ã€ŠThe unwanted wifeâ€™s unexpected comebackã€‹


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    In the opulent, dimly lit private cinema, the most exclusive jewelery auction was broadcast live.

    The rich cadence of the auctioneer''s voice echoed through the room. "One million, one o''clock, two o''clock..."

    Alicia Bet barely registered the words, her thoughtspletely consumed by the man beneath her. His intensity overwhelmed her, driving her to sink her teeth into his shoulder in a desperate attempt to resist his onught.

    The man merely grunted in response, not stopping or slowing.

    ¡°Ease up, will you?¡± he purred, his voice thick with tension as he squeezed her waist, ordering her body to submit to his will.

    Alice, still biting his shoulder, hesitated. Slowly, her jaw unclenched and her teeth came loose. Just as the apology began to form on her lips, he let out a low, almost mockingugh.

    "That''s not the part I asked you to ease up on."

    Alicia froze, heat rising to her cheeks. The apology died in her throat, reced by a wave of shame that stained her skin crimson.

    But the intensity between them only increased as time passed, their bodies tangled in a battle of passion and control.

    The auctioneer''s hammer fell. "Sold for ten million! A round of apuse for Mr. Joshua Yates!"

    The name hit Alice like a bolt of lightning. Her body instantly stiffened, something the man couldn''t help but notice. Her movements stopped as her eyes, half-closed in satisfaction,zily darted towards the screen.

    The camera focused on Joshua Yates'' face, showing every detail of his familiar features in perfect rity.

    ¡°Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family¡­ an acquaintance, perhaps?¡± he said, the corners of his lips curling into a sly smile as he yfully nibbled on Alicia''s earlobe.

    Alice frowned. Thest thing she wanted to do was talk about it.

    "Is gossip also part of your services?" I snapped in a cold, irritated voice.

    Heughed softly at her retort, the sound echoing across the space between them.

    He didn''t bother to deny it. Instead, he tightened his grip on her waist and his movements became more relentless, his pace chaotic and unrestrained, as if challenging her.

    The room seemed to pulse with their passionate desires, the air thick with lust, their ragged breaths merging into one. Together, they reached a breathless crescendo. When he was done, Alicia took advantage of the man being in the shower and quietly slipped away.

    She pulled a stack of bills out of her purse and dropped them on the chair. Then, she made her way to the door, as silent as a mouse, wincing at the pain in her lower body.

    When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, his gaze instantly fell on the neat stack of dor bills waiting for him on the chair. His eyes blinked in amusement and a smile yed at the corner of his lips.

    He casually picked up a cigarette and lit it calmly before sitting back in his chair, his fingers fiddling with the crisp bills.

    Momentster, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly nervous. The faint, unmistakable scent of sex still hung in the air, making Hank''s scalp prickle with difort.

    ¡°Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment and I¡¯ll have her brought in immediately.¡± They had just returned to the camp, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security.

    Caden exhaled azy stream of smoke, his features calm, almost indifferent.

    "It wasn''t necessary. I was¡­ a voluntary participant."

    Hank''s eyes snapped open.

    Only then did she notice the faint red marks that decorated Caden''s chest.

    Hank''s vision began to spin. In all the time he had known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman, not even for a casual one-night stand. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment, which was why he had never been with a woman.

    However, now, those rumors seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events.

    Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden''s deep voice brought him back to reality.

    "I want you to look into Joshua''s personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour."

    That night, Alice had stumbled into her room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious that she had been drugged.

    And just like that, all his years of moderation and abstinence came crashing down the moment he took her in his arms.

    And then came the revtion: Alicia was still a virgin.

    Two years of marriage to Joshua¡­ and they still haven''t touched her?

    The memory of the previous night''s passion stirred something in him, and his lips curved into a satisfied smile. The unexpected always intrigued him.

    But as she thought about it, one thing became very clear: Alicia had no idea who she had been with due to the effects of the drug.

    When Alice returned home, the first light of dawn was filtering through the windows.

    Only then did he realize how long he had been gone. He paused at the door, screaming his teeth in frustration.

    Even after being on the verge of copse, he refused to let her go, as if his resistance had no end.

    Who was the client supposed to be?Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    But before she could think about it any further, her phone range. It was her best friend, Monica Flynn.

    "Alice!" Monica practically shouted from the other end of the line, her voice loud with concern. ¡°How are you now?¡±

    Alice exhaled deeply, carelessly kicking off her shoes. ¡°I¡¯ve been better,¡± she murmured.

    Monica''s anger boiled over, her words sharp and unforgiving. "Joshua is a piece of shit! He''s beyond disgusting. If he doesn''t want to be married anymore, he should grow a spine and get a divorce already. What kind of sick man would conspire against his own wife?"

    The sharp pain of betrayal pierced Alice''s chest.

    Yesterday had been their second anniversary. Joshua had sent her a message suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed the nines, only to be met with disappointment and a drugged drink that plunged her into a night of confusion and chaos.

    Was Joshua the mastermind behind it all?

    Swallowing the bitterness that was trying to surface, Alice forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and tired.

    "Okay, Monica. I''ll take care of it."

    Monica, ever the protective one, wasn''t convinced. "I''ll take care of it"? What do you mean by that? Just say it and I''ll be there in a jiffy. I''ll even put on my sharpest heels, ready to kick him in the balls!

    Alice couldn''t help but let out a small, tired smile, although her heart still felt oppressed.

    Monica''s tone suddenly changed, curiosity shing in her voice. "But seriously, who was that guy you were withst night?"

    Alice froze mid-step, a bad feeling running down her spine. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hire that male escort for me?¡± she asked uneasily.

    ¡°I called one,¡± Monica replied, her voice suddenly serious. ¡°But he never showed up. He texted me this morning saying he waited for you all night and didn''t see you. So¡­ who were you with?¡±

    Alice gasped as she realized.

    Before he could respond, his bedroom door creaked open.

    She looked up, and almost instantly her stomach dropped. There stood Joshua, fresh from the shower, a towel around his waist. His damp hair was sticking to his forehead as he stared at her, his voice low and menacing.

    "Whatpanion?"

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 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her supposed husband.

    His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as always, as if he were looking at a stranger. The only thing out of ce was the love bite on his lips. Was the kiss I shared with another person that intense?

    A wave of disgust washed over her, and it was all she could do not to gag. She tightened her grip on the phone and turned it off with a soft sigh. ¡°It''s nothing.¡± Without waiting for a reply, she started walking inside.

    Joshua frowned and grabbed her wrist. ¡°Alice, what¡¯s with that attitude?¡±

    He seemed pretty unhappy with her this time, which was kind of odd, considering how rarely he bothered toe home.

    Normally Alice would have weed him with open arms, a sh of joy lighting up her tired features. But today she looked exhausted, almost empty.

    She did not resist his grasp, but looked at him with a calmness that disconcerted him.

    "Haven''t I always been like this? Obedient, sensitive, making sure the house is in order, that you arefortable, willing to give your best at work."

    A small, bitter smile yed across his lips. ¡°Isn''t that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn''t it? It frees up time for your other¡­ ¡°special someone.¡±

    Joshua''s eyes darkened at the veiled usation.

    Denial floated across his lips, but he didn''t bother. Why would he? He let go of her hand and said abruptly, "Actually, that''s why I''m here. We need to talk."

    Alice rubbed her wrist vigorously, as if trying to erase his touch.

    "So, are you nning to finally go public with her?"

    Joshua¡¯s expression instantly twisted, his calm fa?ade cracking. ¡°What do you know? Did you have stalked me by a private investigator or something?¡±

    Alice gave a soft, humorlessugh. ¡°Is that necessary? You spared no expense in making her happyst night. ¡°A blind man could see that you are mad about her.¡±

    He stared at her, taken back by her icy tone.

    It was still her voice, it was still Alice, but there was something different about her now. For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, as if a thorn had prickled his heart.

    Maybe it was the way she looked at him: her eyes, once warm and full of love for him, were nowpletely empty.

    There was no anger, no pain, just¡­ nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him like he was her whole world.

    For reasons he couldn''t exin, seeing her like that awakened something in him: an unknown dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit her back, now in a harsher voice.

    "She''s pregnant. It''s a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her something to cheer her up."

    Alice''s fists clenched before she could stop them.

    Pregnant?

    So the nights she had spent awake waiting for him toe home, he had been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family?

    Seeing Alicia shudder slightly, Joshua felt a sh of satisfaction.

    ¡°It''s not that I don''t want to sleep with you,¡± she said, her voice condescending. ¡°You''re about as exciting as watching paint dry. ¡°No man would want that.¡±

    His cruel words cut through Alice like a jagged de, but she managed to outwardly maintain herposure.

    It wasn''t that she avoided intimacy, but that she didn''t initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin not to be seductive enough?

    Breathing slowly and evenly, Alice forced herself to remain calm.

    ¡°Okay,¡± he replied quietly. ¡°Then let''s get a divorce. You can give him whatever title you want.¡±

    The word ¡°divorce¡± made Joshua¡¯s eyelid twitch involuntarily.

    He scoffed, eyes narrowed in suspicion. ¡°Is this another one of your games?¡±

    Convinced that she was right, her voice grew colder, more biting. ¡°Alice, for two years you have been doing all kinds of childish things, begging for my attention. Aren''t you tired yet? Because I am.¡±

    He paused, letting his disdain sink in. ¡°You say you love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?¡±

    Alice couldn''t help the bitterugh that escaped her.

    Love him? Did he even understand what that meant?Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    When Joshua''s business copsed, leaving him with nothing but debt and broken dreams, it was Alicia who emptied her savings to bail him out.

    Out of gratitude, or perhaps out of obligation, he had married her.

    For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he wed his way back to sess.

    And what had Alice received in return? She had been discarded as a useless relic, while another woman carried her child.

    His love, his loyalty, had be dirt beneath her feet. To continue caring for this man would be masochism.

    In a firm voice, Alicia said, ¡°Draw up the divorce agreement. ¡°I¡¯ll agree to whatever terms you want.¡± And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua alone in the hallway.

    For a moment he followed her with his gaze, but then a cold, mocking smile appeared on his lips.

    Well, she can y the martyr. I doubted she could keep this up for long.

    Leaving the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, was waiting for him.

    ¡°Well, that was quick,¡± he scoffed upon hearing that Joshua was getting divorced, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Looks like I wasn¡¯t as tough as you said.¡±

    Joshua pulled her into his arms, squeezing her waist possessively. ¡°She''s sneaky,¡± he murmured, suspicion creeping into his voice. ¡°I don''t know if she''s really okay with the divorce or if she''s just messing with me.¡±

    Lilliana sat on hisp, her arms around his neck, her gaze radiating a seductive mischief.

    ¡°Rx, Joshua,¡± she purred, brushing his ear with her lips. ¡°Even if I change my mind, it''s toote.¡±

    Joshua frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

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 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Lilliana''s eyes flickered with grim intent and her lips curved into a faint smile.

    She wasn''t stupid enough to show her cards now, so she brushed it off with an effortless excuse.

    ?During your two years of marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a simple housewife, disconnected from her world. When you are firm, would she dare to say a word?

    Joshua pursed his lips.

    For the past two years, Alice had done everything for him, given him support andfort. She had loved him fiercely, but in the end, what was the value of love?

    Against all odds, he had managed to reach the top and had finally achieved the power he craved.

    However, that sess had not been easy, and it had not been love that had secured her position, but alliances with the powerful.

    The prestige of the daughter of the Green family, that title alone, was worth much more than Alice''s devoted love.

    As these thoughts tormented his mind, Lilliana suddenly pressed her full red lips against his.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Joshua,¡± she purred, her voice velvet, ¡°congrattions on escaping the routine. ¡°Shall we celebrate?¡±

    For a moment, Joshua''s gaze shifted to her, but Alicia''s indifferent face suddenly appeared before his eyes.

    Since he had left home, Alicia had not called him even once to ask about his whereabouts.

    Before, if he had been angry with her, she would have called him scared.

    A sharp, inexplicable irritation welled up inside him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, his voice hoarse.

    "You''re only a few weeks pregnant. Be careful."

    Lilliana, as sharp as ever, realized he was distracted.

    ¡°Joshua, what¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked softly. ¡°Don''t you want a divorce?¡±

    Joshua''s response was instantaneous.

    "Of course I want a divorce."

    Her eyes narrowed as she studied him.

    "So why don''t you seem very happy?"

    Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice firm but distant.

    ¡°My father''s condition has worsened. He doesn''t have much time left, and Caden returnedst night. He''s probably here to im his inheritance. ¡°I need to figure out how to handle him.¡±

    Lilliana blinked, momentarily taken back.

    ¡°Caden? Your brother from your father''s first marriage? He doesn''t even have the name Yates anymore. What right does he have to fight you over the inheritance?¡±

    Joshua''s expression darkened.

    Lilliana''s eyes flickered with grim intent and her lips curved into a faint smile.

    She wasn''t stupid enough to show her cards now, so she let it go with an easy excuse.

    ?During your two years of marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a simple housewife, disconnected from your world. When you are firm, would she dare to say a word?

    Joshua pursed his lips.

    For the past two years, Alice had done everything for him, given him support andfort. She had loved him fiercely, but in the end, what was the value of love?

    Against all odds, he had managed to reach the top and had finally achieved the power he craved.

    However, that sess had not been easy, and it had not been love that had secured her position, but alliances with the powerful.

    The prestige of the daughter of the Green family, that title alone, was worth much more than Alice''s devoted love.

    As these thoughts tormented his mind, Lilliana suddenly pressed her full red lips against his.

    ¡°Joshua,¡± she purred, her voice velvet, ¡°congrattions on escaping the routine. ¡°Shall we celebrate?¡±

    For a moment, Joshua''s gaze shifted to her, but Alicia''s indifferent face suddenly appeared before his eyes.

    Since he had left home, Alicia had not called him even once to ask about his whereabouts.

    Before, if he had been angry with her, she would have called him scared.

    A sharp, inexplicable irritation welled up inside him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, his voice hoarse.

    "You''re only a few weeks pregnant. Be careful."

    Lilliana, as sharp as ever, realized he was distracted.

    ¡°Joshua, what¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked softly. ¡°Don''t you want a divorce?¡±

    Joshua''s response was instantaneous.

    "Of course I want a divorce."

    Her eyes narrowed as she studied him.

    "So why don''t you seem very happy?"

    Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice firm but distant.

    ¡°My father''s condition has worsened. He doesn''t have much time left, and Caden returnedst night. He''s probably here to im his inheritance. ¡°I need to figure out how to handle him.¡±

    Lilliana blinked, momentarily taken back.

    ¡°Caden? Your brother from your father''s first marriage? He doesn''t even have the name Yates anymore. What right does he have to fight you over the inheritance?¡±

    Joshua''s expression darkened.

    A sharp pang hit Alice''s chest, her eyes stinging as she fought the urge to cry. She quickly brought her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was then that she realized something startling.

    Stunned, she looked at her hand.

    The wedding ring¡ªsomething she had held on to so tightly¡ªwas gone.

    He had been gone for a day and a night, and he hadn''t even noticed.

    Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she had been carrying began to lift. She whispered, more to herself than to anyone else, ¡°Yes, I have truly let go.¡±

    Joshua was quick to notice.

    He had turned back to record something quickly when his eyes fell on his hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, ¡°Where¡¯s your wedding ring?¡±

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 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia''s only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked tly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?"

    That word again: ¡°divorce.¡± Irritation shed in Joshua¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Why the rush?¡± she snapped, her voice cold and cutting. ¡°My father is finalizing his will, and if word of my divorce gets out, it will ruin my position. Now, gather your things, we will dine at the Yates mansion this evening.¡±

    With Caden''s return, the family was organizing a wee dinner for him.

    They also hoped that by doing so, it would lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua''s father.

    However, maintaining the farce of a happy marriage was thest thing on Alice''s mind.

    "I''m not going," he announced curtly. "Just finalize the divorce and stop wasting my time."

    Joshuaughed, a sound that held no warmth.

    ¡°Oh,e on, Alice. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don''t really want to leave me, do you? ¡°You can¡¯t stand the thought of being without me.¡±

    He leaned toward me, smiling, and added, ¡°You''ve worked hard these past two years. Even if we get divorced, I''ll still take care of you, as long as you make me happy.¡±

    Alice''s eyes widened, disbelief turning to anger.

    Did he hide the ring?

    Couldn''t stand being without him?

    His arrogant words sounded like nails on a ckboard to Alice''s ears. With a sharp sneer, she replied,

    ¡°Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I make you happy? Don''t worry, I''ll give you back the ring; you wouldn''t want this in Jane bothering you, would you? Once you have it, we¡¯ll finalize the divorce immediately.¡±

    But Joshua was unfazed by her venom.

    He thought he knew her too well, convinced that it was just another ploy to get her attention.

    Without thinking twice, he threw a bag at her.

    "We have guests today. Dress appropriately and don''t embarrass me."

    Alicia looked down at the bag and remembered the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest and discreet clothing, doing her best to go unnoticed, to please him and his family.

    But now, with divorce on the horizon, Alice no longer cared about ying the role of obedient wife. After putting on her suit, she carefully applied just enough makeup to enhance the glow of her already wlessplexion.

    The subtle touches entuated the softness of her skin and the delicacy of her features, giving her a certain glow.

    When Joshua saw hering down the stairs, he stood still for a moment.

    Maybe it was the way the dress clung to Alicia''s graceful curves, making her look more seductive than usual. Or maybe it was the color of her cheeks, as if she had just experienced the most passionate sex of her life.

    Passion? Sex?

    Joshua''s heart tightened in his chest.

    Alice was still his wife. Who else could have slept with her? He must have thought too much about it.

    At the entrance of the Yates mansion, the two slipped into their usual roles, easily disguising the tension between them.

    Alicia put her arm through Joshua''s, their movements synchronized as they walked towards the patio.

    Although Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the great hall was bustling with life, rtives filling the space with chatter.

    The noise hummed all around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alice crossed the threshold, a sharp chill prickled her skin.

    She looked up instinctively, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the other end of the room. With his legs crossed and his dark shirt unbuttoned to reveal a sliver of corbone, the man exuded arrogance and his presence was imposing.

    When Alice''s eyes finally met hers, a familiar,manding gaze pinned her to the spot. Her mind raced and her emotions emerged unchecked.

    Joshua noticed the change in her attitude and, frowning, asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Alice''s breath caught. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?"

    The mere mention of his name sent a chill down his spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares.

    Due to their families'' friendship, their paths had crossed for the first time when they were both barely ten years old.

    Caden, who had taken a sabbatical year, moved to her school and, from that moment on, Alicia''s perfect world began to fall apart.

    She couldn''t im first ce anymore. No matter how hard she tried, no matter howte she stayed up studying, Caden was always one step ahead. He edged her out by the smallest of margins¡ªa point, maybe two¡ªleaving her perpetually stranded in second ce.

    Anyone else would have epted defeat, settling into the role of runner-up.

    But not Alice.

    Born into the once-prestigious Bet family, she grew up under the suffocating weight of living up to her name. Excellence wasn''t just a goal, it was the currency with which she could win her parents'' affection. Failure wasn''t an option, and yet Caden had the audacity to take everything she''d worked away from her with what seemed like effortless ease.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.

    It was as if he had his eye on her from the very beginning, and Alice, stubborn to the core, refused to back down.

    Their rivalrysted for more than a decade, a relentless battle waged both openly and in the shadows. Their final showdown took ce at university, just before graduation, in the nationalpetition.

    Alicia threw herself into that moment, her sights set on perfection. And she achieved it, getting a perfect score. But Caden, ever the snake, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, toe in second ce.

    The sting of injustice was deep, but the hardest blow came from her father, Phil Bet. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment at his ranking. Alicia, ustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to subside and asked quietly, ¡°I''ll be graduating soon. ¡°Will you be back?¡± Her mother, Donna, had always been her gentlestfort. Sheforted Alicia that day, promising that they would be there for her graduation.

    But life had other ns. Phil and Donna, who were rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic ne crash.

    Overnight, Alice''s world fell apart, leaving her an orphan in this cruel world.

    Since that day, he had not challenged Caden again. Caden then left Warrington to build his career abroad.

    "He''s back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible.

    Alice gave him a sidelong nce as she continued, ¡°With a family empire asrge as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn''t give up so easily.¡±

    His brow furrowed slightly.

    It was true: the Yates empire was vast, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had amassed his own fortune, surpassing even the family''s vast wealth.

    Did he really care about inheritance?

    Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn''t care about the fortune itself, he would fight tooth and nail just to win, to y with everyone else. The man had a knack for causing chaos just for his own amusement.

    Alicia had been his rival for as long as he could remember, and even now, the thought of giving her a single nce seemed like a waste of energy. He turned to walk away.

    But Joshua grabbed her wrist, firm and tight.

    ¡°I know you two don''t get along,¡± she said. ¡°But he''s still my big brother. ¡°We have to keep up appearances.¡±

    Her body stiffened at the contact and she immediately tried to pull her hand away, her skin prickling under his grip.

    Joshua frowned.

    ¡°Alice, behave,¡± he hissed.

    Irritation red in his chest.

    "I don''t refuse toe in. First let me go. I don''t want your filthy hands touching me."

    A sh of something dark passed across Joshua''s face and instead of letting go, heced their fingers together, squeezing tightly.

    Alice bit her tongue, smoking silently.

    As they got closer, Caden''s gaze slowly rose, his eyes narrowed in azy, almost bored assessment of them.

    ¡°Caden,¡± Joshua greeted, his tone tense, meeting his brother¡¯s gaze with forced cordiality.

    Caden''s eyes drifted to their intertwined hands, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

    ¡°Your girlfriend?¡± he asked indifferently, as if he didn''t recognize Alicia.

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 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice''s nerves tense like a spring.

    That voice¡­

    Her disordered thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze: Joshua''s calm statement.

    ¡°Alicia and I have been married for two years. She cares about me, so we kept it a secret. We went straight to the registry, without ceremony. ¡°You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn¡¯t bother you.¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow, his voiceced with venomous mockery.

    "Oh, so she''s my sister-inw."

    The way he spat out the words ¡°sister-inw¡± seemed more like a p than a title, leaving no doubt of his contempt for her.

    Alice could feel the underlying mockery in every syble.

    And all thanks to her supposed husband, Joshua.

    Her hand was shaking as she grabbed a tissue and wiped her hand vigorously, as if to cleanse herself of its filthy touch.

    ¡°It seems Alice is a bit of a germaphobe,¡± Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her displeasure.

    Joshua''s expression darkened and the tension between them increased. He didn''t expect her to humiliate him like this.

    "I seem to have spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation.

    Caden''s eyes shed with a dangerous glint.

    "If it is a serious illness, she should receive treatment. It could affect her role as a mother. You know how much our father has wanted to have a grandchild."

    Hearing this, something flickered in Joshua''s eyes.

    Even though Alice, his wife, was right next to him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth.

    ¡°Thanks for your concern, Caden, but I have some good news for Dad. ¡°I just haven¡¯t gotten around to telling him yet.¡±

    Caden''s smile deepened, his gaze shifting to Alicia, who was about to end the charade. She silently excused herself and walked away, the sensual sway of her hips catching Caden''s attention.

    ¡°How far along are you?¡± he asked significantly. ¡°You don''t look pregnant.¡±

    Joshua didn''t miss a beat.

    "Just one month."

    The response was both a threat and an announcement.

    Now, the stakes for inheritance had just been raised, and Jerald, always focused on continuing the family line, would no doubt take his unborn grandson into ount. Caden''s smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug tone.

    ¡°You better catch up, Caden. ¡°I can¡¯t always be one step ahead.¡±

    Caden, unfazed, waved his handzily. ¡°There''s no hurry.¡±

    Alice stepped out onto the terrace, the cool night breeze caressing her skin. She drank in the fresh air greedily, trying to calm her nerves.

    He took out his phone and called the director of the private cinema again.

    ¡°Have you found the ring?¡± she asked anxiously.

    The director hesitated, looking worried.

    "Mrs. Bet, we''ve searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but¡­ we really haven''t been able to find any rings."

    ¡°So¡­¡± Alice clenched her fist, her mind racing. ¡°Do you have the contact information for the guest who booked the room that day?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we cannot disclose any information about our customers.¡±

    His heart sank.

    ¡°I see,¡± she sighed in resignation. ¡°Please let me know immediately if anything turns up, okay?¡±

    In a perfect world, I could have purchased an identical ring and passed it off as the original.

    Unfortunately, Joshua had custom made it and it was not easy to reproduce.

    After dinner, it started to rain.

    The rtives began toe out one by one.

    Joshua stayed by her side as they walked to the car, his eyes fixed on her bare wrist.

    ¡°If you liked the bracelet at the auction, I can buy you something simr,¡± he said coldly.

    Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. She didn''t believe for a second that Joshua had changed his mind about her.

    ¡°Trying to buy my silence, huh?¡± His words were sharp, piercing Joshua''s tender facade.

    ¡°No need,¡± he added coldly. ¡°I have no desire to be entangled in your affairs.¡±

    Joshua hadn''t meant to sound like that, but his mocking tone struck a chord with her. Her jaw clenched and a bitter smile yed on her lips.

    ¡°Okay. Don''t ept it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway.¡±

    Alice bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly,

    "Joshua, I''ve already told you. I''m willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let''s sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and get this over with once and for all."

    His smile turned into something dark, something dangerous.

    "And the ring?"

    ?I lost it.

    Joshua''s eyes narrowed, his tone imcable.

    "I don''t care about anything else. I want the ring."

    She could barely contain her frustration, her breathinging in ragged gasps as he delivered his final blow.

    ¡°If you don''t find it,¡± he said coldly, ¡°I''ll assume you''re keeping it because you still care about me.¡±

    At that moment Joshua''s phone range; it was Lilliana.

    ¡°Joshua,¡± she meowed his name inly. ¡°The thunder is so loud. I¡¯m scared to sleep alone¡­ Can you eat?¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    The car wasn''t heading to Lilliana''s house, and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without thinking twice, he threw her out into the rain and sped off.

    He didn''t even leave her an umbre.

    Alicia stood frozen on the side of the road, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain soaked her to the bone, chilling her to the core.

    Gritting his teeth, he swallowed the bitter taste in his mouth and began walking down the soaked pavement.

    Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach pulled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain.

    "Mr. Ward," the driver said, looking back. "I think it''s Mrs. Bet." The car stopped.

    Caden looked out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia''s lone figure.

    She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it to ease her gait.

    Her slender legs glistened in the rain.

    Although they looked delicate, they had a silent strength.

    He couldn''t help but remember how those legs had coiled around him like a snake just a few nights before.

    Caden''s lips curved into a knowing smile at the memory.

    ¡°Invite her in,¡± he said.

    The car stopped next to Alice.

    The driver got out, holding arge umbre over his head, his voice polite.

    "Mrs. Bet, it''s hard to find a taxi at this hour. Can I take you home?"

    Alice looked up and recognized the man as the Yates family chauffeur.

    He hesitated a moment before nodding, his voice soft but firm.

    "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience."

    However, as soon as she got into the backseat of the car, her eyes locked on the other passenger, Caden.

    "We''ll see each other again so soon, eh?"

    Her voice, soft as velvet, had a hint of mischief.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice''s face, pale from the cold, flushed crimson. The humiliation of letting her nemesis see her in such a sorry state stung more than the biting cold rain. She leaned against the car door, trying to put as much distance between them as possible.

    Caden''s eyes lingered on her legs.

    ¡°You have great legs,¡± hemented nonchntly. ¡°Joshua seems to like them. And I¡¯m sure a lot of other men do too.¡±

    He bowed his head, fingers drumming quietly on the armrest, the rhythm as maddening as his words.

    "In fact, I''d wager that quite a few would find them... irresistible."

    A lump formed in Alice''s throat and a shiver ran down her spine.

    It was pitch ck outside, and with the pouring rain,mon sense dictated that it was not safe for a woman to be outside alone. However, the way Caden said it made it seem like what was a mere statistical possibility was now a foregone conclusion. What a disgusting jerk!

    She hesitated, but her options were limited. With a reluctant sigh, Alicia buckled her seatbelt, pressing herself against the door as if it could somehow protect her from the man sitting next to her.

    The soaked dress clung to her like a secondyer of skin, the difort eating away at her. She couldn''t help but hunch her shoulders, shivering in the cold. Without a word, Caden tossed the coat onto herp. The weight of the coat surprised her, but she quickly wrapped herself in it, grateful for the warmth.

    The coat gave off Caden''s unique musk, a mix of cologne and something raw, masculine. It clung to the fabric, prating her senses and dragging her back to that fateful night¡­

    The familiar voice.

    The familiar smell.

    Alice''s heart sank into the pit of her stomach as she realized. Could it really be him?

    Oh, God¡­ It couldn''t be!

    The ridiculousness of the idea made her shudder again, but she couldn''t shake her suspicion. She turned her head stiffly to study him, hoping to find some answer on his face.

    Caden, oblivious to her confusion, didn''t even look up from his phone.

    "Stop looking at me. I''m not interested."

    Idiot!

    Alice ignored the blow and cleared her throat.

    "So, Caden, when did you get back?"

    Only then did he look up from his phone.

    He looked at her with distant amusement, as if admiring a pretty bird in a cage.

    ?The 14th.

    Her heart dropped like a stone, her mind spinning with the weight of those words.

    The 14th?

    It was the day of his "incident."

    With her heart pounding in her chest, she continued with her questions.

    "And where were you staying that day?"

    Caden leaned back, a smug smile dancing on his lips as he watched her squirm. He seemed to enjoy watching her panic.

    "I don''t remember. I was too busy fucking a girl."

    Fucking a girl?

    Alice felt her mouth go dry in an instant.

    This still didn''t prove anything, but anxiety was eating away at her inside.

    Before she could ask him further, Caden''s phone range, breaking the tension.

    He repliedzily, looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

    "What are you looking for?"

    The cinema manager''s voice cracked through the line.

    ?A ring?.

    Caden looked at Alicia''s delicate hands.

    He hadn''t heard a word the caller had said, but the look on his face was enough to make him frown. Without thinking, he sped his hands together.

    When the call ended, Caden''s voice was tinged with mockery.

    "Didn''t Joshua spend a fortune on a bracelet for you? Why don''t you wear it?"

    At this Alice''s expression darkened. She spoke with a coldness that hid the sting beneath.

    ¡°He bought it for his lover,¡± he murmured nonchntly.

    Caden let out a low, humorlessugh.

    "Generous, isn''t it? Spending a fortune on a dog cor."

    Alice said nothing, but felt a strange satisfaction at his words.

    And so the weight of her previous doubts and worries faded into the background.

    It didn''t matter who the man had been that night. She had used him, and that was that. She had moved on.

    When they got to Monica''s house, Alicia hesitated. She wondered if she should thank Caden, but in the end, she said stiffly,

    "I''ll wash the coat and send it to the Yates mansion."

    Caden, never the gentleman to be around, gave her a mocking smile.

    "If you messed it up, just give me fifty thousand in cash."

    Hey?

    Alice blinked in bewilderment.

    Fifty thousand? For this coat?

    I could probably buy something better than this rag with that amount of money.

    But before, she hadn''tined while using it. Now, with no room to protest, she forced herself to obey.

    After transferring the money to his ount, he wiped his wet legs and feet on his coat and handed it back to her with a mocking smile.

    ?Next time, Mr. Ward, I suggest you invest in a better coat. This one is a bit rough.

    Caden''sughter filled the car.

    Hard? Huh.

    That night, she had clung to him, soaking his clothes.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    She hadn''tined about his rudeness then.

    Recalling the scenes from that night, his throat went dry. He swallowed and lit a cigarette to drown the pain he felt.

    But even nicotine couldn''t calm him down...

    When Caden arrived at his apartment, Hank was already waiting at the door, ready to bring him up to date onpany matters.

    Caden had left him specific instructions to reorganize everything from top to bottom, which Hank had taken care of.

    ¡°Oh, and one more thing,¡± Hank added after reporting everything. ¡°I saw Joshua at the station earlier. ¡°He seemed to be looking for Miss Bet.¡±

    Caden let out a high-pitchedugh, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he tossed Hank a bottle of water.

    "The ever submissive Alice finally stood up to him, and he liked it. Imagine that."

    Now that they were talking about Alicia, Hank handed Caden a ring and asked, "Should I give the ring back to Miss Bet or tell her to pick it up herself?"

    Caden looked at the ring.

    It was just a small, in silver band, with no diamonds to speak of.

    It was too big, a little loose, probably slipped during the¡­ intensity of that night.

    Cheap material, even cheaper feeling.

    However, Alice was desperate to get it back.

    Caden''s lips curved into a cynical smile. What did she have besides that seductive body? Not much.

    Hank sighed, almost regretfully. ¡°If Miss Bet weren''t your sister-inw, Mr. Ward, perhaps your troubles¡­¡±

    Hearing this, Caden''s expression darkened, and Hank immediately fell silent.

    ¡°It was the drugs,¡± Caden hissed, his voice high as ice.

    Without thinking, Hank corrected him.

    "But it was Miss Bet who was drugged, sir."

    Caden''s fingers curled tighter around the ring, the cold metal digging into his palm. The atmosphere dropped several hundred degrees, a chill sliding through the room.

    ¡°My apologies, Mr. Ward. I spoke out of turn,¡± Hank muttered, taking a step back, eyes downcast.

    Caden''s gaze drifted down to a part of himself that was already reacting to the thought of Alicia. Just thinking about her excited him.

    With a malicious smile, he added, almost to himself: "We''ll know where the problem really lies... after another round."

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia soaked in the warmth of the bath, letting the gentle steam envelope her like a cocoon.

    When Monica found out that it was Caden who had brought Alicia back, she couldn''t stop chattering, her eyes shining with excitement.

    ?The Yates family scandal was the talk of the town back in the day! Who would have thought Caden woulde back? And now, with the name he''s made for himself, he doesn''t really need the inheritance, does he? So why show up? To make Joshua¡¯s life a living hell? My God, it''s like a soap operae to life: two brothers at odds. One is your soon-to-be ex-husband, the other is your nemesis. "So who are you rooting for, Alicia?"

    But Alice''s mind was elsewhere, and Monica''s constant chatter had faded into the background.

    "Alice? Hey,nd to Alice!"

    Only then did Alice return to reality.

    ¡°Huh? Sorry, did you just say something?¡±

    ¡°Are you okay? You seem¡­ distracted.¡± Monica''s eyes narrowed in concern, gently pressing her hand against Alicia''s forehead. ¡°You''re noting down with anything, are you?¡±

    Alice shook her head, but the fog in her mind persisted.

    ¡°I''m fine,¡± she murmured, her thoughts wandering again. Was Caden really the man from that fateful night? The smell, the way he moved, the sound of his voice¡­ it was all too familiar.

    I have tried to recall the details of that night. The private cinema had been shrouded in shadows, the only lighting from the faint glow of the screen.

    Plus, she was so absorbed in the moment that she hadn''t bothered to study the man''s face.

    Alice frowned. A sinking feeling continued to gnaw at her¡­

    With a frustrated sigh, she pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind. She stepped out of the tub and dried her wet hair.

    Just as she wrapped herself in a towel, her phone ranged on the counter.

    He looked at the screen and frowned. Joshua, again.

    He kept calling. Without hesitation, Alice blocked the number and tapped the screen with her finger.

    As soon as she came out of the bathroom, Alicia found Monica standing by the window. Just as Monica was about to draw the curtains, Alicia saw Joshua''s car pulling away from the entrance.

    ¡°Look at that,¡± Monica sneered disdainfully. ¡°What''s wrong with him? Acting like he¡¯s suddenly madly in love with you after all this time?¡±

    Alice shrugged and dropped onto the bed.

    Love? Joshua?

    Just thinking about it made him want tough. If he really cared, he wouldn''t have left her in the rain.

    No, I was done with him for good.

    As the two girls were falling asleep, Monica suddenly sat up in bed.

    ¡°Alicia, I just remembered that the person who bought the drugs wasn¡¯t Joshua.¡± After a slight pause, she continued, ¡°My father mentioned that the buyer''s name was Lillian. Is that the name of Joshua¡¯s secretary or something?¡±

    Alicia turned onto her side and grabbed onto Monica''s arm as if holding on.

    Her mind raced, scanning every possible ¡°Lillian¡± rted to Joshua.

    There were too many of them, and each name was confused with the next, so it was impossible to know who it was.

    But there was one thing she knew: Joshua had never told anyone about his wedding anniversary. Only someone close to him, someone truly important, would know such a secret.

    That woman, whom I have protected so fiercely.

    Alice''s lips pressed into a thin line as she whispered, "Thank you, Monica. You''ve been a great help. For tonight, let''s try to get some rest."

    She exhaled softly, knowing she needed to get a good night''s sleep if she wanted to get revenge on those who had wronged her.

    The next morning, his phone range with a call from an unknown number.

    "Mrs. Bet, we have found what you were looking for, but you will have to im it yourself. I will send you the address shortly."

    Alice''s first instinct was to be on guard, least it be a scam.

    However, one look at the screen of his phone changed his mind. The number was a luxury one and no scammer would spend money on that.

    ¡°What exactly are you talking about?¡± I have asked carefully.

    ?From her wedding ring.?

    Oh.

    Her thoughts immediately returned to the man from that night.

    Her heart jumped into her throat.

    The caller abruptly hung up on him and secondster he received a text message with the address.

    Her breath caught as she read the words ¡°Blizzard Building.¡±

    The Blizzard building was owned by the founder of Crest Group, a high-techpany known around the world for its cloud robots and high-tech microchips. Her mind was reeling. Who the hell had she slept with that night?

    Puzzled, Alice checked the address again and her eyes widened at thest detail: the address specified the CEO''s office.

    "My God.

    That same day, on her way to the Blizzard building, Alice quickly checked the list of Crest Group shareholders. Hmm¡­ They all had foreign-sounding names, each of them over fifty years old.

    Foreigners¡­

    It was no wonder the man''s member had been so¡­ huge.

    Stunned, Alice stroked her flushed cheeks, feeling a whirlwind of emotions.

    Standing before the imposing and elegant logo of the Blizzard building, Alicia couldn''t shake the surreal feeling that was taking over her.

    Was it a trap?

    His thoughts grew dark, one disturbing possibility after another creeping into his mind.

    As a precaution, he grabbed some self-defense items before crossing the entrance.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Just as she crossed the lobby and entered the elevator, a car pulled up behind her. The car door opened and Lilliana stepped out, followed by Joshua.

    He gripped her hand tightly, his face lined with worry.

    "Joshua, can you really handle this?"

    Since returning to the country, Caden had acquired several entertainmentpanies, one of which Lilliana had invested in.

    As a rising pop star, her career was thrown into disarray when Caden unexpectedly stepped in.

    Joshua''s eyes remained fixed on the imposing building before him, his expression unreadable.

    "Caden''s problems with me are personal. If he brings you into this, he''ll only tarnish his own name. Don''t worry, I''ll talk to him." I''ll talk to him.

    Lilliana clung to him, her big eyes filling with tears.

    ¡°Please, Joshua! You have to help me. ¡°I have worked so hard to get to where I am today.¡±

    ¡°I said don''t worry. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± He gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, though his gaze never left the building.

    Meanwhile, Alice stood outside the CEO''s office, her path blocked by the high-tech security system.

    The red light shed above her and the robotic voice warned her of an unauthorized intrusion.

    Hank appeared at her side, his face cold as stone.

    "Mrs. Bet, hand over the items."

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia let out a dryugh before casually pulling two fancy knives, a canister of pepper spray, and a handful of other self-defense gadgets from her bag.

    The crash of metal and stic left Hankpletely speechless.

    ¡°Miss Bet, my boss just wants to return your belongings, not¡­ kidnap you,¡± he finally managed, staring in disbelief at the woman¡¯s small arsenal.

    Alice blushed embarrassedly.

    ¡°Sure¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    She then lifted the hem of her skirt to remove a small stun gun strapped to her thigh.

    Hank''s mouth twitched, struggling to suppress his amusement.

    Of all the women seeking Caden''s attention, eager to secure a ce at his side, none had appeared prepared for battle. He''d seen countless beautiful dresses in this line of work, but Alicia¡­ well, she was the first to pair her dress with weapons, looking like she was ready to take Caden down herself.

    Hank chuckled. No wonder Caden always seemed so intrigued around him. He was the perfect match for his boss: an unbreakable nemesis.

    After receiving the signal from inside, Hank stepped aside and opened the door.

    "You cane in now."

    Alice took a deep breath. She had steeled herself during the journey, convinced that she would not let him shake her.

    But as soon as she entered the office and saw the man behind the desk, her walled fortress instantly crumbled.

    No, it couldn''t be.

    ¡°Caden?¡± she squealed.

    As if hearing the cowardice in her own voice, Alice straightened her posture and lowered her voice.

    "What are you doing here?"

    Caden, dressed in an impable suit that perfectly outlined his masculine figure, looked upzily.

    His posture was rxed, almost too casual, as if he had been waiting for her all along.

    "Why wouldn''t I be here?"

    Alice''s head swam. How the hell was this man so calm? She, on the other hand, felt like she was trapped in an endless nightmare.

    Clinging to the hope that this was all a big mistake, she fumbled for her phone to double-check the address.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.

    Caden''s lips curved into a slight, knowing smile.

    "You are not in the wrong ce."

    The atmosphere in the room seemed to drop a hundred degrees. Alice''s mmy hands trembled as she slowly raised her gaze to meet his.

    "So, that means... that night..."

    He didn''t even blink.

    "Yes. It was me."

    No¡­ Oh, God, no!

    Alice felt as if her world had turned upside down.

    Caden, watching her unravel, leaned back in his chairzily, his eyes never leaving her face.

    "You still don''t believe me?" he asked in a slow voice.

    Her fingers moved elegantly, revealing a ring that sparkled in the dim light of the office.

    Alice''s expression changed abruptly and she lunged for the ring.

    But Caden seemed to have anticipated it, gently lifting his arm out of reach.

    Alice,pletely caught off guard, stumbled forward, colliding with his chest.

    The sudden impact left her momentarily breathless, and his familiar scent filled her nostrils.

    Caden''s voice, soft and mocking, rumbled quietly.

    ?So desperate to hug me, huh?

    Heat rose up Alicia''s neck, her ears burning with embarrassment. She instinctively tried to pull away, but Caden''s arm fell, holding her in ce.

    ¡°What is this? You don''t want the ring anymore?¡± His voice was almost mocking, the underlying trap clear.

    Alice''s mind raced. It was obviously a trap.

    Without the ring, Joshua would be a constant thorn in his side. But leaving it to Caden? This cunning man''s ns would be infinitely worse.

    Caught between a rock and a hard ce, she took a moment to carefully weigh her options. Then, determined, she set her gaze on Caden and asked coldly,

    "What do I have to do to get the ring?"

    Caden''s eyes sparkled with amusement, his gaze lingering on her blushing ears. A wicked grin curved his lips.

    "Sit down first."

    He pped her thigh suggestively, making her stomach turn.

    Alice looked at him with disgust on her face.

    "Ew, don''t be disgusted."

    ¡°Ah, but it seems you are not seriously negotiating, dear sister-inw,¡± Caden said, clearly revealing in her difort.

    Gritting her teeth, Alice reluctantly approached.

    Just before sitting down, he asked in a tense voice,

    "If I sit down, will you give me the ring?"

    "Sit down first."

    But Alice, refusing to be at his mercy, shook her head firmly.

    "Not until you promise me."

    Caden twisted the ring between his fingers and held it up to the open window.

    Her resolve crumbled in the blink of an eye, and she slumped heavily onto hisp.

    The heat from her body seeped through the thin fabric of her skirt, an unpleasant sensation spreading across her skin.

    Her pulse quickened, the intimacy of the moment unbearable. Every second in hisp felt like torture.

    "Caden, stop ying around and give it to me!"

    Caden''s smile faltered slightly, realizing his patience had worn thin.

    His voice softened, though the evil glint never left his eyes.

    "Please me. Make me feel something and the ring will be yours."

    Alice''s thoughts swirled in a storm of frustration as she spat,

    "I''m your sister-inw!"

    "Exactly."

    His face darkened with fury, heat rising to his cheeks.

    Caden''s lips curved into a smile, but his eyes were as dangerous as a poisonous snake.

    He always knew how to touch the nerve that would make her missing.

    But Alice was not one to back down.

    ¡°Fine, but I need to blindfold you,¡± he dered, a mischievous sparkle shining in his eyes.

    Caden raised an eyebrow, piqued by curiosity.

    "Are we getting creative?"

    "Are you going to put the blindfold on or should I?"

    Cadenughed, hisugh a low murmur.

    "Do what you want."

    Without hesitation, he took off his tie and threw it at her.

    Alicia took it, her grip tightening as her own nerves threatened to betray her.

    Calmly, she ced it around her eyes, shaking her hands, before securing it in ce. Despite being shrouded in darkness, Caden remained motionless, allowing her to do as she was pleased.

    Women had never aroused anything in him before, but that night something inside him had changed, as if a dormant switch had suddenly been turned on. Now he wanted to know what had changed.

    Alicia took a deep breath, her fingers brushing his waist as she removed his shirt. A subtle warmth blossomed beneath her hands as they slid beneath the fabric, tracing the lines of her body.

    His touch, gentle but deliberate, felt a slight chill through her.

    However, Caden couldn''t help but sneer.

    He could draw up impable strategies when it came topete with him, but with Joshua it lost all meaning.

    All this for a stupid cheap ring?

    Pathetic.

    Then, without warning, his fingers found his most vulnerable spot.

    Pain shot through him like lightning and he jerked, veins popping out of his neck.

    ¡°Argh!¡±

    His hand went to her wrist, gripping it tightly. But before he could say anything, a knock on the door broke the tension.

    ¡°Mr. Ward,¡± came Hank¡¯s voice from the other end, ¡°Mr. ¡°Joshua Yates has an urgent matter to discuss with you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Hank''s sudden voice sent a jolt through Alicia, making her pull her hands back as if she''d seen a ghost. But Caden, who had been in agonizing pain just moments ago, wasn''t going to let her off the hook that easily. His hand shot out, holding her as he barked at the door, ¡°Let him in.¡±

    All the color drained from Alice''s face.

    ¡°Caden, are you crazy?¡± she hissed, panic in her voice.

    The two of them were in a mess with their clothes in a mess. If Joshua came in now and saw them like this, he would never agree to the divorce!

    Caden, still in pain, kept his face cold and unyielding.

    "Are you scared now? You weren''t so shy when you tried to break my cock before."

    Alicia looked at him in disbelief, her rebellioning to the surface.

    "You''re the one who got me into this mess in the first ce!"

    Before he could say anything else, the door opened and Hank''s footsteps echoed down the hallway.

    Without thinking, Alicia turned to fleece, but Caden''s strong arm wrapped around her waist, pinning her between him and the desk.

    Desperate, Aliceshed out. She grabbed Caden''s hand and sank her teeth into him, hard.

    It wasn''t a yful bite, it was a ferocious bite. Caden''s eyebrows furrowed in pain as his grip involuntarily loosened.

    The footsteps came closer and closer, each one wearing down Alicia''sposure. With no other choice, she pushed past Caden and knelt down, slipping under the desk.

    As soon as Joshua entered, he was met by a disheveled Caden slumped in his chair, his hair disheveled and an unreadable expression shadowing his features.

    Being a man, Joshua was quick to put things back together.

    ¡°Caden, I''m sorry; ¡°Did Ie at a bad time?¡±

    Underneath the desk, Alicia curled into a ball, her heart pounding in her chest. She could practically feel Caden''s gaze burning into her hiding spot, half expecting him to expose her at any second.

    A thick, tense silence hung in the air for a few moments.

    Then Caden slowly leaned back, his chair creaking under the movement, and reached for a tissue to press against the bleeding bite mark on his hand.

    His voice, like ice, pierced the silence.

    ¡°Of course. A minute earlier and you would have witnessed something much more¡­ interesting.¡±

    Joshuaughed. ¡°I thought you didn''t get involved with women.¡±

    ¡°That depends on the woman,¡± Caden replied, his voice cold, almostzy.

    Alicia''s body stiffened, a familiar tension rising up her spine.

    Joshua, trying to lighten the mood before talking business, forced a smile. ¡°Oh? So what kind of woman would make you break your own rules?¡±

    Caden let out a low, almost sinisterugh, his eyes narrowed. ¡°Do you really want to know?¡±

    The sudden change in his tone sent a ripple of unease through the room.

    Joshua¡¯s confidence wavered and his smile faltered. ¡°Who''s the girl?¡± I have asked.

    For a brief moment, the air between them cracked with tension.

    Alicia could almost hear Joshua''s mind working, connecting the dots that pointed to her. But Caden was enjoying ying with his stepbrother.

    He let the question hang in the air for a little while longer before casually changing the conversation.

    "So, what do you bring here?"

    Joshua swallowed, the words he wanted to say stuck in his throat.

    He pulled Lilliana close to his side, using her presence as a shield.

    ¡°I came to talk about the entertainmentpany you recently acquired,¡± he said, his voice a little too strained. ¡°Caden, I know you just got back, and I know you probably have an borate n in ce, but Lilliana''s situation¡­ it''s delicate. If you¡¯re willing to back out of the deal, I¡¯ll pay you double.¡±

    Alicia''s heart sank. She hadn''t thought that Joshua, shameless as he was, would have the nerve to parade his lover in public.

    Lilliana?

    It was the same name Monica had mentioned¡­ the name of the person who had bought the drugs.

    She strained to catch each word, her pulse racing. Lilliana, carefullyposed, began speaking in a soft, practiced tone as she exined her case.

    But Caden barely seemed to notice her words. His attention was focused on Joshua, a cold smile on the corner of his lips.

    ¡°Double, huh? A very generous offer. What exactly is your rtionship with her that you are so charitable?¡±

    ¡°She''s my girlfriend,¡± Joshua replied without missing a beat.

    Caden''s smile deepened, his dangerous gaze shifting from Joshua in front of him to Alicia beneath his desk.

    ¡°Your wife, huh? That exins a lot.¡± He leaned back, the sneer in his smile as sharp as a knife. ¡°But tell me, Joshua, before you make such a generous offer, shouldn''t you consult with your wife?¡±

    "Alicia never gets involved in these matters, nor does she have the right to do so," Joshua said tly.

    At this, Caden cast azy nce at Alicia, who was curled up under the desk, trying to make herself invisible.

    Alicia hugged her knees to her chest, her face colorless.

    The poor thing looked so fragile.

    Caden tossed the blood-stained handkerchief aside with a casual motion, his voice icy cold as he addressed Joshua.

    "That''s enough. Your money means nothing to me."

    Joshua was expecting it.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    He remained calm and quickly proposed a counteroffer.

    "Then I''ll triple it, if that''s what you want."

    A mocking smile tugged at the corner of Caden''s lips.

    "You must really treasure your precious lover, huh?"

    His devilish charm and undeniable attractiveness made even Lilliana blush.

    Joshua''s expression hardened. He pulled Lilliana away, her voice dropping to a dangerous tone.

    "If you have any problems, talk to me. Leave her out of it."

    Caden''s gaze did not waver.

    "You''re not important enough for me to bother."

    A sh of frustration crossed Joshua''s face, but he knew better than to argue.

    Caden had always towered over him, casting a shadow Joshua could never escape. Pushing further would only open up more opportunities for Caden to humiliate him.

    Lilliana, sensing the tension, smiled softly, trying to smooth things over.

    ¡°Mr. Ward, I apologize. We crossed the line. Since the deal is already done, it would be unfair to ask you to step back. Sorry for the inconvenience. ¡°We will continue on our way.¡±

    It was a graceful exit, sparing Joshua further misfortune.

    But as they turned to leave the office, Joshua''s gaze fell on something: a familiar purse on the coffee table. It was Alicia''s.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Joshua stopped midway, his heart dropping as he recalled Caden''s disheveled appearance moments ago, along with the cold, menacing look Caden had given him.

    A feeling of unease gnawed at his insides. Once the thought took root, it spread like wildfire, burning through his mind.

    Could Alice be the woman Caden was talking about?

    As they left the CEO''s office, Lilliana grabbed Joshua''s arm, pulling him toward the elevator.

    ¡°Joshua,¡± Lilliana said quietly, her voiceced with trepidation. ¡°I never imagined Caden could rise so quickly, bing CEO of Blizzard Group. And did you see the way he looked at you? He obviously hasn''t forgotten his grudge. My God, I''m shaking! He''s so scary! I wouldn''t dream of running into him! We''d better stop bothering him about the acquisition for now. And who knows? Maybe working under him will open up more opportunities for us¡­¡±

    Joshua''s brow furrowed, his words barely echoing in his mind.

    He agreed a couple of times before picking up the phone uneasily.

    ¡°I''m sorry, Lilliana. Something came up. ¡°I¡¯ll catch up with youter.¡±

    As he spoke, he dialed Alice''s number.

    However, what greeted her was a cold, robotic voice informing her that the number was not avable. It turned out that she had blocked it.

    Meanwhile, in the office, Alice got up from her hiding ce and straightened her clothes.

    He had heard it all and now he was starting to put two and two together.

    ¡°The woman Joshua was with, isn''t she the famous pop singer, Lilliana Green?¡± Alice furrowed her eyebrows. The familiar name, ¡°Lilliana,¡± resonated in her mind. The famous singer had deep connections in the entertainment world.

    It had to be her. Lilliana Green had to be Joshua''s new partner, in more ways than one.

    Caden, still dazed from the pain, looked at her with sarcasm.

