Even as they left the elevator, Caden kept Corey at a distance without a word.


    Unbothered, Corey smirked and teased, “Why are you so protective? Can’t I ask a simple question as a friend?” Caden responded evenly. “Did I stop you?”


    Corey sneered, “Your expression says otherwise. Dark, brooding, and angry—it’s written all over your face. What’s the matter, Mr. Ward?”


    Caden suddenly stopped and turned to Alicia, his face calm but firm. “Wait for me in the car.” Alicia didn’t leave immediately.


    Corey, noticing Caden’s simmering anger, tried to provoke him further. “Why send her away? Don’t you want her to watch us fight? It could be entertaining.”


    Alicia let  out a derisive smile before walking away. “I’m not a fan of messy scenes. But Caden, make sure to hit hard. Thanks.”


    Corey was momentarily stunned.


    As Alicia’s footsteps disappeared, Caden calmly rolled up his sleeves.


    Corey grinned, unshaken. “Oh, so you’re furious now? How’s that anger tasting, huh?”


    Without a word, Caden grabbed Corey’s cor and dragged him into the stairwell. “You really think I’d believe anything you say?”


    Coreyughed defiantly. “Well, I haven’t slept with Alicia, but we’ve had plenty of meals together. I even ate the meals she made for Gemma. Delicious, by the way.” Corey’s grin widened as he added, “She’s left plenty of personal stuff at my ce. And when we went out, I even ate her leftover ice cream. Her saliva is sweeter than the ice cream itself.”


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