    "Is your husband about to have a child with another woman and you still have no idea who it is?"

    Alice pursed her lips sadly.

    Then, suddenly remembering the reason she hade here, she nced at the bite mark on Caden''s hand.

    The area was still red and swollen, but the wound had already begun to scab over.

    Calctingly, he rxed his expression and let out a small sigh. ¡°I''m sorry, I didn''t realize I bit you so hard,¡± he purred. ¡°Hold on. ¡°Let me clean the wound.¡±

    Surprised, Caden raised his eyebrows in curiosity. Looking into her beautiful, innocent eyes, his resolve wavered.

    "The medicine cab is in the cupboard."

    He even moved his chair away, making room for Alice to sit across from him.

    Leaning back in his chair, he seemed rxed, his eyeszily following Alice''s movements as she carefully tended to his wound.

    As expected, after a moment of silence, Alice could not contain herself any longer.

    "So you''ve acquired Lilliana''spany. Does that mean you''re taking her along too?"

    Caden smirked, easily reading the undertone of his question.

    "Are you begging me to take care of her?"

    Alice''s lips twitched in irritation.

    "I refuse to beg. Besides, I know you won''t help me anyway."

    "At least you''re self-aware," he eximed, a hint of smugness in his voice.

    His arrogance got on her nerves and she resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

    Instead, he pressed the iodine-soaked cotton against his wound with a little more force than necessary, his own petty revenge.

    But Caden didn''t even flinch. His expression remained maddeningly calm.

    "Come on, press harder if you want. Just make sure the virus ispletely eradicated."

    That?

    Couldn''t he feel pain?

    With a sigh, Alice pulled off a band-aid, her patience running out.

    "So," he asked again, more insistently this time, "are you going to stay with Lilliana or not?"

    Caden''s lips curved into a sly smile, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

    "If you don''t want to, beg me and I will please you."

    Alice couldn''t help butugh, and the absurdity of it all brought a smile to her lips.

    She looked at him with a raised eyebrow and a sarcastic tone.

    "Why? She''s incredibly popr, she sings beautifully, and if she promotes your products, she''ll make you a fortune."

    Caden narrowed his eyes slightly, taking in his little schemes, but he was curious enough to y along.

    "You think so? Me too."

    Alice stood up, dusting her hands off as if the conversation from a moment ago had nothing to do with her.

    ¡°That''s it. Now, give me my ring.¡±

    This time, Caden didn''t hesitate.

    Obediently, he ced the ring in her palm. However, just as she was about to withdraw her hand, he suddenly grabbed her wrist and roughly pulled her towards him.

    The movement was so sudden that she barely had time to gasp before he leaned into her, his warm breath on her neck.

    Then came the sharp sting. Alice''s body tensed and a gasp escaped her lips.

    "Phew!"

    But the pain wasn''t the worst part. It was the way his lips and teeth grazed her skin that he felt a chill through her that left her breathless and disoriented. This moron!

    Caden finally let go with a satisfied smirk, the light bite nothing more than a wicked reminder of who was in control. For the moment.

    Alice pressed her hand against the bite mark, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of rage and embarrassment.

    Her eyes locked on him, but her fury only seemed to amuse him.

    "What''s with the violent reaction? Don''t tell me Joshua has never bitten you like that."

    Alice gritted her teeth in frustration, but she knew better than to confront him.

    When he came to tant provocations, Caden would always have the upper hand. So instead of taking the bait, she grabbed her bag and turned to leave in one swift motion.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Behind her, Caden reached for the phone, casually dialing the inte. Momentster, Hank entered the room, his brow furrowed in confusion.

    "Mr. Ward, did you call?" Hank asked, uncertain.

    Without looking up, Caden replied coldly,

    "Get me a rage shot."

    Hank blinked in disbelief.

    ¡°Uh¡­what?¡±

    Alice, already at the door, couldn''t help butugh quietly. She looked at Hank and said, with a mischievous glint in her eyes,

    "Let''s make it two, since we''re at it."

    Two could y this game.

    Hank hesitated, staring at them before leaving the room, clearly bewildered.

    Of course, no real rabies vine was to be found. Hank returned with something much less dramatic: a bottle of glucose.

    Alicia disposed of the used syringe with a graceful flick of her wrist and looked back at Caden, her expression calm but cutting.

    ¡°Take care, Miss Bet,¡± Caden said mockingly. ¡°And when you finally manage to drag Joshua back into your disastrous life, let me know, I¡¯ll stop by to congratte you.¡±

    Alice, unperturbed, looked at him indifferently.

    ¡°You know, Mr. Ward, instead of butting into my life, maybe you could use the time to improve your¡­ basic bedroom skills. Seriously, it¡¯s embarrassing.¡±

    At this, Caden''s expression hardened. The yful glint in his eyes faded into the darkness, reced by something far more dangerous.

    Elementary skills?

    Embarrassing?

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia preferred to turn a deaf ear to Caden''s animosity.

    He opened the door and walked out without saying another word.

    As soon as we left, Hank appeared.

    "Mr. Ward, should I take Miss Bet home?"

    Caden''s expression was colder than usual.

    "That won''t be necessary. You might as well use your mouth to find your way home."

    Hank blinked, unsure of how to respond to that.

    Alice didn''t leave immediately. She went downstairs to buy some desserts and a cup of coffee. Then she went to knock on Hank''s office door.

    ¡°Miss Bet,¡± Hank eximed in surprise. ¡°Can I help you?¡±

    Alicia ced the sweets and coffee on her desk with a kind smile.

    "I''m afraid I''ll have to bother you, Mr. Ford. Please pass this on to Mr. Ward."

    Hank was visibly surprised.

    What shameless cruelty!

    What could have been put in the coffee? Drugs?

    Bleach? Battery acid? Rat poison?

    Or maybe a few bugs?

    Hank didn''t dare pick up the coffee.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mrs. Bet,¡± she said politely, ¡°but Mr. Ward only drinks coffee made from freshly ground beans stored in thepany pantry.¡±

    Alice lowered her eyes.

    ¡°It''s okay. If it''s too much trouble, then let''s forget about it. ¡°I just wanted to apologize to Caden, that¡¯s all.¡±

    As he pulled his hand away and straightened up, he identally knocked over his coffee cup, spilling its contents all over Hank''s desk.

    Started, Alice quickly grabbed theptop and tried to dry it with a handkerchief.

    Unlike her, Hank remained calm.

    ¡°It''s okay, Mrs. Bet. Myptop is waterproof. Let me take care of that.¡±

    But Alice kept cleaning it, checking every nook and cranny to make sure everything was dry.

    Hank wiped the rest of the coffee off his desk. When I turned to Alicia, I found her still fiddling with herptop.

    "There''s nothing to worry about, Mrs. Bet. Everything''s fine."

    She let out a long sigh.

    "Well, that''s a relief. But I''m really sorry. Why don''t I go buy a new mug?"

    "I assure you, Mrs. Bet, that it is not at all necessary."

    Alicia didn''t insist any further. She said goodbye to Hank, gave him a shy smile and finally left the building.

    As he watched her standing behind her desk, Hank couldn''t help but feel a hint of unease.

    Before he could think about it any further, he realized it was time for the meeting.

    Inside the conference room, Caden sat at the head of the long table, ever the picture of sophisticated authority.

    He had always been serious when he came to work, and his presence was significantly more intimidating when he came to business.

    Hank brought hisptop over to begin the meeting presentation. He plugged in his USB drive and therge white screen flickered for a few seconds before shutting off.

    Puzzled, Hank was about to unplug the unit when the screen suddenly came back on.

    The silence that fell in the room was deafening and the air cracked with tension.

    The screen showed no charts or graphs, not even a small piece of text. Instead, it showed a high-definition photo of a male private part in all its naked glory.

    Caden''s face darkened ominously.

    Terrified, Hank rushed to shut down theptop, but the program seemed to have frozen and the device wouldn''t turn off. Caden''s Adam''s apple bobbed once as he squinted at the photo.

    ¡°Turn off the projector,¡± he barked at Hank. ¡°Yourptop is obviously infected with some kind of virus.¡±

    Hank practically lunged for the cable hub to disconnect the projector from the screen. What followed was a tense, almost eerie silence, probably caused by the unexpected photo, but no doubt amplified by the forbidding energying off of Caden.

    While his face remained expressionless in appearance, a storm of emotions brewed beneath his icy eyes.

    Hank opened his mouth to speak when Caden stood up and moved in front of him.

    "Today''s session is admitted."Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    And he walked out of the room, with Hank hot on his heels.

    When they reached Caden''s office, Hank rushed to open the door for his boss, but Caden stopped short.

    ¡°Care to exin?¡± Caden asked, staring at his hapless assistant.

    Under normal circumstances, Hank would have rushed to his desk to track down the source of the virus.

    Today, however, Hank not only refrained from making any efforts to rectify the situation, but was also unusually quiet about the debacle.

    Hank straightened his back, although he kept his eyes glued to the ground.

    "It was Miss Bet."

    The temperature in the hallway seemed to drop a few degrees.

    "I know it was Alice, but how did she do it?"

    Hank was a little surprised and raised his head before he could stop himself.

    "How did you know it was her, Mr. Ward?"

    ¡°How else?¡± Caden replied, his tone curt. ¡°Because those were my crown jewels paraded in front of my subordinates!¡±

    In his nearly thirty years of existence, he had only slept with Alicia, and they had just had an intimate encounter in his office that very same day.

    So she hadn''t just blindfolded him for a fun, sexy romp, but dared to take a photo of him when he was at his most vulnerable.

    ¡°Ms. Bet brought coffee and pastries to my table before she left. She asked me to give them to her to express her apologies. The next thing I remember, she spilled the coffee all over my desk and was cleaning it off myputer. It all happened so fast, and at the time I was more concerned about the possibility that she had tampered with the coffee or the pastries¡­¡±

    Despite all Hank''s musings, he never imagined that Alicia would upload a vulgar photo to hisputer and sabotage his presentation.

    With a click of his tongue, Caden stormed into his office and grabbed a bottle of ice-cold water from the nightstand.

    Hank followed him slowly, his tone cautious,

    "Should I call Mrs. Bet, Mr. Ward?"

    Caden could feel the blood pumping in his temples as he gritted his teeth.

    ?It is not necessary.

    Hank studied his boss. Although Caden was still holding back his anger, it was clear he had no intention of pursuing the matter any further.

    Hank breathed a sigh of relief.

    "Mrs. Bet is always so kind and soft-spoken. I had no idea she had a hidden wild streak."

    Caden set down the water bottle with more force than necessary.

    ¡°Mr. Ward,¡± Hank continued, his curiosity already piqued, ¡°who do you think the man in that photo is?¡±

    The corners of Caden''s eyes twitched slightly, but he didn''t say anything.

    However, Hank did not miss it. Trembling with fear, he bravely went forward and asked,

    "Was it you, Mr. Ward?"

    ¡°No,¡± Caden replied nonchntly. ¡°It''s not me.¡±

    Hank finally allowed himself to rx.

    "Of course not. It''s just as I thought. You have problems in that regard, so it''s impossible for you to have reached the rming state shown in that photo."

    Without further ado, Caden''s fury red again.

    That moment was still vivid in his memory. They had been in this very office, and Alice had merely touched him with her delicate fingers. Her touch had been so brief that it didn''t even count as teasing in his books.

    However, her body''s reaction had been immediate and intense. Looking back on it now, she could only regret the shame she had felt.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden''s gaze shifted to Hank, his eyes hard as steel. The silence that followed was suffocating, seeing into every corner of the room like a thick fog.

    Hank could feel the tension tightening in his chest, and a chill ran down his spine. Swallowing, he straightened his posture and stammered,

    "I''m sorry, Mr. Ward. It was my mistake. You have full authority to handle this as you see fit."

    Caden''s lips moved in a slight, scornful smile.

    ¡°Hmm, no end-of-year bonus for you, Hank. Good thing, since I¡¯ve been thinking about upgrading my car.¡±

    Despite the coldment, Hank kept hisposure and obedientlyunched into his brief report on the day''s failed meeting.

    He lowered his voice as he got to the fine details.

    "Mr Joshua Yates, however, sent some rather generous gifts and deposited a hefty sum into our ount. He said it was just a small gesture to ensure that Lilliana''s future is safe and sound."

    Joshua''s obvious attempt to secure a favor made Caden chuckle quietly.

    It also reminded him of the look on Alice''s face before she left that morning. What could she be up to now?

    A glint of anticipation shed in Caden''s eyes as he finally spoke again.

    "This woman, Lilliana..."

    I have paused deliberately, giving Hank a meaningful look.

    Hank, ever attentive, obediently acknowledged.

    ?She made her debut in show business thanks to the financial support of her family. For a while she remained unnoticed, butst year she hit the jackpot with a hit song and shot to fame overnight. Since then, her poprity has continued to grow. I willpile all the details about her career and send them to you by email shortly.?

    Caden remained impassive, almost bored.

    "Since you''ve already bought your ticket, I won''t waste the opportunity. Tell Joshua: I''ll make sure his precious lover is well taken care of."

    Now that she had the ring, Alicia took Monica out for avish dinner at one of the city''s finest restaurants. The two clinked crystal sses together merrily, the crackling sound echoing throughout the room.

    Monica wrinkled her nose in disgust.

    ¡°I would never have imagined that Lilliana would stoop so low as to be someone¡¯s mistress.¡± She rolled her eyes before adding: ¡°And getting pregnant before getting married? If her fans find out, there will be a full-blown scandal!¡±

    Alicia took a measured sip of her drink and a slight, knowing smile curved her lips.

    ¡°She''s ying with fire,¡± he mused quietly. ¡°And she''ll get burned in the end. She got pregnant too early. When she gives birth, it will be impossible to hide it. Sooner orter, she¡¯ll slip up.¡±

    However, Monica was still seeing things with indignation, her eyes shining.

    "Are you really going to let those two bastards get away with this?"

    Alice, however, had long since left any desire for revenge behind. Her voice was calm, her words measured.

    "I couldn''t care less about their rtionship, but Lilliana drugging me is a different story. I won''t forgive that so easily."

    Monica clenched her fists and rolled up her shirt sleeves, as if she were preparing for a fight.

    "Say it and I''ll gather some of my men to deal with you."

    ¡°No need.¡± Alice gave a smallugh, shaking her head. ¡°I have my own ways of dealing with things.¡±

    Monica, seeing her friend soposed in the face of adversity, couldn''t help but sigh in admiration. It reminded her of the old days.

    ¡°You''ve changed a lot since you decided to leave that jerk. When you were fighting with Caden, you were so alive, with your fiery spirit and yourpetitiveness. ¡°Now it seems like the old Alice is back.¡±

    Alicia couldn''t help but giggle at Monica''s words, immediately thinking of her little n from earlier that day.

    If everything went ording to n, those present in the meeting room would have been in for a big surprise. Caden''s expression must have been priceless, dark as a storm cloud, no doubt.

    He couldn''t help but smile at the thought.

    ¡°What''s so funny, Alice?¡± Monica''s eyes narrowed in curiosity.

    Alice quickly recovered herposure, suppressing the mischievous smile that had threatened to give her away.

    "Oh, nothing. It just seemed funny to me while I was eating, that''s all."

    Monica blinked in confusion.

    "Wait, are you eating with your armpit now?"

    Before Alicia could respond, her phone buzzed in her hand. She looked down to see a text from Caden. It said,

    "Nice photography skills."

    Alice snorted, rolling her eyes.

    Another message appeared almost instantly:

    "Satisfied with the size?"

    Even through the text, I could imagine his trademark smirk. How infuriating!

    Alice moved her lips and quickly typed a reply.

    "Too small. Honestly, it''s an eyesore."

    He paused and another message appeared on his screen:

    ¡°Oh yeah? Well, it''s still better than my pathetic brother. ¡°It took me two minutes to break what he couldn¡¯t after two years.¡±

    Her fingers froze and her eyes widened as she realized the double meaning.

    Her heart skipped a beat and a rush of heat rushed to her face.

    With a huff of frustration, she dropped the phone onto the table, but the words remained in her mind. Her pulse quickened in irritation as she picked up the phone again and typed furiously.

    "Don''t tter yourself, Mr. Ward. I''ve had hymen repair surgery."

    Caden, lounging in a dimly lit booth at a chic bar, chuckled as he read her response.

    The amber glow of his whiskey ss reflected off his sharp features and his lips curved into a devilishly charming smile.

    Gerry Hopkins, his ever-inquisitive friend, raised an eyebrow from across the table.

    "What the hell are you looking at now? You''ve put on that seductive smile again."

    Caden just shook his head, closing the phone and setting it aside with an amused glint in his eyes.

    "I''m just flirting with a married woman," he repliedzily, as if he were talking about something as trivial as the weather.

    Gerry sat up suddenly, his eyebrows raised in disbelief.

    "Since when are you so desperate?"

    Caden didn''t bother to respond, instead opting to empty his ss of liquor in one motion.

    His Adam''s apple bobbed as he swallowed, giving him a raw, maic appeal that was hard to ignore.

    Yet despite his striking appearance, women rarely stayed by his side. His aloof nature made him seem untouchable: cold, distant, like a demon carved from ice.

    Piqued by curiosity, Gerry leaned slightly towards him.

    "And whose wife was charming enough to get through that¡­ peculiar condition of yours?"

    Caden''s expression remained unreadable, his voice t.

    "Maybe I was never sick to begin with."

    The idea of ??romance had never entered his mind. To him, it was a mere whim for which he had neither the time nor the desire.

    Alice was in the right ce at the right time.

    Soon the bar came to life as the night crowd filled the room, mostly beautiful women.

    With Caden''s good looks, he instantly became the center of attention, whether he liked it or not.

    A stunning woman with wavy hair approached, her gaze lingering on him as she offered him a flirtatious smile.

    "Do you mind if I have your number?"

    Caden''s gaze slid up to meet hers. He could appreciate her wless face and the graceful curve of her body, but he had zero interest in her.

    "I''m sorry, but I already have a partner."

    He left the poor girl alone, pointingzily at Gerry.

    The woman blinked, surprised written all over her features, before quickly apologizing and leaving.

    Gerry let out a long sigh.

    "Who are you calling ''partner''? You really are something else, Caden, using me as an excuse for your¡­ impotence."

    Caden gave him a look but couldn''t muster the energy to argue.

    Instead, I have offered his friend a form ofpensation.

    "Your new movie ising out next month, right? I''ll ask Lilliana to write a song for free."

    Gerry''s outrageous expression softened and a smile yed at the corner of his lips.

    "That''s better."

    But there was something strange about it all. Lilliana, the rising star whose song had catapulted her to famest year, hadn''t produced anything noteworthy since.

    Gerry couldn''t help but wonder, lowering his tone suspiciously,

    "Do you think Lilliana really wrote that song?"

    .

    .Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    .

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    That song - its melody, its heartfelt lyrics, the soulful voice behind it - had captivated the world in an instant. Thanks to that song, Lilliana became an overnight sensation.

    For a moment, it seemed like she was just beginning her rise to stardom. But who could have predicted that it would be the peak of her fame? Since then, her career has stagnated and she has taken a backseat.

    With an indifferent look, Caden said, ¡°You¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡±

    Wasting no time, Alicia tried to arrange a meeting with Joshua to finalize the divorce.

    It was hours before Joshua finally responded,

    "I''ll see you tonight at nine. Let''s talk at home."

    At nine o''clock at night, Alicia returned to the marital home.

    As soon as I opened the door, I found something unexpected.

    A pair of women''s shoesy carelessly in the entrance, as if thendy had kicked them off in a fit of rage. Alice''s gaze darted into the room.

    A man''s suit and a woman''s dress were scattered messily on the floor, suggesting that something intimate had happened not long ago. His eyes moved upward and fell on the partially open door of the second-floor bedroom.

    From inside, she could hear the sound ofbored breathing, undoubtedly Joshua''s.

    Alice smiled with satisfaction, not losing sight of the irony of the situation.

    ¡°Amazing,¡± she thought wryly. ¡°Just a couple of months pregnant and already back to such reckless abandonment.¡±

    Momentster, her phone rang with a message from Joshua.

    "Where are you?

    Alice exhaled deeply, preparing herself for what wasing, and went back inside.

    Joshua was already waiting in the living room, sitting as if nothing had happened.

    His eyes, still ssy with the remnants of desire, scanned her with a calcted air, as if gauging her reaction.

    ¡°Where¡¯s that bag you always carry?¡± His voice was sharp, his eyes narrowed as he studied Alicia.

    Alice hesitated for a moment, not knowing what game she was ying at. Then she calmly took the ring out of her bag and showed it to him.

    "Let''s sign the agreement."

    He said evenly, getting straight to the point,

    "I don''t want anything more than what I brought to this marriage. You can have everything else."

    His expression darkened, a storm gathering behind his eyes.

    ¡°Nothing at all?¡± Hisugh was bitter, full of disdain. ¡°Stop acting so important, Alice.¡±

    But his firm stance only seemed to fuel his anger.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    ?Before we got married, you gave me everything you could. Now, for two years, you haven''t worked a single day, living off of me. Are you sure you can bear to lose thisfortable life after the divorce?

    ¡°Live off of you?¡± Alice''s lips curved into an almost mocking smile. ¡°What exactly have you given me these past two years?¡±

    It was true that he had "enjoyed" a meager monthly allowance and the asional thoughtless gift.

    But even the jewels she once treasured had probably been discarded first by Lilliana.

    Fortunately, Alice had not lost her waypletely after getting married. She had worked here and there, saving some money. She was not as helpless as I thought.

    Not wanting to waste any more breath, Alice picked up the pen and, with a firm hand, quickly signed on the dotted line.

    He didn''t hesitate or think twice.

    Then he slid the papers across the table toward Joshua with a firmness that made the air between them feel heavy.

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± he said calmly. ¡°Sign it. ¡°I know someone is waiting for you upstairs.¡±

    Joshua''s lips twisted into a cruel smile.

    ¡°Jealous, aren¡¯t you?¡± His voice dripped with mockery. ¡°Her skills far surpass yours. Even though she¡¯s pregnant, she knows exactly how to keep me satisfied.¡±

    But Alice didn''t flinch. The disgust she had felt for him had long since settled deep within her, overshadowing any sting his words might have caused. She shrugged, her voice light.

    "Well, you''re so lucky. Congrattions."

    He clenched his jaw and fists until his knuckles turned white.

    He grabbed the pen and signed with a cold look, the sound of the pen scratching the paper threatening to tear it. Then he practically dropped the pen on the floor.

    ¡°Alice,¡± he growled, ¡°don''te crying to meter.¡±

    Alicia looked down at the signed agreement, her heart feeling light for the first time in years. It was as if a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders, setting her free.

    She stared at Joshua. The tenderness she once felt for him was gone; what they had once shared now seemed like a distant, fleeting dream.

    ¡°Don''t worry,¡± he said quietly, his tone determined. ¡°I won''t worry.

    His voice, though devoid of malice, pierced her heart more deeply than any insult.

    Joshua felt a painful tightness in his chest.

    The sting of his words cut deep, like an ice-coated dagger. Alice rose to leave.

    But Joshua jumped to his feet, his hand instinctively gripping Alicia''s wrist.

    "Alice, wait!"

    His voice caught in his throat as his eyes fell on the slight hickey on her neck, hidden beneath the cor. The confusion that had gripped him moments before disappeared, reced by a fierce, unrelenting anger.

    ¡°What the hell is that?¡± he asked, his tone usatory. ¡°Have you slept with someone?¡±

    Alice let go of her wrist, her expression icy.

    "You''ve known me too long to ask more intelligent questions than that," he said, his words filled with silent disdain.

    His response ignited the rage already boiling inside her.

    Joshua''s eyes darkened and he grabbed her shoulders, pulling her tightly against him. He grabbed her face in his hands and squeezed, as if he could force the truth out of her.

    ¡°Who?¡± I have hissed. ¡°Who have you slept with and since when?¡±

    Revulsion twisted Alice''s features and she pushed him away.

    "You have no right to ask about my private life," she snapped, her voice cold as winter. "Let me go!"

    Joshua mocked, his temper dangerous.

    "Now it makes sense. That''s why you''re so eager to divorce me: you''ve already tried someone else."

    His anger turned into something darker, his voice deep and venomous as he roughly ripped at his clothes.

    "If you wanted more, you could havee to me. I''m more than capable of satisfying you, too."

    Alice, her patience exhausted, pped him across the face. The sharp crack of the p hung in the air.

    Joshua''s world spun, not from the force of the blow, but from the shock. He had never been pped by a woman before, and now the rage that boiled within him roared uncontrobly.

    The thought of Alice in the arms of another man poisoned his mind, driving him to the brink of madness.

    She was his.

    It had always been his.

    With a guttural growl, he pushed her back onto the couch, his fingers ripping off her robe as his intentions turned vicious.

    At that moment, Liliana''s voice rang out from upstairs.

    "Joshua, what the hell do you think you''re doing?"

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 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Joshua stopped suddenly, as if a switch had been turned on in his mind.

    He came to his senses again and reluctantly released Alice.

    Taking advantage of the moment, Alicia bent her knee and dealt a powerful blow to his crotch.

    Joshua lost the color from his face as pain coursed through him, rendering him immobile.

    Alicia quickly stood up and straightened her clothes, shaking off the tension.

    Her heart raced with lingering fear, but her anger toward Joshua grew stronger. She felt an overwhelming urge to smash his head in.

    But Alice realized that she was outnumbered and had no chance of winning the fight. Fighting back would only put her in greater danger.

    Suppressing her anger, she grabbed the divorce agreement and headed for the door.

    At that moment, Lilliana appeared,ing down the stairs and blocking Alice''s path.

    Lilliana''s eyes were filled with disdain as she said with contempt, "Despicable bitch."

    Alice''s anger red even more in response to Lilliana''s words.

    He cast a cold nce at Lilliana.

    Lilliana looked at Alicia and stood her ground.

    "You talk about divorce, and yet you shamelessly interfere in my life with Joshua. I never took you for someone so maniptive, Alicia."

    Joshua listened to Lilliana''s words and stood up, enduring the pain of Alicia''s blow.

    Lilliana continued,

    ¡°Don''t even pretend that Joshua forced you. I have ignored you for two years of marriage. Why would he change now?¡±

    Joshua grabbed Lilliana¡¯s arm firmly. ¡°Lilliana, stop acting like that. It¡¯s beneath you.¡±

    Alice stood up straight. A mocking smile appeared on her lips.

    "I never thought I''d see a mistress being so daring."

    Lilliana''s expression changed to anger.

    "What ridiculous usations are you making?"

    Before he could finish his retort, Alice''s pnded like a bullet.

    The sound echoed through the room.

    This action shocked both Lilliana and Joshua.

    ¡°Did you not understand what I said? Maybe a p will clear it up for you.¡± Alice''s voice was cold as she fixed her gaze on Lilliana.

    Lilliana''s delicate face flushed.

    She screamed in pain, got up from Joshua''s embrace and shouted at Alicia: "How dare you hit me!"

    In a fit of anger, Lilliana raised her hand to retaliate, but Alice quickly grabbed her wrist and, without hesitation, pped her on the other cheek.

    Lilliana staggered back, her vision blurring. Her screams echoed through the air.

    When Joshua regained hisposure, he grabbed Lilliana and turned to Alicia.

    "That''s enough, Alice!"

    Alice had reached her limit. She shook off her aching hand and stared at them.

    ¡°One p is for your filthy words, and the other is for your disgusting actions. You are a celebrity, and you stoop so low as to drug someone? Do you have no shame?¡±

    Joshua''s confusion increased.

    "What are you talking about? Drugging?"

    Alice had no intention of staying any longer. Without another word, she turned and walked out of the house, eager to escape the madness.

    The door closed behind her, but the room remained in disarray.

    Lilliana''s face was swollen and her screams ran through the room as she gasped for air between sobs.

    Joshua''s irritation grew with each sob and he struggled to contain his frustration. He brought ice and gently ced it on Joshua''s face to reduce the swelling.

    When the room fell silent, he asked, ¡°What did Alice mean by ¡®drug¡¯?¡±

    Hatred filled Lilliana''s tearful eyes.

    Without hesitation, he confessed: ¡°On your second wedding anniversary, I drugged her with a love potion to get her to sleep with someone else.¡±

    Joshua''s chest tightened as a surge of rage emerged through him. He has fought back the curses that threatened to spill out of his mouth.

    Lilliana noticed his gloomy expression and asked, ¡°What? Do you feel bad for her now? Are you upset? ¡°I just did that to make sure she wouldn¡¯t cling to you and refuse the divorce.¡±

    Joshua closed his eyes, fighting to control his anger.

    Fury gripped him and he wanted to strangle her for her stupidity. However, he could not allow himself to lose the powerful influence of Lilliana''s family.

    ¡°No,¡± Joshua muttered, holding back his anger as he hugged her. ¡°She''s nothing more than a housekeeper to me.¡±

    ¡°So why do you seem so upset?¡± Lilliana asked, her voice shaking slightly.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Joshua forced himself to remain calm and replied, ¡°I was going to wait until my father passed away to file for divorce. But I won''t let you suffer. ¡°What¡¯s done is done.¡±

    After hearing his exnation, Lilliana softened. ¡°Don''t worry. I¡¯ll have my father support you,¡± he said, trying to reassure her.

    She said softly, touching her stomach, ¡°And now that I''m pregnant, Caden won''t be able to defy you.¡±

    Joshua did not respond.

    Right now, he didn''t care about the inheritance. All he could feel was an uneasiness he couldn''t shake.

    It took Lilliana forever to calm down.

    ¡°If it weren''t for my status, I would have sent her to jail the moment sheid a hand on me!¡± Lilliana eximed, her voice filled with anger. ¡°Joshua, you have to do something about that bitch. ¡°Teach her a lesson.¡±

    ¡°Fine. ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± Joshua muttered tiredly.

    Then he went into the study to smoke a cigarette. Images of Alice shed through his mind like a slide show.

    He thought about how tender she had been and how, in the end, she had be determined and ruthless. The way she had looked at him with pure hatred when he pped her ¨C her eyes burning with intensity ¨C was forever etched in his memory.

    All these thoughts about Alice made him realize something: the woman who had once adored him was no longer his. She hadpletely transformed into someone else.

    Even after exhaling thest puff of smoke, Joshua still felt uneasy.

    On impulse, he took out his phone and transferred arge sum of money to Alice.

    The message apanying the transfer read: ¡°Think carefully about what I told you earlier.¡±

    Joshua couldn''t forget all the years they had spent together. He couldn''t ept it.

    Momentster, just as he was about to light another cigarette, his phone buzzed with a reply from Alicia.

    I opened it quickly, full of anticipation.

    ?I took a screenshot and sent it to Lilliana.?

    The money was immediately returned to his ount, down to thest cent.

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 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    The next morning, Lilliana saw Alicia''s message, and fury boiled inside her. She stormed into the room, her voice sharp and cutting as she confronted Joshua.

    ¡°Exin yourself. What did you want me to ¡®think carefully¡¯ about?¡± His words dripped with usation. ¡°What kind of shady business have you gotten yourself into this time?¡±

    Joshua, who had spent the entire night preparing his excuse, remained calmly calm. He knew she would attack him like this.

    "She''s impulsive, you know. After what happened, I was worried she might cause a scandal on the Inte, so I paid her to keep quiet."

    Lilliana¡¯s eyes narrowed, skepticism etched on her face. ¡°And why didn''t you think to talk to me about this first?¡±

    Joshua used his usual charm, pulling her close, wrapping his arms around her like aforting nket.

    ¡°Don''t make a big deal out of it, my love. If I was interested in her, do you think I would have gone to all this trouble?¡± His voice was soft, almost pleading, as he gave her a tender kiss on her lips.

    His exnation seemed reasonable, and despite her doubts, Lilliana was inclined to believe him.

    Little by little, the tension in her shoulders dissipated and she let herself be carried away by the warmth of his embrace.

    ¡°It''s okay,¡± she whispered after a moment, resting her head on her chest. ¡°But don''t contact her again.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Joshua, sensing victory, reassured her with a quick nod. ¡°Besides, I paid Caden a fortune to keep him out of our way. ¡°This is all¡­ for us.¡± His words worked like a charm.

    Pouting like a spoiled child, Lilliana snuggled into him and murmured, ¡°It''s okay, I forgive you.¡±

    But in her mind, Alice was far from forgiven. She would give that bitch a piece of her mind in due time.

    Those two ps, satisfying as they were, had nearly given Lilliana a concussion.

    Alicia knew Lilliana wouldn''t let it go, and to avoid dragging Monica into the inevitable storm, she quietly rented a new apartment. As she packed her bags, Monica hovered nearby, looking worried.

    ¡°Are you sure you have enough money?¡± Monica asked, looking at Alicia with concern.

    He knew full well that Alice had left her marriage with nothing, so he pulled out his phone and started typing. ¡°Here, let me transfer you some money.¡±

    Alicia quickly squeezed Monica''s hand, stopping her. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she assured her friend with a soft smile. ¡°Remember, I did some side hustle work before all this.¡±

    Monica''s expression softened with sudden recollection. "Oh, yes, I hadpletely forgotten. Ugh."

    Her face lit up like she remembered something else. ¡°Guess what? Yesterday, Gerry Hopkins announced his new movie, and Lilliana is writing the title song!¡±

    Alicia smiled slyly, though her eyes were shining with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. ¡°Well, considering how famous she is, it¡¯s no wonder she works with Gerry.¡±

    Monica scoffed. ¡°I mean, how dare she? She''s way over her head. Doesn¡¯t she know she¡¯s a terrible songwriter?¡±

    Alicia raised an eyebrow, a hint of mischief on her face. ¡°That''s their problem, not ours.¡±

    Then he gently squeezed Monica''s hand and offered her a reassuring smile. ¡°I have to go. Try not to miss me too much while I''m gone, okay?¡±

    After settling into her new apartment, Alicia quickly sent her polished resume to Gerry''s inbox.

    It didn''t take long for her phone to ring and Gerry''s name lit up on the screen.

    ¡°Alice,¡± Gerry¡¯s voice was rxed and amused. ¡°Are you really trying to challenge Lilliana about the music? Did you lose a bet or something?¡±

    Aliciaughed softly, her lips curling into a smile. ¡°There''s still a long way to go until the release date. By then, you''ll have to choose between the two of us. Treat it like a fun game.¡±

    Gerry chuckled amusedly. ¡°You haven''t changed, Alice: you''re stillpeting with everyone, just like in the old days.¡±

    Alice shrugged lightly. ¡°I¡¯m just here to make money, nothing more.¡±

    ¡°I have more money than I can spend,¡± Gerry replied with a hint of mockery. ¡°But I don''t have enough time to indulge in your little games. What¡¯s a married woman like you doing in the entertainment industry anyway?¡±

    Alicia exhaled softly, lowering her voice as she said something that made Gerry stop.

    After a moment of silence, he spoke again, this time a little more seriously. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll look into it and get back to you.¡±

    "I''ll be waiting," Alice replied softly, with a slight smile at the corner of her lips.

    The first person Gerry called was Caden, the yful glint in his eyes evident in his tone. ¡°Guess what? ¡°He¡¯s going to confront Lilliana.¡±

    Caden scoffed in disbelief. ¡°Has she gonepletely crazy?¡±

    Gerry smiled, but then his tone changed, surprising even Caden.

    "I''m thinking of hiring her."

    Caden scoffed again, rolling his eyes as he leaned back in his chair. ¡°You''ve got to be kidding me. Have you lost your mind too?¡±

    "I have my reasons."

    Gerry was about to burst outughing, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he continued, ¡°You''ll never guess what he said to me.¡±

    But by this point, Caden''s patience had run out. Not wanting to waste time with Gerry''s trivial games, I abruptly hung up.

    Secondster, Gerry''s number shed on his screen again.

    This time, Gerry''s voice was full of defiance, of daring. ¡°How about this, Caden? Let''s make a bet. I''ll bet on Alicia, you''ll bet on Lilliana. ¡°The loser gives up a piece ofnd.¡±

    Gerry''s confidence practically oozed through the phone, making Caden pause.

    I have leaned back, considering for a moment before finally agreeing. ¡°Fine,¡± he said, his tone firm. ¡°Your turn. Have you told him yet?¡±

    "Not yet. I was just about to."Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Caden¡¯s eyes flickered mischievously. ¡°Don''t bother. ¡°Send it to me.¡±

    Gerry and Lilliana had finalized and signed their contract a few days ago. But now, with Alicia entering the mix, Caden''s approval was required.

    She knew how these things worked, so without hesitation, Alice headed there as soon as she was called.

    She soon arrived at the elegant ss doors of the building. Thinking it would be a quick visit, she headed for the elevators, intending to go straight to see Caden. However, the receptionist on the first floor stopped her on her tracks.

    "Excuse me, miss, do you have an appointment?"

    Alice offered a polite smile and exined why she was there.

    The receptionist, a stickler for protocol, smiled apologetically. ¡°I''m sorry, but Mr. Ward is very busy. You will need an appointment. Please fill out this form first.¡±

    Alice''s polite smile faltered slightly, but she agreed and filled out the form.

    Then the wait began. Half an hour passed. Then an hour.

    Uneasy, Alicia turned to the receptionist again, only to hear the same disdainful response: that Caden was still too busy to help her and that she should wait a little longer.

    Alice''s instincts stirred with suspicion. Something was not right.

    I have decided not to insist any further and left.

    ¡°Miss Bet, aren¡¯t you going to see Mr. Ward?¡± The receptionist''s confused voice followed her.

    Without breaking stride, Alice nced over her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for him somewhere else.¡±

    The receptionist, perplexed, quickly ryed the message to Hank.

    Momentster, the news reached Caden.

    ¡°Did he say he¡¯d wait somewhere else?¡± Caden raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised, as he leaned back in his chair, taking his time.

    Hank, sensing the unspoken order, snuck away to investigate.

    When he returned, his expression was a little nervous. Caden looked at him suspiciously, and his tone sharpened. ¡°Well? Where did he go?¡±

    Hank hesitated for a moment before answering, his voice awkward. ¡°He¡¯s¡­ he¡¯s at the caf¨¦ across the street.¡±

    "SW?" Caden snapped impatiently, not understanding what was so strange about that. ¡°What about that face? Did the coffee fly or something?¡±

    ¡°No, not exactly,¡± Hank began, ¡°but let¡¯s just say she¡¯s made herselffortable.¡± After a brief pause, he added, ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward, Miss Bet is ying cards in the cafeteria.¡±

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 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice had been ying cards for two hours and was starting to get bored. She decided to change games, hoping for a change of peace.

    His luck soon improved. He won the first two rounds without much effort.

    During the third round, a tall figure appeared behind her. The presence was strong and impossible to miss. Alicia didn''t need to look to know it was Caden.

    He walked past her and sat down, recing the yer in front of him.

    Alice gathered her cards and gave him a small smile. ¡°Mr. Ward, are you finally done with your busy schedule?¡±

    Once Caden was settled, he collected each letter elegantly, exuding an air of refinement. Despite this, he fit into the casual atmosphere effortlessly. ¡°I wasn''t busy. ¡°I just didn¡¯t feel like seeing you,¡± he replied calmly.

    Alice''s lips moved in response.

    Neither of them brought up the subject immediately.

    ¡°What happened to Lilliana¡¯s face?¡± Caden asked casually, as if it were a trivial matter.

    Alicia kept her exnation brief, given the other yers around them. ¡°He lost his temper and ended up hitting his face with my hand,¡± she said nonchntly.

    Caden paused for a moment before cing down a five. Alicia didn''t hesitate. ¡°Four twos,¡± she announced as sheid out the cards on the table.

    Caden looked up and stared at her, lowering his voice. ¡°Miss Bet, I yed a five.¡±

    Unfazed, Alice replied, "So what? It''s bigger than four twos?"

    The silence that followed was deafening, leaving the other yer visibly ufortable.

    Caden threw his card on the table and passed his turn.

    Alicia rolled a three.

    Caden responded with a ten, trying to keep the game moving.

    Alice put down her cards, smiling as she dered, ¡°I have four of them.¡±

    The yer next to her leaned over and whispered, "Miss, you just threw a four. Am I not supposed to be yourmon enemy?"

    Alice calmly replied, ¡°I¡¯m aware of that.¡±

    The yer looked between Caden and Alicia, feeling awkward. ¡°What a strange way to flirt,¡± he mumbled under his breath.

    Alice''s mouth twitched, but she didn''t answer him directly. Turning to Caden, she said, "Let''s keep it simple. Whoever finishes their cards first wins."

    Caden realized that Alice wasn''t focused on the game itself. He yed another card, indicating that he agreed to her terms.

    Alice quickly put down her best cards, barely managing to win the round. She pped her hands and said, ¡°So, the deal topose the song is done.¡±

    Caden gave her a half smile before cing his cards face down on the table.

    The yer looked confused. ¡°What cards did you have? He had almost nothing left, and yet you couldn''t beat him?¡±

    When the cards were revealed, the yer was stunned. ¡°A straight flush? Why didn¡¯t you y it?¡±

    Alicia didn''t know what to say. She had silently rejoiced in her victory, only to realize that Caden had allowed it. Suddenly, the victory seemed insignificant.

    After the yer left, a waiter came to clear the table and served two cups of coffee.

    Alicia raised her cup and looked directly at Caden. ¡°Why did you let me win on purpose?¡± she asked.

    Caden''s long silence made Alicia assume that he wasn''t interested in answering. Then, his lips curved into a slight smile. "Even if you beat me, it doesn''t mean you can beat Lilliana."

    Alice replied casually and abruptly, "Mr. Ward, you seem very proud of her."

    ¡°She has earned my pride,¡± he replied calmly.

    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s his skills that impress you,¡± Alice said with a hint of sarcasm. ¡°I thought you were only buying hispany to get back to Joshua.¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow, unfazed by hisment. He epted her words easily and replied slowly, ¡°Both.¡±

    Alice was caught off guard by her sincerity. ¡°Have you slept with your lover?¡± she asked.

    ¡°For now, just with his wife,¡± Caden replied without hesitation.

    A strange feeling stirred inside Alice. She quickly corrected him: "I''m not his wife anymore. We''re divorced."

    Alice tried to change the subject, but her flushed ears betrayed her. She couldn''t shake off the memory of that night, no matter how hard she tried.

    Caden noticed the small reactions she made. A slight smile yed on his lips as he watched her. She blushed so easily, and yet she had the nerve to lie about something as daring as a hymen repair. The irony gave him a small sense of amusement.

    ¡°Why the sudden divorce? Weren¡¯t you making a fuss about that cheap ten-dor ring a few days ago?¡± I have asked.

    Alicia was speechless. Herment had struck a chord.

    The ring was nothing more than a trinket. It was barely worth ten dors, and now it was just a painful reminder of her failed marriage.

    Lowering his eyes, he spoke softly, ¡°Since we''re done with business, I''ll be leaving.¡±

    Caden''s eyes followed her as she stood to leave.

    Just then, I noticed Joshua''s car pulling up outside. Caden uncrossed his legs and stood up. Without a word, he headed for the door.

    Joshua hade to pick up Lilliana after work. When he saw Alicia leaving the caf¨¦, he headed for the entrance.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    His initial n had been to simply offer her a ride.

    However, as soon as she rolled down the passenger window, Lilliana reacted first. She threw her coffee cup directly at Alicia.

    The coffee sshed onto Alice''s chest, soaking her fine clothes and leaving her lookingpletely disheveled.

    Joshua''s expression darkened as he took in the scene. Lilliana scoffed, "Oh, I was wrong, Miss Bet. I thought you were the garbage can."

    The malice in his tone was unmistakable.

    Alice frowned, trying to wipe herself away, but it was a futile effort.

    Joshua grabbed the car door handle, ready to get out. But he froze when he saw Caden walking towards them.

    Caden approached Alicia.

    He took off his coat and put it over his shoulders,pletely covering the soaked area.

    Let me know if you need any further adjustments.

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 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia was shocked. She looked at Caden, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief.

    Caden''s expression remained inscrutable as he spoke briefly on the phone. His actions were always decisive and efficient, and this time was no different.

    ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward?¡± Lilliana blinked,ing out of her daze in surprise. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Themotion had already attracted the attention of passers-by, and a small crowd of curious onlookers was beginning to gather.

    Lilliana tried to get out of the car, but Joshua grabbed her wrist, pulling her back.

    ¡°Stay in the car. There might be paparazzi lurking around here.¡± He rolled up the car window, keeping his gaze fixed on Alicia and Caden through the ss. ¡°I¡¯ll handle this.¡±

    Lilliana was still irritated. She had nned to humiliate Alicia but she hadn''t expected Caden to be there. How did the two of them know each other?

    Lilliana put her sunsses back on, muttering under her breath in frustration, ¡°That bitch! It hasn¡¯t even been that long since your divorce, and she¡¯s already with your brother!¡±

    Joshua''s face darkened at his words. As much as I have hated to admit it, Lilliana''sment stung.

    He clenched his jaw, unbuckled his seatbelt, and got out of the car.

    The first thing Joshua noticed was how Alicia was holding Caden''s jacket around her shoulders. She stood behind Caden, seemingly expecting him to protect her from everything.

    The sight fueled Joshua''s anger, and his expression grew grimmer with each step he took toward them.

    "Caden," he acknowledged, then reached for Alicia''s hand.

    ¡°Give him back his jacket,¡± Joshua snapped. ¡°I¡¯ll take you home.¡±

    Alice didn''t even give him a chance to touch her. She pulled her hand away, her face indifferent as she asked, "Who are you?"Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Caden remained impassive, his face showing no emotion. The confrontation between Joshua and Alicia seemed insignificant to him, but he stood firmly between them, a silent barrier.

    ¡°Stop being so stubborn,¡± Joshua said through gritted teeth. ¡°Your clothes are soaked. You need toe home with me, right now.¡±

    "Not in your dreams," Alice replied defiantly. "We''re already divorced!"

    To emphasize her point, she grabbed Caden''s sleeve and clung to it like a petnt child.

    Caden looked down at her delicate fingers. When he looked up again, he found Alicia staring at him, looking lost and vulnerable.

    ¡°Can you take me home, Mr. Ward?¡± she asked quietly.

    ¡°Alice!¡± Joshua exploded before Caden could respond. ¡°Why the hell are you acting all shy and flirty with Caden?¡±

    Caden''s expression changed slightly. To everyone''s surprise, he reached out and wrapped his arm around Alicia''s waist, pulling her into his embrace. He looked at his brother with a smile. ¡°You should mind your own business, Joshua. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of mine.¡±

    She nced at the car behind them, reminding Joshua that there was a woman waiting inside.

    Joshua''s hands clenched into fists, his frustration clear.

    At that moment, Hank drove up next to them. Without another word, Caden put Alicia in his car and they drove off, while the curious people continued to whisper among themselves.

    As the backseat door mmed shut, Alicia let go of Caden''s hand.

    In response, he nonchntly smoothed the wrinkles from his sleeves where she had grabbed him. ¡°You''re just throwing me aside after using me to your advantage?¡±

    Alicia slid to the far side of the back seat, sitting up straight with her legs pressed together and her hands in herp. ¡°Not at all. I just know you have an aversion to women. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to upset you.¡±

    He pulled his jacket tighter around his waist. After a moment of reflection, he pulled out his phone and wired his fifty thousand dors.

    ¡°What''s this for?¡± Caden asked, his eyes narrowed at the notification from his bank.

    ¡°The jacket,¡± she exined. ¡°It got coffee stains on it. ¡°You probably don¡¯t want it back, so I¡¯ll pay for it.¡±

    Caden''s gaze hardened as he stared at the screen of his phone. ¡°This isn''t nearly enough. ¡°That suit is way more expensive.¡±

    Alice was almost stunned by his audacity. Why was he being so mean?

    "How much exactly?" she asked, exasperated.

    ¡°Send me another thousand fifty,¡± Caden replied coldly.

    Alice''s eyes widened. "What kind of second-hand jacket costs a hundred thousand?"

    Caden leaned back in his seat, his tonezy. ¡°If you don''t have the money, then you don''t need to pay.¡±

    He had barely finished speaking when Alice replied, "Thank you, then."

    It was Caden''s turn to be speechless.

    But Alice was not finished yet. She continued: "Why don''t you be so kind and give me back the fifty thousand?"

    Caden''s upper lip twitched. Without a word, he unlocked his phone and epted the money transfer.

    Alice let out a little cry of indignation.

    As the car sped along the highway, Alice leaned her head against the window, feeling sticky and ufortable. Every now and then, she tugged at the cor of her shirt to let in some air, trying to relieve the feeling of suffocation caused by her wet clothes.

    Luckily for her, Caden always carried a change of clothes in the car.

    He pulled out one of his extra shirts and tossed it to her. ¡°Put this on.¡±

    Alice hesitated, unsure of how to feel about his offer. ¡°It''s okay. ¡°I¡¯ll take a shower as soon as I get home.¡±

    ¡°The smell of coffee is about to knock me out,¡± Caden replied tly, without even looking at her. ¡°It''s starting to stink in this cramped space.¡±

    Alicia gaped. Was this bastard trying to insult her, or had she suddenly sworn off coffee forever? Still, she felt ufortable changing in the car.

    Sensing her reluctance, Caden closed the partition, blocking Hank''s view of the backseat. Alicia carefully removed her jacket. ¡°Can you turn around, too?¡± she asked cautiously.

    Caden raised an eyebrow and looked at his chest. ¡°What¡¯s all the fuss about A cups?¡±

    Alice''s face flushed with indignation. She stared at herself for a moment, then boldly pulled her shoulders back, pushing her chest out. ¡°Is there something wrong with your eyes? What cup?¡±

    Caden''s lips curved into a grimace. He could almost feel the softness of her breasts as if they were nestled in his palms. ¡°Looks can be deceiving. You have to feel the weight of them to know for sure.¡±

    Alice''s face, ears and neck turned an rming shade of red. With a huff, she turned her back and quickly pulled on her shirt.

    Caden stared at her shamelessly, taking special interest in her slender waist. ¡°Calling her an A cup is already generous,¡± he continued to criticize. ¡°If A minus is a thing, it would be a more appropriate measurement.¡±

    Unable to bear any more of his sarcastic remarks, Alice turned around and threw the stained jacket in his face. ¡°Go to hell, Caden!¡±

    Caden casually dropped his jacket to the floor,pletely unfazed. ¡°What, you can''t handle the truth?¡±

    Alicia rolled her eyes. ¡°Please! Stop projecting your own insecurities onto me.¡±

    Caden shrugged indifferently, humming. He saw no reason to defend himself. After all, there was no truth to his ims.

    Opening the partition again, Caden happened to nce in the rearview mirror and noticed Joshua''s car following them. I chuckled.

    Alicia noticed, too, but her reaction was in stark contrast to Caden''s amusement. ¡°Hank,¡± she said, leaning toward the driver¡¯s seat, ¡°can you pull over by that trash can up front?¡±

    Hank had no idea what he was nning, but he agreed without hesitation.

    As his car slowed, so did Joshua''s.

    From behind the wheel, Joshua watched as the back window of Caden''s car rolled down. Then, a piece of clothing flew out of the car,nding squarely in the trash can.

    Joshua furrowed his eyebrows, confused.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t that Alicia¡¯s dress?¡± Lilliana eximed in a shrill voice. ¡°Why is she throwing it away? Wait, what is she wearing then? Oh my God! Are she and Caden¡­doing it in the car?!¡±

    Joshua''s grip tightened around the steering wheel, his veins bulging against his skin.

    .

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    .

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden saw through Alice''s little game. ¡°Fooling them, are we?¡±

    Alice looked at him and asked, "What else should I be doing?"

    Caden chuckled at that. ¡°tonic marriages must be really interesting.¡±

    Alice pressed her lips together in frustration.

    Just then, Caden''s phone range.

    I have touched the screen and put it on speakerphone.

    On the other end of the line, Lilliana asked, "Mr. Ward, why were you at the caf¨¦ with Alicia earlier?"

    "Why do you ask?"

    "Out of curiosity, were you two talking about business?"

    Before Caden could respond, Alicia stood up and walked over to him.

    Caden''s eyes followed her movements. He was caught off guard when she straddled hisp without hesitation. His eyebrows furrowed as he asked, ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    Alice remained silent and put her arms around her neck.

    Up close, Caden''s sharp, handsome features filled her vision. His chiseled face was wless from any angle. He was even more striking than she had imagined. It was as if his appearance had been sculpted by the gods themselves. Driven by anger, Alicia ced a hand on her face and leaned in slowly, seeking out her lips.

    Caden turned his head to the side. ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±

    Alice squeezed harder, refusing to give him a chance to dodge.

    She knew it was reckless and that she was hurting herself as much as him, but she didn''t stop. This opportunity was too tempting to pass up, considering Caden was Joshua''s nemesis.

    Alice leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "Didn''t you say I was too shy to express myself? Let''s be more direct, then."

    Caden''s eyes darkened. ¡°And what exactly do you have in mind?¡±

    A sly smile appeared on Alice''s face. "Can you moan?"

    Caden''s gaze dropped to her lips, fixing on them. ¡°And who exactly is supposed to moan?¡± he asked, leaning into her with heated passion.

    Alice knew she might be going too far, but she didn''t back down. "You."

    Caden let out a quietugh, amused by her boldness.

    Just then, Lilliana interrupted from the other end of the line. ¡°Mr. Ward..."

    "Mr. Ward? Are you still there?"

    Caden looked straight into Alicia''s eyes, holding her waist tightly. Alicia shifted her body slightly, making room for him, as if she appreciated the closeness.

    His voice sounded hoarse, although he didn''t mean to. "Are you serious?"

    As he spoke, he lifted his face just enough to brush his nose against her cheek. The cold touch sent shivers down her spine.

    Alice''s eyshes fluttered and her anxiety began to rise. She swallowed and, gathering her courage, kissed him. "Keep up the good work and I''ll pay you for your trouble."

    A dangerous light shed in Caden''s eyes. The intensity of his gaze drew Alicia in.

    With each passing moment, Alice felt a growing passion. Her body responded to his presence as she kissed him wildly, licking and biting his lips with reckless abandon.

    Caden applied pressure, guiding her legs around his waist as he gripped the back of her neck. He opened his mouth, taking control, and showed her what a real kiss felt like.

    Overwhelmed by the intensity, Alice let out a soft moan.

    Cadenughed at her reaction. ¡°Looks like you already know how to moan.¡±

    The heat between them became unbearable for Alice. She didn''t want to continue any longer, and struggled to get away.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Caden released her without resistance. The moment he let go, the tension between them evaporated as if it had never existed.

    ¡°The call ended a while ago,¡± Caden said. ¡°Too bad I didn''t hear anything,¡± he added. Joshua had, in fact, missed the whole thing. He had already parked the car and took a moment topose himself.

    The silence in the car stretched on. Finally, Lilliana spoke.

    "I can''t believe it. What would Caden want with Alicia? She''s too boring to be fun to mess with."

    Joshua''s expression darkened as his words sank in. He reached for a cigarette without answering.

    Lilliana red at him and growled, ¡°Are you serious? I''m pregnant. You can¡¯t smoke in here.¡±

    Joshua pretended he didn''t hear her and lit the cigarette.

    So Lilliana angrily reached out to snatch it away.

    Joshua turned to her and growled, ¡°Shut your mouth!¡±

    Lilliana froze, shocked by his sharp tone. She became angry and her eyes filled with tears. ¡°Joshua, you scoundrel. How dare you speak to me like that?¡±

    Suddenly, she let out a cry of pain, a sharp pain running through her abdomen as her emotions overwhelmed her. Her face lost its color.

    "Joshua... the baby..."

    Joshua stopped dead in his tracks. Realizing what had happened, he quickly pulled himself together. Without another word, I rushed her to the hospital.

    In the other car, silence hung in the air.

    After the kiss, Alicia felt awkward, unsure of where to look. She grabbed her phone and quickly wired money to Caden. ¡°We didn''t quite get what we set out to do, but thanks for ying along. ¡°I¡¯ll pay you the standard rate for your time.¡±

    Caden sat back and looked at her. ¡°Standard fare, huh? Are you that familiar with this kind of thing?¡±

    Alice dodged the question. ¡°Just take the money. There¡¯s no need for unnecessary courtesies.¡±

    Caden looked at the amount: one hundred dors.

    How generous.

    For someone worth billions, being paid a hundred for his time seemed ridiculous. But he took the money.

    "Don''t forget to call me next time you need something like that," he said.

    This time, Alice was speechless.

    Caden''s gaze remained fixed on her. ¡°Did you and Joshua avoid kissing when you were together?¡±

    Alice felt the sting of her question, but kept her expression firm. ¡°We kissed every day. ¡°Three times a day, without missing a beat.¡±

    Caden let out a chuckle. ¡°Really? Because your technique is terrible.¡±

    Alicia remained calm, although herment stung. ¡°We''ve been fighting a lot, and we haven''t kissed in a while. ¡°I just don¡¯t have enough practice.¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Cadenughed harder, clearly entertained.

    Alicia held back her frustration, refusing to let his words bother her any further.

    "We''re even. You''re not exactly a kissing expert either."

    Caden did not dispute thatment.

    Not long after, he received a call from Lilliana''s agent. The agent informed him that Lilliana had had a minor problem at the hospital and would need a few days to recover.

    Without showing any concern, Caden replied, ¡°Forte endorsements, follow the contract. Process thepensation ordingly.¡±

    The agent hesitated, clearly surprised by theck of sympathy.

    Dealing with ruthless businessmen meant that nopassion could be expected from them.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    The sleek ck car stopped in front of the old apartmentplex.

    Alicia got out without looking back, her heels clicking softly on the pavement as she drove away. Inside the car, Hank watched her retreating figure.

    With a wry smile at the corner of his lips, he broke the silence. ¡°Mr. Ward, you like Miss Bet, don''t you?¡±

    Caden''s face remained impassive, his expression as unreadable as ever.

    "Have you been drinking? What''s this nonsense about?"

    Hank cleared his throat awkwardly, sensing a change in the atmosphere. ¡°But if you didn''t like her, then why did you kiss her?¡±

    A slight crease formed between Caden''s brows as he turned his head just enough to catch Hank''s gaze in the rearview mirror. ¡°If the moment called for it, I could kiss anyone, even you.¡±

    Hank blinked,pletely caught off guard. ¡°Huh?¡±

    Caden, uninterested in Hank''s confusion, looked away at the weathered building before them.

    The ce was old, not exactly rundown, but far fromfortable, with peeling paint and windows that had looked better days. Compared to Joshua''s luxurious vi, it was a stark contrast, a far cry from the life Alicia had known. It was clear she had left with nothing but her pride, and this apartment was the bitter reminder.

    Typical Joshua. He never left anything for those he discarded.

    Leaning back in his seat, Caden''s fingers drummed rhythmically on the armrest, his expression cold and distant. ¡°Let''s go.¡±

    At the hospital, Lillianay in bed, stiff with worry.

    She rested her hands on her small belly, her breathing wasbored, and she barely dared to move. Fear for the baby consumed all her thoughts.

    Joshua hovered over her, obedient and attentive. He catered to her every whim, making sure the press never found out where they were. Every detail was handled with precision: not a single photograph could be allowed to leak to the media.

    As evening fell, fatigue settled upon him like a heavy burden. He exhaled slowly, finally finding a moment of peace, although it was far from restful. Lilliana, whose earlier anger had been softened by his efforts, still refused to look at him.

    The tension between them persisted, stubborn as ever, until Joshua began to gently coax her. Slowly, she slowed and let him hold her, though a shadow of warning still lingered in her eyes.

    "If you yell at me like that again," he muttered, his voice low but firm, "I''m leaving you."

    Joshua fell silent, his gaze contemtive.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    A soft ring from his phone broke the silence.

    Joshua shifted in his seat, avoiding Lilliana''s curious gaze as he checked the message.

    "Mr. Yates, Mr. Ward dropped Ms. Yates off at the apartmentplex and left shortly after. We have maintained close surveince throughout the night and no one else has entered Ms. Yates'' home."

    Without a word, Joshua deleted the message, his expression unreadable.

    When Lilliana was finally discharged from the hospital, the first thing she heard was news about the theme song contest.

    ¡°Alice?¡± he muttered, his eyebrows furrowing in disbelief. Had he heard correctly? A sneer spread across his lips. ¡°Do you want topete with me?¡±

    Gerry, with an amused smile, nodded. ¡°Yes, that''s right. Alicia, Joshua¡¯s wife.¡±

    Lilliana''s expression hardened, her nails digging into her palm as she gritted her teeth. ¡°They¡¯re already divorced.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Gerry arched an eyebrow innocently. ¡°I hadn''t heard. ¡°I thought you were still keeping your marriage a secret.¡±

    Thement grated on Lilliana''s nerves, making her wonder if Gerry held some unspoken grudge against her. But she quickly dismissed the thought, deciding it was just her overactive imagination.

    ¡°I don''t care if Aliciapetes against me,¡± he said with a dismissive wave of his hand. ¡°Rest assured, Mr. Hopkins. ¡°I won¡¯t let you down.¡±

    Gerry couldn''t help but burst outughing, his howls filling the entire room.

    ¡°Oh, I''m betting on Alice,¡± he said, his voice casual but cutting.

    Lilliana''s smile faltered, a chill running through her veins.

    ¡°But don''t take it too hard,¡± she added with a chuckle. ¡°Caden supports you. ¡°I¡¯m just doing it for the thrill of the challenge.¡±

    Internally, Lilliana scoffed at Gerry''s apparentck of taste. Alice? Really?

    As soon as she left, she quickly took out her phone and called Joshua.

    ¡°Can you still locate thatposer, Iris?¡± he asked forcefully.

    Joshua, worried, absentmindedly replied, ¡°Who is¡­?¡±

    ¡°The artist who wrote my songst year,¡± Lilliana blurted out, quickly lowering her voice as she looked around to make sure no one was listening. ¡°You know, the ghostwriter. Find her for me. ¡°I need another song.¡±

    Joshua barely looked up from his task. ¡°You''re working with Caden now,¡± he replied tly. ¡°Don''t cheat; ¡°you¡¯ll just get caught.¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯m in the middle of apetition!¡± Lilliana''s eyes shed with fierce determination. ¡°I''mpeting against Alicia. ¡°I have topletely outshine her.¡± However, beneath her bragging tone was a trace of unease.

    Her recent rise to fame had been rapid, but her new songs? Theycked the spark that had propelled her to stardom.

    He needed to crush Alice, butposing his own music was impossible.

    Joshua hesitated, Alicia''s name making him waver, and he finally turned his attention away from his work.

    ¡°What do you mean, pete with you¡¯?¡± he asked slowly, his voice tight with curiosity. ¡°Why would he do that?¡±

    ¡°Why else?¡± Lilliana sneered disdainfully. ¡°She''s jealous of me, overestimating herself, as usual.¡±

    Joshua stared into space, lost in thought. Was Alicia going after Lilliana because of him?

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll find Iris for you,¡± Joshua said, snapping out of his trance and adopting a cheerful tone. ¡°But no more ¡®ghost singing.¡¯ If you get caught, Caden will destroy you.¡±

    ¡°As you wish,¡± Lilliana rolled her eyes, dismissing his warning.

    Joshua pulled out his phone and quickly looked up Iris''s contact information. I have offered the same rate asst time, confident that she would ept.

    But Iris''s response was swift and forceful. "It''s been a long time. My rates have changed."

    "Then name your price."

    "Five million."

    Joshua''s eyes nearly popped out of his head. "Last year, you only made three hundred thousand!"

    "Do you want my services or not?"

    His jaw tightened. Spending that amount on Lilliana''s behalf was not part of the n. Irritated, I called out to Lilliana, his tone impatient. ¡°You''ll have to write the song yourself.¡±

    ¡°I haven''t written in ages,¡± she stammered, nervously tugging at her sleeve. ¡°I''m out of practice and my voice isn''t what it used to be. Five million is fine, but she has to sing it to me. ¡°Likest year.¡±

    Joshua''s lips curved into a mocking smile. ¡°Lilliana, why are you so afraid of Alicia?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Lilliana felt Joshua''s words hit her deeply, but she forced herself to keep herposure. "I''m not afraid of him. I just don''t feel like writing the song myself."

    Joshua replied, ¡°Justpose something and get it over with. Alicia has been married for two years, sitting at home cooking and taking care of everything. She has forgotten everything. She is nothing special. Why bother with her?¡±

    Lilliana pouted, clearly dissatisfied. ¡°Are you really not willing to spend the money on me? Fine, I¡¯ll do it myself.¡±

    In a firm tone, Joshua replied, ¡°Lilliana, you know I would spend anything on you. It''s not that I don''t want to, but in this case it''s not worth it. Stop acting like that.¡±

    Lilliana bit her lip in frustration. She knew how much Joshua had pampered her over the past two years. He had spent millions on her without a second thought.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lilliana agreed, although it was clear she wasn¡¯t entirely happy.

    That same night, when Joshua returned home from work, something unexpected awaited him. As soon as he walked through the door, a gentle figure threw herself into his arms.

    The room was dark, but the strong scent of perfume filled the air, with an intoxicating effect that quickly awakened something inside her.

    He clung to Lilliana, kissing her roughly as his hands roamed her body with clear intent. Knowing exactly what he wanted, Lilliana responded eagerly.

    "Turn on the lights. I want to see you, hubby."

    The word ¡°hubby¡± sparked something in Joshua¡¯s mind, making him remember his early days with Alicia. He remembered how she had shyly called him ¡°hubby,¡± her eyes filled with sincerity and love. Back then, Alicia¡¯s emotions had been raw and real. All she had ever wanted was his affection.

    Caught in a flood of memories, Joshua suddenly grabbed Lilliana by the neck. His voice was harsh. ¡°Don''t light up. ¡°We¡¯ll do it my way.¡±

    Equally driven by her own emotions, Lilliana responded with a breathless plea: ¡°Just be careful. Remember the baby¡¯s safety¡­¡±

    Joshuater transferred $5 million in cash to Iris. Along with the money, he left a note that read: ¡°Don''t fail me.¡±

    "I''ll give it to you in ten days," Iris replied.

    Hearing this, Lilliana was outrageous. ¡°Have days? The movie ising out next month, and Gerry gave me ten days! Isn¡¯t that too little?¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Frustrated and exhausted, Joshua ignored Lilliana''sint. "Good thingse to those who wait. Rushing will only result in inferior quality."

    After that, Lilliana stopped arguing. ¡°Okay. Just make sure it¡¯s ready before the deadline,¡± she said.

    Lilliana had faith in Iris''s abilities. "When I get thepany to create a fantastic marketing campaign and release another hit song, my market value will skyrocket. And when I be famous, I will personally deliver the first signed copy to your ex-wife. I want to see her face when she sees it."

    Joshua merely gave her a superficial answer. At that moment, he couldn''t care less about Lilliana''s rise to stardom. What excited him most was imagining Alicia''s reaction once she was eclipsed.

    He relished the thought of his humiliation, knowing that when it came, he would have no one to turn to help.

    This thought remained in his mind as he returned to thepany to work, curious to know if Alice would ever ask him for help.

    That same afternoon, his assistant came in with some food. ¡°Mr. ¡°Yates, it¡¯s time to eat.¡±

    Joshua frowned at the greasy smell of the food.

    Lilliana, having grown up in a well-off home, did not know how to cook and had be ustomed to taking out or dining in restaurants.

    But before that, Alicia had always cooked for Joshua. She worked hard to gain his favor, always taking care of him in every way, even through the meals she prepared.

    Joshua now realized how much his cooking had influenced his refined pte. He hadn''t realized it at the time, but those seemingly trivial moments had be an integral part of him.

    Later, Alicia was walking down the hall with some shopping bags when she saw Joshua leaning against the wall, smoking.

    His tailored suit and dapper appearance seemed out of ce in the building, a stark contrast to his former frantic post-divorce persona.

    He let out a puff of smoke, looking mature and sophisticated.

    ¡°Have you eaten yet?¡± I have asked.

    Looking at him as if he were a stranger, Alice replied coldly: "What do you want from me?"

    "Rx. You don¡¯t have to be so suspicious of me,¡± Joshua said with a soft smile. ¡°I didn''te here to do anything bad. ¡°I just wanted to see you.¡±

    Alice scoffed, clearly unconvinced. Without answering, she walked past him and up the stairs.

    Joshua followed her, his eyes fixed on the groceries in her hand. ¡°Looks like you haven''t eaten yet. Mind if I join you for lunch?¡±

    Hearing his words, Alice pulled out her phone, her expression cold. ¡°Get back or I¡¯ll call the police!¡±

    Joshua put out his cigarette and looked into her eyes. ¡°Alicia, I have a proposition for you. ¡°I just want you to keep cooking for me and I¡¯ll pay you a hundred thousand a month.¡±

    Alicia did not hesitate to dial a number.

    Unfazed by her action, Joshua raised an eyebrow. ¡°A hundred thousand isn''t enough? Fine, I''ll double it. You can even negotiate the price, and I¡¯ll ept it!¡±

    His offer made Alice bitterlyughly. When they were married, Joshua had always looked down on her. But now, after their divorce, he suddenly seemed so generous.

    Was she really just asking for food? Of course not. Alice wasn''t that naive.

    I have picked up the phone and let the ringtone ring. ¡°If you''re not scared of the police, you''re probably terrified of Lilliana, right?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Joshua''s expression froze and a chill ran through him.

    The mistress he had once boasted about with pride now felt like a bitter burden, a source of humiliation every time Alice spoke her name.

    When the call connected, Alice hung up quickly, without losing herposure.

    ¡°I know how hard you¡¯ve worked to rise in the Green family,¡± he said quietly. ¡°It would be a real shame to ruin all that for a simple meal, don''t you think?¡±

    Joshua stood there speechless, his mind clouded with confusion. What the hell was happening to him?

    Alicia had always been a mere stepping stone on his path, just like Lilliana.

    Alicia turned her back on him, as if he didn''t matter to her anymore. "We''re divorced, Joshua. Let''s stay away from each other. You can show yourself outside."Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Her rejection, though expected, hit him like a ton of bricks. He froze, watching her retreating figure.

    Suddenly, a burning question escaped her lips. ¡°Has Caden slept with you?¡±

    Alicia didn''t even look back. "You have no right to pry into my personal life."

    ¡°Alicia, we may be divorced, but Caden is not someone you should be getting involved with. Do you understand?¡± His voice was calm, but the warning in it was unmistakable.

    Unfazed, Alice continued towards the door. She paused briefly to lean against it, her body slightly rxed, though tension still marked her face.

    After a moment''s hesitation, he turned the knob and entered, closing the door behind him with a firm click.

    Alicia took out her phone and started buying some things online. Meanwhile, in Caden''s office¡­

    Hank stood next to Caden, methodically reporting the significant events of the day.

    ¡°Lilliana¡¯s team has bought all the trending hashtags; ¡°they¡¯ve been pushing Gerry¡¯s new film score, iming it¡¯s going to be amazing.¡± Caden''s voice remained t, revealing little emotion. ¡°They seem confident. Any news from Gerry?¡±

    Hank shook his head. ¡°Nothing yet. The Green family has spared no expense and has hired big names to support Lilliana. ¡°They will even make a personal appearance at the movie premiere to support her.¡±

    A yful glint shed in Caden''s deep eyes. ¡°He''s making such a fuss over an ordinary song, don''t you think?¡±

    ?I''d say Mr. Joshua Yates isn''t too thrilled with the situation. Lilliana works for us now, her sess ensures us profits. I bet Mr. Yates is smoking because all his hard work is lining our pockets instead.?

    Caden, however, remained expressionless, his gaze unreadable.

    At the mention of Joshua, Hank suddenly remembered something.

    ¡°Oh, and by the way, Mr. Ward, Mr. Joshua Yates was caught sneaking out of Ms. Bet¡¯s house by a paparazzo earlier today.¡±

    Caden''s eyebrows rose slightly, a spark of interest flickering briefly in his cold eyes. ¡°Old mes rekindling?¡±

    ¡°Hard to say,¡± Hank replied cautiously, as if walking on eggshells. ¡°But I doubt Miss Bet is that naive.¡±

    Caden snorted.

    The naive Alice he knew was not made for mind games.

    And his body couldn''t take much teasing.

    If Joshua had any real intentions, Alicia would probably fall into his arms.

    Caden''s tone was indifferent, almost bored. ¡°Her body, her choice.¡±

    Five dayster.

    Alicia clutched the sheet music to her chest as she entered the recording studio, her heart racing. Gerry was already there, lounging by the door. His usual charming smile spread across his handsome face. ¡°I thought you¡¯d abandoned me.¡±

    Alicia greeted him politely, offering a small smile. ¡°Mr. Hopkins.¡±

    Gerry waved at him,ughing. ¡°Come on, call me Gerry like old times.¡±

    They were ssmates back in the day. Gerry had always been Caden''s best friend and had witnessed every spit and stolen nce between her and Caden. After graduation, they had gone their separate ways, but Alicia had once been the star of the school, not only for her talent, but for the way she always kept Caden at arm''s length. On a spiritual level, she was a step above Gerry.

    Gerry led her into the recording studio, gleaming with state-of-the-art equipment and an arranging team that could rival the best in the business.

    ¡°Go ahead and sit down,¡± Gerry said, pointing at the microphone. ¡°I¡¯ll listen from outside.¡±

    As soon as he left the studio, his phone buzzed. It was Caden.

    ¡°Hey, just in time. Alicia just arrived to record,¡± Gerry informed him nonchntly.

    Caden''s voice came through the phone, cold and disinterested. "SW?"

    He was about to lead an international meeting, but the mention of Alicia, as always, distracted him.

    Gerry clicked his tongue, his voice dripping with amusement. ¡°You''re noting? It''s the first time your arch-enemy has recorded a song. Don¡¯t you want front row seats?¡±

    Caden''s lips curled into a sneer. ¡°Why would I waste my time listening to a monkey squeal?¡±

    With that, I hung up, the sharp click cutting the conversation short.

    Next to Caden, Hank was hunched over hisputer, his fingers moving cautiously across the keyboard as he checked the system for viruses. Thetest incident seemed to have hit him hard.

    The video call with the foreign executives was quick to begin, filling the room with a rapid exchange of data in crisp, clear tones. Caden''s mind sifted through the technical jargon with ease, interrupting only to ask pointed questions before ending the meeting early.

    ¡°Mr. Ward,¡± Hank said, checking his watch. ¡°There''s still some time left. Any ns for tonight?¡±

    Caden stood up, grabbing his coat in one quick motion.

    "Let''s go hear the monkey sing," he said with a sly smile.

    When they arrived at the studio, Alicia had just finished her first take.

    Through the ss window of the recording booth, Caden''s eyes fell on her. She stood with her head slightly bowed, her fingers running over the sheet of music as she went over her lyrics.

    Under the warm light of the spotlights, her already delicate features seemed to glow, adding an elegant softness to her wless skin. There was also an undeniable confidence in the way she carried herself: serious, focused, but undeniably captivating.

    This woman may have been a hopeless romantic, but even Caden had to admit that her figure was beyond reproach.

    His attention then shifted to Gerry, sitting to one side, eyes closed and headphones on,pletely absorbed in the music.

    Caden raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. ¡°Hey,¡± I called out.

    But Gerry didn''t flinch, he didn''t flinch.

    Caden turned to Gerry''s assistant, expressionless.

    "Is your boss tall?"

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    As soon as Caden finished speaking, Gerry''s eyes snapped open. It took him a few seconds to process that Caden was standing next to him.

    Eyes wide, Gerry removed his headphones and asked, confused, ¡°When did you get here?¡±

    "Right now, actually."

    Caden had arrivedte, so Alicia had already finished recording the song. There was no way she was going to perform it again just because he had walked in. Not that it mattered, Caden wasn''t particrly interested in music. He was there to have fun, nothing more.

    But Gerry''s reaction was something else entirely. "It''s exactly what I imagined; in fact, more than I expected. No wonder he canpete with you for the top spot. He''s very talented, Caden."

    Caden studied him, intrigued. Gerry, a man rarely impressed, especially when he came to other artists, seemed unusually enthusiastic.

    ¡°Oh, yeah?¡± Caden replied, his tone deliberately nonchnt. ¡°I guess I¡¯m going to lose our bet.¡±

    ¡°You better get that groundwork ready for the handover,¡± Gerry joked with a smirk as he handed the lyric sheet to Caden. ¡°Don''t feel too bad about missing the recording session. Here, check out his lyrics instead. Maybe you can learn a thing or two from his lyrics.¡±

    Caden picked up the piece of paper and scanned the page silently. He let out a sigh, raising an eyebrow. ¡°I thought your movie was about Transformers fighting zombies. Why are the lyrics so¡­ heartfelt?¡±Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°What?¡± Gerry''s mood changed instantly. His bright eyes narrowed, irritation creeping into his tone. ¡°Zombies¡±? Really? It''s a heartwarming sci-fi movie. Didn''t I send you a copy? Haven¡¯t you seen it?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I don''t watch cartoons,¡± Caden replied nonchntly.

    ¡°Cartoons?¡± Gerry snapped indignantly. ¡°It''s 3D animation! It''s not a cartoon. ¡°I spent a fortune.¡±

    At that moment, the door creaked and Alice came out.

    Caden looked up and stared. The warm light from the recording booth spilled into the room, casting a soft glow over his face. He looked like an angel.

    Alicia discreetly massaged the pain in her back, her voice calm but tired. ¡°Mr. Hopkins, let''s wrap things up for today. If anythinges up, don¡¯t hesitate to get in touch, okay?¡±

    Hearing this, Gerry looked at his watch.

    "In fact, I''ve booked a spot at an exclusive rooftop restaurant downtown. Would you like to join us for dinner, Alicia?"

    She hesitated, a flicker of difort crossing her features. But declining the invitation would not sit well with her business rtionship with Gerry, so she agreed, albeit reluctantly.

    The restaurant, located in the city center, was a thirty-minute drive away. Gerry settled into the passenger seat, while Alicia and Caden shared the backseat. Without saying anything to each other, they gravitated toward their respective windows, the space between them just wide enough to park a car.

    Gerry, ever the optimist, was already flipping through the listings for the best properties. He was looking for photos of expensive and hard-to-find properties. Smiling brightly, he even showed a few to Caden. ¡°What do you think of this one?¡±

    Caden looked at the photos with disdain, his tone cold. ¡°Why don''t you go get the White House while you''re at it?¡±

    ¡°If you can get it, I''ll take it,¡± Gerry joked without missing a beat. More photos followed.

    ¡°Pick one of these,¡± Gerry said,pletely at ease.

    Caden''s lips twisted into a slight smirk. ¡°Careful. You don¡¯t want to count your chickens before they hatch.¡±

    Alicia shifted slightly beside him, and the subtle movement caught Caden''s attention. He turned his head, his gaze sharp. She quickly stiffened, pretending to be absorbed in the scenery outside. Her long, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, partially obscuring her face. But Caden noticed that her delicate eyebrows were slightly furrowed.

    He didn''t say anything, but his gaze lingered for a moment before returning to the conversation.

    When they arrived at the restaurant, Caden and Gerry quickly left. Alicia, however, remained in her seat. ¡°Mr. Hopkins,¡± she called with an apologetic smile, e in. ¡°I need to touch up my makeup.¡±

    Gerry, who knew how much women cared about their appearance, simply agreed. ¡°There''s no hurry. When you''re ready, tell the concierge to bring you up. Use my name.¡±

    "Thank you."

    Caden gave him a quick nce before heading to the entrance. Beside him, Gerry strolled casually, recounting thetest showbiz gossip as if nothing were happening.

    Out of nowhere, Caden stopped dead in his tracks.

    "Wait, I think I left my phone in the car. Go ahead. I''ll catch up with you."

    Gerry raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, and cast a suspicious nce at the sleek vehicle parked behind them. His eyes narrowed slightly.

    "What are you up to, plotting behind my back?"

    Caden barely gave her a second nce, too indifferent to bother to respond.

    Inside the car, Alice was in a panic. She frankly rubbed the blood stain on her trousers with a wad of tissues. Her period had appeared out of nowhere,pletely disconcerting her.

    Between her erratic schedule and endless stress, she had fallen behind, and hadn''t thought much about it¡­ until now.

    Now the red stain was spreading across his trousers. Worse still, it had soaked into Gerry''s spotless leather seats, which were worth more than the money he had in the bank.

    Each swipe of the handkerchief felt like a check on her dwindling savings. How much was it going to cost her?

    She had been careful, saving little by little over the past two years, but this? This was a disaster.

    Just as he was busy cleaning up the stain, the car door opened with a click.

    Alicia''s heart sank and she froze. Looking up, her eyes met Caden''s.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia was unable to react for a few seconds. She quickly sat up to hide the blood stain on her pants.

    She then ced her hands demurely on her knees and looked at Caden, her eyes nervous. Right now, she looked like a child caught red-handed.

    Caden looked at her over from head to toe and asked, ¡°What are you trying to take? I know all about this car. ¡°Ask.¡±

    With a slight blush, Alice replied tly: "I wasn''t trying to catch anything."

    Terrified that more blood would stain her trousers, she kept her legs tightly closed. However, the trembling in her voice, now higher in pitch, betrayed her anxiety.

    Caden noticed this change, sensing that something was wrong, but he couldn''t figure out what was bothering her.

    When he noticed that his hands had turned pale from clenching, he asked, "Are you okay?"

    Alice bit her lip. Her pride wouldn''t let her admit what had really happened. "I''m fine," she murmured.

    If it had been anyone else with her, she would have asked for help, regardless of their gender. But this was Caden. There was no way she was going to show her vulnerability to him.

    Caden stared at her, as if he was scanning every part of her body. The way he looked at her made her feel like if he was trying to strip her, expose her.

    Secondster, Caden broke his silence. ¡°Okay. I¡¯m leaving, then.¡±

    Alice blinked in confusion.

    Caden had never exined himself, and his statement had an underlying meaning that she didn''t quite understand.

    She looked at him. His eyes were still indifferent.

    As he was about to close the door, Alice leaned towards him and murmured, "Wait."

    That subtle movement was enough to make the blood flow more freely.

    Alice immediately got up from her seat, determined to stop the stain from spreading any further.

    Caden immediately noticed therge red stain on the back of Alicia''s pants.

    ¡°How embarrassing!¡± he thought to himself. With no way to hide, he stood awkwardly still for a moment before quickly ncing back at her.

    Seeing her in this vulnerable state, Caden softened his expression.

    With a kind smile, he asked, ¡°Do you need my help?¡±

    At that moment, Alice wasn''t sure if he had realized what had happened. She looked down, bit her lip, and remained silent.

    Knowing she was stubborn, Caden decided to give in. Otherwise, they might be stuck in an awkward silence all night.

    He took off his jacket in a yful tone. ¡°We''ve only met a couple of times, and you''ve already borrowed three of my clothes. Are you trying to monopolize them, Miss Bet?¡±

    His kind gesture caught Alice off guard. She felt a surge of emotions. How did this happen?

    First it had rained and she had to borrow clothes from him. Then coffee had sshed on her clothes. And now this.

    Why did she always find herself in embarrassing situations with him?

    Alice tied her jacket around her waist to cover the stain. Mortified, she muttered her thanks and quickly got out of the car.

    Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°Huh?¡±

    Blushing with embarrassment, Alice replied in a barely audible voice: "Thank you."

    "Can you speak louder? I can''t hear you."

    Alice knew he had heard her, but she red at him and said, "Are you deaf? Didn''t you hear me the first time?"

    Caden smirked. ¡°You''re so arrogant with me, but when Lilliana sprayed you with coffee, you didn''t say a word.¡±

    Alice walked to the bathroom, a hint of a smile on her lips. ¡°Revenge is a dish best served cold.¡±

    He couldn''t grab Lilliana by the hair and attack her in public. That wouldn''t do any good.

    There were far more dignified ways to get revenge on her.

    As soon as Alice entered the restaurant, she spoke to a waitress and kindly asked her to buy her some pads.

    The waitress agreed and went to fulfill the order.

    "And bring her a new set of clothes in a small size," Caden added.

    Alicia was surprised at how thoughtful Caden was being. She felt conflicted by his considerate gesture.

    He handed the money to the waitress and said, ¡°Please give it to me in the bathroom on the first floor, okay? ¡°Thank you.¡±

    "Yes, ma''am," the waitress replied.

    Once Alicia left, Caden headed to the elevator.

    Suddenly, Gerry appeared around the corner, his curiosity piqued. ¡°Hey, mate. Where¡¯s your jacket?¡±

    Caden replied tly, ¡°Didn¡¯t you see what happened?¡±

    ¡°So you admit it, huh?¡± Gerry scoffed. Just as the elevator arrived, Gerry followed Caden inside. ¡°You two were in my car, got a little frisky, and now you''re buying Alicia a new set of clothes because of some mess, right?¡±

    Caden kept a neutral expression while Gerry pressed further. ¡°Why did Alicia have to go to the bathroom? Did she forget to use protection?¡±

    Caden still didn''t respond.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Unfazed, Gerry spected, ¡°You''re something else, Caden. Not only did you bypass the protection, you forced her to clean herself.¡±

    With a grimace, Caden replied, ¡°You know, Gerry, it''s a shame you don''t direct adult films.¡±

    Gerry grinned from ear to ear. ¡°Do you want to be my leading man?¡± he asked yfully.

    ¡°It would probably be your father,¡± Caden replied.

    ¡°You want a father-son role-ying game? Jesus Christ! That¡¯s off limits, man,¡± Gerry replied, shaking his head.

    When they reached the top floor, Caden stepped out of the elevator. ¡°You always think the worst. I''ve only been gone for less than ten minutes. How could I have gotten to that point in such a short time?¡±

    Gerry''s eyes widened. ¡°I appreciate you considering me a brother. ¡°I¡¯m d you can so openly share personal details about your premature ejaction,¡± he joked.

    Caden red at him.

    Unfazed, Gerry added, "You were impotent before and now you''re having a hard time finishing. Man, you''ve got it tough."

    Caden couldn''t take his idiocy any longer. He grabbed a ss of wine from the table and forced Gerry to drink it to shut him up.

    About half an hourter, Alice came over to apologize. ¡°Hi, I''m sorry about that. My period came early and I waste wiping.¡±

    Gerry raised an eyebrow andmented, ¡°Your period? ¡°Shame on you.¡±

    Alice blinked in confusion. ¡°Huh? Am I supposed to be in menopause already?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Gerry let out a chuckle. ¡°You know I didn''t mean that.¡±

    Even though she had been making fun of Caden moments ago, the idea of ??Alicia and Caden having some sort of romantic rtionship seemed absurd to her. The idea of ??two people who seemed to butt heads at every turn, but shared a kind of forbidden tension, was oddly amusing. Who wouldn''t find that scenario entertaining?

    But Caden had a peculiar problem: he found it impossible to develop feelings for someone who constantly shed with him. As for Alicia, the idea of ??getting involved with her ex-husband''s older brother was simply out of the question.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go eat,¡± Gerry decided to change the conversation. ¡°You''re not feeling very well, so eat something and go home soon.¡±

    Alice agreed.

    He brought up the subject of the stained seat again. ¡°I¡¯ll take the car and have all the seats reced,¡± I suggested.

    Gerry, known for his meticulous attention to detail, normally didn''t tolerate such things. However, he had just started coborating with Alicia and was genuinely impressed by the song she had recorded that night. The stain didn''t bother him. ¡°It''s not a big deal. ¡°I¡¯ll have someone else take care of itter.¡±

    Alice didn''t let it go. "That''s not right, Mr. Hopkins. I have to make it up to you properly."

    Seeing her determination, Gerry finally gave in. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll deduct the cost from your payment. Is that okay?¡±

    Alice agreed without hesitation. ¡°Sounds good to me.¡±

    With that settled, Alice turned her attention to Caden. ¡°How much do I owe you for the jacket?¡±

    Caden didn''t show any change in expression. ¡°It''s a limited edition. You can''t put a price on it. Consider it in favor.¡±

    Alice immediately felt ufortable.

    "I''d rather give it back to you. It''s better to sort things out right away."

    Caden looked at her directly. ¡°If we break it down, there¡¯s really no exact way to calcte it.¡±

    She opened her eyes in surprise. She stared at him, reying the events in her head.

    She had already paid him for helping her with the effects of the drugs, for borrowing her jacket twice, and for the kiss in the car. Everything was settled.

    Alicia opened her mouth to respond, but Caden cut her off. ¡°They can¡¯t be fixed that easily.¡±

    Alicia was speechless. From the beginning, she had made the decision to push herself on him, and paying him was something she had decided on her own. If Caden really wanted to challenge her, she wouldn''t be able to argue with him.

    Feeling insecure, Alice dropped the conversation and focused on her food.

    Gerry cocked his head, looking at them intently. ¡°What''s that supposed to mean? What kind of games are you two ying?¡±

    Caden gave a short reply. ¡°Just eat your food.¡± Sometimes, his mood was unpredictable. When his behavior turned cold, it became difficult to approach him.

    Sensing the change, Gerry decided to put aside his curiosity and quietly said to Alice, ¡°Don''t pay attention to him. He''s just being naughty. Who cares about a limited edition coat? He''s got more money than he knows what to do with. ¡°Losing a jacket means nothing.¡±

    Alice responded with a polite smile.

    Gerry motioned for him toe over. ¡°Hey, eat here. ¡°I¡¯ve got some juicy gossip about him.¡±

    Caden looked in her direction, showing little interest.

    Alice leaned in close, eager to hear the gossip. Who wouldn''t want to hear some secrets about Caden?

    Gerry lowered his voice just enough for Alicia to hear. ¡°He likes married women.¡± He made sure Caden could hear him.

    Alice opened her eyes in surprise. ¡°Really?¡±

    Alicia never expected Caden to be attracted to married women. She couldn''t help but nce in his direction. Her face flickered between disgust and sympathy. A momentter, something suddenly clicked, and her expression froze.

    She remembered that time in Caden''s office. He had made ament about liking sisters-inw who were married.

    Caden scoffed, ¡°Come on,ugh. Why don''t youugh?"

    Alice looked down and continued eating in silence. After the meal was over, Gerry arranged for someone to look after his Rolls-Royce. He had some urgent business and needed to leave. Before he left, he said to Caden, ¡°You can argue, but it''ste. Make sure Alice gets home safely. ¡°It¡¯s not safe for her to be alone at this hour.¡±

    Caden didn''t answer, but when Gerry left, he called a taxi.

    Alice had just settled into the taxi when her phone range. The number was local but unfamiliar. Out of habit, she answered, ¡°Hello?¡±

    To her surprise, Joshua''s voice rang out.

    "My father is in critical condition and has just been taken to the intensive care unit."

    Alicia froze for a second, instinctively turning her eyes to Caden, who was sitting next to her. Caden remained impassive.

    Without ending the call, Alice asked: "And what do you expect from me?"

    Joshua''s voice sounded tired. "Alicia, we may have had our differences, but we were once very close. Can youe see my father onest time tomorrow?"Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Alicia didn''t respond immediately. She understood that Joshua was trying to manipte her into action. He wanted Jerald to believe that he was a devoted son to the end.

    After a moment, Alice replied coldly, ¡°It¡¯s no use.¡±

    Joshua seemed prepared for his answer. ¡°He insists on seeing you. If people start talking about you not showing up, and your condition worsens, I''m not sure you''ll be able to bear that guilt.¡±

    Alicia let out a coldugh. ¡°So now you''re putting it all on me, Joshua?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Joshua remained calm and collected. ¡°Alicia, you know what I want.¡±

    ¡°Not really,¡± Alicia replied. ¡°Since you¡¯re in the hospital, maybe you should consider getting a mental health evaluation.¡± And she ended the call.

    Joshua didn''t call back.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    After taking a moment topose herself, Alicia turned to Caden. ¡°Your father is seriously ill.¡±

    Caden remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable.

    Then he pulled out his phone and made a call. His instructions were clear. ¡°Do whatever it takes to keep him alive.¡±

    Alicia¡¯s eyes flickered briefly in surprise. She''d heard rumors that Caden and Jerald had never gotten along. Given how unforgiving Caden could be, she figured he wouldn''t care at this point.

    It seemed that he still had some regard for the family¡­ or perhaps it was more a matter of securing the inheritance. Alice preferred not to ask any more questions or to think about it any further.

    After a brief pause, she made her position clear. ¡°I have divorced Joshua. ¡°I will not help him any more.¡± This also meant that she would not oppose Caden. She had no intention of getting involved with anyone.

    Caden''s eyes lost their coldness as he looked at her. ¡°You give up so quickly?¡±

    Alice nodded in response.

    Caden seemed intrigued. ¡°With your personality, I was hoping you would turn Joshua¡¯s world upside down.¡±

    Alice felt a sharp pain in her chest, followed by overwhelming fatigue. She opened the window slightly to let in some fresh air. The wind stung her eyes. ¡°I don''t have the strength to fight it, and I don''t need to.¡±

    His words came out firmly, but his voice was so soft that even an outsider could sense the lingering emotion and attachment.

    A wry smile appeared on Caden''s lips. ¡°It¡¯s tough, but now that Gerry supports you, at least you¡¯ve been able to release some of that frustration.¡±

    Alice turned to him. ¡°Lilliana¡¯s song hasn¡¯t been released yet. It¡¯s too early to talk about victory or defeat.¡±

    ¡°Why pretend modesty?¡± Caden raised his eyebrows, sarcasm spilling from his eyes. ¡°Hasn¡¯t Gerry¡¯s support for you been made clear enough today?¡±

    Alice froze for a moment, feeling irritated by his hostile tone.

    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®support for me¡¯?¡± The way he said it made it sound like there was some kind of secret agreement.

    Caden replied nonchntly, ¡°Oh, I must have misunderstood.¡±

    Thatment made Alice''s blood boil. He acted as if he hadn''t said much, but in reality, he had already said everything.

    If Alice argued, she knew she had no solid ground. If she didn''t, the anger inside her would continue to simmer.

    He let out a sharp sneer. ¡°You must be very skilled at this, Mr. Ward. Do you often use your charm to close business deals?¡±

    He raised his eyebrows slightly. ¡°Not often, only when the situation requires it.¡±

    Alicia was momentarily speechless. Unable to contain herself, she asked, ¡°Caden, do you really have no sense of shame?¡±

    Cadenughed at his question. ¡°Did you leave me any dignity when you manipted me, Miss Bet?¡±

    Alice thought about what she had done. Her expression softened slightly. ¡°It was you who started it!¡±

    ¡°Really now?¡± he asked with a hint of amusement. ¡°Was I the one who opened the door for you at the private cinema that night?¡±

    Alice was silent. She waspletely taken back by the sudden change of subject. Without missing a beat, she added, ¡°And I was the one who unbuckled my belt?¡±

    Alice gaped. She quickly tried to interrupt him. ¡°Shut up!¡±

    Caden continued in a calm tone, ¡°And I was the one who took off my pants and held my-.¡±

    Without hesitation, Alice lunged at him and covered his mouth with her hands.

    She practically lunged at him. ¡°I said stop talking!¡± she said through gritted teeth.

    They were in a taxi, not in a private ce. The driver had even turned off the music, obviously paying close attention, his ears practically tuned into their conversation, about to intervene.

    How could Caden have no sense of decency?

    Realizing this, he finally stopped talking. He stood still as she pressed herself against him, then whispered, ¡°So who started all this?¡±

    Alice shivered at the heat radiating from him. She quickly pulled her hand away.

    Noticing her reaction, Caden chuckled. ¡°What''s with the sudden blush? Are you reflecting on our little escapade?¡± A tingle ran down Alicia''s spine, but she denied it instantly. ¡°I¡¯m blushing because you made me angry!¡±

    Reluctantly, he added, "If I''d known it was you that night, I would have rather died than slept with you."

    Caden chuckled softly in her ear. ¡°Yet it was this body you so detest that you clung to and desired, again and again.¡±

    Alice felt her face burning. In a fit of rage, she bit his cheek viciously.

    After the bite, she returned to her original position. Caden rubbed the spot where she had bitten him, remaining silent as a smile yed on his lips.

    After a moment, Hank''s call came.

    "I have some information that has not been confirmed. I''m not sure if I should share it with you yet."

    "Go ahead, say it."

    Hank lowered his voice. ¡°It seems like Lilliana¡¯s song this time was written by a ghost.¡±

    Caden remained unfazed. ¡°Let her do what she wants.¡±

    Hank replied: ¡°She''s being dishonest, and you''re just going to let it happen? That¡¯s incredibly unfair to Miss Bet.¡±

    Caden let out a coldugh. ¡°Are you starting to feel sympathy for her? Maybe if a nude photo of her surfaces during the next meeting, you can find some peace,¡± Hank was speechless.

    Alice suddenly sneezed from her seat.

    With his keen hearing, Hank caught the sound and expressed slight surprise. ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward, are you apanied by a woman?¡±

    Caden looked at Alicia.

    "Yes, in a way."

    "Then I won''t interrupt you, Mr. Ward," Hank said.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    The next day, Caden spent a significant amount of money promoting Lilliana''s new song. Thanks to the Green family''s prior efforts, the news spread quickly.

    Lilliana was overwhelmed by the unexpected support and decided to purchase a gift to show her appreciation.

    ¡°So, Mr. Ward, do you really believe in me this time?¡± he said, his joy evident as he basked in the praise from his fans. ¡°I promise I won''t let you down. ¡°I will definitely win.¡±

    Caden maintained a neutral expression, continuing to look through the documents without offering a response.

    At that moment, Hank walked in with a cup of coffee. ¡°Mr. Ward..."

    Lilliana quickly took the coffee from Hank. ¡°Let me handle it, Hank.¡±

    Hank hesitated, but eventually handed her the cup and left the room.

    Lilliana set the coffee down beside Caden and said sweetly, "Mr. Ward, enjoy your coffee."

    Caden remained expressionless. ¡°You can go now.¡± His abrupt attitude left Lilliana briefly stunned. Knowing that Caden was always serious while working, she didn''t tempt fate and left after a quick greeting.

    The office was silent for a few moments.

    Caden called Hank back into the living room with a stern look.

    ¡°Throw that fucking cup away,¡± he growled. ¡°If a woman touches my belongings again, you''ll find yourself in the trash along with that cup.¡±

    Realizing his mistake, Hank quickly threw away his coffee and asked quietly, ¡°I''ve noticed that Miss Bet has been spending more time with you. Is your condition improving?¡±

    Caden gave him a sharp look.

    "Are you prying into my personal life?"

    Hank was about to nod, but quickly shook his head at the expression on Caden''s face.

    ¡°It''s Mrs. Ward who keeps asking about you,¡± Hank said cautiously. ¡°You know she''s getting older and she''s very worried about your health. Since you never answer her calls, she texts me every day.¡±

    Caden frowned.

    ¡°Keep matters rted to Alicia to yourself. Don¡¯t let my grandmother find out,¡± Caden firmly ordered.

    Hank agreed in understanding. Because of Caden''s unusual illness, Ciara Ward, his maternal grandmother, had be overly worried and often tried to push women towards him. If she found out Alicia had slept with Caden, she would stop at nothing to make sure they were tied down.

    ¡°Sir, the madam said that¡­¡± Hank began but stopped short when he noticed a mark on Caden¡¯s face. Curiosity piqued, he asked, ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward, what happened to your face?¡±

    Caden kept a neutral expression. ¡°I got scratched by a stray cat.¡±

    ¡°But, sir, that doesn''t look like a scratch. ¡°It looks more like a bite mark,¡± Hank replied, his concern growing.

    Caden''s eyes narrowed, sending a clear warning that made Hank shudder. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Hank quickly closed his lips and left the office.

    The next day, Hank reported that Joshua had doubled his investment in promoting Lilliana''s song.

    Caden smiled with satisfaction. ¡°Then we¡¯ll match that amount.¡±

    Hank immediately understood the n and got to work. Once they had doubled their investment, Joshua responded by increasing his funding again. The rivalry grew, each striving to outdo the other.

    Within hours, Lilliana''s song shot to the top of several charts, bing an overnight sensation. Her fan base exploded and her poprity skyrocketed. The entire Inte was buzzing with excitement, eagerly awaiting the release of her song.

    The result exceeded all of Lilliana''s expectations, and she couldn''t resist bragging to Joshua for quite a while. Joshua, however, sat in his quiet office, showing little enthusiasm.

    ¡°By the way, Joshua, has Iris sent you the song yet?¡± Lilliana asked. ¡°We only have three days left to inform Gerry. Don¡¯t screw it up.¡±

    Joshua replied nonchntly, ¡°She mentioned she would deliver it to me tomorrow.¡±

    Lilliana waved away the concern, shifting all responsibility to him. ¡°Just keep an eye on him for me.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Joshua replied, ustomed to Lilliana¡¯s nonchnce. It didn''t bother him anymore.

    Lilliana settled into hisp, wrapping her arms around him lovingly. ¡°Thank you, sweetheart. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to invest so much in my song.¡±

    In addition to promotion, other expenses were piling up, reaching astronomical figures.

    Joshua let out a soft chuckle.

    He decided not to reveal to Lilliana his secret rivalry with Caden. Instead, he reassured her: ¡°What matters most is your happiness, no matter what the cost.¡± He knew that the Green family would eventually cover the costs.

    Lilliana, still enchanted by him, beamed with joy. ¡°It''s still early. Abigail just brought out a new line of haute couture dresses. ¡°Will you join me in picking one out, Joshua?¡±

    Joshua agreed in agreement.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    As they headed to the boutique, he hugged Lilliana, feeling content.

    As he entered the shop, something familiar caught his eye. He stopped abruptly, recognizing Alice in the crowd.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Gerry brought Alicia in at thest minute to help her pick out a dress.

    She was not familiar with high-end events and felt unsure about what to choose, so she relied entirely on the shop assistant''s suggestions.

    Finally, they chose a snow-white mermaid dress, decorated with silver threads, as pure as freshly fallen snow.

    The shop assistant smiled and said, ¡°Miss Bet, with your figure, anything would look good on you. But this dress is special. It is a limited edition and for the next three months it will be the only one in Warrington. ¡°It would look amazing on someone like you.¡±

    Alice felt a little embarrassed by thepliment.

    "Okay, I''ll try it on."

    Just as she reached for the robe, a hand grabbed it before she could.

    ¡°Is he really the only one in Warrington?¡± Lilliana asked with a smug expression. ¡°I¡¯ll take him, then.¡±

    Alicia stared at Lilliana, clearly confused. She kept her tone calm.

    "Miss Green, I got here first."

    Lilliana''s smile barely changed. ¡°I like it. ¡°I¡¯ll pay more for it.¡±

    The saleswoman froze, unsure of how to handle the tension between them.

    "Miss Green, we have other dresses that might suit your taste. I could even make one for you."

    Still, Lilliana insisted that she wanted the dress Alicia had her eye on.

    In a harsh tone, she said to him: "I told you that I am willing to pay more for it. Did you not hear me?"

    The shop assistant paused to nce at the men behind them. One of them was Joshua Yates and the other Gerry Hopkins.

    These men were so powerful that no one would dare try to cross them.

    Meanwhile, Alice remained silent.

    Joshua looked at her briefly before saying, "Mr. Hopkins, I have spoiled Lilliana. She always gets what she wants. Would it be possible for Miss Bet to choose another dress?"

    Lilliana smiled at Alicia, clearly feeling victorious.

    Alice''s face remained unchanged.

    He felt the urge to roll his eyes.

    Gerry smirked and said, ¡°Miss Bet? That¡¯s pretty formal, isn¡¯t it? It hasn¡¯t been that long since you two got divorced and you¡¯ve already changed the way you address her.¡±

    Joshua''s lips twitched, but he stuck to the topic at hand. ¡°It really is an unfortunate coincidence. If it¡¯s all right with you, I¡¯ll buy Miss Bet¡¯s dress as well, as an apology to Lilliana.¡±

    Alice''s lips curved slightly.

    What a hypocrite.

    She replied, ¡°Firste, first served. ¡°I want this dress, and I won¡¯t settle for anything else.¡±

    The two men behind them remained silent. One watched with an unreadable expression, while the other looked amused, eager to see how things would develop between Alicia and Lilliana.

    Not wanting to lose, Lilliana turned to the clerk. ¡°What is the price of this dress?¡±

    The clerk replied, ¡°Miss Green, it¡¯s priced at $660,000.¡±

    Lilliana scoffed. ¡°I¡¯ll offer a million.¡±

    After speaking, she cast a disdainful nce at Alice. Ever since she married Joshua, Alice had not received a single cent from him. There was no way she could repay that.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    "I''ll give you two million for it," Alice countered.

    Gerry''s eyes lit up with excitement at her response.

    "Alice, you cover the expenses, right?" I have asked.

    Alice nodded, smiling calmly.

    Joshua''s face darkened, irritated by the unnecessarypetition with Lilliana.

    Not willing to be outbid, Lilliana raised her offer. ¡°Three million.¡±

    Alice spoke without hesitation. ¡°Five million.¡±

    Lilliana''s expression tightened. ¡°Eight million!¡±

    Alice paused for a moment. Her gaze briefly returned to the dress.

    Certain that she had won, Lilliana looked at the clerk and said, ¡°Pick it up. It¡¯s mine.¡±

    Alice stepped forward and stopped Lilliana. Taking a deep breath, she spoke quietly but firmly. ¡°I¡¯ll pay ten million for the dress.¡±

    Lilliana grimaced, unable to hide her disbelief.

    "Can you really afford ten million?" I have asked.

    Alice bit her lip slightly before replying, "But, Miss Green, I really want this dress. I''d even add another million if you''d let me have it."

    Lilliana''s arrogance only grew when she heard Alicia''s plea, and herughter filled the room.

    With even more confidence, Lilliana rejected Alicia''s offer. "I''ll pay fifteen million. This dress will be mine."

    Alice''s expression softened, her eyebrows rxing as she smiled softly. ¡°Okay,¡± she said, waving her hand dismissively. ¡°It''s yours.¡±

    Lilliana froze.

    Gerry couldn''t contain hisughter any longer.

    He nced at Joshua, whose expression had darkened, and added with a grimace, "Miss Green sure knows how to spend."

    It was nonsense.

    Lilliana realized toote that she had fallen into Alicia''s trap.

    Frustration took hold of her.

    The dress originally cost a little over six hundred thousand. Its production cost was less than one hundred thousand, and now she had to pay fifteen million. She felt like a fool.

    However, his pride was more important and he couldn''t back down.

    Meanwhile, Alice browsed around the store and chose a light blue dress decorated with small diamonds.

    "I''ll take this one," he announced.

    Lilliana clenched her jaw in silent frustration.

    With a grim expression, Joshua said to Lilliana, ¡°Next time, don¡¯t be so reckless.¡±

    Lilliana responded with a pout. ¡°That bitch set me up!¡±

    Joshua frowned. ¡°Watch your words. Remember who you are.¡±

    Gerry cleared his throat and reminded Joshua, ¡°Mr. Yates, didn¡¯t you say you would cover Alicia¡¯s dress as well?¡±

    Joshua felt a lump in his throat. ¡°Yes, I did.¡±

    Alice didn''t hesitate.

    She grabbed the dress and walked out.

    Once they were in the car, Gerry couldn''t help butugh at the looks on Lilliana and Joshua''s faces.

    "It''s a shame Caden wasn''t here to witness this," she added, "You have to see what kind of person he''s been spending his money on."

    Determined to share the story, Gerry immediately dialed Caden''s number.

    He enthusiastically described the scene in great detail. Just as he was getting into it, Caden cut him off. ¡°Do you know any porn sites?¡±

    Everyone in the car fell silent at the unexpected question. Gerry looked at Alicia, quickly turned off the speaker and whispered into the phone, ¡°Yeah, why?¡±

    Caden replied sharply: "Go see them and stop calling me, you idiot. You''re getting on my nerves."

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Joshua and Lilliana followed them out of the store.

    He kept an eye on the taillights of Gerry''s car as it faded into the distance.

    Lilliana clung to her arm, grimacing angrily.

    "Who would have thought that Alice could do something like that? She even managed to get close to Gerry."

    Joshua looked away and replied, ¡°Gerry isn¡¯t interested in her that way.¡±

    Lilliana immediately retorts, ¡°But if she offers it to him, why would he refuse? There is nomitment, so there is nothing to lose. Maybe she is using that to get into thepetition.¡±

    Joshua felt a painful tightness in his chest.

    I knew Alice wouldn''t stop that low.

    He knew she wouldn''t do something like that, and hearing Lilliana make suchments disgust him even more.

    "Let''s go home," he said.

    Lilliana wondered aloud, ¡°Joshua, do you think Gerry¡¯s sudden kindness to Alicia means he¡¯s already chosen her?¡±

    Joshua felt himself sinking inside.

    He shook his head. ¡°If Gerry had nned to choose her, there would be no need for this contest. ¡°He would have already made up his mind.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Lilliana''s expression rxed slightly.

    ¡°You''re probably right.¡± She let out a sigh of relief. ¡°Alice is just trying to stay in the picture by staying close to Gerry.¡±

    Their worries didn''tst long once Gerry made his announcement.

    He revealed that the song contest would be an open selection process.

    In addition, users could cast their votes online.

    Hearing this, Lilliana had a wide smile on her face.

    "I have a lot of fans. Even if only a fraction of them vote, Alicia doesn''t stand a chance. What is Gerry thinking? Is he nning to fail?"

    Joshua kept a serious look on his face as he spoke. ¡°If this contest ends up being a live event, you''ll have to sing the song yourself. Do you think you can do it?¡±

    Lilliana dismissed her concern without hesitation. ¡°I''ll be fine. ¡°I just need a few practice sessions.¡±

    They had already received Iris''s song, and its quality was impable in every way. Lilliana loved the piece. But despite that, Joshua couldn''t shake the feeling of unease. Something didn''t sit well with him, although he didn''t know why. He had a nagging suspicion that not everything was as safe as it seemed.

    What had seemed like a guaranteed victory in thepetition suddenly seemed less certain. However, Lilliana had Caden''s support, and he hadn''t taken any action recently. So who else could be working against them? Joshua thought hard, but came up with no answer. Who had he missed?

    The day of thepetition arrived and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. In addition to the judges, the event attracted members of the Green and Yates families. Several high-profile figures were present, people who had been invited thanks to hefty payments from both families. Lilliana''s team was also in full swing. Following her instructions, they flooded all social media with messages about the contest. They even set up a live stream to capture everything that was happening on the spot.

    Gerry sat down in the main seats in the back and turned to Caden with a smile. ¡°Die-hard Lilliana fans are in for a treat today.¡±

    Caden casually opened a bottle of water and took a sip without a hint of emotion crossing his face. ¡°Are you so sure Alicia is going to win?¡±

    Gerry puffed out his chest, clearly proud. ¡°Of course. But let me tell you something¡­¡±

    He stopped just before revealing too much, quickly changing his tone. ¡°Forget it. Alicia wouldn¡¯t want me to spill the beans.¡±

    A sinister smile tugged at the corners of Caden''s lips. ¡°Since when do you pay attention to what women say?¡±

    Gerry leaned back. ¡°It''s a promise between Alicia and me. ¡°I can¡¯t break it.¡±

    As the start of thepetition approached, the lively chatter died down and the venue fell silent. The stage lights came on.

    As the music began, Lilliana slowly emerged, dressed in an borate costume. She sang with all her might,pletely satisfied with the song, putting extra effort into every note. She seemed determined to give it her all.

    On the big screen above, the online voting was abuzz with activity. Enthusiastic users were casting their votes rapidly, and the numbers were increasing with each passing second.

    Gerry shook his head and sighed. ¡°The song is good, there''s no doubt about that. But her voicecks depth¡­ it falls short.¡±

    Caden stood impassively, staring at the stage. He wanted to see what Alicia''s performance would be like, wondering if she would be as impressed as Gerry said she would be.

    For two minutes, the stage lights werepletely off. When they finally came back on, a single spotlight illuminated the stage, revealing a piano.

    Alice stood in front of the piano, wearing a light blue dress. The soft light casts her profile in a dreamy glow.

    The scene was overwhelming.

    An eerie silence enveloped the room, the atmosphere was so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop.

    Alicia slowly raised her hands, preparing for her performance.

    As the first notes filled the air, he began to hum softly, his melody echoing throughout the room.

    Her voice, striking and charming, captivated the entire audience. She had a hypnotic power that attracted everyone.

    The audience shifted in their seats, clearly surprised.

    ¡°Wait, is that his voice¡­?¡± Someone whispered, before quickly falling silent.

    Murmurs spread through the crowd. Those who had expected a mediocre performance were left stunned.

    Lilliana, in particr, was ovee with disbelief.

    Her face turned white as the reality of the moment hit her. It wasn''t just the quality of Alicia''s song, it was her voice. It sounded exactly like Iris''s.

    This performance even surpassed Iris''s performance fromst year.

    What the hell was going on?

    How could Alice have written such a song and sung in such a simr voice?

    At that moment, Lilliana''s agent rushed over, panic evident on her face. ¡°Bad news, Lilliana! The livestream is flooded with worryingments.¡±

    Lilliana''s fans were quick to notice that something was wrong. The chat erupted inments, some questioning Lilliana''s integrity, others praising Alicia.

    Alicia''s votes skyrocketed on the big screen, quickly surpassing Lilliana''s score.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Excitement was mounting both online and in person. Alicia remainedpletely unfazed as she focused on her performance.

    Once he finished singing, he silently walked off the stage, ignoring the conversations that arose around him.

    Netizens began to voice their opinions. The public that once idolized Lilliana was now turning against her.

    ¡°Did you see? Alicia¡¯s votes just surpassed Lilliana¡¯s. This is incredible! ¡°A big name singer just lost to a neer.¡±

    ¡°This is amazing! It sounds exactly likest year''s hit! You can tell it¡¯s the same voice!¡±

    "Do you think he''s lip-syncing?"

    ?Or maybe Lilliana was the one lip-syncing the whole time! Since that song unexpectedly became poprst year, she hasn''t released anything worth mentioning. Don''t you find that strange?

    "I''ve been saying this for a while. How can someone have just one hit song? It turns out she wasn''t even the one singing."

    "Just listen to Lilliana''s performance today. She soundspletely muffled."

    The noise grew louder and more intense.

    Even the judges exchanged doubtful nces, their skepticism evident as they looked at Lilliana.

    High-profile celebrities, on whom the Green family had spent a fortune, could not bear public scrutiny. They confronted Lilliana directly, demanding to know what was going on.

    Lilliana''s face had already been paled. She clutched her stomach, unable to move.

    Gerry, enjoying the spectacle, took a moment to taunt Caden. ¡°You lost, Caden. Don¡¯t forget to hand over thend.¡±

    Caden replied with azy smile, ¡°Don''t worry, I won''t back down.¡±

    ¡°Do you smile even after losing?¡± Gerry asked.

    ¡°Seeing a good show for a piece ofnd is quite a bargain,¡± Caden said with a shrug.

    Caden''s gaze shifted as he focused on a corner of the audience.

    He noticed several suspicious figures with their hats pulled down. They were listening intently to the patriarch of the Green family.

    After exchanging a few words, the group bowed and left.

    Caden raised an eyebrow curiously and stood up.

    Gerry arched his neck, eager to continue gossiping. ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    Joshua quickly took Lilliana away, worried about her and the baby.

    Lilliana leaned against him, shaking uncontrobly. ¡°Why is this happening?¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Not only had she lost today''s contest, but now her lip-syncing history was about toe to light.

    How could this happen?

    How could Alice be rted to Iris?

    Lilliana felt a mix of rage and fear as tears ran down her face.

    ¡°Joshua, what should we do?¡± she sobbed. ¡°The promotion for this event was massive, and now I have been embarrassed like this. How can I continue in the entertainment industry?¡±

    Joshua''s expression darkened with anger.

    So Iris could be Alice.

    I realized this with a mixture of surprise and irony.

    Alice had waited all this time for this moment.

    Was it all to get revenge on him? To make his life more difficult?

    Alicia was quite the ex-wife.

    Joshua realized he had underestimated her. He felt a surge of anger rise up within him as he searched for a solution.

    After a moment, he tightened his grip on the crying woman in his arms. A fierce determination shone in his eyes.

    Alicia had seen today''s sceneing.

    She wasted no time and headed backstage to change out of her borate dress.

    The audience was absorbed in the show, leaving the dressing room almost empty. A little tired, Alicia closes the curtain and begins to undress.

    Alice had only worn the dress once and wanted to avoid ruining it, so she handled it carefully.

    After hanging up, he suddenly remembered that he hadn''t brought any changes of clothes.

    At that moment, I heard the door open.

    A surge of hope washed over Alice as she asked quietly, ¡°Are you my makeup artist?¡± She got no response.

    Thinking she had misheard, Alice called again, but still received no answer.

    Peeking behind the curtain, she found no one. She clutched her chest and tiptoed out. As she turned a corner, she saw Caden sitting in a makeup chair, watching her with an amused expression.

    "Jesus Christ!" Alice screamed internally.

    She stood frozen for several seconds before turning and running away, still clutching her chest. In her frustration, she pulled the curtain closed.

    Caden smiled as he picked up his clothes from his chair and walked over to her.

    Alice screamed, "Why didn''t you answer when I called you? You''re a pervert."

    Caden calmly replied, ¡°You were calling your makeup artist. Why would I answer?¡±

    Alice growled, ¡°Get out!¡±

    Caden reached out and pulled the curtain aside, revealing her.

    Alice grabbed her quickly, determined not to let her go.

    Caden decided not to argue. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to change?¡±

    Of course, Alice needed to change, but hisment irritated her. ¡°Leave the clothes behind. ¡°I¡¯ll deal with themter.¡±

    Caden nonchntly replied, ¡°What do I care about your t chest?¡±

    Fury gripped Alice. ¡°Who are you calling t?¡± Even if it was, it¡¯s none of your business!¡±

    Caden acknowledged her with a short hum before dropping the clothes onto the floor.

    "I''m leaving," he announced.

    Secondster, footsteps echoed in the hallway. Alice waited, not knowing if he had really left. She cautiously peeked through a small gap in the curtain.

    There was no one in sight.

    Seeing the clothes a short distance away, he reached out his hand but couldn''t grab them. So I decided to go outside.

    Just as she reached for the clothes, a feeling of uneasiness washed over her, causing her to quickly turn her head. Caden was leaning casually against a closet with a satisfied smile on his face as he watched her.

    Damn!

    Alice screamed silently. Her face burned with fury as she grabbed the clothes and ran back behind the curtain.

    Cadenughed softly. ¡°How can someone be so clumsy?¡±

    Alice gritted her teeth in frustration. ¡°I never imagined you were such a pervert!¡±

    Cadenmented, ¡°Haven¡¯t you been standing right under my nose?¡±

    Alice was speechless.

    He clenched his fists and quickly put on his clothes.

    As he left, his phone range. It was Gerry. ¡°Mr. Hopkins,¡± he said as he walked out.

    Gerry informed her, ¡°The restaurant is booked. I''ll send someone to pick you up. By the way, have you seen Caden?¡±

    Alice replied tly, ¡°He¡¯s gone.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Gerry could smell fresh gossip in the air. ¡°Are you two together?¡± I have asked directly.

    Before Alicia could answer, Caden snatched the phone out of her hand and told Gerry, ¡°I¡¯ll bring it over in a little while.¡±

    Gerry dropped his yful tone. ¡°Today¡¯s incident has caused quite a stir. Alicia¡¯s face has been exposed on camera. Be careful and make sure she isn¡¯t targeted by Lilliana¡¯s obsessive fans.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Caden replied, hanging up and handing the phone back to Alicia.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    She stood still, staring at him, not moving.

    Caden, who had been moving to open the door, stopped when he noticed her reluctance. He furrowed his eyebrows. ¡°What''s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Gerry warned me to be careful around Lilliana¡¯s admirers,¡± Alicia said, her voice tense. ¡°You''re Lilliana''s boss. Shouldn¡¯t I be more careful around you?¡±

    She was already on guard against him. ¡°Howe you''re here all of a sudden? Have youe to silence me?¡±

    Caden blinked, remaining silent for a few seconds before replying coldly, ¡°That''s right. ¡°I¡¯m going to take you to a remote ce, do whatever I want with you, kill you, and dispose of your body.¡±

    Alice took a sharp breath. Clicking her tongue, she decided to stop arguing with him.

    They had to leave immediately. If Lilliana''s fans showed up, they would be in serious trouble.

    The celebrity team was no joke. They were trained professionals, serious about their business. Lilliana had fled the scene,pletely unharmed.

    By then, there were few people left.

    Caden hurriedly guided Alicia towards the underground parking lot.

    Alice thought they were safe, but her relief was premature. When the elevator doors opened, they saw a small crowd of seedy-looking individuals just a few feet away.

    The group turned toward the sound of the elevator, and when they saw Caden and Alicia, one of them shouted, ¡°It¡¯s her!¡±

    Alice froze. She hadn''t expected trouble to find them so quickly. Taking a deep breath, she braced herself.

    The man leading the group lunged at her, his expression fierce. ¡°You bitch! ¡°How dare you plot against Lilliana.¡±

    Alicia grabbed Caden''s hand, pulling him back. ¡°Get behind me!¡±

    Caden looked at her for a couple of seconds, then took off his jacket and rolled up his shirt sleeves. ¡°This is the perfect time for a man to step up and prove his worth.¡±

    But just as she was about to act, Alice raised her leg and delivered a solid kick to the man lunging at her. She screamed in pain, clutching her chest as she staggered backwards.

    Caden stood there speechless, his mouth forming a small ''O''. He slowly pulled his sleeves down to his wrists.

    But once the first man was down, the others pounced on him. Several lunged at Alicia in unison. It was Caden''s turn to push her back, delivering a swift roundhouse kick to the first man who approached. The difference in strength between him and the attackers was obvious.

    Alice had used all the strength she was capable of, but only managed to knock her opponent down.

    Caden, however, knocked his attacker into the air, knocking down some of his teammates in the process.

    ¡°If you want to hurt a man,¡± Caden said calmly, ¡°you aim for the spots where it hurts the most. Kick him in the groin, his head, his shins.¡±

    Alice''s eyes lit up. "Understood."

    As another man lunged at her, Alicia stepped forward and kicked him in the groin.

    He immediately fell to the ground, clutching his groin and groaning in pain.

    It was a resounding blow, Caden had to admit. But¡­ he felt a certain tightness in his lower abdomen as he watched the man protect himself.

    Alice turned to him, smiling. ¡°How was that? I¡¯m a quick learner, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    At that moment, all Caden could think about was how beautiful his eyes were.

    I have felt an inexplicable urge tough. ¡°Well done.¡±

    The attackers were few, and within minutes, Caden and Alicia had dispatched them.

    When they finally retreated, the men were cleaning or shaking, keeping a respectful distance and no longer daring to approach Caden and Alicia.

    Caden dusted off his hands and walked Alicia to her car. She buckled her seatbelt and craned her neck to look in the side mirror. Lilliana''s crazed fans were still milling around, unsure of what to do next.

    The men continued to rumble and make phone calls, casting sharp nces toward Caden''s car. Alicia''s expression turned grim. ¡°They don''t seem like Lilliana fans,¡± she noted. ¡°They seem more like people hired to deliberately cause trouble.¡±

    Caden nced at the men in the rearview mirror. ¡°Perfect, then,¡± he said coldly. ¡°Consider it free practice for fools like you.¡±

    Alice red at him, her eyes narrowing in disapproval.

    An insufferable man.

    He took out his phone and dialed 911.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Caden asked.

    "I''m calling the police."

    Whether or not these men were actually fans of Lilliana, Alicia was confident that the authorities would deal with it properly. Lilliana was still embroiled in the lip-sync scandal, and this little altercation might serve as a warning to her.

    You don''t y with thew.

    "Those thugs are all beaten up," Caden said. "Who do you think the police will arrest when they see the state those men are in?"

    Alice''s brow furrowed even further. "But we can''t let this go."

    ¡°What more do you want?¡± I have replied. ¡°One of them is already unconscious. ¡°You have probably rendered him impotent for life.¡±

    Alice calmed down a little. ¡°I didn''t kick him that hard.¡±

    ¡°His actions may have been premeditated,¡± Caden said slowly, ¡°but we fought back. At the very least, the police will probably consider this a public brawl.¡±

    And even if it were considered self-defense, they would not get away with it. At best, they would be fined. At worst, they would be arrested.

    In any case, they would lose.

    Alicia thought about it carefully and realized that it made sense. She locked the screen and put the phone away. Reflecting on Caden''s actions earlier, a strange feeling bubbled up in his chest. She turned in her seat to look at him.

    They had just left the parking lot and passed under the shade of arge tree.

    Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing Caden''s well-defined features in a warm glow. The sun shone in their deep-set eyes, making them look inviting, as if they were pools that lured an unsuspecting onlooker to drown in their depths.

    Alice continued to stare at his face, stunned.

    Suddenly, Caden turned to look at her.

    "You really like me, huh?"

    Alice''s lips twitched, but she quickly looked away, focusing on the scenery outside. She kept looking around as if searching for something.

    Caden stopped in front of a restaurant and turned off the engine.

    ¡°What are you looking for?¡± I have asked.

    Alice''s tone was sharp. "I''m looking for your dignity, as you seem to have lost it somewhere."

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    As Alicia and Caden approached the restaurant entrance, they saw Gerrying out. He stood right between them and asked, ¡°Did you guys run into any problems on the way here?¡±

    Caden replied nonchntly, ¡°They took care of everything.¡±

    Gerry still seemed a little uneasy as he pressed on. ¡°Did you really find something? Thank goodness you went to check it out. But why were you so anxious to find Alice at that time?¡±

    Caden paused for a moment, casting a quick nce at Alicia.

    "I lost something and needed to check the locker room. It''s an apartment," he exined.

    "What the hell?" Alice muttered to herself.

    She could guess what he meant by that. ¡°Caden, you¡¯re crazy,¡± he growled.

    Gerry frowned, confused. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± To thead? What is that exactly?¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Alice remained silent, choosing not to answer.

    Caden smiled slightly, clearly enjoying the exchange.

    Once they entered the private room, Alicia turned to Gerry and asked, ¡°Lilliana had a major incident today. As her boss, why didn¡¯t Caden do anything about it?¡±

    Gerryughed at his question. ¡°Caden bought thepany Lilliana works for fun. He¡¯s aid-back boss who doesn¡¯t stress about things.¡±

    "But with such a great loss, don''t you care at all?" Alice persisted.

    ¡°A loss?¡± Gerry nearly burst outughing. ¡°You''ve been arguing with Caden for so long and you still don''t get it.¡±

    Alice''s curiosity increased. "Lilliana is now under your supervision. Their interests are tied together. How is it possible that there are no losses involved?"

    Gerry spoke openly. ¡°Before Caden came back to the country, he had already acquired several major tforms. He just hadn''t made any public announcement about it. Now, with the promotion of Lilliana¡¯s new song, all the money Joshua and the Green family invested is going straight into Caden¡¯s pocket.¡±

    Alice stood there,pletely dumbfounded.

    He finally realized that Caden''s strategy was designed to outwit Joshua.

    Caden knew Joshua held a grudge against him. He was always eager topete in every aspect of their lives.

    Although Joshuacked funds, he would no doubt redirect money from his ownpany to keep up with Caden in supporting Lilliana.

    In the end, all of Joshua''s efforts were in vain.

    The money disappeared, Lilliana was exposed for lip-syncing and the logical thing was for her to terminate her contract with thepany.

    Caden made a profit without incurring any losses and, in the process, managed to repel Joshua.

    Alicia turned her gaze to Caden.

    He took a slow drag on his cigarette, the smoke curling around him.

    A smile appeared on his lips, a mixture of sophistication and mischief.

    Alice couldn''t help muttering, ''Clever.'' He really was clever.

    Caden flicked the ash off his cigarette and nonchntlymented, ¡°Keepplimenting me. I love hearing them.¡±

    Alicia asked, "Did you know Lilliana lip-synced?"

    ¡°I knew your song was being bought.¡± Caden kept his gaze fixed on her. ¡°I just didn''t expect the seller to be you, Miss Bet.¡±

    Alice responded with a surprise, ¡°Oh.¡±

    "So when you came to the dressing room to look for me, your intention was to praise me?" I have continued.

    Caden then looked away, chuckling as he said, ¡°Did your dignity end up in my car too?¡±

    Alice pressed her lips together, trying to hide her frustration.

    Gerry watched the interaction between them.

    ¡°It''s been so many years. Aren¡¯t you two tired of fighting?¡± Gerry asked thoughtfully. ¡°This time, you''re both targeting Joshua. Why don¡¯t you put aside your differences and join forces?¡±

    Alice''s smile quickly faded.

    His expression turned grim and his eyebrows furrowed impatiently as he processed her words.

    Caden remained unfazed as he said, ¡°I can¡¯t ally myself with someone so foolish.¡±

    Gerry stood, momentarily speechless.

    Sensing the tension in the air, he cleared his throat and suggested, ¡°Would you like something to drink? ¡°I have some great options.¡±

    Alice shook her head. ¡°I''ll pass. ¡°I tend to get drunk easily.¡±

    Caden remained silent, showing that he had no interest in drinking either.

    After Gerry poured himself a few drinks, he became noticeably more talkative. He asked with genuine curiosity, ¡°Do you think Joshua will still be holding on to Lilliana after this mistake?¡±

    Alicia took a sip of her juice and replied, "I remember you don''t hang out with Joshua very much. Why do you dislike him so much?"

    Gerry chuckled in response. ¡°It¡¯s because he and Caden don¡¯t get along!¡± In a confident voice, he dered, ¡°Anyone who crosses my best friend also bes my enemy.¡±

    Alice was speechless.

    In a clear voice, Caden dered, ¡°He¡¯s almost drunk and he¡¯s putting on a show to influence your emotions.¡±

    Alicia''s mouth twitched. ¡°Has Joshua ever upset you?¡± she asked.

    Caden chuckled at that. ¡°Why do you sound like you''re interrogating me? Do you feel sorry for that asshole?¡±

    "No, but if it bothers you, you don''t have to answer," said Alice.

    ¡°I''m upset. ¡°Your question is frustrating.¡± The air was filled with tension.

    That was the nature of the rtionship between Alicia and Caden. Invisible conflicts often erupted without warning. These moments served as reminders of their sharp and irreconcble past.

    Soon Gerry waspletely intoxicated. He copsed on the table and fell into a deep sleep.

    Caden, for his part, continued to drink, his emotions hidden behind an unreadable fa?ade. The private room fell into an eerie silence. Alicia sensed that Caden''s current coldness was a consequence of her presence, which prompted her to consider leaving.

    Gerryy heavily intoxicated, and she thought about reminding Caden of this fact. She hesitated, however, preferring to keep her thoughts to herself.

    Just as she was about to get up, a bright light suddenly illuminated the building opposite the window. Alice instinctively turned her gaze towards it.

    Across the street was a huge billboard. At that moment, a photo appeared on the screen. It was a photo of Joshua and Lilliana.

    In the picture, they were particrly close together, both smiling happily at the camera. As the screen scrolled, a few words in bold caught Alicia''s attention: "Lilliana, will you marry me?"

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Joshua made a surprise proposal.

    This shocking announcement hit the news, andizens, who had been targeting Lilliana, soon redirected their attention. They began digging into Joshua''s past, looking for any trace of his rtionship history, and eventually discovered that he had been married and divorced.

    A lot of hidden information came to light. In essence, Lilliana''s scandal took a backseat. Joshua bore the brunt of the online bacsh for her.

    Caden''s gaze shifted to the screen. He let out a slight scoff.

    "What a touching love story," shemented.

    Alicia stared at the screen, almost enthralled by the unfolding events. The screen soon changed to a video. It showed Joshua''s heartfelt confession. It told how he and Lilliana met and fell in love.

    Joshua then showed off a dazzling diamond ring and gently ced it on Lilliana''s finger. The camera''s zoom lens captured the moment clearly.

    Alice''s eyes filled with tears and her breathing becamebored.

    Caden turned to look at her, his indifferent gaze taking in her fragile expression.

    Alicia lowered her eyes, trying to mask her emotions. ¡°It''s just a proposal. What''s so touching about it? Honestly, I find it a bit clich¨¦. That diamond ring seems like a rip-off. It¡¯s super expensive but it¡¯s really not worth it.¡±

    Caden¡¯s expression remained void of any emotion. He replied nonchntly, ¡°That brand of diamond ring is priceless.¡±

    Alice''s eyes reddened even more, and sheughed bitterly. "I guessed right. Joshua has lost a fortune."

    Caden scoffed at his words.

    "It''s not really a loss," he said. "At least when he married you, he didn''t spend a cent."Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Alicia remained silent at hisment.

    ¡°Oh wait, he did spend a little bit,¡± Caden added slowly. ¡°He bought you a silver ring for a few dors.¡±

    The room became eerily quiet, amplifying Alice''s distress as she processed everything that was happening around her.

    Alice poured herself a ss of wine, trying to appear calm as she asked, ¡°Would you like a drink?¡±

    Caden remained silent, showing no interest in his offer. Alicia did not expect his response and brought the ss to her lips.

    I knew she was slightly allergic to alcohol and tended to get drunk quickly, so she was rarely indulged. Today, the wine was especially strong.

    As he drank it, it stuck in his throat and he coughed immediately. His face flushed and his eyes filled with tears, although they did not fail.

    Caden''s expression darkened. He looked at her with a hint of disdain. ¡°If you want to die so badly, why don''t you just drink it all at once?¡± he said.

    Alice preferred not to respond to his mockery.

    After catching her breath, she realized she needed to slow down, so she began sipping the wine slowly, taking generous gulps.

    Caden watched her as she drank the wine as if it were water.

    After three drinks, the signs of Alicia''s allergic reaction became evident. Small red spots appeared on her neck, revealing the distress her body was suffering.

    Caden frowned and squeezed his hand firmly as he reached for another ss.

    Alice slowly raised her head, looking at him through her drunkenness.

    "What the hell are you doing?" I have asked.

    ¡°Stop drinking!¡± I insisted.

    Alice weakly tried to free her hand, but could not match his strength.

    ¡°Let me go, Caden!¡± she snapped, her voice thick with frustration.

    Caden replied, "If you want to drink yourself to death, do it somewhere else. Dying here would only make me a suspect."

    Alice narrowed her eyes and looked at her hand as if she was thinking about her next move.

    Caden sensed an easy tension in the air.

    Before he could back out, Alice suddenly opened her mouth and bit her hand hard.

    It was clear that he was releasing his pent-up frustration with that fierce action.

    Even someone as patient as Caden couldn''t help but shudder slightly. ¡°You really do act like a dog, biting everything thates close.¡±

    Despite hisment, he kept his hand right where it was.

    Alicia continued to bite until her jaw began to hurt, finally releasing her grip. She stared nkly at Caden''s bleeding hand, and unexpectedly, tears ran down her cheeks.

    With a clumsy but gentle movement, she leaned forward and licked the blood from her hand. Holding back her emotions, she murmured, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Her soft tongue brushed against the wound, causing an unbearable sting that made him shudder.

    Caden frowned and quickly drew his hand.

    Alice slumped onto the table, feeling defeated.

    Outside, fireworks were exploding in the night sky. Purple bursts lit up the darkness, casting a glow across Alice''s pale face.

    Alicia had once told Joshua that purple fireworks were her favorite. But Joshua had never bothered to light them for her. Everything she had hoped for, everything he had owed her, was now freely given to someone else.

    Caden never imagined he would find himself in a situation like this.

    With Gerry passed out and Alicia having an allergic reaction, Caden knew he had a challenge on his hands.

    He ordered someone to take Gerry away. When he turned around, he saw Alice sweating profusely. She retched repeatedly but couldn''t get anything out, groping around on the table in a daze.

    Caden approached her and asked, ¡°What are you looking for?¡±

    "I''m looking for tissues," she murmured.

    Alice looked at him before leaning weakly against his chest, wiping her mouth on his shirt.

    Caden was speechless. I have regretteding back.

    Noticing the red rashes covering her exposed skin, he realized that her allergy was severe. He hesitated for a moment, but then decided to lift her up.

    Just as Caden was carrying Alicia, Hank arrived after parking the car and witnessed the scene unfold.

    Hank was puzzled. He was fully aware of Caden''s aversion to women. He politely offered, "Mr. Ward, let me take care of this."

    Caden replied in a level tone, ¡°No need. ¡°Just drive up to the entrance.¡±

    Hank replied, ¡°Yes, sir.¡± However, he secretly took out his phone, preparing to take a photo. Just as he was about to capture the moment, Caden gave him a stern look.

    Hank quickly raised his phone, pretending to check his hair in the reflection. ¡°I wasn''t taking pictures of you two. ¡°I was just making sure my hair wasn¡¯t messy.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice woke up to be unceremoniously dumped into the car.

    Instinctively she curled up into a ball, her wide, wary eyes scanning the interior of the vehicle.

    "Where are we going?" I have asked.

    Hank turned to look at her and smiled reassuringly. ¡°It''s okay, Miss Bet. It''s just me and Mr. Ward. ¡°You¡¯re allergic to alcohol, so we¡¯ll take you to the hospital right away.¡±

    The mention of a hospital immediately made Alice nervous. "No! Please, can we not go?¡±

    Hank paused, looking to Caden for guidance.

    Caden, who was ufortable with hospitals, hesitated for a moment. Then his expression remained unreadable as he spoke. ¡°Just stop by a pharmacy, get her some antihistamines, and then take her home.¡±

    Hank agreed and started the car.

    The car moved slowly along the road, although it was unable to avoid the sharp turns. With each turn, Alice''s head seemed to spin even faster.

    When they finally pulled up in front of her apartment, Alicia struggled to keep her eyes open and forced herself out of the car. As soon as her feet hit the ground, her knees buckled and she nearly passed out.

    "Mr. Ward," Hank said, unable to bear the sight of her in that state. "Shouldn''t we help her up?"

    Caden watched Alicia through narrowed eyes as she staggered, swaying with every step.

    ¡°He can still walk, right?¡± Caden said dryly.

    ¡°I know Miss Bet has a stubborn streak, Mr. Ward,¡± Hank said, ¡°but she¡¯s actually a very nice person.¡±

    "If you''re so worried, why don''t you help her then?"

    Hank felt a pang of unease at Caden''s words. His grip on the steering wheel tightened, but he made no move to get out of the car.

    Alice continued to fight, finally reaching the grass.

    At that moment, Hank spoke again. ¡°Are we really going to leave her here, Mr. Ward?¡±

    Caden''s face remained expressionless, though a muscle ticked in his jaw. What a stubborn little thing. He practically dragged himself in and out of consciousness, and yet he refused to call for help.

    Taking a deep breath, Caden got out of the car. ¡°Pass me the antihistamines.¡±

    Hank quicklyplied, handing him the medicine. As he did so, he noticed the cut on Caden''s hand. ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward, did a stray cat scratch you again?¡±

    Caden huffed irritably, walking away from the car without answering.

    Alicia was surprisingly docile in her intoxicated state, and answered Caden''s questions without hesitation. It didn''t take long for him to get her unit number.

    He helped her up to her floor and opened the door to her apartment.

    Caden was still holding Alicia with one arm as he reached for the light switch with his free hand. There was a clicking sound, but the lights were still off.

    Caden stood still for a moment, staring at his feet. At first he didn''t feel anything, but the dim light in the hallway revealed that he had stepped into a mousetrap.

    The pain began to build, gradually intensifying. Caden gritted his teeth and released his foot with a grunt of frustration.

    He looked at Alice, who was still unconscious, with a string of curses ready. But he stopped himself.

    It would be better to scold her when she was awake and sober.

    Finally, Caden found the light switch and flipped it on. The apartment wasn''t big, it only had one bedroom, but it was clean and tidy.

    Caden carefully ced Alicia on the couch.

    Her eyshes fluttered and she narrowed her eyes. Thanks to the alcohol, her usual hostility toward Caden was nowhere to be seen. If anything, she looked dazed and confused.

    Caden ced the medicine on the table. ¡°They''re antihistamines. Don¡¯t stop taking them.¡±

    He started to leave, but Alice''s hand suddenly shot out, grabbing him by the sleeve.

    Caden looked at her with a slight frown.

    Alice opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, her vision went ck.

    She stood still for a couple of seconds, and then her hand moved from Caden''s sleeve to his forearm, gripping it tightly.

    Caden pressed his lips together and looked out the window. All the lights in theplex were off.

    It must have been a ckout.

    Fearing he would leave, Alice approached Caden. He tried to let go of her hand, but Alice reacted quickly, lunging at him and wrapping her arms around him in a desperate hug.

    Caden couldn''t remember thest time he''d seen her this vulnerable. ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be tough and brave?¡± I have sneered. ¡°What, are you actually afraid of the dark?¡±

    She felt Alicia stiffen, but she didn''t say anything. In fact, she was absolutely terrified. She didn''t even care if Caden made fun of her for it.

    Caden still had his phone, so he turned on the shlight to illuminate the room. Coincidentally, a message appeared on the screen: it was from the apartmentplex''s group chat, informing tenants that the power would be restored in half an hour.

    He ryed the message to Alice before reaching for the medicine and popping out a pill. ¡°Open your mouth.¡±

    Alice turned her head to look at him and obediently opened her mouth. Although her mind was still clouded, she was aware of her actions. Without much thought, she clicked her tongue against Caden''s finger as he ced the pill in her mouth.

    Caden gulped at the warm, wet sensation against his skin. ¡°You''re still the temptress, even when ites to something as mundane as taking medicine.¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Alicia blinked, her eyes still ssy. Without any water to wash the pill down, it dissolved quickly in her mouth. She nuzzled Caden¡¯s neck and murmured, ¡°It tastes awful.¡± He could hear the whimper in her voice.

    "Do you know who I am?" he asked coldly.

    Alice didn''t respond.

    Suddenly, Caden felt a wetness in his throat. Warm tears were sliding down his neck and disappearing into his shirt.

    He found himself hugging Alice to his chest. It was the second time he had cried today. How strange.

    Alicia continued to cry silently for a few minutes before slowly raising her head. Caden had ced his phone on the coffee table, and the lighting from it cast arge shadow over his handsome face.

    Alice cupped his face in both hands and stared at him in a daze. His eyes,rge and watery, seemed like twin pools calling to her toe closer.

    "Why? What have I done to you? Why are you treating me like this?"

    Caden remained calm. ¡°Alicia, look at me carefully. ¡°I¡¯m Caden, not Joshua.¡±

    Alice leaned against him with a broken sigh. Fresh tears ran down her cheeks as she rested her forehead against his.

    Caden frowned. He never liked getting involved with women, especially when they were emotional, but something in Alicia''s eyes kept him rooted to the spot.

    ¡°Two years ago,¡± Alice began, her voice painfully soft. ¡°Why did you trick me? First ce was supposed to be mine. ¡°Everyone knew it.¡±

    Caden''s breath caught.

    Alice hadn''t confused him.

    Caden''s gaze locked onto her face. ¡°Who told you I cheated? ¡°It was Joshua, right?¡±

    Alicia''s lips curved into a self-deprecating smile. She had performed exceptionally well in thepetition two years ago. She was set to win first prize, but at thest second the judges changed their decision and gave it to Caden.

    Joshua had told him everything. He had investigated the matter and discovered that Caden had orchestrated the whole thing.

    If Caden hadn''t stolen the first prize, his parents would havee home early that day. Maybe they wouldn''t have died.

    His silence confirmed everything. Caden scoffed. ¡°Of course it''s him. Whatever Joshua says is the truth, right? ¡°You believe everything thates out of your mouth.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice closed her eyes as tears fell down her face.

    "Forks. Am I really that stupid?¡± she whispered.

    ¡°Yes, extremely stupid,¡± Caden replied tly.

    Alice struggled to form her words. ¡°You must think I''m jealous of Lilliana, don''t you?¡±

    Caden probably assumed she wanted that expensive diamond ring. But that wasn''t it at all.

    What truly destroyed Alicia was seeing Joshua''s hands.

    The year his parents died in the ne crash, their bodies were trapped under the wreckage. Joshua risked a second explosion and spent three days and nights digging through the rubble. When he recovered their remains, his hands were so damaged they were almost unrecognizable.

    If it hadn''t been for Joshua''s betrayal, Alice would never have realized how convincing pretending could be. After shedding her tears, she felt the weight on her heart lighten.

    But now, his thoughts were cloudier than ever. She leaned on Caden''s shoulder, resting her head on his neck.

    Caden assumed she was about to cry again and didn''t react until he noticed her steady breathing. Was she asleep? Feeling annoyed, I muttered, ¡°Alice?¡±

    I have called her name a few more times before she stirred, as if awakening from a deep sleep. His voice grew colder. ¡°Let me go. ¡°I have to go.¡± He had done more than enough to help her, but being used as her pillow was going too far.

    Caden pulled her roughly, but Alicia responded by wrapping her arms around his neck. She then opened her eyes, frowning at him.

    He stared at her face, noting how almost perfect it was.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    His vision blurred and he felt like he was in a dream.

    "Why are you crying?" I asked her in a low voice.

    ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡± Caden asked, his tone high-pitched. After all, she was the one crying.

    Alice paused for a moment and gently stroked her face. She carefully wiped the tears from his cheeks and then wiped his nose.

    Caden let her continue without reacting, staying still while she worked.

    He shook his head slightly, but his face remained expressionless, showing no trace of what he was thinking.

    Alice stopped moving and studied his face closely. Her eyes followed the shape of her eyebrows, then her nose, and finally her lips.

    I didn''t understand what she had led her to do what she did.

    But he followed his impulses.

    When their lips met, Alice closed her eyes and gave herself over to her feelings. She shivered as he parted her lips and pushed forward.

    Caden watched her closely and tilted his head. ¡°Do you realize what you''re doing?¡± Alicia didn''t answer.

    She continued kissing him.

    Caden responded, taking control without hesitation. The kiss became wilder, almost aggressive. Alicia''s breathing hitched and her mind became a blur of confusion.

    The heat within him emerged, overwhelming her. They remained locked in the kiss until the room suddenly lit up.

    The power was back on.

    Caden grabbed her head and pulled away from her lips.

    Just as I had expected, Alice''s eyes were unfocused.

    Her gaze was lost and her lips were slightly parted. Herbored breathing made her look fragile. It was as if anyone could overpower her.

    Cadenughed at her and asked, ¡°Alicia, do you know who I am?¡±

    Even after hearing the question, Alice did not answer.

    She simply held onto his neck and leaned closer to him. ¡°I want to do this,¡± she whispered. Closing her eyes and biting her lip, she begged, ¡°Please give it to me.¡±

    ¡°Well, well, well¡­¡± Caden muttered to himself.

    If it weren''t for the fact that he was getting hard down there, I would have thought he was drunk too.

    Alice realized she wasn''t moving. She muttered, "1 can pay you for that." What the fuck?

    Did you really think he was a gigolo again?

    The heat of his body lulled her to sleep. ¡°If you make me cum, I can give you even more.¡±

    Caden hesitated. Taking advantage of a drunk woman was not something he wanted to do. But Alicia continued to move on top of him. It was like if she wasn''t thinking.

    Were you nning to disappear after this?

    Caden''s frustration grew. Alicia''s hands kept wandering, pushing him further.

    He grabbed her by the waist and pinned her to the couch.

    "Are you sure this is what you want? Do you really want to make love to me?" The next morning came.

    Alice was still fast asleep when a loud ringing woke her up.

    He opened his eyes and answered the phone.

    Monica''s voice sounded worried. "Alicia, are you okay?" Monica worked in biological research and was often overwhelmed with work. She hadn''t been able to attend Alicia''spetition. But when she saw the news that morning about Joshua''s proposal, she felt angry and decided to call her.

    As shey under the covers, Alice murmured, "I''m fine." Her drunkenness had already subsided due to her throbbing headache.

    Monica noticed a change in Alicia''s voice. "Have you been crying? What does he see in Lilliana? It''s like he''s under a spell. Is Joshua crazy for having feelings for women like her?" Aliciaughed softly.

    ¡°No, they make a good couple. I really wish them the best.¡± Monica was not convinced. ¡°Then why do you sound so tense?¡±

    Alice paused, her thoughts returning to the previous night.

    Her memory after drinking was fuzzy. She could only vaguely remember Caden driving her home before she fell asleep.

    As she fell asleep, she had a dream. In it, the man she was sleeping with was incredibly attractive.

    Feeling a wave of embarrassment, she quickly changed the subject. ¡°Mr. Hopkins chose my song and gave me a generous reward. How about I treat you to dinner?¡± Although Monica was still worried about her, she agreed.

    After finishing the call, Alice got out of bed and went to the bathroom. She felt a slight pain in her legs, but she didn''t pay attention to it.

    Until she saw her reflection in the mirror and noticed several hickeys on her neck. Alice froze and slightly lowered her shirt cor.

    Her cheeks immediately flushed.

    The stains on his neck were just the beginning. His chest was also covered in faint bite marks.

    Panic gripped her as she realized that what happenedst night had not been a dream.

    But¡­

    But who could it have been?

    Could it have been Caden?

    His legs buckled and he fell to the ground, holding his head in disbelief.

    She had assumed it was all a fantasy, thinking she had kissed a stranger in a dream. She couldn''t believe how bold and daring she had been.

    Alicia felt a deep sense of shame wash over her, bringing her to the verge of tears. Desperate to gain some rity, she ran into the living room and turned on the smart camera recording.

    The recording appeared clearly on the screen.

    In the video, Caden was kissing her while she was undressing.

    She even arched her chest to make it easier for him to continue.

    It was wild and out of control.

    Alicia lowered her eyes as she processed what she was seeing.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia couldn''t bear to watch the recording any longer. Her face turned red with embarrassment as she quickly deleted the video, making sure there was no trace left.

    After taking a moment topose herself, she reasoned that Caden had left early and hadn''te around since. Surely, he must have seenst night as a one-time thing. They were both drunk, after all. It was simply a drunken mistake.

    This thoughtforted her a little, but the difort in her body was another story.

    Not only did her legs and waist hurt, but there was another spot that throbbed. She remembered how rough Caden had been that first night, how the pain hadsted for days.

    Alice was worried that she had hurt herself again.

    She went back into the bathroom and stripped down to inspect herself. Some of the marks were deeper than she had expected. There were several bite marks on her waist, lower abdomen and inner thighs, of varying severity.

    A wave of shame washed over her as she muttered, ¡°I bit him twice, and he''s retaliating by biting me a dozen times. ¡°What a mean man.¡±

    Upon closer inspection, she saw that despite all the marks, her most sensitive areas were unharmed, albeit a little swollen.

    Alice let out a sigh of relief. But then, another thought struck her.

    Last night had been so fast. Had they used protection? Alicia realized she didn''t have any condoms at home. Had Caden brought one?

    She wasn''t sure. She considered taking the morning-after pill. Although she was hesitant, she feared the possible consequences if she didn''t.

    She thought about calling Caden, but she knew his attitude wouldn''t help her.

    She preferred to err on the side of caution and decided to take the pill.

    After epting what had happened, she quickly got dressed and went out. In addition to the pill, she had to buy an ointment to heal the bruises.

    Meanwhile, at the doctor''s office, Caden was sitting in the office. An experienced doctor handed him a report.

    ?Mr. Ward, after extensive testing, it appears that apart from gic factors, psychological influences y a role in your condition. Unfortunately, too much time has passed and the optimal window for treatment has been missed."

    Caden''s face darkened. ¡°Is there no way to cure my problem?¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    The doctor adjusted his sses. ¡°It can be controlled, but medication won''t work. Only physical methods could help, and even then, the chances of sess are slim.¡±

    Caden frowned.

    The first time he noticed hisck of interest in women was when he was eighteen.

    After his mother passed away, his grandmother saw that he eventually married and had children. It was then that they discovered his extreme obsession with cleanliness. Further tests revealed his strange condition. The Ward family had consulted many renowned doctors, but none could offer a solution. Caden had not been too concerned.

    After all, his condition was not dangerous to his health.

    But everything changed the night he returned to the country and he and Alicia had sex¡­ repeatedly. After the passion of the previous night, Caden became fully aware of the importance of all this to his situation.

    He said: ¡°Recently, I had a strong physical reaction to a woman.¡±

    The doctor paused, his eyes bright with surprise. ¡°That''s a positive sign! Did you have a physical rtionship?¡±

    "We had sex about five or six times one night," Caden said.

    The doctor took some notes, but stopped when he wrote the number and crossed it out. It was an unnecessary detail.

    Smiling, the doctor said, ¡°It is an unexpected development. It could be the key to her recovery. If you continue to see her, more sexual encounters could lead to improvement.¡±

    Caden''s expression deepened.

    "I only answer to her. Can my illness be cured?"

    The doctor gave him a curious look. ¡°Why would you want to cure her?¡±

    A sharp glint appeared in Caden''s eyes.

    If her unusual condition remained incurable, it wouldn''t be a problem. She had never enjoyed the pleasures of sex before and hadn''t given it much thought.

    However, now that he had experienced it, especially with Alicia, it didn''t seem like a positive thing.

    The doctor sensed Caden''s concern. It seemed that his rtionship with the woman might not be ideal.

    He replied carefully, ¡°In that case, Mr. Ward, perhaps you should wait a little longer while we continue our study.¡±

    Caden gave him a cursory answer.

    The doctor remembered something important and added: "One thing you must remember, Mr. Ward. Now that your desires have been awakened, you must never repress them."

    Caden furrowed his eyebrows slightly and asked, ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    ¡°You must remain celibate ormit fully. This condition affects your hormonal bnce. If you repress your impulses too much,plications could arise. And if you lose control, it could cause significant pain to your partner.¡±

    Caden was silent.

    He stood up and replied indifferently: "That won''t happen."

    He wasn''t an animal. He wouldn''t lose control to the point of ignoring the other person''s feelings in bed.

    After Caden left the office, Hank, who had been waiting for a long time, quickly asked, "How did it go, Mr. Ward?"

    Caden''s expression remained nk. "It was a wasted trip."

    The doctor had told him to wait. He had already waited so many years and now he was being made to wait again. It was empty titudes. From that conversation I concluded that his chances of recovery were slim.

    As they approached the elevator, Hank leaned in closer and whispered, ¡°Mr. Ward, perhaps it is fate. Ms. Bet is divorced from Mr. Joshua Yates. They are both single now. Why not explore this opportunity?¡±

    Caden gave him a cold look. ¡°What nonsense are you spouting?¡±

    Hank anticipated Caden''s denial and touched his nose in embarrassment. ¡°You spent hours watching here home. Your eyes were red when you got back. ¡°Who would believe you didn¡¯t sleep togetherst night?¡±

    At that moment, the elevator doors opened.

    Looking up, Caden saw Alicia standing there.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice was surprised to see him.

    She had only intended to pick up some topical medicine and somehow she had run into Caden so soon. What bad luck she had had!

    After everything that had happened the night before, guilt washed over her every time Caden appeared. She instinctively took a step back.

    Then, she stopped and questioned her reaction. It was ridiculous to feel this way after sleeping with him. Why should she be afraid?

    Alice looked down and returned to her original position.

    Shortly after, Caden walked in silently.

    Hank, not wanting to intrude on his moment, made up an excuse to leave. ¡°Mr. Ward, I need to use the bathroom. You two can go ahead,¡± he said.

    After Hank left, Caden pressed the elevator button. As the doors closed, Alicia felt the air grow thin around her.

    It was then that Caden noticed the paper in her hand. Alicia quickly put it behind her back, but he had already glimpsed what it was.

    In a calm tone, Cadenmented, ¡°You don''t need to take birth control pills.¡±

    Alice paused for a moment, surprised by his answer. ¡°Why do you say that? Do you have azoospermia?¡±

    Caden acknowledged herck of understanding, but chose not to reprimand her. ¡°I didn''t finishst night.¡±

    Alice''s eyes widened at the abruptness of his response. She replied doubtfully, "But I thought it was rather intense."

    Caden gave him a sidelong nce.

    "I relied on different methods."

    Alice felt a little perplexed by his answer.

    Caden was the only man she had ever shared intimate moments with, and those experiences had happened twice, both times shrouded in uncertainty. Her understanding of such subjects was limited.

    ¡°I¡­ what methods did you use?¡± he asked hesitantly.

    The moment she spoke, Caden found himself reliving the vivid moments of the previous night.

    His expression darkened slightly. ¡°You really don''t understand.¡±

    Alice''s ears reddened with embarrassment. At first she hadn''t understood the situation, but his piercing gaze filled her with unease.

    ¡°Huh? What do you mean I don''t understand? ¡°I was just messing with you,¡± she replied, trying to appear nonchnt as she ruffled her hair and cleared her throat. ¡°I get it. Thanks for trying.¡±

    Caden chose not to call her out on her disappointment. Although Alicia''s words came out with conviction, her face betrayed her embarrassment. It was clear she wasn''t being sincere.

    However, as strange as it seemed, her asional nonsense made Caden smile. It was enough to lighten his bad mood.

    Caden had a serious expression as he joked, ¡°Oh yeah? Then tell me, where have I used it?¡±

    Alice''s demeanor faltered. "Is it really appropriate for us to discuss this?"

    Caden chuckled.

    "We''ve already slept together twice. What''s so inappropriate about that?"

    What the devil¡­?

    Alicia stared at the floor numbers on the elevator, feeling as if each passing second was stretching out into an eternity. Damn! Now she wished she had joined Hank during her sudden bathroom break.

    The elevator fell silent again.

    Caden added: ¡°If you are really curious, just check the security footage at home.¡±

    Alice was surprised once again.

    "How do you know I have surveince at home?"

    Caden''s face remained impassive. ¡°Not only am I aware of the cameras, but I also enjoyed watching your enthusiastic effortsst night, Miss Bet.¡±

    The warmth that had just faded from Alice''s cheeks returned.

    He stared at the crack in the wall, wishing he could transform into a cockroach and slide inside it.

    However, the reality was not so simple. She could not turn into a cockroach and had to exin with a calm expression: "I was drunk. It was unintentional."

    A slight smile yed across Caden''s lips, hinting at a memory. ¡°It really caught me off guard.¡±

    Oh God!

    His ambiguous words filled Alice with shame.

    With a soft ding, the elevator doors opened.

    Caden walked out, ending the useless conversation.

    Alice followed him.

    "Caden, we''re both adults. It''s normal for things to get a little out of hand. Let''s pretendst night never happened," she suggested.

    Caden remained indifferent. ¡°What else is there?¡±

    Alice let out a sigh of relief.

    But before she could finish sighing, Caden added, ¡°Three times is the limit, though. If it happens again, I won¡¯t be so amodating.¡±

    Alice looked up.

    The sunlight softened Caden''s eyes, but it couldn''t hide the intensity of his aggression.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I have asked.

    If there was a third time, what would happen? Given their identities and their rtionship, what could possibly happen?

    Caden responded cryptically, ¡°Looks like you¡¯re already anticipating our third time.¡±

    Alice felt a flicker of surprise.

    Why did your initial reaction involve thinking about what might happen after a third meeting?

    How could there be a third time?

    Alice looked away. ¡°Don''t get ahead of yourself. ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    After saying what she needed, she gradually moved away from Caden, and they parted ways.

    Later, Caden returned to the car, where Hank wore a somewhat regretful expression.

    "Mr. Ward, I thought you were going to take Ms. Bet home."

    And then, he was able to take things further.

    Caden grabbed his workptop. ¡°If you love driving people home so much, I¡¯ll get you a job as a driver.¡±

    So Hank decided to drop the subject and asked, ¡°But what about your illness? Are you going to keep taking your medication?¡±

    Caden frowned at that.

    He didn''t care much about the illness. He was willing to take the medication just so he wouldn''t worry Ciara at home.

    He spoke in a deep voice: "I will continue taking the pills."

    Hank advised him, ¡°Medication can be harmful to your body and has not been effective. You have been single all these years. Why don¡¯t you explore other options?¡±

    Caden replied nonchntly, ¡°Romantic rtionships don¡¯t mean much to me.¡±

    Whether she had one or not was the same as him.

    He was content as long as Alice stayed out of his life.

    Hank felt a surge of emotion. ¡°You can''t stay single forever.¡±

    Caden''s expression hardened.

    I remembered what he had just said to Alice. It was not something he had said in jest.

    Three times was the limit. If Alice crossed that line, he wouldn''t be able to contain himself.

    .Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    .

    .

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37:

    ? ? ? ? ?Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Alicia struggled a lot to recover the deleted video from the cloud.

    Unable to see the first sections, he quickly moved on to thest part.

    In that segment, she waspletely naked.

    Caden had wanted to stop because theycked protection, but she clung to him desperately, refusing to let go as she thrust and rubbed against him relentlessly.

    Caden paused for a moment, enjoying his embarrassing situation.

    He finally decided to help her, using his fingers to relieve her.

    Alice''s face turned red as she watched the recording. It was all too overwhelming for her.

    She couldn''t believe she had acted so brazenly. Caden had only used his fingers, and yet she had orgasmed several times.

    Alicia held her breath and turned off the video. An unusual heat ran through her body, causing tingling in certain areas.

    That feeling stayed with her for a long time. Even when she met Monica at the restaurant, she still felt a little dazed.

    Monica put her hands on either side of Alicia''s face and examined her closely. ¡°You''re so pink. You look like you¡¯ve really gotten over it.¡±

    Alicia took a slow sip of water. ¡°If Joshua can go this far for Lilliana, then I should be able to go this far too.¡±

    Monicaughed mockingly. ¡°That''s not necessarily a good thing for Joshua. He''s almost exhausted the family fortune to meet the demands of the Green family. How is he going to maintain that in the future?¡±

    He added: "Also, given the Yates family heritage, can he reallypete with Caden?"

    Alice almost choked.

    She wondered why their conversations always seemed toe back to Caden.

    Monica handed him a napkin and advised, ¡°Drink slowly.¡±

    "I don''t think Caden has any intention ofpeting," Alicia muttered.

    ¡°Who knows?¡± Monica replied. ¡°When ites to intelligence and skills, Caden alwayses out on top.¡±

    Alice looked at her hands.

    She remembered the tears she had shed the night before. Although his words were blurry, Caden''s face remained clear in her fragmented memories.

    She never imagined she would find herself crying in Caden''s arms.

    Her tears had flowed incessantly throughout the night, partly from grief and partly from relief.

    The whole situation seemedpletely absurd to him.

    Alicia shook her head to clear her thoughts. Then she picked up the gift she had brought for Monica.

    It was a valuable watch.

    Monica was stunned. She asked: ¡°Why did you buy something so expensive? You should save your money.¡±

    Alice put the watch on her wrist.

    ¡°It''s beautiful,¡± he said, his gaze softening. ¡°I should have given it to you a long time ago.¡±

    During those two years of marriage, she had struggled financially and always depended on Joshua for support.

    Joshua wasn''t contributing much, and Alicia was too embarrassed to ask for more. So she started working as a frencer under the name Iris.

    During all this time, Monica had helped her unconditionally.

    Alicia reflected on the kindness she had received from Monica.

    Suddenly, Monica''s eyes filled with tears. "You didn''t even buy one for yourself, you got one for me first."

    "I''ll buy er; there''s no hurry," Alice said sweetly.

    They continued talking and ended up discussing their ns for the future.

    ¡°What are your ns now?¡± Monica asked.

    ¡°I want to open an art gallery,¡± Alicia said. ¡°It¡¯s a dream my mother always had and I want to help make ite true.¡±

    Monica agreed.

    ¡°Composing for Gerry has increased your reputation, which will make things easier,¡± he said. He pulled out a card and handed it to Alicia. ¡°Opening a gallery requires a lot of money. Take this.¡±

    Alice felt a rush of heat, but decided to reject it. ¡°I haven''t started yet. I don¡¯t need that much,¡± she said.

    Monica insisted: "Take it, please, just in case you need it."

    "If I need it, I''ll let you know." Alice gently declined the offer.

    After some discussion, Monica decided not to insist. ¡°I will talk to my father about possible contacts. ¡°He knows a lot of people who could help.¡±

    Alice agreed.

    The Flynn family was a business man and enjoyed great prestige within their social circle.

    Alicia bought two boxes of high-end health supplements and apanied Monica to visit Lennon Flynn, Monica''s father.

    Unexpectedly, as soon as Lennon found out about his n, a sudden change urred in him.

    Lennon turned to the maid. ¡°Please stay here with Miss Bet,¡± he ordered.

    Then he took Monica by the arm and led her into the study.

    ¡°I can''t help with this matter,¡± Lennon whispered. ¡°The problems Alicia has caused with the Green family are too serious. Are you bringing her into our home? Are you trying to jeopardize my business?¡±

    Monica felt a surge of indignation. ¡°But it¡¯s Lilliana¡¯s fault!¡± she protested. ¡°Lilliana exploited Alicia¡¯s talent to profit from the entertainment industry. ¡°The truth had toe out at some point.¡±

    Lennon acknowledged his point of view, but stressed the harsh reality. ¡°Look at the inte now. Is anyone criticizing Lilliana? ¡°Everyone is ming Alice.¡±

    Monica was stunned. ¡°Why is Alicia being med?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Monica picked up the phone and saw that someone had uncovered the divorce between Alicia and Joshua.

    She read numerousments full of negativity. People used Alicia of using shady methods to save the marriage and of framing Lilliana.

    Unfounded rumors began to circte. These rumors imed that Lilliana bought songs because Alicia manipted her into doing so.

    Chat logs were made public. In them, Alice portrayed herself as a pitiful, helpless housewife. She seemed to be trying to win Lilliana''s sympathy and convince her to buy songs.

    Lilliana agreed to pay her and promised to support her in her career.

    However, Alice rejected the offer.

    At first, it seemed as if Alice wanted to stay out of the public eye. In reality, she was setting a trap for Lilliana.

    This supposed proof sentizens into a rage. They hurled harsh insults at Alicia, calling her a schemer and maniptor. Thenguage used was so vile that it was unbearable to read.

    Lennon sighed and said, ¡°Alice is a good-hearted girl, but she is too impulsive. She focused on causing a big stir without thinking about the consequences. Lilliana dares to make someone lip-sync because she has the support of the Green family. What was Alice thinking, challenging Lilliana for a man?¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Monica''s eyes shed with fury. ¡°Challenging Lilliana over a man? That worthless piece of trash isn''t even worth mentioning. Alicia agreed to write songs for a living. If she wanted topete, she''d pick someone who truly deserved it. What talents does Lilliana have to her name?¡±

    "Young girls shouldn''t talk so crudely," Lennon said.

    Monica''s voice grew even louder. ¡°I haven''t even started with Lilliana. I knew that asshole was already taken and she still got pregnant before she was married. ¡°If I see her on the street, I¡¯ll make sure she regrets it.¡±

    Lennon quickly put a hand over his mouth. ¡°Monica, please stop talking!¡±

    He realized that he could not offer any help with the situation and was wary of getting involved. However, when the Bet family was flourishing, the Flynn and Bet families had a strong rtionship. Remembering this, I have decided to prepare some financial help for Alicia.

    Alice managed to hear most of their heated arguments.

    He refused the money Lennon offered him and sincerely apologized.

    He realized that he hadn''t been keeping up with entertainment newstely and hadn''t realized how dangerous his situation had be.

    Therefore, he thought that he could not bring trouble to others.

    Anger filled Monica as she walked with Alicia to the door. ¡°We should call the police, Alicia. We can¡¯t ignore this,¡± she said.

    Alice pressed her lips together and gently shook her head.

    "Involving the police will not help," he replied.

    After all, no one would dare to oppose the Green family for someone like her.

    Alicia didn''t want Monica to be dragged into her problems. She was determined to keep her out of it.

    To do so, he had to carefully consider his next move.

    At the Green family estate, Lilliana was resting from her pregnancy following the scandal.

    She flipped through her phone, revealing in the mean-spiritedments directed at Alicia. The harsher the words, the more satisfied she felt.

    Still unsatisfied, Lilliana turned to her assistant. ¡°Didn¡¯t Alicia¡¯s parents die tragically? Get someone to spread that information. ¡°I want to see how my fans react.¡±

    The assistant asked doubtfully, "Isn''t it going too far to involve your deceased parents?"

    Lilliana''s expression hardened. "So what if they''re gone? They raised a daughter like her, so they deserve all the insults. Alicia brought this on herself."

    The assistant remained uneasy. ¡°But Mrs. Bet did a lot of charity work. If people found out, it could backfire.¡±

    His attempt to admonish Lilliana only seemed to fuel her anger further.

    ¡°Who do you think you work for?¡± Lilliana snapped. She grabbed a cup and threw it at the assistant, ordering her: ¡°Follow my orders and stop arguing!¡±

    The assistant screamed in pain. She clutched her chest and backed away, her face flushed with humiliation. ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll inform Stacey,¡± she whispered.

    Stacey Cullen was Lilliana''s agent. She was orchestrating the online smear campaign.

    The assistant opened the door and ran into Joshua. She saw the tears on his face.

    "Is everything okay?" I have asked indifferently.

    Lilliana heard it and looked over. Her eyes narrowed sharply.

    The assistant knew how vtile Lilliana could be. She didn''t dare reveal the truth. "I''m fine, Mr. Yates," she said before leaving.

    Joshua entered the room with a bowl of fruit.

    ¡°Lilliana, the doctor advised you to avoid stress during pregnancy,¡± he reminded her.

    Lilliana grimaced. ¡°You pity her just because she cried?¡±

    Joshua looked down, trying to remain calm. ¡°Why do you have to be jealous of everything? ¡°I was just asking.¡± He took a piece of fruit from the bowl and offered it to her.

    Lilliana refused to ept it.

    She clung to Joshua and pouted. ¡°I''m tired of eating the same thing over and over again. Honey, I want dessert. Go get it for me.¡±

    Joshua feltpletely exhausted. He had no desire to move.

    "I''ll order delivery," I suggested.

    ¡°No, I want you to bring it yourself!¡± Lilliana shook her arm. ¡°If you don''t, it means you don''t love me.¡±

    Even after seeing her beautiful face, Joshua felt no affection for her.

    He waspletely exhausted. Right now, he felt like a machine running without rest.

    For some reason, I was starting to feel disgusted by this beautiful, scornful bitch of a woman.

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll go find her,¡± he agreed, finally giving in. After having invested so much in her, he felt he had no choice but to give in again. ¡°Rest. ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon.¡±

    Lilliana leaned over and kissed him.

    I kissed her back and got up to leave.

    At the door, she wiped the lipstick from her mouth and made a call.

    "Has Alicee to the office to see me?" I have asked.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    His secretary informed him that Alicia had not been there. Joshua''s expression darkened.

    Despite the huge scandal, Alice remained remarkably calm.

    Still, how long could he maintain hisposure?

    "Keep a close eye on her. Don''t let anyone assist her," Joshua ordered.

    After the call, a car drove into the driveway.

    The vehicle hadn''t even stopped when he rolled down its window. A middle-aged woman with curly hair smiled warmly and called out, "Joshua."

    Joshua immediately stepped forward and opened the car door.

    "Mother, what do you bring here?" I have asked.

    The woman, Shelia Yates ¨C Joshua¡¯s mother ¨C was wearing an elegant, short-sleeved traditional dress. A slight smile lit up her well-groomed face, giving her a radiant appearance.

    She held up a bowl of food. ¡°I myself have prepared a nutritious soup for Lilliana.¡±

    Joshua kept a neutral expression. ¡°There''s no need for you to go out of your way. Lilliana and I aren''t officially married yet. Besides, the Green family has everything she needs.¡±

    He didn''t seem bothered by it.

    ¡°If I''m nice to Lilliana, she''ll be nice to you. ¡°I have nothing to lose.¡± She looked at him with concern. ¡°You look exhausted, Joshua. Haven¡¯t you had a good resttely?¡±

    Joshua shrugged it off. ¡°That''s just the way it is. Nothing unusual.¡±

    ¡°This is nothingpared to what you had to deal with two years ago,¡± Sheliamented. ¡°Back then, your father underestimated you. You built everything from scratch, working tirelessly day and night. However, I have never seen you so exhausted.¡±

    Her words left Joshua momentarily dazed.

    Two years ago, he had nothing and worked even harder than he does now. But every night he came home, Alicia was there to ease his worries and fatigue.

    Despite the increased value Lilliana brought to his life, Joshua did not feel any happier.

    He wondered why hecked the joy he had longed for.

    Tired thoughts and tangled memories filled his mind, leaving him even more exhausted.

    Joshua couldn''t remember thest time a genuine smile crossed his face.

    ¡°Come in, Mom. ¡°I have things to do,¡± he said quietly.

    Shelia felt a pang of worry. ¡°Come back soon. I¡¯ve cooked plenty of nutritious soup. ¡°You should have some too.¡±

    Lilliana was courteous to Shelia, her soon-to-be mother-inw.

    However, when she saw the soup, a wave of pregnancy-induced nausea made her wrinkle her nose in disgust.

    Shelia watched her strong reaction. ¡°Is something wrong, Lilliana? You don¡¯t like it?¡± she asked.

    Forcing a smile, Lilliana replied, ¡°No, I just ate and I have no appetite. Leave it here. ¡°I¡¯ll drink itter.¡±

    Shelia continued to insist, refusing to let the matter drop. She poured the soup into a bowl and handed it to Lilliana. ¡°Lilliana, I¡¯ve been simmering this for hours. Please try it. It''s your first pregnancy and you may not know everything. Don''t be picky. Feed your body so the baby grows healthy.¡±

    Irritation welled up inside Lilliana.

    Shelia ignored her earlier words and openly mentioned the baby, treating her as a mere vessel for delivery. With a heavier tone, Lilliana pushed the bowl away. ¡°I said I¡¯ll drink itter.¡±

    Shelia stopped dead in her tracks. She was an experienced woman and could tell that Lilliana was angry.

    Lilliana had a high status, and Shelia had to bear with it, even if she felt wronged. She gently ced the bowl on the ground. ¡°Alright, remember to ask the maid to heat it upter.¡±

    Lilliana felt no appreciation for Shelia''s concern.

    Shelia was Joshua''s mother, but she came from a humble background. Jerald had an affair during their marriage, impregnating Shelia and bringing her into the family home. It was rumored that Jerald and Shelia had met at a nightclub.

    Lilliana closed her eyes. ¡°I''m tired, Shelia. You should go,¡± she said.

    Shelia didn''t want to bother her anymore.

    "If you want something to eat, just tell me. I can make it for you," I offered.

    "No need. I have a maid here," Lilliana replied.

    Shelia wondered if Lilliana was subtly insulting her, implying that she was nothing more than a servant. Without another word, Shelia turned around and left.

    Later, Joshua came home. He saw the maid take out the food container and empty its contents into the dog''s bowl.

    I have frowned.

    Looking closer, he realized that it was the container Shelia had brought earlier.

    The maid seemed surprised to see him and greeted him awkwardly: "Mr. Yates."

    Joshua kept a stern expression. ¡°Who told you to give this to the dog?¡± I have asked.

    The maid was afraid that she would me her. She exined, ¡°Miss Green said that she can''t eat greasy food. It would spoil if she left it out¡­¡±

    Anger took hold of Joshua and he clenched his fists. During the two years of his marriage to Alicia, he had always gone out of his way to cook for Shelia.

    Shelia never epted those gestures, not even once. Now, Lilliana was refusing Shelia''s soup, and the pet dog was eating it.

    His frustration reached a breaking point and he kicked the dog away.

    He pointed to the bowl on the floor. ¡°You drink it,¡± he ordered.

    The maid''s eyes widened in horror. She shook her head frankly. "Mr. Yates, I can''t!"

    ¡°Drink it or you can leave,¡± he demanded. ¡°Make your choice.¡±

    Feeling humiliated by the treatment she received, the maid decided toin directly to Lilliana.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Lilliana listened, but showed no interest in the maid''s concerns.

    She approached Joshua with a smile. ¡°Is something bothering you? You promised when you proposed that you would love me even if I was unreasonable. I didn''t like the soup, so I threw it away. Is there something wrong?¡±

    Joshua dropped the cake onto the floor, struggling to control his growing anger.

    "My mother put a lot of effort into making that soup," she said.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a bowl of soup,¡± Lilliana replied dismissively. ¡°If you''re so worried, I''ll have someone buy another one and return it to him.¡±

    Joshua looked at her, feeling his frustration building.

    Lilliana''s affection for Joshua depends entirely on her mood. When she was happy, she treated him kindly; when she was displeased, she considered him disposable. Her arrogance stemmed from this capricious behavior.

    Joshua stared at her, fighting to control the anger rising within him. He reached out and gently touched her cheek.

    ¡°Okay,¡± he said evenly. ¡°If you don''t want it, I''ll ask my mother not to send you anything again.¡±

    Lilliana felt happy after that.

    Shortly afterward, her agent called with some worrying news. ¡°Someone is suppressing the trending topic about Alice,¡± the agent informed her.

    ¡°Who''s doing this?¡± Lilliana asked, annoyance in her voice.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice had also begun to notice that someone had been discreetly helping her behind the scenes.

    His first instinct was to call Monica.

    When Monica answered, she sounded frustrated. ¡°I hired trolls to trash Lilliana online,¡± she admitted. ¡°But I don''t have the money to censor searches. Those things cost a fortune, and my dad blocked my credit card. ¡°I¡¯m sick of him.¡±

    Alicia thought about Monica''s words, and only one other person came to mind: Gerry.

    Without dy, he called him, and his suspicions were confirmed.

    Feeling a little ufortable, Alice said quietly, ¡°It''s just gossip, people talking behind my back. It''s not like they''re physically harming me. You really didn¡¯t need to waste your money on this¡­¡±

    Gerry,fortably lying down, put her on speakerphone but didn''t answer right away. Instead, he looked at Caden, who was sitting across from him.

    Caden, his long legs crossed casually, had his eyes glued to his phone, scrolling mindlessly. He gave no sign of joining the conversation.

    Undeterred, Gerry turned his attention back to Alicia. ¡°I didn''t spend that much,¡± he finally replied. ¡°The real help came from another big shot.¡±

    Alice frowned, confused. ¡°Who is this mysterious benefactor?¡±

    Once again, Gerry''s gaze shifted to Caden, but he didn''t reveal the answer right away, instead choosing to mock her.

    ¡°Are you free?¡± he asked, smoothly moving on to another topic. ¡°Come on. ¡°We can chat, have some fun, and I¡¯ll introduce you to this ¡®big fish.¡¯¡±

    Alice took the hint immediately.

    She had always had a good working rtionship with Gerry, and now that she was in a bind, he was helping her out by offering her the chance to meet someone powerful. That was how things worked: mutual benefits, carefully cultivated rtionships.

    "What''s that big fish like?" she asked. "I''d like to give him something."

    Hearing this, Gerry''s eyes sparkled with mischief. "He''s¡­ well, let''s just say he''s not as strong as he used to be. Maybe you could get him some Viagra."

    Alice was momentarily speechless, and then replied with dry humor: ''Mr Hopkins, do you happen to have any shady side business?''

    Gerry couldn''t help butugh. "If they evere to an agreement, it will be a miracle."

    A sh of understanding shed in Alice''s eyes.

    That big shot Gerry was hinting at, could it be¡­?

    After ending the call, Gerry couldn''t help but lick his lips and smile. "I''m really curious, Caden. Why did you suddenly decide to help Alicia this time?"

    Caden paused, his eyes never leaving the screen. After a few seconds of silence, he replied haughtily, ¡°It''s not help. Consider it a down payment.¡±

    Gerry raised his eyebrow, intrigued. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    Caden didn''t answer, his expression unreadable. Just then, a light knock on the door interrupted their conversation.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    The manager entered with a warm smile and announced, ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward, Mr. Hopkins, your drinks have arrived.¡± Behind him followed a number of strikingly attractive women, all of them scantily d.

    They came in and served drinks, but didn''t leave right away. Instead, they slid gracefully into the seats next to Caden and Gerry.

    Gerry, without wasting any time, wrapped his arm around the waist of the girl next to him, pulling her close as she giggled, taking a sip of her drink from him. He leaned back in his chair, obviously enjoying the attention.

    Caden, however, didn''t even acknowledge the girl sitting next to him.

    His gaze lingered on her for a moment, cold and distant, as if he were studying her rather than savoring the moment. The girl, unustomed to such a distant wee, blushed under her icy gaze.

    ¡°Mr. Ward,¡± she said in a soft, hopeful tone, ¡°would you like something to eat? ¡°I can feed you.¡±

    Caden''s expression hardened, his eyes darkening with irritation. ¡°No need,¡± he said tly, turning his head away as if his presence repulsed him. ¡°And keep your distance.¡±

    The girl''s smile faltered, clearly surprised by his sudden change of mood.

    But she wasn''t about to give up that easily. Clients as wealthy as Caden didn''te along every day, and she wasn''t about to let him get away.

    ¡°Mr. Ward, don''t be so cruel,¡± she said, moving closer despite her reluctance. ¡°Tell me what you like, I can do anything to please you.¡±

    Caden looked back at her, an uneasy tone in his voice. ¡°Anything?¡±

    The girl''s eyes lit up with eager anticipation, nodding quickly, confident that her persistence was paying off.

    Momentster the door creaked open again and Alice stepped in. The air in the private room was filled with emotion as she took in the scene.

    The women were leaving, one of them especially distressed, wiping her eyes with trembling hands as she let out silent sobs.

    Alicia''s curiosity piqued, her eyes scanning the girl before settling on Gerry and Caden.

    ¡°Have you harassed her?¡± he asked, his lips curling into a subtle smile.

    Gerryughed, clearly amused. ¡°Not me. It was Caden. ¡°He was the one who bullied her and made her cry!¡±

    Alicia''s eyes naturally shifted to Caden.

    He was dressed in his signature ck shirt that clung to his sculpted torso, making even the most mundane color look dangerously attractive.

    His devilishly handsome face showed no emotion, but his presence alone radiated a charm that was hard to resist. Despite his coldness, he had an inexplicable maism that attracted people.

    Memories of the surveince footage shed through Alicia''s mind, those intimate moments when Caden''s touch seemed so matter-of-fact, so devastatingly skilled. A strange emotion stirred within her as a thought crossed her mind.

    Did he¡­ did he use those same skillful hands with other women too?

    She blinked, a glint of mischief in her eyes as she took her seat.

    ¡°I see,¡± he said softly, a mocking tone in his voice. ¡°Impotent men tend topensate by getting a little¡­ creative, don''t they?¡±

    Caden raised his head, his gaze locked with his eyes, his eyes glinting dangerously.

    Before the tension could escte, Gerry''s boisterousughter broke the silence. ¡°That''s exactly what happened! That girl tried her best to seduce him, and what did Caden do? ¡°I have forced her to stay and make a PowerPoint presentation.¡±

    Alice''s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

    The corner of his mouth twitched, and he grumbled, ¡°That¡¯s¡­ really wicked.¡±

    Caden''s voice interrupted the moment, his tone quiet and eerie. ¡°There are far more wicked things, Miss Bet. ¡°Perhaps next time I¡¯ll show you.¡±

    Alice felt a lump in her throat.

    His words, spoken so softly, seemed harmless at first, but the implications made her skin crawl.

    Before she could respond, Gerry, oblivious to the underlying tension, burst outughing. ¡°Why just show it to Alice? I want to see it too.¡±

    Caden''s gaze shifted to Gerry, and a slow, almost mocking smile yed across his lips. ¡°If you insist.¡±

    Alice blinked, momentarily speechless.

    She couldn''t shake the traumatizing image his words had nted in her mind.

    The joke, however, flew right over Gerry''s head. Smiling, he noticed the two bags Alice had brought with her, piquing his curiosity. "What did you buy?"

    Alicia took a breath and handed him one of the bags.

    ¡°This is for you, Mr. Hopkins. A small token of my appreciation for your help. I hope you like it.¡±

    Gerry eagerly opened the bag and his eyes lit up as he saw a bespoke designer gift set for men. Next to it were several elegantly packaged scented candles.

    He pulled one out and sniffed it appreciatively, a satisfied smile on his face. ¡°It smells really good. What brand is it?¡±

    Alice smiled softly, pride evident in her voice. ¡°Actually, I made these myself. I know you''re under a lot of stress, so these candles are designed to help you rx and sleep. If you like them, I''d be happy to make more.¡±

    Gerry, a man ustomed to having everything within easy reach, was touched by the sincerity of the gesture. It was rare for him to receive something made with such consideration.

    He acknowledged his thanks and carefully ced the candle back into the bag.

    ¡°What''s in the other bag?¡± Gerry asked curiously.

    Alicia''s smile turned yful, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she picked up the second bag and slid it across the table towards Caden.

    "As you rmended, Mr. Hopkins: Viagra for Mr. Ward."

    Caden''s expression instantly darkened, his yful demeanor disappearing.

    .

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    .

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia had suspected that Caden was the person Gerry had mentioned. Determined to act on her hunch, she bought the Viagra.

    When she noticed Caden''s stern look, she suppressed a silentugh.

    It was perfect.

    I have realized that I had chosen the ideal gift.

    Maintaining a gentle demeanor, he said, ¡°Knowing that you are so particr, Mr. Ward, I made sure to choose the most expensive ones.¡±

    Gerry couldn''t help butugh. "You''re the only one bold enough to give Caden something like that," he said.

    Alicia blinked and looked back at Caden.

    She offered him a bright smile. ¡°I may be a little presumptuous, but we''re all pretty familiar with each other by now. Practical gifts are the best, don''t you think? Do you like it, Mr. Ward?¡±

    Caden''s face remained unreadable.

    He stared at her for several seconds. Then he reached out and took the bag. ¡°I like it. It¡¯s exactly what I need,¡± he replied.

    Alice''s smile faltered for a moment.

    Rather than fearing that Caden might lose his temper, she was more concerned about his hidden intentions behind a friendly facade.

    Who could have predicted what underhanded tricks he might use in retaliation?

    Without hesitation, Caden opened one of the boxes, took out two pills, and drank them with a sip of wine.

    Alice felt a sudden jolt of surprise.

    Gerry looked at her in disbelief. ¡°Really, Caden? Are you really taking these?¡±

    Caden kept a stoic expression. The wine lingered on his lips, enhancing his dangerous appeal.

    I have swallowed and stared at Alice. ¡°Miss Bet, you have excellent taste. ¡°These go down very well.¡±

    A tingle ran through Alice as he looked at her. Her confidence evaporated, leaving her speechless. It looked like she had gotten herself into serious trouble.

    Gerry was in disbelief. I have picked up the box and inspected it closely.

    There was no doubt about it. It was definitely Viagra. He couldn''t help but marvel at Caden''s audacity. ¡°You''re amazing, Caden. The instructions rmend one pill a day, and you just took two at once. Aren¡¯t you afraid of staying up all night?¡±

    Caden casually reached up and unbuttoned two buttons on his cor.

    Alicia''s eyes caught a glimpse of skin beneath his unbuttoned shirt, and she was drawn to his well-defined pecs.

    He quickly looked away.

    She tried to ignore it, but his voice broke through. ¡°Staying up all night might be overkill, but five or six times isn''t a problem.¡±

    Gerry leaned towards her curiously. ¡°You seem to know this from experience. When was yourst time?¡±

    Caden let out a soft chuckle, making sure Alicia heard. His heart raced in his chest. He picked up a bottle without checking its contents and began to pour. Caden realized what he was doing and spoke slowly. ¡°In a private theater.¡±

    His hand shook and he nearly spilled the contents. Gerry sat up in surprise. ¡°Wait, that was after you got back to the country?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, the day I came back,¡± Caden replied.

    ¡°Wow, that''s impressive! How many times has this happened to you?¡± Gerry asked curiously.

    Caden paused before answering.

    Alicia could feel Caden''s gaze. It felt like a snake was staring at her, coiling around her and preparing to strike, but not trying to.

    ¡°Five times?¡± Caden wondered aloud. ¡°Or was it six?¡± Sweat formed on Alicia''s palms as she raised the cup to her lips.

    ¡°Alice!¡± Caden shouted sharply.

    Alice looked up sharply, her face turning pale and flushed.

    What was he nning now? Was he nning to reveal everything to Gerry?

    Caden kept his eyes fixed on her and said casually, ¡°That¡¯s wine you¡¯re going to drink.¡±

    She stood frozen for a moment. Realizing this, she quickly dropped the ss on the floor.

    Gerry noticed his reaction and asked him, ¡°What''s wrong with wine?¡± Can¡¯t you drink it?¡±

    She wiped her sweaty hands on her knees and forced a smile. ¡°I''m allergic to alcohol. ¡°I almost forgot.¡±

    ¡°Seriously, how could you forget something like that?¡± Gerrymented. ¡°Even Caden remembers.¡±

    A sudden thought urred to him. ¡°Wait a minute, Caden, how do you know Alicia is allergic to alcohol?¡±

    Caden smiled slightly. ¡°There was one time she drank too much and went crazy around me.¡±

    Beads of sweat began to form on his forehead again. He had wiped them away moments before.

    She wished he would stop talking.

    Gerry focused on his words. ¡°Did she go crazy around you? What exactly did she do?¡±

    Caden prepared to respond, but she quickly interrupted him. ¡°I really need some water. I¡¯m really thirsty,¡± Alicia said urgently.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have someone bring you some,¡± Gerry offered.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    However, Alice couldn''t wait any longer.

    She clutched her chest and stood up. ¡°I¡¯ll go get some myself.¡±

    Without waiting for an answer, she ran out of the room. Gerry looked confused. ¡°Why are you in such a hurry to drink water?¡±

    Caden remained silent, but smiled with satisfaction. He seemed to be in a good mood as he opened a bottle of wine.

    ¡°How about a drink?¡± Caden suggested.

    Gerry epted without hesitation.

    He loved to taste wine, but his low tolerance meant that after a few sses he felt dizzy.

    Caden, on the other hand, remained clear-headed. He nced at the door from time to time.

    Alicia intended to leave immediately, but she needed to talk to Gerry about something.

    After taking a moment topose himself, he returned to the private room.

    The aroma of wine filled the air.

    Gerry had just finished another drink. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes were ssy.

    Seeing him in this state, Alice asked worriedly, "Mr. Hopkins, are you all right?"

    Gerry wiped his face and said, "Of course I''m fine. I could drink all night and not get drunk."

    Then hey back, closed his eyes, and fell asleep.

    Alice was speechless.

    She turned slowly to look at Caden. ¡°He acts like that after only a small amount of alcohol. Have I never gotten in trouble for it?¡±

    Caden took a sip of wine, swirled it around, and asked, ¡°What kind of problems are you referring to?¡±

    "You know, the kind of problems that happen when people drink too much."

    "Men can''t act when they''re drunk," she stated bluntly.

    Alice thought this was a rather bluntment. She responded with a simple ¡°Oh¡± and fell silent.

    ¡°But when ites to women, who''s to say?¡± Caden continued.

    Then he looked at her seriously and asked, ¡°Did you need to talk to Gerry about something?¡±

    Alicia hadn''t nned to share her motive, but since he had just helped her, she decided to be polite. "I wanted to ask him to rmend awyer," she exined.

    Caden put down his ss. ¡°I can''t hear you from there.¡±

    She hesitated for a moment.

    Caden pointed to the seat next to him. ¡°Come here and tell me,¡± he said.

    .

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    .

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice decided to be direct. ¡°What exactly are you looking for?¡±

    Caden remained calm, his lover as distant as ever. ¡°What is it you want to chase me?¡± I have asked.

    For a moment, Alice was speechless.

    This infuriating man was ying along. He acted like he was the one being pressured.

    Alice wasn''t going to fall for his trick. "I''ll stay here. If you can''t hear well, I''ll speak louder."

    Caden leaned back with a rxed posture. ¡°In that case, let¡¯s talk about the favor you owe me from earlier.¡±

    She looked at him in surprise.

    It took her a moment to recall the incident. That day, Caden had lent her a jacket when her period started unexpectedly. Back then, he had mentioned that she owed him.

    Naturally, Alice knew that he wouldn''t ask her for something simple.

    This was the moment she had been anticipating. epting that she couldn''t avoid it, Alice asked, "So, what do you have in mind?"

    ¡°Are you afraid of me?¡± Caden asked directly.

    That question hits harder than any approach I could have taken.

    Alice hesitated, but refused to let her guard down. ¡°It''s not about fear. You¡¯re a pervert and no one in their right mind would take a risk with you,¡± she replied.

    He wore a sly smile that didn''t reach his eyes. "So it seems you like getting close to a pervert, Miss Bet."

    Alice was ovee with anguish. ¡°How can you say something like that out loud?¡± she eximed.

    He looked at Gerry, who was still unconscious. Caden knew that nothing could wake Gerry once he had drunk.

    Without missing a beat, he continued, ¡°It''s just a bit of adult fun between us. If you¡¯re curious, I can tell you more details.¡±

    Finally Alice gave in and sat down next to him. ¡°Okay, I''ll listen to you,¡± she said, sitting down but keeping some distance. ¡°Can you hear me from here?¡±

    However, striking up a conversation wasn''t Caden''s real intention. He was actually trying to test a theory.

    In the past, the women who served drinks fit the ssic image of charm. They had innocent faces paired with captivating figures. Their yful banter could have tempted any man.

    Caden tried to be interested, but no spark lit inside him.

    Now, with Alice sitting beside him, her shrewd eyes shining and her demeanor correct without a hint of flirtation, he noticed something different. He didn''t feel a strong attraction, but his presence wasn''t unpleasant. Having been intimate twice before, their bodies seemed to recognize a certain chemistry, triggering a subtle reaction.

    This realization sets off warnings in Caden''s mind. Being naturally sensitive to danger, he felt an instinctive urge to dig deeper.

    Caden reached out and pulled Alicia into hisp.

    Alice hadn''t anticipated it and instinctively pressed her hands against her chest, tightening her legs so as not to slip.

    Suddenly, she remembered that Gerry was nearby, and a tingling sensation ran through her scalp. ¡°Caden, Gerry is still here,¡± she whispered.

    Caden held her firmly by the waist, preventing her from escaping.

    He looked deeply into her eyes, ignoring everything around them. ¡°Give me a kiss and we will consider your debt settled,¡± he said.

    Alice''s mind raced.

    Her eyes widened as her heartbeat thundered in her chest.

    "Has the alcohol affected your brain?" I have asked.

    Had he gone mad?

    Caden leaned into her, his warm breath brushing her face.

    ¡°We''ve kissed before. Why are you feeling shy now?¡±

    Alice took a deep breath.

    ¡°Returning in favor should be nice. Why does this feel like a punishment?¡± she asked. ¡°Caden, what are you thinking?¡±

    Caden''s gaze grew more intense.

    He gently pressed his thumb against her lips as if to tease her.

    What was I thinking?

    I wanted to fully experience the connection they shared.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    ¡°If you agree, it will only be a kiss,¡± she said in a low, seductive voice. ¡°But if you continue to hesitate, I might be tempted to go further.¡±

    The words ¡°go further¡± hit Alice like an adrenaline rush.

    Suddenly he felt his mouth go dry.

    Alice agreed, driven by apetitive spirit or a deeper desire.

    ¡°Have you thought this through?¡± he asked, forcing himself to remain calm. ¡°A kiss will settle the debt, okay? You can¡¯t go back on your word.¡±

    ¡°A French kiss,¡± Caden specified.

    Even though she had prepared herself, a blush spread across Alice''s cheeks.

    She grabbed his shirt tightly and said, ¡°Fine, a French kiss it is. You better keep your word.¡±

    Caden remained motionless, but a hint of desire gleamed in his eyes. ¡°Mm.¡±

    Alice took a deep breath and closed her eyes, preparing herself for what she was about to do.

    Caden waited a few moments, but she still didn''t move.

    Getting impatient, he asked, "What are you waiting for?"

    Alicia took another deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m just trying to psych myself up, trying to imagine you¡¯re a handsome celebrity so this will be easier.¡±

    Caden gave a soft chuckle at hisment.

    She closed her eyes and leaned toward her lips. That night, when they were drunk, they had shared a long kiss.

    Alicia''s kissing skills had clearly improved since then.

    After a moment of passionate embrace, he pulled away and whispered in her ear, ¡°You''re learning fast, Miss Bet.¡±

    His voice was husky and mocking, full of desire and satisfaction.

    Alice''s mind went momentarily nk as a wave of desire washed over her.

    She quickly regained herposure and stepped away from Caden, even though her body felt weak. ¡°It''s over,¡± she said.

    But the hand holding her waist showed no signs of letting go.

    She looked at him with a mixture of confusion and growing desire.

    Caden didn''t go any further than they had agreed. After letting go of her, his hand remained on her delicious waist.

    "Well, then the favor is repaid," hemented.

    He looked at his crotch.

    The tightness in his pants confirmed what she already suspected. He was clearly aroused.

    Alice noticed it too, and her thoughts became even more chaotic. Nervous, she hurriedly climbed off hisp. At that moment, Gerry suddenly woke up from his deep sleep.

    .

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    .

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    A sudden shock hit Alice, like an unexpected scare in a horror movie.

    An overwhelming weakness took hold of her, causing her to fall to her side.

    Caden reached out and pulled her into a tight hug.

    He grabbed a coat that was nearby and put it over his head.

    Well¡­

    Realizing she had no choice, Alice agreed to the situation that now seemed like a secret date.

    Gerry sat up, his eyes still closed. After a moment I squinted. ¡°Did I fall asleep?¡± I have asked.

    Caden chose not to answer.

    Gerry noticed Caden holding somethingrge and felt a jolt of surprise. ¡°What are you doing?¡± I have asked.

    The big coat hid most of Alice, but her legs were still visible, hanging down on either side.

    Caden gently picked up her legs and tucked them under his coat. ¡°What do you think?¡± I have replied.

    Still dazed, Gerry asked, "Is the Viagra kicking in yet?"

    Alice felt a flush of intense embarrassment.

    She tilted her head slightly. She brushed the cor of his shirt and her warm breath reached his chest.

    An intense heat seemed to flow between them. Neither of them could tell who was making the other''s temperature rise.

    He spoke in a slightly hoarse voice. ¡°Maybe, but I can''t hold back any longer.¡±

    Alice couldn''t stand his teasing any longer. She slipped her hand under his shirt and pinched his waist.

    Caden let out a soft growl.

    ¡°Don''t be hasty,¡± he said calmly. He hugged Alice tightly to calm her. ¡°Gerry is still here. ¡°Let¡¯s wait for him to leave.¡±

    Alice felt a wave of exasperation.

    Gerry had never seen him act like that before. It was ufortable to watch him.

    He got up from the table and stood up. ¡°You''re quite a character, Caden. Making moves right here? Did I wake up at the wrong time?¡±

    Caden remained silent. He gently ran his fingers along Alicia''s knee.

    Her figure was graceful, and the touch of her soft skin was intoxicating.

    Gerry had woken up. He needed to go to the bathroom, so he headed for the door.

    "Perhaps I should book you a private room," I suggested. "It''s disrespectful to thedy to continue like this here."

    Caden smiled slyly. ¡°That''s unnecessary. In fact, she prefers it that way.¡±

    "Amazing! You two are something else," he said, shaking his head.

    Feeling an urgent need to relieve himself, Gerry quickly left the room.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    As soon as the door closed behind him, Alicia pushed Caden aside and stood quickly.

    ¡°Do you think Gerry have noticed something?¡± she asked, adjusting her clothes and trying to appear calm. ¡°If he does, I¡¯ll be too embarrassed to face him again.¡±

    Caden stood up. ¡°Why don''t you go and ask him yourself?¡±

    She sighed and cleared her throat. ¡°We agreed that our debts were now settled.¡±

    Caden stared at her, his eyes conveying a depth of meaning that was impossible to ignore.

    ¡°Leaving aside any personal feelings, did you feel anything during that kiss?¡± I have asked.

    Alicia felt a lump form in her throat and found it difficult to respond.

    She decided to remain silent and turned her back. Caden was smiling with satisfaction, his eyes flickering with amusement.

    She could deny it endlessly, but the undeniable truth was that her body had reacted.

    He may not have had much importance in Alice''s life, but her body''s response suggested otherwise.

    I stayed in the room for another half hour before deciding to leave.

    The door was left open when he left.

    Meanwhile, Gerry had washed off the alcohol and taken some hangover medicine. On his way back, he met Alicia.

    ¡°Where have you been?¡± I have asked her.

    She felt surprised. ¡°Are you still here? I noticed you were drunk. ¡°I went out to get something to eat and just got back.¡±

    Caden chuckled.

    He certainly had acting talent.

    Gerry peeked into the room and saw that only Caden was inside. A feeling of relief washed over him as he entered.

    ¡°Is that girl gone?¡± Gerry asked.

    Caden gave Alicia a subtle nce.

    Meanwhile, Alice was ying with her fingers.

    ¡°He left,¡± Caden replied.

    Tired of drinking, Gerry wanted to go home and sleep. The three of them left the club together. As soon as I got into the car, I examined Caden closely.

    A slight redness around the eyes made it clear what had happened.

    Gerry clicked his tongue and turned to Alicia. ¡°That Viagra you gave Caden is really something. ¡°He took two pills and it cured hisck of interest in women.¡±

    Although Alice usually kept herposure in any situation, at that moment she was nervous.

    Forcing a chuckle, she said, ¡°Really? ¡°I actually bought it on impulse.¡±

    "You''re the only one who can cure him," Gerrymented.

    Alicia felt a wave of shame wash over her.

    The situation was anything butmendable.

    Gerry was curious and asked Caden, ¡°It couldn''t have just been the medicine, right? Was the girl particrly attractive?¡±

    Caden replied nonchntly, ¡°Sorry to disappoint you, but it was pretty ordinary.¡±

    Irritation welled up inside Alice.

    Gerry remained skeptical. ¡°You''re so selective. If she was really ordinary, you wouldn''t have been interested. Who was she? ¡°Do I know her?¡±

    Caden enjoyed engaging in these types of conversations.

    "You''ve already met her."

    ¡°Have I met her?¡± Gerry eximed in surprise. ¡°What''s her name? Who is she?¡±

    Alicia reached her breaking point and spoke up. ¡°Mr. Hopkins, could you rmend a goodwyer? Lilliana is turning public opinion against me on the Inte and I want to take legal action.¡±

    Gerry stopped gossiping and focused all his attention on her.

    Alicia hadposed a song for him, which had brought a lot of attention to the new movie she was promoting. He felt that helping her was the least he could do in return.

    Gerry quickly pulled out a business card and handed it to him.

    "Jeffery Benson is the most renownedwyer around. However, it has been difficult to get an appointment with himtely," she informed him.

    As Alicia epted the card, Caden nced at it.

    ¡°Jeffery Benson?¡± Caden asked.

    Gerry agreed. ¡°Yeah. What''s going on? Are you nning to help Alicia?¡±

    Caden turned to Alicia. ¡°I''d help anyone else, but not you. You¡¯re too annoying.¡±

    Alice mocked him. ¡°Do you not want to help, or is it that you cannot secure his services?¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow and chuckled.

    Despite their disagreements, Alice continued to thank Gerry.

    Gerry was curious. ¡°So what''s your n? Are you going to take legal action against them?¡±

    .

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    .

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice then put the business card in her purse.

    ¡°Lilliana has a powerful team behind her, with the Green family and Joshua supporting her. I need to gather enough evidence before I ask Jeffery for help,¡± Alicia said. ¡°How much does he charge?¡±

    Gerry thought for a moment and replied, ¡°At least a million.¡±

    Alice shudders at the figure.

    He had recently received some money from Joshua, and Gerry had paid him for the song heposed.

    However, there was still a lot of spending to be done.

    Could he really afford to spend that much money?

    Gerry noticed her hesitation and suggested, ¡°Why don''t you sign with me? ¡°You could write and sing for me, and I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re wellpensated.¡±

    Alice shook her head.

    She appreciated Gerry''s offer, but epting it would tie her work to the entertainment industry, a path she wasn''t sure she wanted to follow.

    With her ongoing feud with Lilliana, entering show business would be a disaster for Alice. It would only drag her down and, what was worse, it could affect Gerry as well.

    Alicia was not willing to take that risk, and Gerry did not pressure her.

    The car soon stopped at Alice''s house.

    When she left, Gerry''s gaze sharpened.

    He looked straight at Caden. ¡°You''ve been acting weird, man.¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow, surprised by how quickly Gerry had caught on. ¡°What gave him away?¡±

    ¡°Really? It¡¯s so obvious!¡± Gerry replied.

    Caden smirked. ¡°So you were pretending to be drunk in the booth, huh?¡±

    Gerry paused for a moment before asking, ¡°Who said I was faking it?¡±

    Caden nced at him. They didn''t seem to agree. ¡°What exactly is it about me that you find strange?¡±

    ¡°Obviously, that¡¯s how you¡¯re handling this situation,¡± Gerry began to break down the situation. ¡°Lilliana made the first move by spreading lies and framing Alicia. You have the perfect opportunity to hit Joshua, but you''re just sitting back. ¡°That¡¯s not your style.¡±

    Aside from Alicia, Gerry had the best insight into the bitter rivalry between Caden and Joshua.

    He knew exactly why Caden had returned to the country. He knew it all too well.

    Caden looked at him, disappointment clear in his eyes. ¡°I actually thought you were getting sharper.¡±

    Apparently confused, Gerry said: ¡°Are you drunk or am I? ¡°What you''re saying doesn''t make sense.¡±

    Caden stopped ying.

    "I''m not going for Lilliana because she means nothing to Joshua," he said.

    Gerry raised an eyebrow, mockingly cing a hand on Caden''s forehead. ¡°You sure you''re okay, man?¡±

    Caden pulled his hand away. ¡°Jesus, get away from me.¡±

    Gerry persisted. ¡°Joshua went all out for Lilliana, and now you''re saying she doesn''t matter?¡±

    A shadow passed over Caden''s expression.

    "Alicia is much more important to Joshua."

    Gerry was silent for a moment before saying, ¡°Joshua nearly pushed Alicia to her breaking point, and you''re telling me she''s the one who matters?¡±

    Caden replied indifferently. ¡°Go to sleep and stop talking.¡±

    Gerry let out a sigh.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    As absurd as Caden''s words sounded, he had a knack for handling things efficiently.

    There was always a reason behind his actions.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this the perfect opportunity?¡± Gerry asked. ¡°If you work with Alicia, you''ll get twice as much results with half the effort.¡±

    Keeping his tone casual, Caden replied, ¡°Alicia won''t be working with me.¡±

    "She''s vulnerable right now, and with all your persuasive skills, you still can''t convince her?"

    ¡°That¡¯s not persuasion, that¡¯s maniption,¡± Caden said tly.

    Gerry looked surprised again.

    "Come on, you''re not exactly a saint. Why are you suddenly acting so chivalrous?"

    Caden didn''t respond.

    Sensing Caden''s mood shift, Gerry cleared his throat. ¡°Okay, forget what I said. I know you and Alicia don''t get along. There¡¯s no way you¡¯d ally yourself with her.¡±

    Suddenly, something clicked in Gerry''s mind. He started rummaging through the car. "Did I forget the present Alicia bought me?"

    Caden asked. ¡°If you admire talent so much, why don''t you help her when she''s in trouble?¡±

    When Gerry found the bag, he smiled. ¡°She wanted to, but she probably doesn''t need my help. ¡°She has plenty of ways to handle the Green family this time.¡±

    Caden tilted his head slightly, a faint smile on his lips.

    For once, Caden agreed with that thought, and even felt a slight anticipation.

    Gerry took the scented candles out of the bag and smelled them.

    ¡°I really like this scent,¡± Gerry said as he admired the candles. ¡°Who would have thought you could make scented candles? What other surprises do you have in store?¡±

    Caden just smiled, choosing not to answer. He knew she had many talents, but she was equally wed in many ways.

    Her way of kissing left a lot to be desired, she didn''t tolerate pain well and she becamezy as soon as she was on top when they were intimate.

    Her body was sensitive, but shecked stamina.

    He could neverst long enough. Caden couldn''t help but wonder how he would manage to keep up with him in the future.

    As her thoughts wandered, Gerry handed her a box of scented candles. ¡°Here, take a box for yourself.¡±

    Caden raised his hand and epted it.

    As soon as Caden picked up the box, Gerry took it away. ¡°On second thought, it doesn''t matter. There aren''t many left. If you want one, go ask Alicia yourself.¡±

    Caden lowered his hand without saying a word.

    "These trinkets only excite you," he said tly.

    Gerry smiled sarcastically. ¡°Oh, right, you don''t go for that kind of thing. You prefer other kinds of ¡®enhancers.¡¯¡±

    Caden had no answer to that.

    Gerryughed again.

    ¡°That girl from tonight¡­ do you n to see her again?¡± I have asked.

    Caden lit a cigarette and rolled it between his fingers. ¡°She''lle see me when she''s ready.¡±

    Gerry rolled his eyes. ¡°Do you really think you have to wait? ¡°He¡¯ll probably call you first thing in the morning.¡±

    Caden smiled slightly.

    "It''s not that easy to fool him."

    Gerry was caught off guard, surprised by Caden''sment. What kind of woman could make Caden act like that?

    Once Caden got out of the car, Gerry was curious. He secretly called the club owner to find out who Caden had been with earlier.

    The owner looked puzzled. ¡°Mr. Ward didn''t order from anyone. ¡°I just ordered drinks.¡±

    Gerry frowned. ¡°Are you sure about that?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely. If I had asked for a woman, everyone here would have known. ¡°Not a word has been said.¡±

    Gerry''s confusion only increased. So who was with Caden before?

    .

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 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    As Caden waited for the elevator, his phone buzzed with a call from Hank.

    "Mr. Ward, your father''s condition has stabilized. The Yates family haspleted his discharge and ns to return him to Yates Mansion for recovery," Hank reported.

    Caden took a long drag on his cigarette. ¡°Let them deal with him however they want. It¡¯s none of our business.¡±

    Hank looked surprised. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to keep an eye on him?¡±

    "I''m not going to do it," Caden replied.

    ¡°Should we postpone our nned operation then?¡± Hank asked.

    "Yeah."

    Hank couldn''t help but feel confused by Caden''s recent behavior. Something seemed different about himtely.

    In the past, no matter what was going on, Caden always followed through on everyst detail of his ns, never losing focus. Now, it seemed like his mind was somewhere else.

    ¡°Should we keep an eye on the Yates family?¡± Hank asked.

    ¡°Take care of it. I have other things to take care of,¡± Caden replied.

    "Mr. Ward, if there''s anything to be done, leave it to me," Hank said.

    Caden chuckled, the smoke making his voice sound hoarser.

    "This is not something a guy like you can handle," he said.

    Curiosity got the better of Hank. ¡°What''s wrong, Mr. Ward? Why are you keeping this a secret?¡±

    "It''s a medical concern," Caden said.

    Hank looked surprised. ¡°But hasn¡¯t he been taking medication all this time?¡±

    ¡°I was, but I stopped because it wasn''t working,¡± Caden replied.

    Just then, a family of three approached.

    Caden ended the call and briefly nced at the boy, who looked to be about six years old. He calmly put out his cigarette and threw it into the nearby trash can. Even in such simple actions, his dignified presence and effortless charm were evident.

    Who wouldn''t be captivated by such a man? The girl''s mother couldn''t resist the urge to steal a few more nces at him.

    Even inside the elevator, she kept sneaking nces at him. When Caden left, her husband spoke coldly.

    "You like her that much? Why don''t you ask for her number?"

    The woman smiled slyly. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± It sounded familiar, so I took a look.¡±

    "Do all handsome men look familiar to you?"

    "Don''t be jealous. It''s nothing serious."

    When Caden got home, he headed straight to the bathroom to take a shower.

    With regr training four times a week, I have maintained an almost wless physique.

    Steam filled the bathroom as the hot water ran over her toned body, quickly turning everything into a hazy blur.

    Caden closed his eyes, letting the images from before take over his thoughts and stir his senses.

    That night at the club had left himpletely dissatisfied.

    But now, the atmosphere was right.

    Water dripped down his long, well-defined fingers.

    He had power, but tempered with control. It was as if his fingertips instinctively knew every vulnerable spot on Alicia''s body.

    She could barely contain herself and moaned incessantly.

    Alice woke up abruptly from her dream.

    The dim bedroom was bathed in a soft orange glow, casting a faint glow over his face, which was dampened by a light sheen of sweat.

    Alicey still, lost in thought for what seemed an eternity, before carefully pulling back the nket to examine herself.

    His eyes scanned the room.

    It had all been a dream.

    Her face burned with shame and she quickly got out of bed to wash.

    When it was over, he had no hope of ever falling back asleep.

    Every detail of the dream remained vivid in his mind. The desires he would not dare acknowledge in the light of day had run wild, free of all restraint.

    Alice buried her face in her arms, feeling frustrated and conflicted for what seemed like ages.

    She had never denied her own desires. When she was with Joshua, she had even tried to explore those feelings, trying hard, but they never got her anywhere.

    For a long time, Alice believed that something was wrong with her, perhaps she was frigid or too young for those emotions to fully awaken.

    But why was it so easy to lose control when it came to Caden?

    It was so annoying.

    It was like being drawn to something you knew was dangerous, but couldn''t resist.

    The more Alice thought about it, the more uneasy she felt.

    His mind was a mess.

    Suddenly, his phone rang with a message from Monica.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    ¡°Alicia, have you seen the news? Someone has exposed the founder of Bigail for having an affair and now that''s all everyone is talking about. No one is focusing on you anymore.¡±

    Alice answered absentmindedly: "Isn''t that kind of thingmon in the industry? Why is this one blowing up?"

    Monica quickly responded: ¡°Because the lover is not a woman. ¡°He is an innocent university student.¡±

    Alice was frozen in disbelief.

    "Hahaha, who would be so twisted as to dig something like that up?"

    Alice took a deep breath.

    Who else could it be?

    Caden had to be behind it, of course.

    The founder of Bigail held a grudge against him, and by bringing this scandal to light, Caden was not only striking back at the founder, but also making Alicia favor in the process.

    Caden never made a move without expecting something in return, and spending money like that meant he was looking for double the reward.

    The more Alice thought about him, the more uneasy she felt.

    She couldn''t understand why her feelings for Caden were so intense, nor could she figure out what he really wanted.

    What didst night''s kiss mean?

    Was it just physical attraction?

    If that was all, why didn''t he go all the way with her?

    She picked up the phone, unsure of what to do next. ¡°Monica, is it possible to be attracted to someone even if you despise them?¡±

    "Not at all. If I hated someone, I would tell them off as soon as I saw them."

    "But what if you''re perfectlypatible physically? You don''t like them, but that doesn''t stop you from wanting to sleep with them. Is there any scientific reason for that?"

    Monica replied mockingly: "Who made you nervous?"

    Alice was silent for a moment.

    Monica gasped. ¡°What the hell? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re talking about Joshua!¡±

    Alice let out a sigh.

    "Of course not. He''s someone even more dangerous than Joshua."

    .

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    .

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Aliciaid it all out, finally putting an end to Monica''s suspicions.

    Monicaughed. ¡°Look, a lot of men mayck personality, but a lot of them have good bodies. If it''s just physical, don''t hold back. ¡°Pleasure is something you can pay for.¡± It was like hiring a gigolo. There''s a guy for every fantasy.

    Alice sighed in frustration. ¡°This all started because of that damn gigolo.¡±

    Because of him, she had ended up in the wrong room, sleeping with the wrong man.

    And now he had to deal with the consequences.

    A sudden thought crossed his mind. ¡°Hey, could the drug Lilliana gave me any side effects?¡±

    "Biologically and medically speaking? No," Monica replied.

    Alice was not convinced. "I don''t trust him."

    Monica looked puzzled.

    It was at that moment that Alice made a decision.

    Alicia kept her thoughts to herself, not daring to tell Monica yet. She was afraid that her friend''s impatience would lead her to something extreme, like bringing two men into her bed just to "help."

    Monica broke the silence. ¡°Now that things have calmed down a bit, don''t you think it''s time for us to make our move?¡±

    Alicia stated: ¡°I n to contact attorney Jeffery Benson. At the same time, I will begin gathering evidence to use against Joshua and Lilliana for defamation.¡±

    Monica raised an eyebrow. ¡°Jeffery Benson? He''s hard to get. ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can do to help with that.¡±

    After finishing the call with Alicia, Monica came back to reality and decided to call her father, Lennon. Their recent cold war had prevented them from speaking to each other and tension was in the air.

    When his phone ranged, Lennon was secretly d to hear from his beloved daughter. He replied coldly: ¡°Oh, so you¡¯ve remembered that you have a father, have you?¡±

    Monica murmured, "Dad, I''m going to eat today. I''ve been craving that special dish of yours."

    Lennon scoffed and said, ¡°You think you can just turn up and I''m going to cook for you? ¡°I¡¯m not going to cook you anything.¡±

    At noon, when Monica arrived, the table was overflowing with dishes, it looked like a Christmas feast.

    ¡°Wow, Dad, you''ve really done your best!¡± I have joked. ¡°This could feed us until Christmas,¡± he added, chuckling.

    Lennon proudly brought out his signature dish, still steaming and cooked to perfection.

    Monica smiled and offered him the first bite, taking him by surprise.

    Lennon''s mood softened at the gesture. "Look at you, acting all grown up. I used to be the one trying to get you to eat."

    Monica hesitated for a second and then said, ¡°Dad, you know Jeffery Benson, right?¡±

    Lennon was about to take a bite when he stopped, sensing something suspicious. ¡°Why do you mention that?¡±

    "I need you to set up a meeting with him. Alicia is going to file awsuit."

    He put the piece of meat back on his te. ¡°I knew you had an agenda!¡±

    Monica yfully tossed the meat back onto his te. ¡°Ohe on, Dad, you''re the best! Help me! I¡¯m even offering you meat, so you have to say yes!¡±

    Lennon raised an eyebrow. ¡°I¡¯m the one who cooked this up!¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Dad, I beg you!¡± Monica pleaded. ¡°Please help Alicia. ¡°I owe her my life.¡±

    Lennon looked confused. ¡°How did a young girl like her manage to save your life?¡±

    ¡°Hey¡­ remember during exams? You always helped me cheat. If you hadn''t helped me, you would have killed me for those horrible grades. Isn¡¯t that enough to save my life?¡±

    Lennon stared at her for a second before jumping out of his chair, grabbing some branches from the nearby vase. ¡°Damn it! Betterte than ever. Now I¡¯ll give you the beating you deserve.¡±

    Monica took off, dodging him as they ran around the house.

    When they both finally fell asleep, Monica sat down, her tone serious as she pleaded, "Dad, Alicia is my best friend. I really need you to help her."

    Watching his normally stubborn daughter humiliated and begging for help, Lennon felt his resolve weaken.

    Lennon let out a deep sigh. ¡°You alwayse to me with the most difficult requests. Six months ago, Jeffery signed an exclusive contract with someone overseas. ¡°Now he only takes cases for that client.¡±

    Monica raised an eyebrow. ¡°Who the hell would hire awyer of his level? Who has that much influence?¡±

    ¡°Caden Ward,¡± Lennon said simply. ¡°I''m sure you''ve heard of him. If you want Jeffery¡¯s help, you¡¯ll need Caden¡¯s approval first.¡±

    Monica sat there, stunned into silence.

    Lennon added: "I can''t really do anything about it." Getting Alicia to approach Caden for help seemed a remote, almost impossible possibility.

    Monica knew she would have to have this conversation with Alicia face to face.

    They agreed to meet at a specialty restaurant.

    Before they could begin, Monica''s attention was drawn to the gym across the street.

    ¡°My God,¡± she gasped. Even through twoyers of ss and across the street, the sight of countless well-endowed men was mesmerizing. ¡°This ce sure knows how to pick a spot. Good food with muscled men. What more could you ask for?¡±

    Aliceughed.

    "No wonder it''s always packed. Who wouldn''t want to be surrounded by handsome, muscr men?"

    Monica watched her for a moment longer, then fell strangely silent. She took off her sses to see better. Alicia''s curiosity increased as she saw the change in her expression.

    "Who are you looking at like that?"

    He turned to follow Monica''s gaze and her smile faded.

    Oh no.

    It was Caden.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden jogged on the treadmill, fresh from a cardio session. His damp hair was lightly sticking to his forehead, the sheen of sweat making him look even more self-assured and undeniably attractive.

    As he was concentrating on running, he didn''t notice them.

    Alice quickly turned her head, lowering it as she said, ¡°Let''s eat. Stop staring.¡±

    Still taking a moment to admire him, Monica finally asked, ¡°Alicia, you and Caden haven''t seen each other in years. There can¡¯t be any hard feelings left, right?¡±

    Alicia recalled recent encounters. ¡°There are still a few left. He still hates me.¡±

    Monica sighed. ¡°Maybe we should think about finding anotherwyer.¡±

    "Because?"

    Monica decided to spare Alicia from feeling ufortable and brushed it off. ¡°It doesn''t matter. ¡°I¡¯ve spoken to my father and we won¡¯t be able to hire Mr. Benson.¡±

    Knowing that this might happen, Alice agreed and said, "No problem. We''ll think of something." Then she calmly went back to her food.

    Monica''s eyes wandered back to the gym across the street.

    "Honestly, Caden''s body is something else."

    Alicia didn''t respond to that. Instead, she turned her gaze to Caden.

    His training clothes fit tightly around his broad shoulders and well-defined muscles, showing off his strength and giving a sense of confidence that seemed effortless.

    His waist was slim, with firm muscles that added to his athletic look.

    Her long legs only enhanced the image, giving her a bnced and powerful presence.

    Everything about his physique was almost wless, from top to bottom.

    As Alice continued to admire him, Caden seemed to catch her eye. He then looked straight at her.

    Alice felt her heart skip a beat and quickly looked away. She cleared her throat, trying to sound nonchnt. ¡°It''s okay, I guess.¡±

    Monica leaned over and whispered, ¡°You know how guys like him always look so proper? In all the pictures on the news, all buttoned up and collected. I bet someone like him is wild when he''s out of the spotlight. What do you think?¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Alice paused for a moment.

    Gentle?

    It wasn''t the right word. His movements were nothing out of the ordinary.

    But there was no denying that his strength was¡­ overwhelming.

    Monica smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. ¡°I''ve heard that a man with a strong nose is usually well endowed. What do you think? How tall do you think he is?¡±

    Alice was speechless once again.

    Would this conversation ever end?

    He propped his chin on his hand, refusing to answer. Monica muttered, ¡°Judging by his build, I¡¯d say he¡¯s that big.¡±

    He extended his hand in an exaggerated gesture.

    Alice blinked,pletely shocked. ¡°It''s ridiculous. It¡¯s not that big.¡±

    Monicaughed, realizing her own exaggeration.

    But then she realized that Alice had said something interesting. Squinting, she asked: ¡°Wait, how do you know it''s not that big?¡±

    Alice froze for a second.

    I had measured it.

    ¡°Just a guess,¡± he replied, blushing slightly. ¡°You''ve gone too far.¡±

    Fortunately, he managed to keep Monica away from the truth.

    After all, who would suspect that she and Caden had slept together?

    Alice took another bite of her food.

    But for some reason, the food didn''t taste as good anymore.

    The te of food was steaming, but a strange chill ran down her spine.

    She had the strange feeling that someone was watching her. When she turned to check, her eyes fell on a familiar figure standing by the door of a private room.

    It was Joshua.

    The recognition was immediate. He hadn''t changed much physically, but there was something different about him. His eyes held a strange mix of resentment and nostalgia. It was a contradiction I''d never seen in him before.

    Memories of the past flooded back into her mind, but the things he had done over the years had eroded any feelings she had once had. She didn''t dwell on him. Her expression calm and distant, she turned back to her te and continued eating.

    Joshua had gone out to get something.

    Joshua walked past the area and noticed Monica first, who made him pause for a moment before his eyesnded on Alicia.

    Alice was the same as before, with no signs of change.

    However, his gaze had be much colder.

    There was a clear sense of disdain in his expression.

    In response, Joshua gave a subtle smile.

    He quickly turned his attention away and headed to his room without saying another word.

    In her room, Lilliana satfortably.

    She was having intense pregnancy cravings and had asked for something especially tasty to eat. After consuming arge meal and feeling extremely thirsty, Joshua had juste out to bring his favorite drink.

    Lilliana immediately noticed a slight change in Joshua''s demeanor.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I have asked. ¡°Did you run into anyone you recognize?¡±

    Joshua looked down. "No.

    Since the incident, Lilliana had be more vignt and distrustful.

    His actions also began to be unpredictable. He felt exhausted from trying to deal with her suspicions and preferred to keep her away from Alicia.

    However, Lilliana''s keen instincts kept her on edge.

    "Have you seen Alice around here?" he asked bluntly.

    Joshua replied with a frown: ¡°Stop making thingsplicated for yourself.¡±

    Convinced that he was hiding something, Lilliana replied, ¡°Answer me. Why are you so evasive? After everything that¡¯s happened, are you still thinking about her?¡±

    Joshua frowned again.

    He looked at her t stomach and said, ¡°Lilliana, you''re still in the first trimester. ¡°Stressing yourself out will only make things worse.¡±

    Hearing his distant tone, Lilliana felt a sudden uneasiness. She realized that she had been too demandingtely, and Joshua''s patience was wearing thin.

    His parents had just warned him that in his current situation he was at a disadvantage and needed to be more patient.

    Everyone has a limit. And if she pushed him too hard, it would end badly for both of them.

    To avoid this, she softened her approach, leaning into Joshua''s embrace. ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t ask any more.¡±

    Joshua hugged her tightly.

    At that moment, a loudmotion was heard outside. Joshua''s instincts told him that Alicia was involved, so he got up to investigate.

    As expected, a group of drunk men were harassing Alicia and Monica.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    "What''s wrong with a little contact? You seem to be craving it. Isn''t that why you came here, to let us do our thing?"

    The group burst outughing.

    The drunk stared at Alice and touched her cheek with his hand again.

    Alicia pped his hand away, her voice icy: "I''ve already called the police. You should think twice about your next move."

    The man sneered and said, ¡°The police? My legs are shaking. Weren¡¯t you the one who asked for this?¡±

    Monica, hearing this, was furious. ¡°Shut your fucking mouth! We were eating and you were the one who started it all. Nobody agreed to anything with you.¡±

    The man sneered, ¡°You''ve been dumped, divorced, and now you''re alone and desperate. You resort to dirty tricks just to steal someone else''s husband. Isn''t it because you crave attention and need a man? I''m here to fill that void in your life. Isn¡¯t that exactly what you want?¡±

    His mocking words provokedughter from the crowd, who began to murmur among themselves.

    "Now I remember why she looks familiar. It''s Alicia Bet."

    "She''s been in the headlinestely, wrapped up in all kinds of rumors about what she''s willing to do to get a man."

    "Look at her, so flirtatious. I''m sure she has no shortage of men. Why bother fighting over one?"

    "She''s a cheapskate. That''s why. Beautiful women are all the same: cheap, and they can''t live without a man. But they get offended when someone touches them."

    "Ha, ha, ha. She wouldn''t want a man like you toy a finger on her."

    "As if I wanted to touch her. Who knows how many men she''s been with."

    The cruel words pierced Alice, sharp as des.

    He stared at the man who was screaming the loudest.

    His expression was as repulsive as his words.

    His icy gaze only caused them tough harder, and the crowd''s insults became even crueler.

    He stepped back and picked something up from the table with his hand.

    The drunk staggered over and put a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Why don''t youe with me?¡±

    She pushed his hand away.

    Monica jumped up screaming, "Don''t you dare touch her with those filthy hands!"

    The man, staggering, was on the verge of falling. Furious, I pointed a finger at Monica. "You have the nerve to push me, bitch!"

    When she raised her hand to hit Monica, Alicia threw an object at her.

    Chaos broke out instantly.

    Physically, they were no match for the man. In the struggle, Alice was pushed against a table and her arm collided with a pot of hot soup.

    She suppressed a cry of pain.

    Joshua, who had been standing motionless, finally moved, ready to intervene.

    Lilliana grabbed her arm and smiled. ¡°The show is over. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    A good part of the spectators were fans of his.

    They would certainly defend her if things got ugly. Joshua paused, still staring at Alicia.

    Momentster, restaurant security showed up along with the police. The chaos came to an end.

    ¡°Joshua, I said let us go!¡± Lilliana shouted, louder this time.

    Joshua finally rxed as the police held the drunks back. Without another word, he followed Lilliana out the door. Just before he got into the car, he took onest look at the drunks.

    Beyond the crowd, a man stood apart.

    The tall figure caught his attention.

    Caden?

    Caden stood just behind the police, exuding an air of authority and dominance that demanded attention. Joshua looked sullen.

    But then she reasoned that, considering Caden''s bad rtionship with Alicia, he was probably just here for the drama.

    Before Joshua could dwell on that thought, Lilliana, who was already in the car, yelled, ¡°Joshua,e on, let¡¯s go home.¡±

    With his fists clenched, Joshua slid into the seat next to her. Lilliana, clearly emboldened,mented, ¡°If I were Alice, I would be humiliated to show my face in public, let alonee here to eat. ¡°She got what she deserved.¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Joshua, in a firm voice, gave a simple order to the driver: "Drive."

    Alice had already hardened more than enough.

    It was clear that he couldn''t hold out much longer.

    The police took the main instigators away. Since Alicia had participated in the altercation, she also had to apany them to the police station.

    He tried to reassure Monica: ¡°Go home. I just have to make a statement. ¡°I will keep you informed.¡±

    Monica shook her head, unyielding. ¡°No way. Who knows if they''ll try to mess with you? These thugs are all the same!¡±

    ¡°I''m fine,¡± Alice insisted. ¡°You''re still in school. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be anywhere near a police station.¡± She knew that it would have repercussions for Monica''s future.

    Monica, however, wasn''t worried about that. Just as she was about to protest, Caden''s imposing figure appeared above them.

    He took Alice aside.

    Then I turned to Monica. ¡°I¡¯ve contacted Mr. Flynn. ¡°He¡¯lle pick you up.¡±

    Monica opened her mouth to retort, but Caden''s stern gaze silenced her.

    Monica swallowed.

    Alicia insisted, ¡°Go home, Monica. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Monica hesitated, her concern evident. ¡°But Caden¡­¡±

    Alice took a moment before answering, ¡°It won''t do anything to me.¡±

    Caden nced at her.

    She looked like a wild cat that had just emerged from a tumultuous encounter.

    The more disheveled she appeared, the more captivating she became.

    Caden smiled, leading Alicia towards the police car whilepletely ignoring Monica.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49:

    ? ? ? ? ?Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    A police officer approached with a pair of handcuffs, preparing to secure them around Alicia.

    Caden stood in front of him, holding up a hand. ¡°There''s no need to go that far.¡±

    The agent hesitated, surprised.

    Recognizing the peculiar connection between Caden and Alicia, he withdrew his hand.

    Alicia gently moved her burned hand away and climbed into the police car. Caden slid in behind her.

    She looked at him, slightly puzzled. ¡°You''re noting back?¡±

    He sat down, his long legs almost overwhelming the small space.

    "It''s much more entertaining to watch you squirm at the station," he said.

    Alice sensed his malicious intent.

    He sank into his seat and remained silent.

    A police officer offered Caden a bottle of water. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ward.¡±

    Caden greeted her with a friendly smile. Then hemented, ¡°I¡¯ve barely done anything.¡±

    Alice let out an exasperated sigh, shaking her head.

    He let out a silent snort.

    He was skilled at feigning humility.

    The officer smiled and said, ¡°Mr. Ward, that is an understatement. You have contributed significantly over the years; ¡°it is only right that we show you our gratitude.¡±

    Alice was surprised.

    Were you involved in phnthropy?

    Of course, he hadn''t imagined it.

    Caden looked at her, clearly reluctant to exin further.

    I removed the cap and offered her the bottle of water.

    Alicia, still feeling the effects of the fight, was drenched in sweat.

    I needed to hydrate.

    I picked up the bottle and looked at it with a little skepticism.

    Caden reassured her, ¡°You don''t have to worry. It¡¯s perfectly safe.¡±

    Alice''s expression changed to one of confusion. ¡°I haven''t expressed any concern, and yet you''re already confessing.¡± Although she knew it was unlikely he would drug her, she was puzzled by how suddenly thoughtful he had be.

    I gave her the water, before removing the plug.

    It was as strange as the unexpected kiss before.

    He drank almost half the bottle in one gulp before handing it back.

    Caden took a few sips effortlessly.

    His expression changed slightly. ¡°I¡¯ve already drunk from it.¡±

    Caden''s face remained impassive. ¡°Yeah, so?¡±

    She was speechless, her eyes silently questioning him, ¡°Isn''t this basically like kissing?¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow, his eyes answering her unspoken question. ¡°Haven¡¯t we kissed before?¡±

    Alice felt her ears turn red with heat as she looked away.

    Caden couldn''t help but smile.

    Once they arrived at the police station, they recovered the restaurant''s surveince footage.

    It was clear that the incident had been instigated by those drunken troublemakers; they were to me from the beginning.

    Alicia only had to give a statement.

    ¡°But what about defamation?¡± I have asked. ¡°The false information circting on the Inte has permeated their minds, and people like them have significantly disrupted my life. Will there be any consequences?¡±

    The officer replied: ¡°If you wish, we canunch an investigation after documenting yourint, but please be aware that the process will take time. It would be advisable to gather more concrete evidence and consider taking legal action against the instigators.¡±

    Alice agreed. ¡°I appreciate that.¡±

    The circumstances were already tangled, especially with the Green family pulling the strings behind the scenes. By the time the police came to a resolution, she could be overwhelmed by online harassment.

    She let out a sigh, feeling a dull pain in the burn. As she pulled up her sleeve, she noticed small blisters forming. The thought of having to go back to the hospital was thest thing she wanted to do.

    Instead, he borrowed a first aid kit from the police station and began applying ointment and bandages.

    Cadenpleted some paperwork and walked over, watching her awkwardly struggling with the gauge in the corner.

    He sat down next to her.

    ¡°You don''t have to do everything yourself,¡± she said, taking a cotton ball and soaking it in iodine. ¡°For example, you can ask me for help. I¡¯m here to help.¡±

    Alice remained silent.

    Caden''s touch was anything but gentle.

    She gasped in pain as I applied the burn ointment. Then he wrapped the gauze around her arm several times, securing it with a knot.

    Alice didn''t understand it.

    There was something unexpectedlyforting about the scene.

    Without looking at her, Caden organized the first aid kit. ¡°I noticed your history. It¡¯s surprising that this is the first time you¡¯ve gotten into trouble.¡±

    Considering his fiery nature, it was truly remarkable. Alice''s expression darkened.

    Maybe it was the lingering tension or the reality that he''d seen her at her lowest point too many times. Either way, he let his defenses down, exposing a rare vulnerability. ¡°I have no family left. There¡¯s no one who can help me if I get into trouble.¡±

    She knew she couldn''t always rely on her friends, and she certainly couldn''t count on Joshua toe to her aid.

    Therefore, he thought it would be best to keep his behavior under control.

    Caden hesitated for a moment.

    "There will be many more incidents like tonight. Will you always choose to defend yourself?"

    Alicia pursed her lips and said, "I have to gather evidence, take legal action against them, make them pay and demand an apology."

    He hadn''t treated his problems as seriously as they deserved before, but tonight he had opened his eyes. Lilliana and Joshua weren''t going to make things easy for him. So he realized he had to face his fears head on.

    Caden scoffed, ¡°Given your size, how do you intend to gather that evidence?¡±

    Alice was momentarily speechless.

    Caden, with an ulterior motive, suggested, ¡°If you y your cards right, there¡¯s someone who might be able to help you.¡±

    Just then, footsteps echoed at the doorway.

    Alicia looked up and saw Joshuae in.

    His gaze darkened as he looked at her.

    Alice understood the implication in his eyes. An idea of ??self-preservation began to take shape in her mind, although it seemed dangerous.

    She remained fixed on Joshua, lost in her thoughts for what seemed like an eternity.

    Caden noticed her shift in attention.

    He smiled and said, ¡°I¡¯ll leave you two alone.¡±

    Alice felt surprised. She felt the urge to exin herself, but after thinking about it, she decided not to.

    Why did she have to justify herself to Caden? He could form whatever opinion he wanted.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    When Caden left, Alicia felt a subtle chill run through her.

    It was a feeling he recognized well.

    In the past, whenever they argued and she gave him a disdainful look, he would respond in kind.

    He looked at her with contempt.

    She felt disdain for the stupidity she perceived.

    Momentster, Joshua approached her.

    He was as arrogant as ever.

    It had been some time since theirst meeting and he seemed to have developed an even greater air of superiority.

    He looked at her with contempt, as if he considered himself her savior.

    Alice felt a wave of revulsion. She quickly picked up the first aid kit and handed it back to the officer.

    Joshua said, ¡°Alice, let me take you home.¡±

    She replied firmly: "No need."

    As she walked out of the police station, Joshua walked beside her.

    Not far away, the group of drunks from earlier, who had been fined, loitered, watching her with predatory eyes.

    Joshua''s tone turned icy. ¡°They just wanted to make fun of you. Why did you have to call the police? You didn¡¯t give them any other choice.¡±

    Alice stopped dead.

    He clenched his fists tightly.

    Joshuaughed. ¡°Are you scared? ¡°I can give you a hand.¡±

    Alice stared at him.

    Anger and disgust were unmistakable in his eyes.

    However, the darkness prevented him from seeing him.

    She challenged him: ¡°Why do you want to push me to the limit and then offer me help, Joshua? What do you want?¡±

    Joshua forced a smile.

    ¡°It was you who stepped forward and offended Lilliana, and I only stepped in to help you. And yet you still me me?¡±

    Alice replied, ¡°Aren¡¯t you and Lilliana in this together?¡± Wasn''t he the one who hadid the groundwork for Lilliana''s attack? Weren''t they the ones who were spreading the damaging rumors and insults?

    Joshua took her hand. ¡°Alice, let''s discuss this in the¡­¡±

    The moment he touched her, a wave of goosebumps spread across her skin, and she shook him hard.

    Joshua squeezed tighter.

    Alice was irritable and nervous, which she seemed to love. ¡°If I go away, those drunks might take you to a remote area and assault you. Aren¡¯t you afraid?¡±

    Alice breathed raggedly.

    Joshua lowered his voice, making it more menacing. ¡°I came expressly to get you out of this situation. If you refuse toe with me, I have other ways to force you.¡±

    He pointed at the drunks and added menacingly: "You''ve already been with someone. What does it matter if you have a few more partners?"

    Alice''s face turned white and she staggered.

    Nausea took hold of her, threatening to make her vomit. Joshua, triumphant, hugged the dazed Alicia.

    His voice was hoarse. ¡°Joshua, you have everything. Why can¡¯t you just let me go?¡±

    Joshua studied her pale features.

    ¡°You were the one who provoked me in the first ce,¡± he retorts. ¡°You still have feelings for me and want topete with Lilliana for my attention. There were more constructive ways to handle this, but you chose to sabotage her future.¡± He reached out to y with her hair. ¡°Do you have any idea how much it cost me to clean up that mess? ¡°You should have made amends long ago.¡±

    Alicia felt a wave of nausea wash over her.

    Did she really still have feelings for him?

    What a ridiculous idea.

    The weight of reality and mounting hatred finally broke herposure. Joshua guided her toward the car.

    She didn''t resist.

    Alice pressed her lips together, bowed her head, and remained silent, her expression tense.

    It seemed like he had given up.

    Joshua hadn''t anticipated it being this simple, but again, it made sense.

    After all, deep down, she still loved him.

    Their previous estrangement had been nothing more than a facade.

    I have buckled her in. ¡°My father has left the hospital and is recovering at the Yates mansion. I will take you there to stay for a while. Your safety will be guaranteed and you will be able to help take care of him.¡±

    Alice squeezed hard. After a brief pause, she replied: "I''ll let you know my decision tomorrow."

    Joshua smiled, clearly pleased. ¡°Okay.¡±

    Alice leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes.

    Joshua studied his profile and asked, ¡°What was Caden doing at the police station? ¡°Do you two get along?¡±Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Alice replied indifferently, ¡°Ask him.¡±

    Joshua''s expression soured.

    Ever since she found out that all the money she had invested in variouspanies had ended up benefiting Caden, her resentment towards him had only intensified.

    I didn''t want anything to do with Caden.

    I turned the ignition and started the car.

    "Keep your distance from him."

    In a nearby ck car, Caden looked away and stubbed out his cigarette. ¡°Drive,¡± Hank ordered.

    Hank observed Caden''s indifferent behavior andmented, "I''ve seen it all. It didn''t seem like Mrs. Bet was going with Mr. Yates willingly."

    Caden still didn''t answer. "And what''s your point?"

    Hank preferred to remain silent, finding himself at a loss for words.

    Despite the situation, Alicia and Caden were not romantically involved.

    His intention had been to facilitate Ciara''s wishes.

    But rtionships could not be manufactured.

    Hank shifted gears. ¡°Mr. Ward, are we going home?¡±

    Caden''s tone was distant. "No, we''re heading to the office."

    If he returned home, sleep would elude him anyway.

    Hank ventured, ¡°Aren''t you going to take a break? You have to be on your toes for the Yates mansion tomorrow. If you¡¯re exhausted, how are you going to handle it?¡±

    Caden briefly closed his eyes, irritation evident. ¡°I can catch up on sleep at the office,¡± he replied with anxiety.

    Hank cleared his throat, choosing not to press further. Soon, strange noises began to be heard in the backseat.

    At first, Hank wondered if he was imagining it, so he concentrated hard.

    Once he clearly identified the source, he turned around in disbelief. ¡°Mr. Ward, what the hell are you doing?¡±

    Caden didn''t bother to lift his head. "Just watching porn."

    Hank was speechless.

    She thought to herself, ¡°I know you''re watching porn, but do you really have to be so cold-blooded when I ask you questions?¡±

    Caden remained focused on the screen.

    He tried to immerse himself in the movie, but as time went on, irritation began to peek in.

    With a quick movement, he turned off the phone and turned his gaze towards the window, his eyes reflecting a deep emotion that remained hidden from view.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia had just arrived home when she picked up the phone to reassure Monica about her safety.

    Hearing his voice, Monica''s relief was palpable. "Caden hasn''t bothered you, has he?"

    Alice looked at her bandaged arm and quietly replied, "No."

    It had been Joshua who had stood up to her.

    To calm her nerves, Alice drank some water.

    "Monica, I''m going to the Yates mansion tomorrow."

    Monica''s response was sharp. "Why?"

    Alice briefly outlined her n.

    He noted Joshua''s persistence, which oddly worked in his favor at the moment. In his quest for fast and effective testing, participation was essential.

    Monica''s concern was evident. "What if something unexpected happens? You''repletely alone."

    Alice gave a small giggle. ¡°Staying away doesn''t make your life any easier. It¡¯s worth the risk.¡±

    She knew she had to escape the vicious cycle of revenge. The longer she persisted, the more damaging it would be to her friends.

    Monica, epting Alicia''s decision, offered her help. "What can I do to help?"

    After a brief pause, Alice replied, "Could you find me some books?"

    "What kind of books are you looking for?"

    After the call, Alice took a shower, but in the process identally aggravated a burn blister. The pain was sharp and reminded her of the incident at the restaurant.

    When the police had arrived that night, chaos had broken out as the crowd dispersed. Only Caden had stepped forward, calmly soothing his burn with ice from a te.

    His simple act had affected her deeply, providing unexpectedfort in the midst of the confusion.

    Back in the present, he applied more ointment to his arm.

    That night, as shey awake, events reyed in her mind. Uneasy, she finally sent a message to Caden: ¡°Thank you very much.¡± Only after sending it did she realize the typo.

    Panic set in as she tried to remember the message, but in her French state, she identally deleted it.

    Overwhelmed, she sighed heavily and massaged her temples.

    Caden''s message came after a brief pause: "Thinking about me? What exactly?"

    Breathless, Alice managed to reply: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, that was a typo. ¡°I meant to say thank you very much.¡±

    ¡°Why didn''t you correct it then?¡± Caden asked.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    "I ended up deleting the message by mistake," Alicia exined.

    ¡°That seems like a clich¨¦ way to admit your feelings,¡± Caden texted back.

    Alice opened her eyes in surprise.

    Admit feelings?

    Caden had a gift for saying things that overwhelmed her.

    Even through the digital screen, she could almost imagine his mocking smile.

    He was as charming as he was infuriating.

    Alice rubbed her hot cheeks, silently scolding herself. She assured herself that it had only been a typo: everyone made mistakes.

    Once she had regained herposure, she replied, ¡°Thank you for taking care of my arm tonight.¡±

    ¡°One sentence? That''s all the thanks I get? It seems insincere,¡± Caden replied.

    She understood his point.

    "I''ll make sure my thanks aren''t just words. You can count on it," he replied.

    At first, Caden smiled at his message.

    But then a sudden memory crossed his mind, and his smile faded. I put the phone aside, bored.

    Alice''s next message made her phone vibrate. "Send me your address and I''ll mail you a thank you gift."

    ¡°No need. Keep it,¡± Caden replied.

    Alice was bewildered.

    I felt an inexplicable chill.

    What was going on?

    Didn''t you want a gift?

    His unpredictability left her baffled.

    Worried that he might use it against herter, Alice decided to send him a gift anyway.

    The next morning arrived.

    Caden woke up at six, he had already been working for hours when Hank arrived.

    ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward, your breakfast is ready,¡± Hank announced, cing the food and a bag on the table. ¡°There''s also a package from a local pharmacy. Are you okay, Mr. Ward?¡±

    Caden looked up, curious. ¡°Who sent this?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s confidential¡ªno details avable,¡± Hank replied, opening the package. He revealed a box of medications, and thebel made him freeze in surprise.

    Hank''s eyes widened in shock. "Mr. Ward, it''s risky to use this medicine without caution. It could be harmful."

    Caden''s gaze slowly shifted from Hank to the box of Viagra in front of him.

    He was also surprised.

    It was the same Viagra that Alicia had given him that afternoon.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Hank continued to rummage through the bag. ¡°You bought seven boxes? Are you nning to consume them like candy?¡± Caden''s expression darkened.

    Taking a deep breath, he pointed to the cupboard beside him. ¡°Put them there and close it.¡±

    Hank''s concern was palpable. ¡°Ciara was clear about not taking random medications. Can you tell me how long you''ve been taking them? How many have you taken? How are you feeling now?¡±

    Before Caden could respond, a thought struck Hank. ¡°Wait, is this why you were watching those videos in the car earlier? Did you get carried away and lose control?¡±

    Caden''s response was cold. "If I couldn''t control myself, you''d be the first to know."

    Hank was silent, imagining the scenario, and quickly rposed himself. He carefully put the medication away in the private locker.

    Caden then sent a message to Alice: ¡°Who taught you to say thank you like that?¡±

    Alice replied: "Isn''t that necessary?"

    This left Caden both amused and frustrated.

    Shortly after, Alice asked, ¡°Did I fall short?¡± She added, ¡°They''re pretty expensive: $180 each. You only bandaged my arm. Isn¡¯t that enough?¡±

    Caden scoffed. ¡°Thanks for giving me over a thousand.¡±

    "It was actually $900. There was a promotion: buy five and get two free," Alicia rified.

    Caden put the phone aside and decided not to answer. Answering would only increase his frustration.

    Noticing Caden massaging his temples, Hank thought he might have caused him some difort. Respecting their rtionship, he felt obliged to apologize. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Ward, I crossed the line earlier.¡±

    Then he opened the cupboard, took out a box and a pill.

    Caden frowned, looking at Hank. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°You can take this medicine if you want, but make sure you take it after meals so it doesn''t upset your stomach,¡± Hank replied.

    Caden was speechless, wondering what kind of person he had employed.

    Caden nonchntly took a sip of his coffee and asked, ¡°Is Jerald awake?¡±

    Hank replied, ¡°Yes, and he has to go back to the Yates mansion for dinner tonight.¡±

    ¡°Go start the car,¡± Caden ordered.

    Hank, puzzled, asked, ¡°It''s still early to eat. Whye back so early to confront that family and make yourself ufortable?¡±

    ¡°Dealing with you just gives me more of a headache,¡± Caden replied, tossing the pill into the trash.

    Hank noticed that Caden had been acting strangely ever since he returned to the country. Caden, once known for his emotional stability, now seemed to be always on edge.

    Determined to keep the peace, Hank talked less and tried to keep Caden in a good mood.

    It was rush hour and there was a lot of traffic.

    Caden casually looked through some paperwork. Jerald had been sick for years, moving from one hospital to another without finding a cure. His condition had deteriorated to the point where the Yates family had given up hope of recovery, simply waiting for the inevitable.

    Upon his return, Caden had taken care of Jerald and soon noticed abnormalities in his condition. Further tests revealed traces of a slow-acting poison in Jerald''s bloodstream, a substance that was gradually weakening his heart, administered in small, unnoticed doses over time, beginning the previous year.

    It was a covert and silent murder.

    Caden smiled with satisfaction. ¡°This drug is illegal here and can only be obtained through private transactions. Tell them to speed up the investigation. ¡°I need to know who is responsible as soon as possible.¡±

    Hank agreed.

    The traffic was still heavy and it was clear that it would take a while to clear. Hank turned off the engine and expressed his confusion to Caden. ¡°Mr. Ward, I don''t understand. You despise your father so much. If you get over it, you get over it. You could just gather evidence and confront Joshuater. Why go through all this effort now?¡±

    ¡°I need Jerald alive for now,¡± Caden stated calmly.

    Hank was shocked by this revtion.

    Understanding the deep secrets Caden was harboring, Hank refrained from digging any further.

    Caden looked out the window, taking in the pleasant weather, but his expression remained cold. The warmth of the sun did nothing to thaw his icy demeanor.

    As the car crept forward, Caden was about to amuse his attention when he noticed a familiar figure emerging from a bookstore.

    It was Alice, dressed in a pale green spaghetti strap dress,plemented by a sheer shawl that almost looked transparent, resting delicately on her slender shoulders. She was carrying two books and was approaching in her direction.

    The bright sunlight highlighted her striking features. As Alice moved, the breeze caught her skirts, entuating her pure and innocent appearance. Her modest yet captivating attire attracted admiring nces. Alice''s beauty was undeniable.

    She wasn''t known for being ostentatious, nor did she shy away from attention. However, today''s outfit was unlike anything Caden had ever seen her in before.

    This aroused inappropriate thoughts in him, darkening his expression.

    Hank noticed Alicia too and hesitated before suggesting, "Mr. Ward, should we offer Miss Bet a ride?"

    Caden looked away and firmly declined, ¡°No.¡±Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    Hank held the steering wheel tightly, watching Alicia as she waited by the side of the road for a ride. Nearby, a few pedestrians were surreptitiously taking photos of her, whispering among themselves.

    Surprised, Hank turned to Caden: ¡°Mr. Ward, it seems they are secretly photographing Miss Bet.¡±

    .

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    .

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    A wave of awkwardness washed over Caden.

    Her initial thought was that an inappropriate photo of Alicia might be circting.

    I have looked up.

    Alice, now separated from the group, stood alone and distant. Her expression soured as she considered retreating into the adjacent vegetation, clearly disturbed and intimidated by the crowd.

    In a stern voice, Caden ordered, ¡°Drive over there and confiscate their phones.¡±

    Hank noticed immediately.

    As Alicia was about to g down a cab, a Maybach suddenly stopped in front of her, blocking her path. Hank got out of the vehicle and, with authority, demanded that the group hand over their phones.

    He then deleted all the photos they had taken, right in front of Alice.

    Alicia, initially shocked, soon rxed into a smile and said, ¡°Thanks, Hank.¡±

    Hank modestly declined thepliment. ¡°Mr. Ward''s orders. Where are you headed, Miss Bet? ¡°I can offer you a ride.¡±

    Alicia looked at Caden.

    Leaning back in the backseat, Caden was absorbed in his phone, his sharp profile radiating indifference.

    She hesitated a moment and then said, ¡°Thanks for the offer, Hank, but I''m not sure if it''s on your route. ¡°I¡¯m headed to the Yates mansion.¡±

    Hank replied with a hint of surprise, ¡°Actually, he is on his way. Mr. Ward is on his way, too.¡±

    Alice was speechless.

    She wondered why Caden, who harbored such disdain for her father, would visit the mansion.

    Seeing no choice, Alice got into the car.

    Her long skirt, which reached down to her calves, was ufortable when she sat down, forcing her to adjust it and the straps of her dress out of concern for her cleavage.

    Caden took a look at this setting.

    "There''s nothing to see. Why bother covering up?" I havemented nonchntly.

    Irritated, Alice snapped, "Just because you can''t see anything doesn''t mean I can''t choose to cover up. By your logic, you should walk around naked, since you''re hardly impressive."

    Hank was taken back by the exchange. He thought to himself, Am I really getting all this drama for free?

    Caden''s smile was evident. ¡°You''re quite changeable. Justst night, you expressed how much you missed me, and now, look at your behavior.¡±

    Hank found the unfolding drama fascinating, thinking to himself of the unique content unfolding before him. Alicia inhaled deeply. ¡°I¡¯ve already exined it to you, it was just a typo!¡±

    Caden replied nonchntly, ¡°Oh, yeah?¡±

    Frustration grew inside her. He always had a maddening way about him.

    Caden grabbed his phone and quickly essed his chat history from the night before.

    Alice felt ufortable. ¡°What are you doing?¡±Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    ¡°I¡¯m just taking a screenshot to see if others believe it,¡± Caden replied nonchntly.

    "Who are you going to send it to?" asked Alice, her anxiety growing.

    If it had been Gerry, it wouldn''t have been a problem, but Caden''s response was, "Joshua."

    Alice started and her heart raced. This could sabotage everything.

    He thought about picking up the phone, but remembered an earlier incident at the office and controlled himself.

    ¡°Then do what you think best. The rumors about us won''t hurt me,¡± Alice said, forcing a smile. ¡°In fact, being linked to Mr. Ward might work in my favor.¡±

    Caden thought back to the previous night and smiled. With a flick, I closed the phone and casually said, ¡°Sent.¡±

    Alice''s smile faltered and she gritted her teeth. "Don''t forget to tell me his answer. I''m very curious."

    ¡°I will,¡± Caden confirmed.

    Choosing silence, Alice turned around.

    Hank caught a glimpse of Caden''s expression, a mix of amusement and irritation. He had never witnessed such a youthful side to Caden. Caden always became more talkative around Alicia, as if every encounter was a celebration.

    The car was silent until Alicia''s phone interrupted the silence.

    Answering in a softer tone, Alice spoke, ¡°Monica, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Monica''s voice was heard, expressing her discontent. "The outfit you''ve chosen doesn''t work, Alicia. It''s too simple and won''t achieve the effect we need."

    Alicia, wary that Caden might overhear her, moved to the car door. In a low voice, she confided, ¡°The outfits you suggested are too risky to wear in public.¡±

    Monica replied, ¡°They only show a little neck and legs, and they''re a little shorter than your usual style. Didn¡¯t you once say that bolder is better?¡±

    Quietly, Alice admitted, "Still, I''m a bit hesitant to show him so much."

    Monicaughed and replied, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll let it go. Honestly, your face is enough.¡±

    Alice perked up. ¡°I have another strategy in mind, too.¡±

    ¡°Oh? What¡¯s your backup n?¡± Monica inquired.

    After ending the call, Alicia picked up a new book she had purchased. Leaning back, she held the book up so that its title would catch Caden''s attention.

    The title read: The Maniptors'' Trick. Caden was speechless.

    Noticing his interest, Alice narrowed her eyes and gave him a yful smile. ¡°Are you curious? Do you want to read it too?¡±

    He walked over and handed her the book. ¡°How about we read it together?¡±

    Caden looked down. He tried hard to concentrate on the text, but Alicia''s subtly exposed cleavage was unmistakably visible.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice didn''t realize that she had given too much away. She had intended to provoke Caden by showing him the book, aware of his disdain for deceitful people. During their school years, Caden had been incredibly popr, attracting many admirers and inevitably creating rivalries.

    Groups of girls often gathered around him, theirughter and chatter like birdsong. Known for his quick temper, Caden was unreservedly critical, and maniptive people were often the first to feel his wrath. His sharpments made others wary of approaching him flirtatiously or openly.

    Caden turned away dismissively. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in that cheap reading material.¡±

    Alice, settling back into her seat with a smile, teased him: ¡°You seemed interested. Perhaps you have developed a taste for deceitful types now?¡±

    In a measured tone, Caden replied, ¡°And who might you be trying to trick with those tactics?¡±

    Alice replied: "Certainly not you."

    "Well, that''s just what I wanted to hear," he replied, his expression unreadable.

    What an idiot!

    As they approached the Yates mansion, Alice took the opportunity to do some quick reading. The author''s skill was evident, presenting the material clearly and highlighting key points. During the short drive, Alice absorbed a great deal of information.

    Arriving at the mansion, I noticed that the entrance was crowded and I was shocked.

    ¡°Why are there so many cars here?¡± His curiosity was piqued and he asked, ¡°Is there any special event at the mansion today?¡±

    Caden, ever aloof, replied, ¡°Jerald was discharged today. ¡°He came home this morning, and many rtives came to visit him.¡±

    This caught Alicia off guard. She knew from Joshua that Jerald was recovering at the mansion, but she hadn''t realized it was today.

    The doors were open, weing a crowd of guests bearing extravagant gifts, with tables piled high with packages.

    Alice nced at the two books in her bag, pondering her next move.

    Caden closed the car door behind them, his expression unreadable, neither weing nor dismissive.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Alicia approached Caden silently. ¡°I didn''t know your father was going to be discharged today, so I didn''t bring any gifts. Did you manage to bring anything?¡±

    Above them, the leaves rustled, casting mottled shadows across Alice''s face, highlighting her features in a soft, unique way.

    ¡°I did it,¡± Caden confirmed.

    Alice feltforted. Caden, always proud and generous, seemed to have brought plenty of gifts.

    Before she could voice her thoughts, Caden anticipated her needs. ¡°Would you like to borrow a couple of boxes to keep up appearances?¡±

    Aliceughed softly, appreciating his insight. ¡°It''s clear why you''re Mr. Ward. You understand everything.¡±

    Caden smiled weakly. ¡°I may help, but my favors don''te for free.¡±

    Alicia straightened up, reaching for her phone.

    Caden quickly interjected, ¡°It¡¯s not money I¡¯m interested in.¡±

    If it''s not money, then it must be something else. Caden looked ready to make an inappropriate request. Alicia braced herself, determined to embarrass herself rather than agree.

    As he was about to enter the mansion, Caden spoke.

    "I just ask you for a few words."

    Alice paused, suspicious. ¡°Are you being generous?¡±

    "Sometimes," he replied indifferently.

    "What exactly do you want me to tell you?" Alice asked.

    Caden gave her a pointed look. ¡°Miss Bet, with your eloquence, can you not offer a kind word when you seek favor?¡±

    Alice paused, momentarily puzzled. Was that there?

    After a brief hesitation, he smiled. ¡°Thank you for your help today, Mr. Ward. ¡°I owe you a meal sometime.¡±

    Caden responded with a nonchnt nod, rolling up his sleeves. ¡°That¡¯ll do.¡±

    Relieved, Alicia turned back to the trunk. ¡°Where are you headed?¡± Caden asked.

    "I''m going to get the presents."

    "They''re not in the car. I''m taking them with me," he informed her.

    Confused, Alice looked at him. ¡°Do you have them with you?¡±

    "Yes, I came with good will," Caden said.

    Speechless, Alice followed him, her expression sour. ¡°You have deceived me!¡±

    Caden''s tone remained rxed. "Isn''t goodwill itself a gift?"

    "You were just ying with me," Alice replied.

    Caden continued forward with long strides.

    Alicia quickened her pace to keep up with him. She might not have brought any gifts, but she hoped they could share the embarrassment, especially if Caden had nothing either. However, his long strides forced her to jog to keep up with him.

    Frustrated, she shouted, ¡°Caden, slow down!¡±

    Caden reached the front doors, his eyes scanning the room until theynded on Joshua, who was busy with the guests. He stopped suddenly.

    Alicia, surprised by his sudden stop, collided with his back.

    His bulk shook her and she felt a sharp pain in her forehead.

    He grabbed his head and groaned in pain.

    Caden looked over his shoulder at her exaggerated response. ¡°Really? That dramatic? ¡°It seems like ¡®The Maniptors Trick¡¯ was quite appropriate.¡±

    Alice replied: "What nonsense! I''m actually hurt."

    Caden joked: ¡°Even that answer was perfect.¡±

    Absurdity

    Just then, a deep voice interrupted. ¡°Alice.¡±

    Regaining herposure, Alicia turned to see Joshua approaching.

    .

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 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia looked away and continued rubbing her forehead, preferring not to engage Joshua in conversation.

    Joshua gently pulled her to his side, trying to keep some distance from Caden.

    He greeted Caden in a polite but distant tone. ¡°Caden.¡±

    Alicia discreetly moved her hand away, wiping the area of ??her dress where Joshua had touched it.

    Caden responded with a slight curl of his lips, his casual acknowledgment.

    Joshua then asked, ¡°You are always so busy. How did you manage to bring Alice here today?¡±

    Caden replied nonchntly, ¡°It was just a chance encounter.¡±

    ¡°Quite a coincidence, isn''t it?¡± Joshuamented, his tone still dripping with hostility.

    Caden let out a soft chuckle.

    "If you''re intrigued by the coincidence, maybe you should ask your ex-wife," I suggested.

    This left Alicia speechless, as Caden''s insinuation seemed to hint at a romance.

    Wasn''t Caden the one who offered to take her?

    Joshua''s intense gaze made Alicia ufortable, so she decided to use a tactic from the book.

    ¡°I was walking too fast and identally bumped into Caden,¡± she exined quietly, her hand still on her forehead. Feeling overwhelmed, she added, ¡°I feel a little dizzy. Can Ie in and rest for a while?¡±

    Joshua pushed his hand away, revealing a red mark on his forehead.

    Alice was not usually so amodating, but she did not resist.

    Joshua preferred not to inquire further at that moment. ¡°Go rest in my room. ¡°I¡¯lle see youter.¡±

    Reluctantly, Alice questioned the wisdom of resting in her room.

    ¡°Is it really okay for me to be in your room?¡± he asked, his expression worried. ¡°What if Miss Green finds out?¡±

    "He''s not here today," Joshua reassured her.

    "But someone might see it," Alice insisted, still undecided.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Joshua confidently reassured her, ¡°With my permission, no one will dare to gossip.¡±

    He gently guided Alice by the shoulders inside. ¡°Proceed, I need to discuss some things with¡­¡±

    Alice pressed her lips together but reluctantly pulled away.

    Joshua then turned to face Caden, a rare moment given that they usually avoided each other. ¡°Do you have any interest in Alicia?¡±

    Caden responded with a disdainful scoff. ¡°What makes you think that?¡±

    Joshua''s frustration was palpable as he clenched his fists. ¡°You two have always been at odds. Why did you help her at the police station yesterday?¡±

    Caden walked into the living room, exining, ¡°She¡¯s an old ssmate. I was just helping her out. Is there a problem with that?¡±

    Not satisfied, Joshua persisted, following Caden.

    "This isn''t just about old-school ties, is it?"

    His tone was usatory.

    Caden settled into a chair in the side room, crossing his legs, and smiled at Joshua.

    ¡°You seem pretty touchy,¡± Cadenmented, then added provocatively, ¡°Does it bother you to think there might be something going on between me and your ex-wife?¡±

    Joshua''s expression instantly darkened.

    "Caden, you''re crossing the line."

    Caden, ever unfazed, replied, ¡°Just one question. ¡°Why so defensive?¡±

    Joshua balled his hands into fists, his usual indifference towards women eclipsed by the recent changes in Alicia''s behavior.

    The idea of ??Caden apanying Alicia to the station, of them arriving together today, of them exchanging nces¡­ it all unsettled him deeply. ¡°Alicia is with me now,¡± Joshua said firmly, standing tall. ¡°You should keep some distance from her,¡± he advised.

    Caden''sugh was hollow, the amusement not reaching his eyes.

    "You divorced your ex, got engaged to the Green family heiress, and now you''re back with your ex. What a web you''ve woven."

    Joshua kept hisposure and calmly replied, ¡°Alicia hasn''t been able to move on. She has loved me for years. It would be cruel to ignore that.¡±

    Cadenmented: ¡°Looks like Alice still has a few tricks up her sleeve to keep your attention.¡±

    Joshua''s expression tightened, his denial evident.

    "I just feel sorry for her," he confessed.

    ¡°So you really care about Lilliana?¡± Caden asked, a hint of mockery in his voice. ¡°You criticize me for helping Alicia, but you overlook your fianc¨¦e''s frequent visits to my office. Quite interesting.¡±

    Joshua had a matter of business to attend to. ¡°Once Lilliana has the baby, we might consider her going back to work. She had a little slip-up this time. I¡¯ll get her a position at another agency. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry, Caden.¡±

    Caden replied indifferently, ¡°Whatever.¡±

    This exchange only deepened Joshua''s suspicions about Caden''s spiteful motives. He recalled an earlier n, which had been designed solely to cause him financial loss and distress.

    Meanwhile, the outside area was bustling with activity. With his responsibilities at hand, Joshua left, his expression grave.

    On a nearby table, there was a variety of fruits. Caden casually picked a mangosteen.

    As he opened it, Alice sat down beside him.

    ¡°Where did youe from?¡± Caden asked, looking around.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice pointed to arge vase nearby. ¡°I¡¯ve been here for a while, hiding behind that.¡±

    Caden, amused,mented, ¡°You''re quite the expert at hiding. ¡°You could probably join the CIA.¡±

    As he was splitting the mangosteen in half, he was interrupted by Alice, who picked up one half and asked, ¡°You didn''t share our chat logs with Joshua, did you?¡± Given Joshua''s nature, he would surely have mentioned it already.

    ¡°Are you worried he¡¯ll find out?¡± Caden asked.

    Alice savored the mangosteen, enjoying its sweetness, and yfully reached for the piece closest to Caden''s mouth.

    Caden was momentarily speechless.

    Alice, eating confidently, said, ¡°You heard Joshua. My rtionship with him has evolved, and I don''t want any misunderstandings.¡±

    Cadenughed softly. ¡°You really agreed to be his lover?¡±

    Alice grimaced slightly at the question, but agreed.

    Caden watched her intently, his expression unreadable. I remembered how Alicia had collected when Joshua had touched her hand earlier in the yard.

    However, Caden chose to remain silent, not revealing his true reasons for visiting the Yates mansion.

    Alice, looking at the remaining fruit,mented, ¡°Why are these mangosteens so good? Aren¡¯t you going to eat someone?¡±

    ¡°If you need me to peel them, just ask,¡± Caden replied.

    "What''s wrong with peeling a few more for me? You still owe me from before," Alice countered.

    Caden picked up another mangosteen, carefully peeled it, and offered it to her.

    As Alice brought it to her mouth, Caden reminded her, ¡°So the food you promised me is still standing.¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    This almost made Alicia choke, but Caden quickly covered her mouth, gently making sure she swallowed.

    After enjoying the juicy fruit, Alicemented, ¡°It''s funny how you and Joshua are always thinking about food.¡±

    ¡°Do you cook for him often?¡± Caden asked, raising his eyebrows.

    "There must be something fishy about him. He once offered to pay me arge sum just to cook for him on a monthly basis," Alice replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

    Caden''s sarcasm increased. ¡°You seem to be speaking rather harshly about your sugar daddy.¡±

    Taken by surprise, Alice quickly popped a grape into her mouth, disguising her slip with a yful lie. ¡°It''s all in good fun.¡±

    Caden scoffed, ¡°Do you talk to her like that in bed too? ¡°You were always so quiet with me, you barely made any noise.¡± With a knowing smile, he added, ¡°Oh, that''s right. ¡°You two were married for two years and you never slept together.¡±

    Alice''s cheeks flushed with anger, knowing that arguing with him would be useless.

    Changing the subject, Cadenmented, ¡°Don''t worry about cooking for me. If it¡¯s something Joshua likes, it probably won¡¯t be very good.¡±

    Alice sneered softly.

    She hadn''t even agreed to cook for him, and yet he was already criticizing.

    He left the side room just as the guests began to arrive.

    A maid approached with a tray of cakes and drinks.

    "Mr. Ward, please tell us your preferences as you have just returned and we are not familiar with your tastes."

    ncing at a cup, Caden thought of Alicia and asked, ¡°Make some coffee, please.¡±

    Jerald, feeling unwell, had retreated to his room after lunch. Once the guests had left, Shelia found a quiet corner to confront Joshua.

    "Didn''t you and Alice get divorced? Why is she here today?"

    Joshua, lighting a cigarette and inhaling deeply, replied curtly: "Mom, stay out of this. It''s my business."

    Understanding the subtext, Shelia, who had also been a lover, quickly grasped the implications. ¡°Do you intend to keep Alicia by your side?¡±

    Joshua was honest. ¡°She''ll most likely stay at the Yates mansion. It gives her a reason to stay under the pretext of taking care of Dad, and even if Lilliana finds out, we have a reasonable exnation.¡±

    I have rified that his stay would not be permanent. "I will only see Alicia asionally when shees to visit dad."

    Shelia vehemently disagreed. ¡°You and Lilliana have just stabilized your rtionship. Keeping Alicia is like holding a bomb. Don¡¯t risk everything you¡¯ve worked for.¡±

    Joshua''s gaze was deep and inscrutable. "Health is essential, and I''ve needed some relieftely," he admitted.

    ¡°Finding a temporary partner is easy. You can have as many as you want without any problems, if you are careful. But Alice is different, isn''t she?¡± Shelia knew instinctively that Alice could be troublesome. ¡°She is not naive. If she turns against you, it will be troublesome.¡±

    "I''ve known her since childhood. We were married for two years. I understand her well," Joshua replied, visibly upset.

    Alicia had be increasingly vulnerable after her parents'' ident. When pressed, sheplied without resistance.

    Joshua had nned to work hard to soften the memories of his strained marriage. He had developed ways to ensure a woman''splete loyalty.

    Shelia noticed his frustration and chose to rx. ¡°Please think about it carefully. ¡°I will make sure the rtives keep quiet about this so that it doesn¡¯t reach the Green family.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Joshua agreed curtly.

    Then he put out his cigarette and dered, "I''m staying here tonight."

    Shelia looked at him thoughtfully, wondering what it was about Alicia that still captivated him after all these years.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Shelia deeply appreciated her son. It had not been easy for her to conceive him.

    When the Yates family was at its peak, Jerald was a prominent figure: intelligent, hard-working, and supported by a wife with considerable experience, making the Yates family seem invulnerable.

    Shelia was the exception, having captured Jerald''s affections outside the presence of his powerful wife. She went from being his lover to bing his confidant, and used her beauty effectively. However, over time, Jerald''s interest began to fade, which also affected his rtionship with Joshua.

    Joshua, however, had proven his resilience over the years. Shelia, witness to all his hardships, was determined not to let any mistake threaten his future.

    Before leaving the estate, Joshua visited Alicia in the garden.

    ¡°It looks like it''s going to rain. Don¡¯t stay out too long,¡± he advised, putting his arm around her waist. ¡°Are you hiding so they don''t see you?¡± I have asked.

    Alice nodded, subtly moving her hand away. ¡°There are too many eyes around. ¡°It¡¯s best not to get too close,¡± she suggested, her voice softer than usual.

    Joshua knew her well. Despite the difficult circumstances, Alicia maintained her pride. She knew she was in a difficult situation and that patience would be necessary.

    ¡°Do you like any jewelry? ¡°I¡¯ll bring you some when I get back tonight,¡± he offered, hinting at his intention to stay overnight.

    Alice understood the insinuation and refused. "I don''t want anything."

    Joshua''s gaze intensified, as if he saw her in a new light. He leaned in to kiss her, but Alicia turned quickly, spotting an ally.

    ¡°Shelia!¡± I have shouted.

    Joshua looked over and saw Shelia. He had no intention of interrupting her, but her disapproving expression reminded him to be careful of his surroundings.

    Discouraged, Joshua quickly left the mansion.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    Alice breathed a sigh of relief.

    She looked at Shelia, whose expression was stern. Ignoring Shelia''s gaze, Alice walked away, zigzagging along the paths until she came to a spot with flowers to pick.

    Shelia, increasingly upset, watched her walk away.

    Didn''t Alice recognize her importance? She was Joshua''s mother, and yet Alice hadn''t bothered to acknowledge her.

    With Joshua gone, Shelia felt it was the right time to instruct Alicia. She called her faithful maid, Georgia.

    ¡°Do you understand what you have to do?¡± Shelia asked with a discreet look.

    Georgia agreed. ¡°Don''t worry, Mrs. Yates. It will be quite a show,¡± she assured.

    Georgia, always sharp and reliable, was Shelia''s trusted assistant.

    With a haughty nod, Shelia warned, ¡°But remember that Joshua still has feelings for her.¡±

    Georgia replied with a sly smile, ¡°I¡¯ll just make sure she stays hydrated, nothing harmful.¡± She then turned to Alicia.

    The garden led to a less well-kept area where the maids walked their pets. Alice, carrying some flowers, headed in that direction.

    Georgia greeted her with a seemingly friendly smile. ¡°Miss Bet, what do you bring here?¡±

    Alicia turned to look at her. Her memories of Georgia were vivid and unpleasant.

    At first, when Alicia and Joshua were newlyweds, Shelia had been courteous. But as Joshua siphoned off Alicia''s wealth, Shelia''s facade fell away, revealing her true nature. Georgia was often the enforcer of Shelia''s more covert schemes.

    Whenever Alice visited the mansion, Georgia treated her no better than a servant, keeping her busy without respite, although Alice received no gratitude in return. At first Alice put up with this treatment out of respect for Joshua, but she soon realized that her indulgence only invited further exploitation.

    Noticing Georgia''s insincere smile, Alice sensed that something was wrong and asked calmly, "What''s wrong, Georgia?"

    Georgia pointed to the nearby fountain. ¡°Could you help me? Mrs. Yates needs some carp for the fish tank. Could you help me catch them?¡±

    Alice quickly understood Georgia''s underlying motive. Recalling past conflicts, she replied with a smile, ¡°Of course, I''d be happy to help. Can I finish picking some more flowers?¡±

    ¡°There''s no hurry,¡± Georgia replied pleased.

    Alice walked away a little. As she reached for a flower, she twisted her ankle and screamed as she bent down. Startled, Georgia rushed over.

    "Miss Bet, are you okay?"

    The grass was thick and obscured the ground, making it difficult for Georgia to find her way. As she approached Alicia, she felt something crunch under her shoe.

    With a sinking feeling, she lifted her foot and discovered that it was a fresh pile of dog poop.

    Trying to maintain herposure, Alice felt concerned. ¡°Are you okay, Georgia?¡±

    Revolting, Georgia instinctively tried to push Alice away. Alice quickly dodged her, avoiding reaching her.

    Georgia lost her bnce and fell to the ground.

    As she tried to get up, the stench hit her and she realized her hand was covered in another pile of dog poop.

    .

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 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Georgia had always been a favored servant under Shelia''s care, rarely facing any real hardships. Now, covered in manure, she trembled in disgust, voicing herints about the nauseating stench.

    Shelia regarded her coldly, her expression hardening as she saw the scruffy state of Georgia marring an otherwise immacte setting. Alicia''s half-smile only increased Shelia''s irritation, and she silently cursed Alicia''s maniptive ways.

    Standing up, Georgia headed into the living room to clean up. Alicia, feeling surprised, asked, ¡°Georgia, where are you going?¡±

    ¡°To take a shower, of course,¡± Georgia replied.

    ¡°Isn''t your room just past the living room?¡± Alicia reminded her, pretending to be helpful. ¡°And Mrs. Yates is there. Aren¡¯t you bringing the smell with you?¡± she added, causing Georgia to stop and look at Shelia. Shelia''s displeasure was palpable from a distance.

    Shelia''s annoyance was evident, a mixture of disdain and frustration at Georgia''s mishap. Georgia had failed to teach Alicia a lesson and had instead fallen t on her face.

    Alice subtly suggested, "Why don''t you wash yourself in the fountain? It might lessen the stench a little."

    Seeing the logic in Alice''s suggestion, Georgia headed toward the fountain without further thought. Alice followed her, offering, "Let me help you."

    ¡°You should help. This mess is your doing. Then you can help me clean up,¡± Georgia replied, used to giving Alice orders.

    Alice without protest.

    As Georgia began to wash, the fish in the pond were repelled by the filth, and swam away. The tension was palpable, but the calm was short-lived when Georgia confronted Alicia.

    "You called me on purpose, didn''t you?"Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Alice blinked, her face a mask of innocence. ¡°Georgia, how can you say that?¡±

    Georgia, unfazed and visibly upset, retorts: ¡°You im you were picking flowers? That''s a flimsy excuse. You staged a fall near two piles of dog poop to lure me there, didn''t you?¡±

    Alicia acted hurt. ¡°You know we''re not friends, Georgia. When I hurt my ankle, I never called you. You came without me asking you. Remember?¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡± Georgia faltered, struggling for words, before bursting out, ¡°Why did you move when I pushed you?¡±

    ¡°If you had just stayed still, I wouldn''t have ended up on the floor!¡± Georgia''s voice was tinged with anger. Alicia''s eyes widened in disbelief.

    ¡°Seriously, Georgia? You pushed me. Why would I just stand there? Do you think I''m stupid?¡± Alicia replied, leaving Georgia speechless once again.

    She was surprised by Alicia''s defiance. After the divorce, Alicia had be increasingly bold. In the past, no matter how harshly she treated her, Alicia had always remained silent.

    When Georgia''s face turned red with anger, Alicia gave her a sly smile. "Rx, Georgia. It''s just a bit of dog dirt. Luckily, it didn''t get in your mouth."

    Alice pointed towards the pond. ¡°Let''s get you cleaned up.¡±

    The moment Alicia''s hand touched the water, she spent. Before Georgia could react, Alicia grabbed her arm and threw her into the pond.

    At nearly 40, Georgia''sck of agility and inability to swim sent her into a panic. She thrashed around in the water, struggling to stay afloat.

    Alice, feigning concern, called out, "Are you all right, Georgia? Can you manage?"

    Although she looked worried, Alice stood with her arms crossed, watching with cold indifference as Georgia staggered away.

    It wasn''t until Shelia and a few others arrived that they managed to pull Georgia out of the water.

    Terrified, Georgia ran to shore, still screaming for help. ¡°Help, Mrs. Yates, help!¡±

    Shelia snapped at her: ¡°Stop being such a whiner!¡±

    Stunned by Shelia''s harsh response, Georgia regained herposure, wiped her face and shivered. ¡°Mrs. Yates, I can''t swim! ¡°I almost drowned.¡±

    Shelia looked at her coldly. ¡°That little pond almost drowned you? Why didn¡¯t you just stay there?¡±

    Georgia, still in a panic, insisted, ¡°Mr. Yates, I¡¯m serious!¡±

    Georgia pointed towards the pond, about to voice herint, but stopped when she saw Alice standing calmly in the water, which barely reached her knees.

    Georgia was speechless.

    Someone chuckled from behind.

    Shelia turned around, her anger rising. ¡°Is this funny?¡±

    And then Shelia stopped dead in her tracks. Standing a short distance away, Caden had been watching the whole spectacle, amused by the scene.

    Shelia quickly softened upon recognizing him. ¡°Oh, it''s you, Caden. I mistook you for a servant and spoke too harshly. Please don¡¯t take it to heart.¡±

    Caden, uninterested in her apologies, turned his attention back to Alice. She had just climbed out of the pond.

    His gaze was intense, a subtle smile ying on his lips. Feeling her gaze, Alice looked down and realized that her wet dress was clinging to her figure. Awkwardly, she tried to adjust the hem of her dress.

    Although the fabric was not transparent, after a few shakes the dress loosened slightly and clung to her body again. Dark clouds were gathering over Alice and the strong wind made her shiver and sneeze, but no one seemed to notice her difort.

    Georgia, still upset,mented: ¡°I don''t understand what I did to upset Mrs. Bet. I asked her for help and she pushed me into the pond and made fun of me. Mrs. Yates, you have to defend me.¡±

    Shelia waved at him. ¡°That''s enough. You know what Alicia is like. Why bother? You¡¯re much older than her.¡±

    Alicia, realizing that Shelia was indirectly validating Georgia''s words, spoke softly, "Mrs. Yates, I was just trying to help. I didn''t push Georgia."

    Georgia, furious at Alicia''s feigned innocence, red at her. "You''re lying! Don''t you care about karma?"

    As he finished speaking, the sky suddenly split open with a sh of lightning, followed quickly by thunderous apuse.

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 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    The rain was pouring down, hitting the ground with every drop. A sudden p of thunder made Georgia shriek, her hands instinctively clutching at Shelia.

    The disgusting smell of dog poop still clung to her, and Shelia''s expression twisted in disgust. With a push, Shelia pushed Georgia away.

    Cadenughed softly. ¡°Why are you screaming, Georgia? Alicia is the one in trouble. ¡°That thunder sounds like nature is giving her a warning.¡±

    Alicia gave her a cold look. The rain was only getting worse, and Shelia, fed up pushed, Georgia aside and hurried inside to wash up.

    Another rumble of thunder echoed overhead. For a moment, Caden''s face darkened as he looked at Alice. For some unknown reason, she had stepped into the pond, her hands moving frantically as if searching for something.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    The heavy rain clouded the view, making it difficult to see what he was doing. Caden walked over, frowning. ¡°What exactly are you looking for?¡±

    Alicia lifted the hem of her skirt as she continued to feel her way through the water. She muttered, ¡°I think I dropped my phone in here.¡±

    Caden looked down, skeptical. Seeing his hesitation, Alicia urged, ¡°Don''t just stand there. Help me find him.¡±

    Caden wasn''t fooled. ¡°Is this another one of your tricks? Like the one you yed on the maid?¡±

    Alice snorted in response. ¡°Believe what you want.¡±

    He continued his search, moving a few steps to the side. Suddenly, he let out a loud cry. ¡°Ah! ¡°I found it!¡±

    Caden squinted through the downpour. It was hard to make out what he was holding, but it looked like something.

    Alice wiped the rain from her face, her hair sticking to her cheeks. She looked at him and said, ¡°Give me a hand. ¡°Pull me up.¡±

    Seeing how soaked and dejected she looked, Caden reluctantly held out his hand.

    Just as Alicia''s hand was about to grab his, she quickly switched to her other hand. Without warning, she ced something in her palm. Caden froze. At first, he didn''t know what it was, but the slimy texture told him everything he needed to know.

    It was a toad. Toad

    Her face darkened with disgust. With a sharp jerk she threw it aside and her whole body shook with disgust. Alice burst outughing.

    Caden, known for his aversion to all things impure, was repulsed beyond measure. The mere thought of touching the toad would torment him for days. His expression darkened even further, a storm brewing behind his eyes.

    Sensing that she might have gone too far, Alice stoppedughing and tried to climb out of the pond. In her haste, she lost her footing in the slippery mud and fell back into the water, hitting her knee on a sharp stone. A sharp pain shot through her leg, and her vision momentarily blurred as she gasped for air.

    Caden looked at her, his expression softening slightly. Alicia tried to regain her bnce, but her injured knee refused to support her weight. Her hand shook as she reached out. ¡°Help me up.¡±

    Caden, his tone casual but cool, replied, ¡°Miss Bet, don''t you know? ¡°I can¡¯t stand women who pretend to be innocent.¡± He paused, his eyes narrowed. ¡°Whatever you learned from your books, it won''t work on me.¡±

    Alice could only stare at him, speechless. Without saying anything else, she turned her back and began to walk away.

    As the thunder rumbled above her, Alicia, torn between fury and pain, felt as if the sky itself was about to strike her. Seeing Caden truly leaving, panic gripped her and she stood up, forgetting her pain in her haste to follow. The storm intensified, reflecting her French state.

    Caden was ready to leave, but the downpour forced him to reconsider. Soaked to the bone, he had no choice but to change. It had been ages since he had stayed at the Yates mansion, and he had nothing left of his own.

    Shelia, ever the helpful hostess, brought over a set of her son Joshua''s clothes. She smiled and said, "You and Joshua are about the same size. Why don''t you wear these?"

    Caden, shaking water droplets from his sleeves, replied with icy indifference, ¡°I¡¯m not one to settle.¡±

    "Don''t bother."

    His words were colder than the falling rain.

    Shelia''s smile faltered, her embarrassment evident. Caden had never liked his stepmother, and Shelia despaired of him in returning, although she tried not to show it. But in the end, there was no choice. Caden was far more talented than her son Joshua. And now, with the inheritance at stake, Shelia knew she had to y the role of perfect wife and mother, even though she could barely tolerate Caden''s presence.

    Shelia held back her anger and headed to the master bedroom.

    Jerald leaned against the headboard, resting. He was getting strongertely, and was even able to walk a little, slowly regaining his former strength.

    As Shelia changed her clothes, she kept her back to him, tears falling silently.

    Jerald frowned. ¡°What''s wrong?¡±

    Shelia shook her head. ¡°It''s nothing. ¡°I¡¯m used to it.¡±

    ¡°Used to what?¡± Jerald''s patience ran out. ¡°Stop crying and tell me.¡±

    Shelia turned to him, her clothes disheveled and tears streaming down her cheeks, giving her a pitiful appearance.

    Seeing her condition, Jerald gestured for her toe over and sit beside him. ¡°Who has been bothering you?¡±

    Shelia bit her lip. ¡°Jerald, don''t be mad at Caden. He lost his mother so young, and without her, he became bitter and angry. He resents me. It¡¯s really all my fault since then¡­¡±

    Jerald didn''t let her finish. "Did he hurt you?"

    Shelia''s tears flowed even harder. Her silence spoke louder than any words.

    Jerald¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Have you forgotten your ce? ¡°This is the Yates family.¡±

    Shelia patted his chest gently, trying to calm him down. ¡°I''m fine. Please don¡¯t be angry.¡±

    But just as he said this, Jerald started coughing, a metallic taste filling his mouth.

    Shelia ran to him. ¡°See, you still get angry too quickly.¡± She went to get her medicine, opened the door, and saw Caden on the stairs.

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 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Shelia flinched, uneasiness washing over her instantly. She was worried that Caden might have heard her. But then, she reminded herself that Jerald was awake and would support her. What could Caden do? She would have no choice but to y along.

    Putting on a smile, she said, ¡°Caden, it''s pouring outside. Why don''t you stay for a while? ¡°Skip the office today and have dinner with Jerald.¡±

    She expected him to refuse, but to her surprise, he simply said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    She stared at him, momentarily surprised. Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°Were you expecting me to refuse?¡±

    Shelia forced a smile. "No no. I''m just¡­ d you''re staying. It¡¯s so weird.¡±

    Caden stood there stone-faced. He could see right through her, knowing her kindness was nothing more than an act. But he had no patience and turned back toward the guest room without another word.

    Alice hobbled back to her room, pulling up her dress to check her knee. It wasn''t seriously hurt, but a bruise had already started to form. She let out a heavy sigh. It seemed like karma wasing fast for her.

    But why had Caden never faced any consequences for his actions?

    She opened the closet and found some clothes she had left behind before the divorce, then headed to the bathroom. As she entered, she was overwhelmed by the presence of Joshua''s things everywhere. Her stomach turned. She closed the door and went to find another room.

    The upstairs rooms were all private, so she picked one at random to clean up in. Pushing open the door, she stopped dead in her tracks. Caden was standing by the bathroom door, in his underwear. His hands were hooked around his waist, ready to pull them down when he noticed her.

    He stood still, his sharp eyes boring into hers.

    Alicia stood there, stunned, unable to look away from her almost perfect abs. She was speechless.

    Caden''s physique was impable from head to toe. It was a shame that his personality was as sharp as his tongue.

    For a moment, she stoodpletely mesmerized, lost in her daze, unable to speak or move.

    Caden stood still for a few moments, watching her. When it was clear that Alicia wasn''t going to look away, he slowly pulled up her underwear. ¡°Enjoying the view?¡± I have joked.

    Alice blinked, started,ing back to reality.

    He smirked. ¡°Just watching, huh? ¡°You know it¡¯s more fun if you touch.¡±

    Her face flushed, and she quickly redirected her gaze to his face, avoiding the awkwardness. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    I have shrugged nonchntly. ¡°Is this your room?¡±

    She didn''t answer. Of course, she wasn''t. There were plenty of guest rooms, and she had just chosen the closest one without thinking. Running into him had been pure coincidence.

    Caden, ignoring the tension, gently pushed open the bathroom door. His voice, deep and suggestive, filled the room. ¡°Since you¡¯re here, would you like to take a shower together?¡±

    Her mind raced, reliving memories of him. She''d gotten away with it twice already. If she gave in again, there would be no turning back.

    I couldn''t resist.

    By no means.

    Alice shook her head. ¡°Go ahead. ¡°I don¡¯t feelfortable with another person around.¡±

    He turned around and headed for the door. Just as he opened it, the sound of approaching footsteps reached his ears.

    She hesitated. It had to be one of the maids. Her instincts took over and she immediately closed the door again. Being trapped in this situation, soaked and in the same room as Caden, would create all kinds of rumors.

    This wasn''t a hotel. It was the Yates Mansion.

    The family was full of gossip, and if Joshua found out about this, it would be a disaster.

    As if reading his thoughts, there was a knock at the door.

    He followed the maid''s voice.

    "Mr. Ward, the clothes you ordered have arrived."

    Alice stepped back in surprise, making room for Caden. Without a word, she grabbed a towel, wrapped it around her waist, and called out, ¡°Leave them at the door.¡± The maid replied, ¡°Okay,¡± and soon the hallway was silent.

    Only then did Caden open the door to get the clothes.

    Alice, leaning casually against the wall, asked curiously, "Why bother with the towel if you weren''t going to let her in?"

    Caden looked at her. ¡°To protect me from you.¡±

    Alice blinked, momentarily speechless.

    Without hesitation, Caden tossed the clothes onto a nearby surface and removed his towel. His toned chest, chiseled abs, and slender figure immediately caught her attention again.

    He cleared his throat, trying to regain hisposure. ¡°And now you''re not protecting yourself from me?¡±

    Caden scoffed. ¡°Think before you speak, okay? Do you expect me to shower with a towel on?¡±

    Once again, Alice was speechless.

    Caden walked to the bathroom, his voice indifferent. ¡°I¡¯ll shower first, then it¡¯ll be your turn.¡±Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    Alice hesitated before saying, "I think I''ll go back to my room."

    Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°Oh? In that case, are you okay with everyone assuming we''re hooking up?¡±

    Her face flushed, caught off guard.

    ¡°I''ll be careful,¡± he muttered, touching his nose.

    Caden''s lips curved into a smile. ¡°If you''re really worried, jumping out the window might be your safest bet.¡± Then he asked, ¡°Why are you so nervous around me? Are you too trusting?¡±

    His irritation grew. Instead of leaving, he sat down stubbornly. He wanted to see who would fall into temptation first.

    As she sat there, tiredness began to weigh on her. From the moment she had arrived at the Yates mansion, she had been on the edge. Now, listening to the rhythmic sound of the shower and the silence of the room, her body gave out. A yawn escaped her.

    The wet clothes clung to her skin, making her feel hot and sleepy. Her eyes felt heavy and soon she could not keep them open.

    Just as she was beginning to fall asleep, a sharp pain woke her up.

    She gasped and opened her eyes to find herself lying in the tub. Caden knelt beside her, tending to her injured knee.

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 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61:

    ? ? ? ? ?Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    The water enveloped Alicia like a tender embrace, its warmth so luxurious she almost wondered if she was dreaming. Drowsiness took over, making it impossible to keep her eyes open. She managed to catch a glimpse of Caden through the mist, his voice barely above a whisper as he asked, ¡°Are you done showering?¡±

    Her senses were still dulled, and she wasn''t fully aware of the situation, her guardpletely down. The softness of his tone, the delicate vulnerability of his gaze¡­ she was like a petal drifting in a calm breeze. Caden''s lips curved into a subtle, barely perceptible smile as he gently pressed his fingers against her skin.

    ¡°Are you still awake?¡± she whispered.

    Alice flinched at the gentle pressure, her foot jerking reflexively and sending a small ssh through the water. The sudden jolt cleared the fog from her mind. Realizing where she was, she instinctively wrapped her arms around herself, her pulse quickening. ¡°What''s going on? Why am I here?¡±

    Hadn''t she been waiting outside for him to finish?

    ¡°You fell asleep,¡± Caden replied, his tone casual, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. ¡°So I carried you in my arms.¡±

    Alice blinked in surprise. Had she fallen into such a deep sleep that she hadn''t felt anything? Her gaze shifted to his naked body under the water and her cheeks flushed with sudden heat. ¡°You¡­ took my clothes off?!¡±

    Caden''s eyes briefly strayed to the soaked dress strewn across the floor. Earlier, when he''d stepped out of the shower, he''d found her curled up, shivering in the cold, her lips stained blue. He didn''t think twice; he scooped her up into his arms, knowing she''d catch a bad cold if he hadn''t gotten her into hot water.

    ¡°Yes,¡± he admitted without hesitation.

    Alice''s face turned to deeper red. "Why didn''t you just wake me up?" she asked, her voice raised with embarrassment.

    ¡°I couldn''t,¡± Caden said, his tone still unruffled. ¡°Why else would I wake you up like that?¡±

    ¡°How so?¡± His brow furrowed in confusion.

    Instead of immediately responding, Caden''s fingers brushed her knee again, the touch sending an unexpected jolt through her.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Alice gasped, the sudden pain starting her and she kicked her legs underwater. The movement caused ripples on the surface, briefly revealing glimpses of her soft skin.

    Caden didn''t even intend to look away. Noticing his daring gaze, heat rose to Alicia''s cheeks. She quickly sank deeper into the water, her arms instinctively wrapping around her chest in a weak attempt to protect herself.

    Caden stared at her, his eyes dark and unapologetic. His voice was low, almost mocking, when he said, ¡°Why bother covering up? ¡°I¡¯ve seen it all.¡± Those words left her silent.

    Even with the subtle tension cracking between them, she knew he wouldn''t dare do anything, at least not here.

    As he stood up, his imposing figure cast a shadow over her. With azy smile, he said, ¡°Go wash up.¡±

    Alicia rushed to the bathroom. Less than twenty minutester, she cleaned out, her skin flushed and damp. Caden was waiting for her, leaning back in a chair, dressed only in a dark robe. He held a small bottle of ointment in his hand.

    He had taken a moment to examine her injured knee earlier. Fortunately, the noise was not serious. The ointment would be enough to soothe it.

    Without hesitation, Alice epted the bottle. She poured some of the cold liquid into the palm of her hand before gently rubbing the sore area.

    Outside, the weather had taken a turn for the worse, and rain pelted the windows. Inside, however, the room glowed with soft amber light from themps. Despite the mncholic atmosphere, the warmth of Caden''s presence made her feel unexpectedly safe, as if he could keep the darkness at bay.

    He didn''t speak, his attention fixed on the gathering storm outside. His expression was distant, unreadable. The minutes passed and the silence between them grew heavier.

    Suddenly, a sh of lightning shed across the sky, followed by a deafening p of thunder. Startled, Alice''s gaze flew to Caden.

    It was then that he noticed the slight trembling of his tightly clenched fists. His breath caught.

    Despite her usualposure and arrogance, Alicia would never have imagined that the domineering Caden could be upset by something as ordinary as a storm. Normally, she would have mocked him for it, but tonight, with the storm raging around them, she bit back her words.

    Because she was also afraid of thunder.

    It was a fear she had carried with her since the night her parents died. Every sh of lightning and gust of wind seemed to mock her, taunting her loneliness. Wrapped in nkets, she had spent countless nights staring into the darkness, waiting forfort that never came. No one had been there to whisper, ¡°Don''t be afraid.¡± So she closed her eyes, willing herself to hold out until the light of dawn.

    As another bolt of lightning shed across the dark sky, Alice cried out, "Caden."

    He slowly turned his head towards her. His eyes held a deep, chilling coldness, almost imprable. But in the blink of an eye, that icy exterior softened, settling into a calm, collected demeanor. ¡°What''s wrong?¡± he asked, his voice deep and maic.

    She watched as his hands slowly rxed and his fists unclenched.

    ¡°You were doing so well abroad,¡± she began, feeling her curiosity piqued. ¡°Why did youe back?¡±

    Caden''s response was indifferent, almost disdainful. "Because of the inheritance."

    Alicia raised an eyebrow slightly. ¡°But you don''t seem to be fighting for her.¡± Something so obvious hadn''t gone unnoticed.

    The dark gleam in Caden''s eyes faded, reced by ascivious smile.

    ¡°Why the sudden interest?¡± he asked, his toneced with yful suspicion. ¡°Are you gathering information for Joshua, or are you nning to team up with me against him?¡±

    Alice smiled amusedly. ¡°I was just asking,¡± she replied nonchntly, but her real motivey beneath the surface. She just wanted to divert his attention, keep him busy, and protect him from the storm raging outside.

    "I could ask you the same question."

    Not one to let things go easily, Caden persisted, ¡°What are you doing here with the Yates family?¡±

    She dismissed his question with a shrug. ¡°I don''t want to fight anymore. ¡°I¡¯m here to enjoy life under Joshua¡¯s protection.¡±

    Caden''s grin widened, his eyes twinkling with mischief. ¡°What if I beat him? The Yates family will be mine¡­ and you too?¡±

    Alice''s mouth twitched.

    He was being mischievous again, and for a moment Alice allowed herself to forget the frightened child she had seen in him moments before. She quickly put aside the fleeting sympathy and capped the bottle of ointment in her hands, setting it aside with a soft thud.

    "I''m leaving," he announced, his voice firm.

    He headed for the door, stopping briefly to check the hallway. When no one was around, he limped out, leaning against the wall.

    But as she turned the corner, her heart jumped into her throat.

    Right in her path was Shelia, with an insincere smile as sharp as the daggers her eyes were shooting at Alicia. It was clear that Shelia had been waiting there for some time.

    ¡°Alicia,¡± she purred, her voice mock-concerned. ¡°What were you doing alone in a room with Caden for so long?¡±

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 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Shelia hadn''t initially noticed Alicia sneaking into the guest room. It wasn''t until Caden came down to get medicine for her bruises that Shelia became suspicious. She came out of the master bedroom and saw Caden walking past with the medicine. She was puzzled: Caden wasn''t hurt, so why would he need medicine? Then it hit her. She remembered Alicia limping when she returned.

    It looked like Alice had hurt her knee.

    Alicia and Caden were known for their mutual dislike. Why were they suddenly so close?

    Intimidated by Caden, Shelia didn''t dare knock on the door or try to spy. Instead, she waited, hoping to catch them in the act.

    Soon Alice appeared.

    ¡°Did the cat get your tongue?¡± Shelia snapped. ¡°I asked you what you and Caden were up to.¡±

    Alicia rxed visibly, her back no longer tense. ¡°Nothing serious. ¡°I just wanted to take a shower and identally walked into the wrong room.¡±

    Shelia''s lips curled into a sneer. ¡°So, of all the guest rooms, you stumble upon his? You''re amazing, Alicia. First one brother, and now the other? Your ambitions know no bounds.¡±

    Alice''s expression turned icy. "I wish I had that much talent."

    Shelia scoffed. ¡°Oh, I think you have enough talent. Do you want to y the seductress? Fine. But don''t bring Joshua into this. If you break up with him for good, I''ll act like today never happened. Otherwise, when Joshuaes back, I¡¯ll make sure he sees who you really are.¡±

    Leaning against the wall, Alice lifted her bruised knee and sighed. ¡°And what exactly have I done?¡±

    ¡°You know perfectly well,¡± Shelia hissed.

    "Without proof there is no confession," Alice replied calmly.

    Shelia''s expression faltered and her voice grew sharper. ¡°How can you be so shameless, Alicia? You couldn¡¯t hold Joshua back when you were married, and now that he¡¯s broken up with you, you¡¯re still chasing him?¡±

    At that moment, Caden approached from behind.

    "What are you arguing about?" I have asked.

    Shelia''s face changed immediately.

    Alicia turned her gaze towards Caden, who was carrying a bag in his hand.

    "You left your clothes," he said, handing her the bag.

    Alice froze, shocked by the moment. Could this get any worse?

    Shelia watched the exchange with a wary eye, misinterpreting the interaction. Realizing she had no choice but to y along, Alicia epted the bag with a forced smile. ¡°Thanks, Caden,¡± she murmured, carefully moving forward and leaning against the wall.

    Shelia quickly intervened. ¡°Caden, Alicia and Joshua are divorced. ¡°She is no longer part of this family.¡±

    Caden started walking too, keeping afortable distance from Alicia.

    ¡°Hmm.¡± Casually, he asked, ¡°By the way, how much is Joshua¡¯s fianc¨¦e?¡±

    Shelia replied briefly: ¡°Almost three months now.¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°Three months? Funny, I remember Alicia and Joshua were still married back then. Impressive that Joshua managed to have an affair with the heiress of the Green family.¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Shelia was speechless, finally realizing that Caden was deliberately provoking her. Her expression changed and a wave of difort washed over her. She knew Joshua had crossed a line, giving Caden the perfect opportunity to twist the knife.

    With a slight smile, Caden added, ¡°Miss Green is lucky to marry into the family. When ites to being a mistress, you, as the future mother-inw, are the expert. Joshua¡¯s little family should run smoothly under your guidance.¡±

    Shelia''s face drained of color, her anger barely contained, but she didn''t dare retaliate. She bit back her fury, watching as Caden walked down the stairs,pletely unfazed.

    Exhausted from the encounter, Alice retired to her room for a nap. When she woke up, her nose was stuffy and her head was heavy. Assuming she was catching a cold, she went downstairs to get some water.

    When she stepped outside and looked over the railing, she saw Jerald sitting in the living room, Shelia beside him and Caden sitting across from them. The tension in the room was palpable. Alicia was curious and crept closer to the wall, listening.

    Scraps of their conversation reached his ears.

    ¡°You''ve been gone so long and now you only bother to answer every third question. What kind of disrespect is this?¡± Jerald''s voice was fragile but resolute. Caden, sitting cross-legged, exuded an air of superiority far beyond his years, likely a result of his Ward family lineage. His presence easily overshadowed Jerald''s.

    Shrugging, Caden replied, ¡°It¡¯s been so long, what is there left for us to talk about?¡±

    Jerald snapped, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, why are you even here?¡±

    Caden smiled with satisfaction. ¡°Joshua said you were at death''s door. ¡°I thought I¡¯de say goodbye.¡±

    Jerald''s face flushed with anger. ¡°What kind of nonsense is that?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just repeating what your youngest son told me,¡± Caden replied indifferently.

    Shelia immediately grabbed Jerald''s arm, her voice shaking. ¡°Caden, stop. Please say less.¡±

    Caden shrugged, showing no sign of remorse. ¡°If I don''t say enough, I get med. If I say too much, I get med. It¡¯s exhausting.¡±

    Alicia stifled tough. Caden''s arrogance was both infuriating and oddly amusing.

    Jerald''s chest swelled with fury. ¡°You scoundrel! Don¡¯t expect to see a cent of my inheritance.¡±

    Caden just snorted in response, unimpressed.

    Panicking, Shelia rushed to grab the medicine, frantically shaking several pills.

    Caden watched her with a bored expression. ¡°Be careful with those. They''re not easy to get. Once you use them up, they¡¯re gone.¡±

    Jerald, focused on survival, grabbed the pills and immediately swallowed them, ring at his son. ¡°Did I spend your money?¡±

    Caden smirked, clearly entertained by the situation.

    Shelia, aware of how rare and difficult it was to get that medicine, gave Caden a cold look. ¡°He''s still your father, Caden. Is it too much to ask you to help him with some medicine? Do you have to be so petty about it?¡±

    .

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 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden scoffed. ¡°Then drink the whole bottle.¡±

    Shelia was speechless. She was used to Caden''s bluntness, but this level of directness still caught her off guard.

    With a pat on Jerald''s chest, he feigned kindness. ¡°Leave it alone, Jerald. There¡¯s no point in arguing with the younger generation.¡±

    Whether it was the effect of the medicine or Shelia''s attempt tofort him, Jerald, though pale, said nothing more. He had long since epted that Caden''s personality was not one for argument. Arguing would not solve anything, and Jerald knew he could not risk worsening his health.

    She took her hand away from Shelia. ¡°Where is Joshua? Why hasn¡¯t he arrived yet?¡±

    Shelia smiled. ¡°Joshua is always busy, stayingte at work until eleven or twelve most nights. But I made sure to tell him we had dinner tonight, so he should be back by eight.¡±

    I wanted Jerald to see how hard Joshua worked.

    Just then, Jerald''s eyes fell on Alicia. He blinked, disoriented by his illness. ¡°Is that Alicia?¡±

    Alicia approached slowly, her hands sped in front of her. She replied softly, ¡°Yes, Jerald.¡±

    Jerald frowned. ¡°Why are you so distant?¡±

    Shelia chimed in excitedly. ¡°Alicia and Joshua are divorced. Joshua is now engaged to Lilliana, the daughter of the Green family. ¡°She is three months pregnant.¡±

    Jerald, hearing the name ¡°Green,¡± showed little reaction. ¡°I don''t get involved in young people''s affairs. But why is Alicia still here after the divorce?¡±

    Alice kept her head down, silent.

    Shelia chuckled. ¡°Joshua feels sorry for her. He lets her stay here to take care of you. And of course, he pays her monthly for it.¡±

    Caden let out a silentugh at that.

    Alice remained expressionless.

    Jerald waved his hand, disinterested. ¡°Leave her alone.¡±

    Without another word, Alice retired to the tea room. She mixed a packet of cold medicine with water, hoping to obtain some relief from her growing illness.

    As she was thrashing around, Georgia''s voice suddenly sounded behind her. "Mrs. Bet, are you feeling unwell?"

    Alice looked at her, her tone distant. ¡°It''s nothing.¡± And she gulped down the medicine.

    Georgia, always careful to maintain a pleasant facade, especially now that Jerald was awake, couldn''t afford to slip up. ¡°You''ve been out in the rain for a long time today. You must have caught a cold. Let me make you some ginger tea to warm you up.¡±

    Alice was not convinced. There was no way Georgia could have suddenly be kind.

    ¡°Then make enough for everyone,¡± Alice replied tly. ¡°Shelia and Caden were out in the rain too. ¡°They could use some tea.¡±

    Without another word or sign of emotion, Georgia turned on her heel and walked away.

    When the tea was ready, they ced bowls in front of each other. Shelia didn''t touch hers, iming she avoided anything spicy at night. Caden was even more dismissive, not bothering to look at his own.

    Alice stared into her own bowl. The ginger tea, sweetened with brown sugar, had aforting aroma. But there was something she didn''t like. Her mind was racing.

    What could it contain? Poison? Mosquitoes? Laxatives?

    Shelia interrupted his thoughts. ¡°Why don''t you drink it? Georgia meant well. Don¡¯t waste it.¡±

    Alice hesitated, the hot bowl in her hands.

    At that moment, footsteps echoed from outside. The door was flung open, bringing with it a taste of cold, damp wind.

    Joshua had returned earlier than expected.

    Alicia''s gaze flickered. Even though he was wet from the rain, Joshua didn''t seem to mind.

    As he entered, he respectfully greeted his father. ¡°Dad, how are you?¡±

    Jerald responded with a carefree grunt.

    Alice stood up and asked, "Why did the rain catch you?"

    Joshua, without suspecting anything, answered as always.

    ¡°I had to meet a client before I went home,¡± Joshua exined, wiping the rain off his coat. ¡°The car was parked a little further from the entrance, so I got wet taking those few steps.¡±

    Alice saw an opportunity. ¡°Just in time. Georgia made some ginger tea. It¡¯ll help with your cold.¡±

    Georgia''s face stiffened a little. She opened her mouth to protest, but Alicia turned, saw her, and silenced her with a piercing look.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    Without hesitation, Alicia passed the bowl to Joshua.

    Shelia quickly intervened: ¡°It''s just a bit of rain, Alice. There''s no need to make a fuss. You¡¯re the one who¡¯s sick and Georgia made the tea especially for you.¡±

    With that, Shelia headed into the kitchen, calling for the staff to serve the food. Joshua ignored Shelia''sment, briefly ncing at Caden before resting his arm casually on Alicia''s shoulders.

    ¡°Did you catch a cold?¡± Joshua asked quietly.

    Alice forced a smile. ¡°It''s nothing serious. Would you like to try some ginger tea?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll drink it,¡± Joshua insisted. ¡°Have a sip first, and then I¡¯ll finish the rest.¡±

    Alice blinked in surprise. His behavior was strange.

    Pursing her lips, she thought that if there was something wrong with the tea, it couldn''t be too harmful. After all, Georgia wasn''t panicking, and she would have if something was wrong.

    Alice took a small sip.

    As she moved the bowl, she heard a faint sounding from the liquid. She paused, a suspicious thought crossing her mind. Joshua snatched the bowl from her and drank from the exact spot where their lips had touched.

    A wave of nausea hit Alice.

    Her eyes shifted, only to lock with Caden''s intense gaze.

    Caden''s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Joshua drink, and his lips curved into a twisted smile.

    Alicia froze for a moment before the sound of Joshua spitting out his tea snapped her out of it.

    With a look of disgust, Joshua eximed, ¡°What is this rubbish?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    As Joshua spoke, he staggered backwards, spitting out a mouthful of blood into the wastebasket. A small shard of ss was visible in the blood. His expression darkened as he tilted the bowl in his hand, revealing more shards sitting at the bottom.

    ¡°What the hell is this?¡± Joshua''s voice was firm and full of anger.

    The room was plunged into chaos.

    Shelia ran to his side, her voice worried. ¡°You''re bleeding! How is that possible? ¡°Let me see where you¡¯re hurt.¡±

    Joshua''s face twisted in fury as his gaze shifted to Georgia, who looked more than a little guilty. ¡°Would you mind exining to me why there are shards of ss in the soup?¡±

    Georgia, as cunning as ever, feigned innocence. ¡°ss shards? How is that possible?¡±

    Alicia, seizing the opportunity, yed along. She stepped back, trembling, pretending her legs were weak from shock. ¡°If Joshua had swallowed that¡­ his throat would have been torn out!¡± she gasped, grabbing his arm with a look of genuine concern. ¡°Did you swallow something? Are you okay?¡±

    Joshua¡¯s tense expression softened slightly. "No." Shelia exhaled in relief, but her eyes remained fixed on Georgia.

    ¡°Useless,¡± thought Shelia. ¡°Georgia can¡¯t do anything right.¡±

    Stepping in to smooth things over, Shelia added: ¡°Georgia probably wasn''t paying attention. Maybe she broke something and it fell into the soup without realizing it.¡±

    Georgia quickly seized on that excuse. ¡°I''m sorry, Mr. Yates. I didn''t mean to. Ms. Bet pushed me earlier, and I felt dizzy¡­¡±

    Joshua mmed the bowl down. ¡°You''ve been working here for years!¡± I snapped angrily. ¡°How could you make such a stupid mistake?¡±

    Georgia, knowing how to manipte the situation, knelt down, her eyes filled with tears. ¡°Mr. Yates, I really didn¡¯t mean to.¡±

    Her kneeling, for an older woman, looked pitiful, and refusing to forgive her would make anyone look heartless. But Joshua was not easily swayed by such gestures. With Shelia present, he turned coldly to his mother. ¡°Mom, she is your responsibility.¡±

    Turning to Alicia, Joshua pulled her closer, his expression full of concern as he checked her mouth. ¡°Are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?¡±

    Alice shook her head. ¡°I only had a small sip.¡±

    She yed the role of a kind and serene woman effortlessly.

    Shelia''s expression darkened, but she couldn''t intervene or separate them.

    Still kneeling, Georgia suddenly broke the silence. ¡°Mrs. Bet, did you do this on purpose?¡±

    The room fell silent again, the tension palpable. Alicia, genuinely surprised, asked, ¡°Georgia, why do you say that?¡±

    Tears streamed down Georgia¡¯s face as she sobbed. ¡°You don''t like me. You pushed me into the pond today, and you still weren''t satisfied. ¡°So you secretly added ss shards to the soup to frame me.¡±

    Alicia was speechless. If she could, she would have apuded Georgia''s performance. What a talented actress!Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    Georgia wiped her face dramatically. ¡°I know you don''t like me, but if you have a problem with me, why don''t you just take it up with me? Why does Mr. Yates give the soup? What if something had happened to him?¡±

    Shelia, taking advantage of the moment, intervenes. ¡°That''s why you refused to drink it, Alicia! ¡°You were waiting for Joshua toe back so you could hurt him.¡±

    Alice, her eyes now red, replied calmly, ¡°But it was Georgia who brought the soup.¡±

    "Maybe you hid the pieces of ss beforehand and threw them away when no one was looking!" Georgia quickly added, fueling the usation.

    Alicia pressed her lips together, her gaze fixed on Joshua. Her eyes filled with tears. ¡°Do you think it was me, too?¡± She tried to make the tears flow, hoping to make her argument more convincing. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t contain her emotions.

    Desperate, she resorted to physical pain. Alice pinched her arm hard from behind. The sharp pain worked, making her burst into real tears, even letting out a soft sob.

    Joshua had never seen her cry like that. His heart instantly softened and he pulled her into his arms. ¡°I believe you. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of this.¡±

    Alice leaned into him, continuing her act, sobbing silently against his chest. ¡°No one here likes me. I should go. ¡°We can go our separate ways, but please don¡¯t let me be the reason your rtionship with your mother is ruined.¡±

    Shelia stood frozen, unable to speak.

    Georgia, equally stunned, couldn''t react. They had never seen Alicia give such a convincing performance before.

    Jerald, fed up with the constant arguments, mmed his hand on the table. ¡°Enough! ¡°You¡¯re making a scene over something trivial.¡±

    Georgia, not wanting things to go any further, stood quickly up and walked away without saying a word.

    Jerald stood up, his hands firmly nted on the table. His eyes locked with Joshua and Caden. ¡°Come with me to the study, both of you. There¡¯s something we need to discuss.¡±

    Shelia stepped forward, trying to calm the situation. ¡°Jerald, maybe we should eat first. Let¡¯s talk after dinner, okay?¡± Jerald pushed her roughly away. ¡°Stay out of it!¡±

    Freshly taken with his medication, Jerald wasn''t as frail as he usually was. He marched off to the studio, with Joshua and Caden following close behind.

    When the door closed, the room fell eerily silent, leaving the women alone.

    Shelia dropped her fa?ade, her gaze sharp as she looked at Alicia. ¡°You''ve gotten more shrewd since the divorce. No wonder Joshua still keeps you around.¡±

    Alice calmly wiped away the remaining tears from her face, her voice sweet but sharp. ¡°Mrs. Yates, perhaps you''ll be a little more careful next time. If those shards of ss had really caused serious injuries, it would have been quite a problem.¡±

    Shelia''s expression darkened slightly.

    Alicia leaned back, rubbing her temple as a wave of dizziness hit her.

    At that moment, a loud shout came from the study, breaking the silence.

    .

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    .

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    In the studio, Jerald''s anger was palpable.

    Afterposing himself, he had reviewed the Yates Group''s financial records and discovered that Joshua had secretly diverted a significant amount of money. Joshua immediately apologized, exining where the funds had gone.

    However, when Jerald learned that Caden was involved in the n, his fury erupted.

    ¡°Caden, you''ve spent years with the Ward family. I could overlook the fact that you''ve brought me nothing, but toe back here and plot against your own brother? How could you stoop so low?¡±

    Caden, long ustomed to Jerald''s constant favoritism toward Joshua, remained unfazed.

    With an indifferent expression, he replied, ¡°So you brought me here for this nonsense? I¡¯m not interested.¡± He turned to leave, but Joshua quickly blocked his way.

    The two looked at each other in a tense confrontation.

    ¡°Caden,¡± Joshua said, gaining confidence from Jerald¡¯s presence. ¡°Dad¡¯s right. ¡°We¡¯re family, and what you did went too far.¡±

    Caden smirked, his gaze cold. ¡°I didn''t do anything. You handed over the money willingly.¡±

    Joshua''s voice tightened. ¡°You knew about my rtionship with Lilliana and used it to set me up, didn''t you?¡±

    ¡°When you asked me for help, your tone was very different,¡± Caden replied, his words tinged with mockery. Joshua''s expression changed as he realized how he had been yed.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Jerald shouted, his patience running out. ¡°Caden, give the money back and we¡¯ll forget this ever happened!¡±

    Caden''s smile stillcked warmth. ¡°Does that small amount satisfy you?¡± he asked mockingly. ¡°Why don¡¯t I just hand over the entire Ward family as well?¡±

    Seething with anger at Caden''s defiance, Jerald searched the desk for something to throw at him.

    Caden was unfazed.

    I knew Jerald too well: lots of threats, but never any real consequences.

    Jerald had risen to his position through his marriage, relying on strength to control those around him. But hecked the true power to harm anyone.

    Even in his rage, Jerald understood one thing clearly: Caden was not just his son. He was the firstborn grandson of the powerful Ward family, his pride and joy.

    Caden didn''t even blink, his icy gaze mocking Jerald directly.

    Jerald, enraged, turned crimson with rage and began throwing everything he could grab.

    Outside, thunder rumbled, mingling with Jerald''s angry shouts. ¡°Bastard! You¡¯re as much of a troublemaker as your mother!¡±

    Alice''s heart raced as she heard the muffled chaos. She headed for the study door, her pulse racing. Just as she reached it, a loud crash ranged out: something had broken.

    Without thinking, I pushed the door open and entered.

    Jerald was in mid-movement, picking up another item, about to throw it at Caden.

    Alice, acting on impulse, rushed forward. ¡°Jerald!¡± she screamed.

    But Jerald, blinded by rage, threw the object towards her.

    Alice hadn''t expected to lose control sopletely. She instinctively raised her arms to protect her face, bracing herself for the impact.

    A taste of wind brushed past her. She caught a whiff of a familiar scent, and when she opened her eyes, she was met with Caden''s shadowed face. His gaze fell to his shoulder, where his shirt had been torn, revealing a wound. Blood seeped through the fabric. She froze, her first instinct to help him, but with Joshua watching, she held back.

    The depth of the wound was unclear, but Caden''s expression remained stone-cold, showing no pain. His presence gave off an icy aura that sent a chill through the room. Joshua noticed it too.

    Her eyes flickered uneasily as she approached Jerald.

    ¡°Dad, stop throwing things,¡± she said, grabbing Jerald¡¯s arm. Her eyes darted between Caden and Alicia. ¡°Caden¡¯s hurt.¡±

    Joshua looked meaningfully at Alicia.

    Aware of his gaze, Alice remained perfectly still, her face pale but her emotions hidden.

    In front of her, Caden''s chest rose and fell, muscles tense, veins bulging beneath his skin.

    Alicia could sense the restraint in him. She could see how tightly he was holding back. After a tense pause, Caden turned and walked out of the office without a word. When the door closed behind him, Jerald let out a shaky breath, muttering bitterly, ¡°Son of a bitch, daring to stand up to me like this, thinking he''s free now!¡±

    Joshua calmed Jerald, guiding him to sit down before turning his attention back to Alicia. ¡°Are you hurt?¡± he asked softly.

    Before he could ask anything else, she spoke, her voice shaking. ¡°I thought Jerald was going to hurt you, so I intervened.¡±Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Joshua had seen her love for him in the past, so he didn''t question her sincerity.

    He let out a thoughtful hum. ¡°I didn''t expect Caden to take that hit for you. ¡°It confirms what I¡¯ve been thinking.¡±

    Alicia thought of Caden''s injury and frowned. Avoiding Joshua¡¯s gaze, she muttered, ¡°I¡¯m going to clean up the studio.¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± Joshua said, gently taking her hand and giving it a reassuring pat. ¡°Let Georgia handle it.¡± He nced toward the door. ¡°Go help in the kitchen. ¡°I need to talk to Dad.¡±

    Alice absentmindedly and walked away, her thoughts elsewhere.

    As she walked away, Jerald, still catching his breath, grumbled, ¡°You two are divorced, so why does everything between you still seem so unresolved?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Joshua chuckled lightly. ¡°We were married for years. ¡°Ties like that don¡¯t just disappear.¡±

    Jerald, always in tune with his son, understood without words. He waved his hand dismissively, recalling his own past. ¡°They''re just women. Have fun if you want. I¡¯m not involved.¡±Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    Joshua turned serious. ¡°As for the Green family, I have everything under control. There will be no problems.¡±

    Jerald agreed. ¡°As long as you''re sure.¡±

    His thoughts then drifted to Caden, frowning. ¡°Caden holds a grudge. ¡°I lost my temper today, and I¡¯m not sure what I might do next.¡± The way Caden had looked at him earlier reminded him all too much of Caden''s grandfather: intense, cold, and brooding. At only twenty-five, Caden looked ready to take on the world.

    Joshua, sensing Jerald¡¯s concern, reassured him, ¡°He¡¯s your son. What can I really do? ¡°If he had real power, he wouldn¡¯t have gone down without a fight.¡±

    Jerald closed his eyes briefly, considering his son''s words. Joshua handed him a ss of water and continued, ¡°I¡¯ve been looking into Caden¡¯s assets overseas since he returned. He''s been hiding things well. ¡°I suspect he¡¯s keeping some secrets.¡±

    Jerald frowned. ¡°What kind of secrets?¡±

    "Something big. Financial problems or worse. His pride wouldn''t allow him toe back just topete for an inheritance, unless there''s something more."

    Jerald¡¯s expression softened as the idea sank in. It made sense. Furthermore, given the scope of the Yates empire, why would Caden willingly give up the inheritance?

    Still, as long as Jerald remained in control, Caden could do nothing.

    ¡°We have her mother to thank for that,¡± Jerald murmured, ¡°giving me everything she had.¡± He looked at Joshua, offering a rarepliment. ¡°Alicia reminds me of her.¡±

    Joshua smiled. ¡°Thanks for your guidance, Dad.¡±

    Jerald took a sip of water, pondering for a moment. He knew Joshua had a knack for pleasing people, but he also knew deep down that Joshua wasn''t on Caden''s level.

    With a dismissive gesture, Jerald said, ¡°Go down and eat. I feel better. You don''t need to put so much effort into thepany anymore. ¡°I can take care of everything.¡±

    Joshua''s eyes darkened briefly, but he hid any emotion.

    ¡°It''s okay, Dad,¡± Joshua replied calmly, hiding his thoughts. As he left the study, he saw Alicia leaning against a pill in the hallway, clearly lost in thought.

    ¡°Alice? What are you doing here?¡± he asked, approaching her. Noticing that something didn''t fit, he added: ¡°Are you scared?¡±

    Alicia wasn''t pretending; she was truly shocked. "You were just talking in there, but why did Jerald suddenly get angry?"

    Joshua shrugged, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. ¡°Caden has a temper, and he always manages to irritate Dad. It¡¯s nothing new.¡±

    "I see," Alice murmured.

    Outside, the rain was pounding against the windows, the sound deafening. Thunder rumbled loudly, making Alice''s face pale even further.

    Joshua noticed her reaction and was amused. ¡°It''s just thunder,¡± he said,ughing. ¡°Come on, let''s eat.¡±

    Alice, seeing how unaffected he was, asked casually: "Do you like this weather?"

    ¡°Yes,¡± Joshua replied, his smile widening. ¡°I like everything Caden is afraid of.¡±

    Alice''s heart sank at his words.

    She pressed, ¡°How could someone like Caden be afraid of thunder?¡±

    Joshua, in good humor, replied: ¡°Do you know how his mother died?¡±

    Alice clenched her fingers. ¡°No,¡± she murmured softly.

    Joshua almostughed, clearly amused by his own story. ¡°Over a decade ago, his mother died in childbirth at the hospital. It was pouring rain, and Caden was standing in the hospital entrance, soaked and nearly struck by lightning.¡±

    Alice froze, a shiver running down her spine.

    Images of a simr scene shed through his mind.

    He felt an unexpected surge ofpassion for Caden. Witnessing the sudden death of someone close to him was a pain that could never be forgotten, and yet Joshua seemed to find amusement in it.

    At that moment, Alice realized that she no longer recognized Joshua. His coldness made him almost repulsive.

    Joshua noticed that she had stopped walking. ¡°What''s wrong? Are you okay?¡± I asked in a worried voice.

    Alice held on tight, her fingers turning pale. ¡°I''ve caught a cold and my stomach isn''t feeling very well. Go eat. ¡°I¡¯ll rest a little,¡± she whispered.

    Joshua''s gaze softened and he asked, "Is a little cold that bothersome?"

    Alice hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

    Joshua looked at her knowingly. ¡°How about a little surprise tonight?¡± he suggested, his tone suggestive.

    Alicia felt a surge of anger well up inside her, but before she could react, her phone buzzed.

    Seeing Lilliana''s name on the screen, Joshua gestured for Alicia to be quiet.

    Alice lowered her head, biting her tongue, and walked down the stairs.

    Joshua seemed pleased by her silence but, as a precaution, retreated to the bedroom to answer the call.

    Alice walked into the living room, a knot of uneasiness tightening her chest.

    The house was full of activity.

    Everyone was busy with dinner preparations.

    Nobody noticed her.

    Silently, Alice picked up a ck umbre and walked out the door.

    I called a taxi and asked the driver to follow a known route.

    Halfway there, his eyes caught sight of Caden''s Maybach, parked haphazardly on the street.

    He made the taxi stop near a pharmacy and quickly went inside to buy something.

    When she returned, the Maybach had not moved. She paused for a moment, thinking, before approaching the car. She tapped gently on the window. It took a few moments, but finally the window rolled down halfway.

    Caden stared at her nkly. ¡°What''s wrong?¡± he asked bluntly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden''s voice was colder than the rainshing outside.

    Alice struggled to hold the umbre, the bag in her hand shaking slightly, full of antiseptic and bandages.

    "Let me see your wound."

    Caden''s response was indifferent. "No need."

    She rolled up the car window without thinking twice. Alicia froze, her reflection staring back at her in the ss.

    Caden was silent for a moment, then looked out the window and noticed she was still standing there, motionless. I frowned slightly.

    With a sigh, he slowed down and opened the door, letting her in.

    She carefully slid into the passenger seat, wiping the rain off her clothes. The silence between them was thick, but Caden finally broke it.

    ¡°What are you doing here at this hour?¡± His voice was shrill. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be with Joshua by now, nice and warm in¡­?¡±

    Alice couldn''t believe how sharp his words were. She was fed up with his constant attacks and wondered if he would know when to stop.

    Her emotions, already tangled and confused along the way, werepletely untangled when he sat down next to her.

    Without thinking, he sneered, ¡°If it weren''t for you hitting your shoulder like that, I wouldn''t even care about you.¡±

    Firmly, she took out iodine and cotton swabs, ready to clean the wound.

    The air in the car slowly changed, bing less tense as the moments passed.

    Caden had stopped the car earlier to calm the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins. The heavy rain outside had been a distraction, and he didn''t trust he could continue driving without losing control. Pulling over had been the safest option, but he hadn''t expected Alicia to follow him there. He watched her closely, knowing she''d used the excuse of her injury to check on him. But that didn''t bother him. In fact, he was in a better mood now.

    Alice looked at him, meeting his gaze. His deep eyes seemed to draw her in, making her hesitate.

    She knew how dangerous her charm could be, so she quickly looked away.

    ¡°Take off your shirt,¡± I murmured. ¡°Let me see the wound.¡±

    Caden leaned back, almostzily, and began to unbutton his shirt, his fingers moving slowly.

    The quiet sound of rustling fabric filled the car, creating a strange feeling of intimacy in the air.

    As she pushed the hem of his shirt aside, his chest and abs slowly came into view. Alice did her best not to look directly at him.

    She quickly snapped out of her daze and protested, ¡°Stop, stop. You don''t have to take everything off. Just show me the wound.¡±

    Caden''s voice was mocking. "What, you don''t want to see the rest?"

    Alice was momentarily speechless.

    He wanted to look away, but he couldn''t.

    Without hesitation, Caden removed his shirtpletely, revealing his toned arms.

    The car was filled with an undeniable tension. The wound on his shoulder was not serious, but the slight bleeding added to his robust appearance.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    Alicia focused on healing the wound, doing her best to ignore the heat between them.

    ¡°Is this convenient?¡± Caden asked, his tone unreadable.

    ¡°Mm?¡± Alice replied absentmindedly.

    Before she could react, she felt his hands wrap around her waist and lift her onto hisp. Her face turned bright red. ¡°You¡­¡±

    Caden looked at her, calm and unfazed. ¡°It''s easier this way.¡±

    Alice felt something pressing down on her, and her mind jumped to conclusions. ¡°Is it getting hard already?¡±

    Caden paused before letting out a low chuckle. ¡°What, are you some kind of aphrodisiac? ¡°It¡¯s just my belt.¡±

    Mortified, Alice didn''t dare check. Instead, she cleared her throat and picked up the iodine, trying to concentrate.

    What should have been a simple task became ufortable as its proximity made it difficult to concentrate. The heat radiating from him didn''t help.

    ¡°Why are you shaking?¡± Caden asked, watching her closely. ¡°Is your blood making you shiver?¡±

    Alice forced herself to remain calm, swallowing her nerves. ¡°I¡¯m not shaking.¡±

    But as she pressed the cotton ball against her skin, it slipped and missed the wound entirely,nding on uninjured skin.

    He squinted, trying to hide it. ¡°Oh, have I suddenly be short-sighted?¡±

    Caden smiled to himself and shifted slightly.

    Alice, already nervous, whispered: "Don''t move."

    Iughed softly. ¡°If I don''t move closer, you might not get to finish tonight.¡±

    As they adjusted, their bodies pressed even closer together, leaving little space between them.

    Alice, tense and unsure of where to ce her hands, instinctively leaned forward.

    But with his abs so close, she had nowhere to go. In her attempt to adjust, she tightened her thighs around his waist.

    The squeeze brought back a memory of when they were at the movies together. He remembered how Alicia had been on top of him back then, just like that.

    His eyes darkened, filled with the intensity of the moment. The scent of her skin enveloped him, a sweet, floral scent that seemed to ease the tension of the Yates family drama still weighing on him. Without hesitation, Caden reached out and gripped her waist tighter.

    ¡°Hurry up with the medicine,¡± he murmured, his voice raspy, tinged with something else.

    Alicia, unaware of the change in tone, concentrated on applying the antiseptic.

    The wound, although not deep, was swollen and bruised from the impact. It would likely remain sore for a few days.

    As he worked, the memory of what had happened in the study shed through his mind. The fear from before still lingered, and he couldn''t help but ask, ¡°Does your father always treat you like this?¡±

    Caden buried his face against her neck, his breath warm on her skin. ¡°What, are you feeling sorry for me?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia tried to pull away from Caden. ¡°Just a casual question,¡± she said, trying to regain some distance.

    Cadenughed softly, unfazed by the blow he had received earlier. Nothing seemed to bother him.

    I leaned in slightly, breathing in Alicia''s scent.

    His movement brought their skin into contact, and his cool lips lightly brushed her cheek. The contact lingered, a reminder of the tension in the air.

    Alicia, trying to amuse the conversation, asked, ¡°That punch was meant for me. Why did you help me?¡± She had always assumed that Caden didn''t appreciate her.

    His answer was vague. ¡°Instinct.¡±

    Alice was silent for a moment.

    She thought about pressing him, asking him why his instincts had led him to protect her, but something held her back. She felt too ufortable.

    And with someone like Caden, she knew she wouldn''t get a straight answer anyway. He would most likely just make fun of her.

    The moment passed and Alice finished bandaging the wound.

    ¡°That''s it, all set,¡± she said, ready to get out of the car. But Caden wasn''t about to let her go. He pulled her close, holding her close.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± he asked, his grip gentle but strong enough to keep her in ce.

    They were so close that Alice couldn''t look away.

    Her eyes were fixed on his.

    She felt trapped, unable to look away from him. ¡°I''ll be back,¡± she murmured, unsure of herself under the intensity of the moment. She felt like she couldn''t stay here, in this intimate space with Caden, without her mind wandering to those embarrassing dreams she''d been having.

    Caden narrowed his eyes slightly. ¡°Are you really going to walk out of here and go straight to Joshua¡¯s bed?¡±

    Alice instinctively shook her head. "No."

    Her quick response didn''t surprise him at all. ¡°Why not?¡± Caden insisted.

    Given their rtionship, why wouldn''t he?

    Alicia searched for an excuse, but before she could respond, Caden interrupted her with a lowugh. ¡°Because I¡¯m better in bed, right?¡±

    Her heart sank as she heard his words.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    I couldn''t deny it.

    Caden''s lips brushed her ear, his voice teasing. ¡°How about we try again?¡±

    A shiver ran through Alicia, her body reacting before she could stop it. She felt as if her breath had left herpletely. ¡°You''re not upset that I just got off with Joshua?¡± Alicia asked, her voice wavering with uncertainty.

    Cadenughed softly. ¡°You''re the one who came to me, remember?¡± His tone was merciless, stripping her of her doubts. ¡°You''re sitting on myp and you''re still wondering if this means anything?¡±

    Alice felt a lump in her throat. She had no answer for him.

    Resting her hands on her shoulders, she asked hesitantly, ¡°Here?¡±

    Outside, the rain was pouring down, thunder rumbling in the distance. The storm that was chasing him didn''t seem to affect his mood at all. How could he think about this now, after everything that had just happened?

    Without hesitation, Caden leaned in, kissing her before she could utter another word.

    ¡°Too ufortable in the car?¡± I have murmured between kisses. Even then, he managed to keep hisposure, his voice soft and calm. ¡°Pick to hotel. ¡°I¡¯ll find the room.¡±

    Alicia felt dizzy from the intensity of his kiss. Her mind was a whirlwind, and all the reasons why they shouldn''t be doing this were blurring. She no longer thought about her past or their tangled rtionship. The attraction between them was maddening, driving them both beyond control.

    What caught her off guard was the realization that it consumed him as much as it consumed her. Something wild and hot was stirring between them.

    When she came to, the cold air brushed her bare skin and she realized how far they hade. Caden moved easily, as if he had done it countless times before.

    Alice was surprised. ¡°When¡­?¡±

    Her voice came out so soft it was almost a whisper, and she immediately bit her lip to keep from saying more.

    At that moment her phone range, breaking the tension that had built up between them.

    Alicia was slow to react, and by the time she realized what was happening, Caden had already picked up the phone and was handing it to her.

    "He''s your man," he said, with a deep, harshugh.

    Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. She tried to pull away, but Caden''s hand still held her firmly.

    When the call connected, the words Alice was about to say caught in her throat.

    Joshua''s voice came through the phone. "Alicia, where have you gone?"

    Alicia took a sharp breath, trying to calm her breathing. Just as she started to respond, Caden leaned down mischievously and pressed his lips against hers, silencing her.

    His kiss was slow, teasing, but quiet enough that Joshua couldn''t hear it.

    Alicia weakly tried to push him away, her heart racing. Joshua, impatient at theck of response, spoke again.

    "Alice?"

    With a hint of yful mercy, Caden pulled away just enough for her to breathe, and in her weariness, she let out a soft gasp.

    The sound started her, causing her to freeze.

    Caden''s lips curved into a wicked grin. And so if to reward her slip, he leaned in and kissed her again, still holding her close.

    Alicia, furious, bit Caden''s lip, hard enough to draw blood.

    He didn''t flinch. In fact, the pain only made the glow in his eyes grow darker, more intense, like a caged predator ready to break free.

    She took a ragged breath, covered her mouth with her hand, and picked up the phone.

    ¡°Joshua,¡± he rasps, making his voice sound fragile. ¡°Can youe pick me up?¡±

    Caden''s hands roamed freely now, taking advantage of her distraction.

    Alice stifled a moan.

    Joshua''s tone was sharp. "What are you doing?"

    Alicia quickly added a sob to her voice. ¡°I don¡¯t feel well, Joshua.¡±

    She made her voice sound like she was wrong, but Caden knew better. Every word she said wasced with genuine emotion, and he was the cause of it.

    At that moment, his obsession with her only deepened. The urge to draw her closer, to have her there, nearly consumed him.

    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Joshua asked.

    Alicia held her hand firmly over Caden''s mouth, her voice shaking. ¡°I caught a cold. I went out to get medicine, but now my stomach hurts. I can''t move. Can youe get me?¡±

    Joshua paused, his mind fixed on the sounds he had heard earlier.

    His voice was full of doubt. ¡°Where are you?¡±

    Alice hesitated before replying, ¡°I¡¯ll send you my location.¡±

    "Okay. I''ming."

    When the call finally ended, Alice exhaled deeply, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over her.

    The tension had drained from her, and even Caden''s fervor seemed to have cooled.

    He chuckled, his voice harsh. ¡°Miss Bet, that was quite a scene.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice felt a smile, although a forced one, creep across her face. ¡°You seem to have had a lot of practice at this, Mr. Ward.¡±

    She mused that Caden''s thrill-seeking felt deliberate and methodical. He''d probably had his share of women in the past. The thought sent a pang through Alicia''s chest, but she quickly reminded herself not to think about it.

    They''re just two adults looking for pleasure. There''s no need toplicate things any further, Alice assured herself.

    As Alicia tried to get out of the car, she realized that Caden''s grip hadn''t eased in the slightest. His body felt disconnected, his gaze hollow and unreadable. ¡°So, shall we continue?¡±

    Caden''s expression remained neutral, but his fingers remained on her skin, showing no sign of wanting to end this.

    "Not exactly against," he replied.

    Alicia Caden pushed her hand away. ¡°Joshua will be here any minute.¡±

    A crooked smile curved Caden''s lips. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be more interesting if he came in with us?¡±

    Alice found herself unable to respond. How disgusting.

    At that moment, Alice noticed fresh blood staining the bandage on her shoulder. After a brief pause, she removed the bandage and picked up the trousers she had carelessly tossed aside. She chose a clean piece of cloth to wipe the blood off.

    Caden frowned. ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡±

    "You''re bleeding again," Alice said, gently pressing the cloth against the wound.

    Caden, always obsessed with cleanliness, scoffed with a humorless chuckle. ¡°And you''re wearing the pants you just put on? ¡°Why not your underwear while you¡¯re at it?¡±

    As she spoke she caught a piece of pink and white cloth on her finger and waved it before her. Alice, taken unawares, quickly handed it back to her.

    "You''re disgusted."

    Caden let out a low, mockingugh. ¡°Funny, you didn¡¯t seem to mind when you lifted your legs earlier, making it easier for me to pull them off.¡±

    Alice couldn''t find an answer.

    She had intended to apply some ointment, but now all she wanted was to get out of here as quickly as possible. If she continued like this, she was sure her face would burn.

    The moment Alicia pulled away, Caden''s eyes fell on the noticeable stain on her pants.

    Raising an eyebrow, he remarked, ¡°Miss Bet, have you by any chance been through a storm?¡±

    Alice adjusted her clothes, replying softly, ¡°No, I didn''t.¡±

    ¡°Then exin this.¡± Caden pointed at the wet spot, with a mocking but knowing smile.

    Alice''s breathing hitched as she shifted her gaze, clearly uneasy. "It must have been the rain."

    Caden''s smile widened. He casually pulled out a tissue and wiped his fingers as if it were a routine matter. ¡°What a downpour, huh? ¡°It even managed to soak my fingers.¡±

    Once he was done, Caden''s gaze returned to Alicia. "Miss Bet, you may be feeling pretty happy right now, but what about me?"

    Alicia stiffened, her eyes instinctively lowering. It had been¡­ intense. He probably had reason to be dissatisfied. Twice, he had been cut off from the fun before he even got a real taste of what he was looking for.

    His tone softened. ¡°So, what do you want to do?¡±

    Caden¡¯s eyes darkened, noticing how cooperative Alicia seemed. But how many men can really resist? The more submissive a woman is, the more tempting it is to push her further, he thought.

    ¡°Next time, if the opportunity presents itself, I¡¯ll decide then.¡± Caden''s voice, deep and rough, had a seductive tone. ¡°Whatever it is that I want, will you let me have it, Miss Bet?¡±

    Alice''s heart was beating uncontrobly.

    ¡°Absolutely not.¡± Unsure of what Caden was up to, Alicia hesitated. ¡°A little should be more than enough.¡±

    Caden let out a quietugh. ¡°You like things to be fair?¡±

    His eyes drifted to her slender fingers. ¡°Very well.¡±N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Alice''s cheeks burned as she quickly pulled her hands away and ran out of the car.

    The rain had let up. Like her mood, the lingering tension gave way to a sense of calm.

    As Caden left, Alicia walked under the umbre and soon saw Joshua''s car approaching. He got out and his eyes immediately took in Alicia. His gaze was piercing, as if he saw right through her, leaving nothing unnoticed.

    Alice, who had earlier dressed herself, stood erect, facing his inspection with calm confidence.

    Joshua was quick to notice the blood stain on his pants. ¡°What''s wrong?¡± he asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

    Alice put her hand on her stomach, her expression rejected. ¡°It''s that time of the month.¡±

    Joshua frowned. ¡°Then why are you out? Don¡¯t we have any medicine at home?¡±

    Alicia exined: ¡°We don¡¯t have pads at home.¡±

    "You could have asked the maid to bring you some."

    ¡°Are you talking about Georgia?¡± Alice murmured softly. ¡°She''s not fond of me. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to upset her.¡± Her words were carefully chosen, and Joshua epted them without question.

    "Get in. I''ll take you back."

    After dropping her off at the Yates family home, Joshua stayed in the car.

    Alice asked, "Are you going out again?"

    "Yeah."

    Joshua felt that with Alicia on her period, there wasn''t much he could do here. It made more sense to spend time with Lilliana and make sure his presence was felt.

    Before leaving, Joshua handed Alicia a card.

    ¡°Here¡¯s $500,000. Tell me when you need more and I¡¯ll transfer it to you,¡± he said, gently brushing her cheek with his fingers. ¡°Be good. ¡°I¡¯ll give you whatever you want.¡±

    Alicia took the card and a wave of cynicism washed over her. The money in that ount had originally belonged to her. Joshua had the audacity to use his own money to control it.

    After epting the card, Alice agreed.

    ¡°Make sure you drive carefully,¡± he said quietly.

    Joshua studied her closely. She looked exactly the same as always.

    Unable to contain himself, he lifted his chin and pressed his lips against hers.

    .

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 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia suppressed her difort and tried to avoid the situation. "I haven''t been able to put on a pad yet and it could get messy. I don''t want to leave a stain on you."

    Joshua hesitated and moved to make room for her. Coming from a privileged background, I found anything messy unsettling. Not to mention that he was a hypocrite.

    When Joshua left, Alicia pretended and retired to her bedroom. She picked up the phone and called Monica.

    ¡°Have you made any progress?¡± Monica asked.

    Alice paused to think. ¡°Sort of. Joshua didn¡¯t seem suspicious.¡±

    With that in mind, she felt confident that she could proceed at a steady pace. She was determined to execute her n perfectly.

    Alice turned around and sighed. ¡°I used my period as an excuse today, but what about a week from now? What am I supposed to do then?¡±

    In this area, she was really inexperienced. Joshua had her in the Yates mansion for his own enjoyment and sooner orter he would expect to sleep with her.

    The idea rejected her. But after her period, what excuse could she use to avoid being touched?

    Monica''s voice lit up with excitement. "This is my specialty. Let me guide you on what to do."

    Alice listened attentively, but soon she couldn''t help butugh. "Does such a thing really exist? You''re quite a character, Monica."

    Monicaughed lightly. ¡°You know what I do, right? ¡°I didn¡¯t spend all those years in college for nothing.¡±

    Alice snuggled into the nket, feeling shy. ¡°Thanks, honey.¡±

    Monica caught the change in Alicia''s tone. ¡°Why does your voice sound so different? You''ve been with someone, right? It¡¯s never been this soft before.¡±

    Alice was momentarily speechless.

    Even though she knew Monica couldn''t see her, she instinctively covered her face with the nket and asked, her voice muffled, "Do I still sound soft now?"

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Monica''s voice rose yfully. ¡°Why are you dodging the question? I must hit the nail on the head, huh?¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Alice replied, feeling a pang of guilt. She quickly changed the subject. ¡°What''s keeping you up at this hour?¡±

    ¡°It''s still very early! You¡¯re nervous, aren¡¯t you?¡± Monica pressed, determined to get to the truth. ¡°Who are you with? Who is it? You¡¯re even hiding it from me!¡±

    Alice shook her off. ¡°If you don''t go to sleep, I will. Good night.¡±

    Without another word, I quickly hung up the phone. Staring at the ceiling, he tried to calm his thoughts and focus on his next steps.

    Since she was on her period, she was in no rush to confront Monica. She had other priorities to focus on during that time.

    During their marriage, Alicia had entrusted all of her savings to Joshua. He had transferred various amounts from his ount for investments and new ventures. She made money, but almost none of it went to household expenses. Most of it went to Lilliana.

    Concerned with appearances, Joshua probably took steps to conceal any trace of having transferred money to him. However, no matter how clever he was, he could not eliminate all traces.

    If she started with the bank, Alice was sure she could uncover some transaction records.

    With this in mind, I felt renewed determination and set about investigating.

    Since she was not an expert in the field, she proceeded slowly. She also had to remain discreet, so it took her three days to discover a clue.

    The person closest to Joshua was Randolph Gray, the assistant manager of the bank he was investigating. Although Randolph''s position was not the most prestigious, his family had an important background and wielded considerable influence. He could help Joshua with numerous dubious transactions.

    The matter he wanted to investigate probably also involved Randolph.

    Alicia meticulously plotted her n and then deleted all the investigation information from her phone. After a heavy rain inte September, the weather suddenly turned cold.

    Alicia discovered the beauty salon that Randolph''s wife frequented and decided to take a chance there today. As she opened the door to leave, she saw She entering with a package.

    She¡¯s expression froze momentarily as she saw Alicia. ¡°Can you at least make some noise when you walk?¡± She replied. ¡°Are you trying to give someone a heart attack?¡±

    Alice instinctively looked at the package in She''s hand. She''s hand twitched as she tried to hide it, but after a second''s thought, she figured Alice hadn''t seen much of the world, so what was there to fear? She decided to let Alice have a look.

    ¡°It''s hospital medication. Haven¡¯t you seen it before?¡± She said impatiently.

    Alicia recognized it. After Jerald was admitted to the hospital, he started taking imported medication that was hard to get. The brand was correct. However, the logo looked slightly different than the one she remembered. It was a lighter color.

    Alice instinctively considered the possibility that they might be cheap counterfeit drugs, but she couldn''t be sure, so she remained silent.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    "I''m going out for a while, She. You don''t need to make me dinner tonight."

    She looked at her suspiciously. ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    "I''m going to the beauty salon to get some pampering," Alice replied nonchntly.

    She frowned. ¡°Do you have any idea how much a visit to the beauty salon costs?¡±

    ¡°I really have no idea,¡± Alice said with a smile. ¡°Why don''t you ask Joshua?¡±

    I have decided not to waste any more time and left.

    The more She thought about it, the angrier she became. She couldn''t contain herself any longer and called Joshua to vent her frustrations. "Why are you spending so much money on her?"

    Joshua sounded irritated. ¡°Mom, I''m in a meeting. Please don¡¯t call me unless it¡¯s urgent.¡±

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    .

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia took a taxi and headed to the beauty salon, dressed in simple and modest attire. Once inside, she approached the counter and looked around at the different beauty packages on offer.

    The beautician, who quickly noticed Alicia''s refined demeanor, wasted no time in guiding her toward the most luxurious options, each one more extravagant than thest. Alicia, however, did not lose sight of her true objective: to meet Rachel Gray, Randolph''s wife. With that goal in mind, she chose a package priced at a staggering $100,000, and closed the transaction with a calm smile.

    Momentster, her phone range. It was Joshua.

    "What did you just buy?" I have asked.

    Alicia smiled sarcastically. Even through a text message, she could sense her irritation. Funny, she thought, that over a simple $100,000 purchase he was questioning her, but when she emptied millions from her ounts, he didn''t even blink.

    She quickly replied, ¡°The autumn weather has dried out my skin, so I¡¯m going to get a facial.¡±

    Time passed, and when she was lying in bed, resting for the night, his bted reply came: ¡°It is good to give priority to your appearance.¡±

    Some timeter, another message followed, more suggestive than the first: "Has your periode yet?"

    Alice rolled her eyes in exasperation. ¡°Not yet,¡± she replied dismissively.

    Then she turned off the phone, not wanting to hear from him again that night.

    The next morning, knowing Rachel''s routine, Alicia made sure to position herself strategically. Not long after, Rachel arrived for her usual beauty treatment. Alicia smiled and greeted her warmly.

    Raquel stopped, her eyes falling on Alicia''s familiar face. After a moment, she recognized her. ¡°Miss Bet?¡±

    Outwardly, Alice remained calm, but secretly she was surprised that Rachel recognized her.

    Rachel, her appearance impably groomed, radiated elegance as she settled into bed next to Alicia. ¡°What a coincidence,¡± she remarked softly. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you around here before.¡±

    Alicia smiled, sensing the opportunity she had been waiting for. Plus, Rachel seemed to like her, which was an unexpected bonus.

    "Mrs. Gray, you have an impressive memory. We''ve only met a few times, and yet you''ve managed to remember me."

    Rachelughed softly, her eyes shining with a hint of warmth. ¡°How could I forget? Gerry''s movie was the talk of the town, and your voice made his theme song unforgettable. ¡°I always notice beautiful, talented women like you.¡±

    Alice smiled kindly. ¡°You are very kind, Mrs. Gray.¡±

    ¡°Are you here alone?¡± Rachel asked, looking around as if she expected someone to appear.

    "Yeah."

    Rachel''s expression changed subtly, as if lost in a fleeting thought. She didn''t press the question further, but Alicia sensed the woman''s curiosity.

    To Alice''s surprise, Rachel was much more charming and pleasant than she had imagined, kind in a way that seemed genuine, not forced.

    While finishing their beauty treatments, the two began to get to know each other, turning what seemed like a ¡°casual¡± meeting into the beginning of a budding friendship. By the time they were ready to leave, Alicia had already taken the initiative to add Raquel on WhatsApp.

    Raquel, now in a private room, carefully changed out of her spa attire and began applying her makeup. Something seemed to be bothering her today, though. Maybe it was because she was next to a younger face, but she took longer than usual, touching up and examining her reflection with a faint, dissatisfied grimace.

    ¡°Do you have any ns forter, Mrs. Gray?¡± Alice asked, interrupting her thoughts.

    Rachel smiled elegantly as she put the finishing touches on her lips. ¡°Yes, my husband is meeting a very important guest tonight. ¡°He has invited me to have dinner with them.¡±

    "She must adore her husband."

    Rachel''s smile faltered slightly as she looked down, her voice softer now. ¡°Of course. After all, we¡¯ve been together for so many years.¡± She let the words hang, an air of nostalgia settling between them.

    Rachel quickly changed her attitude, turning away from the mirror and turning to Alicia. ¡°I feel like something is not right with my look today. Would you mind taking a look at it and making some adjustments?¡±

    Alicia hesitated for a moment before approaching. She examined Rachel''s appearance.

    ¡°Yourplexion looks lovely with the white pearls and the soft lipstick,¡± Alice said thoughtfully. ¡°But it seems too¡­ delicate. Maybe you should try a bolder contrast, maybe some darker jewels to bnce it out and give it a bolder touch.¡±

    Rachel sighed softly. ¡°I didn''t bring any dark jewelry today.¡±

    Alice''s eyes lit up with an idea.

    The salon had justunched a new collection of jewelry. Without hesitation, Alice went ahead and bought a set.

    Momentster, she returned with an elegant set of dark-colored jewelry: bracelet, ne and earrings. With her keen eye for style, she carefully helped Rachel to adjust the essories. The result was amazing. Despite her almost forty years, Rachel''s new look retained its elegance and added a touch of daring.

    Rachel looked at herself in the mirror and a satisfied smile curved her lips. ¡°I must admit, it is impressive. Thank you, Mrs. Bet. How much was the jewelry set?¡± Rachel''s tone had be much more rxed with Alicia. ¡°I¡¯ll pay you back.¡±

    Alicia shook her head with a soft smile. ¡°There¡¯s just been a new restaurant opened downtown,¡± she said. ¡°Next time, let me treat you to lunch, Mrs. Gray. ¡°I¡¯m new to the area and I¡¯d love to get to know you better.¡±

    Rachel, however, had a different idea. ¡°Why wait for next time? Randolph is here; ¡°why don¡¯t you join us tonight?¡± Alicia blinked in surprise at the spontaneous invitation.

    She hesitated. ¡°But Mr. Gray is meeting a client. Wouldn¡¯t it be inappropriate for me to apany him?¡±

    Rachel waved her hand dismissively. ¡°It''s not that formal. Mr. Ward has some important business with the bank, and Randolph thought it would be nice to connect with him, so it''s more of an informal meeting.¡±

    The informal nature of the event eased Alicia''s concerns, but it was the name Rachel mentioned that really piqued her interest.

    "Mr. Ward?" asked Alice, raising her eyebrows curiously.

    ¡°Yes, Caden Ward,¡± Rachel rified. ¡°He just got back from overseas. You¡¯ve heard of him, right?¡±Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    Alicia''s heart sank. What the hell was going on? It seemed like the universe was determined to send Caden to her when she least expected it.

    Rachel caught Alicia''s brief hesitation and, sensing her difort, added, "Oh! I almost forgot. You''ve written songs for Gerry before, haven''t you? I remember hearing about it. He''ll be there tonight, too. You ''ll have plenty to talk about."

    Alice felt her tension ease. Gerry was a familiar face, and the thought of seeing him again made the idea of ??joining the dinner that much more appealing.

    Meanwhile, Gerry was in the middle of the cocktail party,zily swirling a ss of wine in his hand. He was enjoying a good vintage, but his currentpany was proving to be less than entertaining.

    Looking at Caden, who was engrossed in hisptop despite the social atmosphere, Gerry couldn''t help but roll his eyes. ¡°You''re still recovering from that cold. Why don¡¯t you take a break and rx?¡±

    Caden leaned back in his chair, seemingly unfazed. ¡°It''s nothing,¡± he replied with his usual calm, ignoring the concern.

    He had always been in good health, so a cold hadn''t worried him at first. But his hectic schedule andck of sleep had taken their toll, leaving him looking paler than usual. This,bined with his reluctance to socialize, only made him seem more distant.

    Gerry sighed dramatically. ¡°With you there moping, no woman is going toe and chat me up.¡± Irritated by Gerry''s whining, Caden moved away slightly, hoping for some peace.

    His attempt to escape worked almost too well when a striking woman approached their table.

    Gerry, seeing her first, gave a confident smile and started to pull out his phone, but to his dismay, the womanpletely ignored him.

    Her gaze fell on Caden and with a sweet smile she asked, ¡°Mr. Ward, can I add you on WhatsApp?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    When Alicia entered the room with Raquel, she immediately noticed the scene unfolding before her. A beautiful woman, who was shyly showing something to Caden on her phone, was being ignored by him. He kept his head down, appearing totally disinterested and distant. It was enough to make anyone feel frustrated. Gerry, visibly annoyed, addressed the woman in a dismissive tone.

    "You''re missing the point. Mr Ward doesn''t like women," he said.

    The woman looked surprised, clearly shocked by his audacity. Gerry, unable to hide his jealousy, continued: ¡°Yes, I am in a rtionship with Mr Ward. ¡°I am his partner.¡±

    Only then did Caden look up, giving Gerry a cold nce but making no furtherment.

    Meanwhile, Alicia caught Caden''s eye as she approached. He narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched her approach, his expression unreadable.

    Nearby, Randolph, with his arm around Rachel, greeted them cheerfully. ¡°Mr. Ward, Mr. Hopkins!¡±

    Alicia leaned closer to Rachel, feeling morefortable in herpany. Dressed in a loose sweater and subtle makeup, Alicia struck a bnce that was eye-catching without being overbearing.

    She couldn''t help but notice that Caden looked exhausted, as if he''d spent a sleepless night filled with more than just restlessness. He looked drained and disheveled, possibly from a passionate and stormy encounter the night before.

    As they settled in, Gerry, finding amusement in the situation, beckoned Alice. ¡°Eat here, Alice. ¡°Sit with us.¡±

    His attitude towards her was casual and tonic. However, Randolph interpreted it differently, casting a meaningful nce at Alicia. It was something she wanted to avoid, especially since Randolph was close to Joshua. She couldn''t risk Randolph''s words getting back to him.

    To keep her distance and avoid any misunderstandings, Alice excused herself and sat further away.

    "I''m sorry, Mr. Hopkins, I''ve recently caught a cold. It''s best to keep your distance so as not to infect you."

    Gerry, unfazed by the mention of his cold, asked curiously, ¡°Have you caught a cold too?¡±

    Alicia, surprised, confirmed: "Yes, that''s right."

    ¡°It''s not me. It¡¯s Caden,¡± Gerry said, cocking his head. ¡°He''s been sick for three days and he hasn''t recovered. ¡°He¡¯s been increasingly irritable, almost as if he¡¯s lost something personal.¡±

    Alicia''s heart raced. When she looked at Caden, she noticed a faint mark on his lips. She realized it was her fault. She remembered how intensely they had kissed that day. Did she give him the cold? she thought, silently panicking. Feeling guilty, she rubbed her nose, pretending nothing was wrong.

    Randolph, hearing about Caden''s cold, looked worried. "It''s been three days and you''re still not better? Is the medicine not working?"

    Caden gave a small sigh and, in a nonchnt tone, replied, "It''s just a cold. Thank you for your concern, Mr. Gray."

    Randolph, sounding thoughtful, added, "Mr. Ward, you work very hard. You need to take care of yourself. I happen to have a friend here today who specializes in traditional medicine. Maybe he can give you a checkup. How about that ?"

    Caden frowned slightly at the mention of traditional remedies. The idea of ??bitter herbs didn''t sit well with him.

    Before he could refuse, Gerry, always eager for something new, intervened on his behalf: ¡°Sure. Let him take a look at you right away.¡±

    Randolph got up to go find his friend.

    Caden, still feeling ill, remained dejected. After exchanging a few words, Randolph and Rachel left him alone.

    Alicia noticed the affection between Randolph and Rachel. She wanted to get closer to Rachel, but it wasn''t the right time. Maybe she would find an opportunityter.

    After watching them for a while, Caden''s voice broke into his thoughts. In a mocking tone, he said, "So, Miss Bet, is Mr. Gray your type?"

    Alice turned to him, speechless.

    Caden looked to be in better shape, but his expression remained sharp. ¡°It¡¯s fine if you like older men,¡± he added, ¡°just be careful when they¡¯re married.¡±

    Alice smiled at him. ¡°Has the cold gotten to your head? ¡°Sometimes it¡¯s better not to talk.¡±

    Gerry joined in the joke: ¡°You have nothing to say. Don¡¯t you like married women?¡±

    Caden replied, ¡°Sometimes it¡¯s better to keep quiet.¡±

    Just then the man specialized in traditional medicine arrived.

    "Mr. Ward," he greeted. The man, who appeared to be in his fifties, smiled warmly, carrying himself with a gentle humility. "I hear you''re not feeling well," he said.

    Caden hadn''t expected the man to actuallye, but out of respect for his elder, he hid any displeasure.

    In a calm voice, Caden replied, ¡°My cold hasn''t gotten better because I haven''t taken any medicine. There¡¯s no need for a checkup.¡±

    Gerry quickly interrupted. ¡°It''s probably best you get him checked out anyway. It''s more than just a cold. He might even have a bit of facial paralysis. Since you¡¯re here, why don¡¯t you see if you can help?¡±

    Caden remained silent, surprised by Gerry''s insistence.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    The doctor sat down and, with a kind smile, said, "Mr. Ward, let me take a closer look at you. You seem a little under the weather. Have you had trouble sleepingtely?"

    His words hit home. The weather had been gloomy with rain for days, and the change of seasons, along with the humidity, had disturbed Caden''s sleep for quite some time.

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Caden replied.

    "I''ll take your pulse first," the doctor said.

    After taking her pulse for a moment, the doctor''s smile faded, reced by a more serious expression. The atmosphere in the room became tense.

    Gerry, craned his neck, asked, ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Is he dying or something?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden stared back, his expression nk and void of emotion. Gerry, interpreting Caden¡¯s calm as confirmation of his suspicions, shouted excitedly, ¡°When did this start? Is it in the early orte stages?¡±

    Caden remained silent, resisting the urge to start a conversation. Why bother talking to a moron?

    The doctor, for his part, pressed his fingers harder against Caden''s wrist, frowning in concentration. ¡°I assumed your paleplexion was due to general weakness, but it seems you¡¯re under significant stress.¡±

    Gerry breathed a sigh of relief, d to know that this was not a fatal disease.

    Without wasting a second, the doctor asked, ¡°Is your sex life normal?¡±

    His tone was so casual it seemed like he wasmenting on the weather.

    Caden replied just as coldly. "Forks."

    Gerry''s eyes nearly popped out of his head. Had I heard wrong?

    Hank, standing nearby, looked equally stunned. Caden? A normal sex life? Since when?

    The doctor''s fingers twitched slightly, a shadow of skepticism crossing his face. ¡°How often?¡±

    Caden nced in Alicia''s direction, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corner of his lips. ¡°At least once a day.¡±

    Alice''s heart sank. Once a day? she thought, her mind racing. Why is he looking at me like that? I''m not part of this equation!

    Finally, the doctor released Caden''s wrist, his expression unreadable.

    Gerry, ever curious, continued, ¡°So what¡¯s wrong, Doctor?¡±

    The doctor sighed. ¡°You''re not being entirely honest, so I can''t give an urate diagnosis. Thest time I felt a pulse like that, it was from someone who had never been intimate with anyone.¡±

    Caden stiffened, his calm exterior wavering for a moment. ¡°Really, Doc?¡± I have cursed inwardly. ¡°There¡¯s no need to expose myself like that.¡±

    Gerry''s lips curled into a grimace. ¡°Why are you lying to the doctor, Caden? ¡°Answer his questions.¡±

    Without missing a beat, Caden turned the tables, his voice firm. ¡°How many times a day do you do this, Gerry?¡±

    Gerry was silent, momentarily speechless.

    Caden didn''t stop there. "At least I''m not a virgin. What about you, Mr. Hopkins? At what age did you finally lose yours?"

    Gerry¡¯s face flushed with frustration, his eyebrows furrowed in agitation. ¡°There''s ady here! Keep your voice down,¡± he snapped, trying to regain control of the conversation.

    Unfazed, Caden smiled and sneered, ¡°Your reaction says it all. You¡¯re still a virgin, huh?¡±

    Gerry was left silent by the blow. He opened his mouth, but no words came out as he turned hastily to Alicia, his face a mixture of shame and despair. ¡°She''s just talking nonsense. Don¡¯t pay attention to her.¡±

    Alicia, with a cold and serene expression, simply nodded as if she hadn''t heard anything. As if nothing had happened, her phone rang an rm and she quickly brought it to her ear to "answer it."

    She walked away, pretending to be talking to someone on the phone to put more distance between herself and the awkward scene. However, despite her outward calm, her little act was far from perfect. The tension in her posture gave her away.

    The doctor, amused by the exchange,ughed softly. ¡°Mr. Ward, you don''t have to worry. It''s nothing serious. Just make sure you get plenty of rest. As for sex,¡± he added with a knowing smile, ¡°you''re an adult. You can do it whenever you want. Don¡¯t hold back, or you could cause some trouble.¡±

    Caden briefly noted, his expression unreadable as he adjusted his cufflinks with precision. His bearing remained polished andposed, exuding the elegance normally reserved for royalty.

    The doctor offered again: "I can prescribe you some medicine for that cold."

    ?It is not necessary.

    As Alicia walked away, Caden''s eyes followed her subtle movements. He casually picked up a ss, scanning the room until his gazended on Rachel.

    Gerry noticed, too. He stroked his chin thoughtfully. ¡°When did Alice be so friendly with Randolph and Rachel?¡±

    Caden, who knew the answer perfectly well, simply shrugged. ¡°No idea.¡±

    Gerry mused out loud: ¡°Maybe he¡¯s thinking about joining the bank? It¡¯s absurd that he wouldn¡¯t want to work with me, opting for something less professional instead.¡±

    Caden nced at him, his tone dry. ¡°Maybe it''s because you''re ugly and you talk too much.¡±

    Gerry balked. ¡°Ugly? Are you serious, Caden? Look at me. Sure, I may not outshine you, but I¡¯m definitely better looking than Randolph.¡±N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Caden smiled with satisfaction. ¡°If you''re not ugly, why are you still single?¡±

    Gerry straightened up, feigning seriousness. ¡°I haven''t found anyone worth my time yet. Unlike you, I have standards. ¡°I don¡¯t chase every woman whoes into the club.¡±

    Hank, who had been listening in silence, looked startled. When did this happen? He hadn''t heard anything about it. And who was the woman in question?

    Gerry, suddenly remembering something, turned to Caden. ¡°By the way, did you actually call anyonest time? ¡°I asked the boss and he said no.¡±

    Instead of answering, Caden took a slow sip of warm water.

    But Gerry, persistent as ever, leaned forward with a sly smile. ¡°So, who was the woman you were spooning with that night?¡±

    Caden gave him a dark look, as if the question itself was beneath him. There had only been three people involved that night. Was it really that hard to figure out?

    "Why don''t you try using that head of yours and find out?"

    Gerry frowned thoughtfully. Caden, for his part, took another sip. The water was warm and unpleasant now, a stale reminder of his current misery. His illness only made it worse; his throat throbbed with each swallow, and the water tasted awful. Annoyed, he set the ss down with a frown.

    Suddenly Gerry''s face lit up and he practically shouted, "I''ve got it!"

    Caden gave him a half-hearted look, his voice dry and dismissive. ¡°You took long enough.¡±

    With a smirk, Gerry dered, ¡°You bribed the boss not to tell me, didn''t you? ¡°You didn¡¯t want me to know.¡±

    Caden stared at him, dumbfounded. He turned to Hank with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Are all virgins this clueless?¡±

    Hank blinked, unsure of how to respond. Not all of them, surely¡­

    Caden smirked. ¡°Oh, right. ¡°I forgot you¡¯re a virgin, too.¡±

    Hank was speechless, mentally rolling his eyes. Caden had no right to brag.

    "If Alice hadn''t been drugged, you''d still be one, too," Hank thought with a silent scoff.

    Finally, Gerry gave up guessing, sinking back into his chair.

    He looked around the room, watching the people mingling and exchanging empty pleasantries. The whole event seemed pointless to him, a tedious obligation with no real substance.

    She sighed. ¡°Since when do you care about these meaningless social gatherings? Randolph is just a deputy director. You don''t owe him anything, and yet you''re here, sick, no less. What¡¯s the point?¡±

    Caden didn''t respond. Instead, he picked up his ss and stood up.

    Gerry frowned. ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    Caden nced back over his shoulder, his voice level. ¡°Anywhere that''s far from you.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden despaired of drinking hot water, but his throat was too ufortable to care for. It quickly became dry again.

    He signaled to a waiter, asking for another ss of water.

    Meanwhile, Alicia hadn''t found a chance to get close to Rachel, so she stood off to the side, idly passing the time. When Caden approached, she didn''t move. Instead, she gave him a polite smile. ¡°Mr. Ward.¡±

    Caden, just as insincerely, replied, ¡°Miss Bet.¡± An awkward silence followed.

    Alice nced at him.

    The room was packed with people, but Caden''s striking appearance still caught everyone''s attention. His face looked pale due to his illness, but that didn''t make him look weak. If anything, it made him even more captivating.

    Their eyes met briefly, and their expression was distant. They weren''t too close, nor too far, but his gazecked warmth, as if they were nothing more than strangers.

    It was totally different from the passion he had shown the night before.

    Alice felt a wave of uneasiness wash over her. She nced around the room to calm herself and decided to go to a nearby table to have some dessert.

    At that moment, a familiar figure appeared beside her. Before she could reach for the cake, Caden''s hand quickly intervened and grabbed it instead.

    She paused for a moment, turned to him and asked, ¡°Why do you eat sweets when you have a cold?¡± Her tone was more annoyed than concerned.

    Her irritation only seemed to encourage Caden. He calmly took a bite of the cake and said, ¡°Why shouldn''t I eat it?¡±

    She instinctively replied, ¡°Eating sweets when you''re sick can cause inmmation. ¡°You don¡¯t want to end up with a high fever.¡±

    Caden stared at her.

    Feeling ufortable under her gaze, she added, "I''m not showing concern. I''m just making an observation."

    Caden didn''t respond. Instead, he tossed the untouched cake into the trash can.

    His unexpected action made Alice feel ufortable. She didn''t understand why he was suddenly so nice. Something didn''t fit.

    After wiping his hands, Cadenmented coldly, ¡°It looked horrible.¡±

    The dessert had been excessively sweet, and Alice was left speechless.

    She knew that his behavior was not due to her following his advice: she had never listened to it in the past.

    Caden took a sip of water to wash the sugary taste from his mouth, then turned to her and asked, ¡°Since sweets are off the table, what should I eat instead?¡±

    Alice picked up a biscuit and looked at him curiously. ¡°Do you really need to eat something?¡±

    ¡°I can''t taste anything,¡± Cadenined. ¡°Why can¡¯t you think of something I can eat?¡±

    Alice looked at him in surprise. ¡°And why should I?¡±

    After all, she wasn''t his caregiver.

    ¡°Miss Bet, have you forgotten that it was your fault that I caught this cold?¡± Caden replied.

    Alice was momentarily speechless, then, determined not to fall into her trap, she muttered defensively, "You were the one who kissed me first that day."

    She looked around nervously, worried that someone might hear them. People passed by from time to time and looked at them curiously.

    Still, he made sure that his conversation was not loud enough for others to hear.

    Caden, however, seemed unfazed. In a firm voice, he said, ¡°I doubt one kiss could make me that sick.¡±

    He moved closer to her, reaching out to take the cookie from her te. Their clothes brushed gently against each other.

    To anyone watching, everything seemed normal. But Alicia knew that Caden was taking advantage of the moment to make fun of her.

    ¡°Only a deep kiss could make me catch a cold like that, right?¡± Caden yed with the cookie in his hand, his eyes fixed on her increasingly flushed face. ¡°And it must havested quite a while. Miss Bet, do you remember how soft you were when I kissed you? How much of your sweet saliva have I tasted?¡±

    Alice''s heart raced, fearing he would say something even more provocative.

    Alice quickly cut him off. ¡°Please be quiet.¡±

    She didn''t dare raise her voice, so her protest came out more like a plea.

    Caden smiled with satisfaction, like a cat ying with a cornered mouse.

    Just then, a man approached them.

    ¡°Mr. Ward,¡± the man greeted politely. ¡°It really is you! I thought I was mistaken. I am¡­¡±

    After introducing themselves, the man clinked sses with Caden. Caden effortlessly switched to a serious demeanor, engaging in brief conversation.

    Watching from the side, Alice couldn''t help but admire the ease with which he has switched roles. He was an exceptional expert.

    After exchanging pleasantries, the man gave Caden his business card and left with a polite bow.

    Taking the opportunity to escape, Alice tried to go unnoticed.

    But Caden stood in her way, blocking her exit with his tall frame. ¡°Are you leaving without taking responsibility?¡± I have asked.

    She looked at him, feeling frustrated.

    Knowing that he was difficult to deal with, she realized that confronting him directly would not work. She needed a different approach.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    ¡°Okay,¡± I finally agreed. ¡°I¡¯ll get you something to eat.¡±

    ncing around the table, he intentionally chose some mild appetizers.

    He smiled with satisfaction. ¡°It''s too dry. ¡°I can¡¯t swallow it.¡±

    Irritated, she searched for something more suitable.

    ¡°Try this,¡± he said, handing her a different option.

    Caden looked at the te and exined, "Eating fried food will only make my condition worse."

    ¡°How about this one?¡± she asked, frustrated but trying.

    I examined it briefly before replying, ¡°It doesn''t look very appetizing.¡±

    Unfazed, I have presented another option. ¡°What about this one?¡±

    Caden shook his head and asked, ¡°Does this sound appetizing?¡±

    Alice was struck dumb by his continued refusals. As her excuses became more and more irrational, she finally gave up trying to please him and asked firmly, ¡°Are you going to eat or not?¡±

    Without hesitation, Caden simply replied, ¡°No.¡±

    Alice chose not to give in to her requests. Frustrated, she deliberately stepped on her toe to show her displeasure.

    It was well known that people, like vending machines, responded predictably to certain stimuli. If the right measures were taken, individuals would react ordingly.

    However, Alice had met someone different.

    Caden remainedpletely calm, showing no signs of being bothered by his actions.

    In a moment of sudden realization, Alice spoke up, changing her tone. ¡°Caden, you have a cold and can''t taste anything, so what you really want isn''t snacks at all, right?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden gave him a scornful look.

    ¡°Are you trying to snatch another kiss from me?¡± I have mocked.

    Alice matched his disdain with her own cutting tone. ¡°Now you admit it? ¡°I always knew you had ulterior motives.¡±

    All the attention he had given her that night had been in vain.

    Instead of reciprocating his kindness, she had chosen to betray his trust, proving that old habits die hard.

    She pushed her hair back and spoke firmly. ¡°I have important things to do. ¡°I¡¯m done wasting my time with you.¡±

    With those words, he began to scan the crowd, looking for Rachel.

    Alicia was about to leave when Caden interrupted her. ¡°I understand what you''re trying to do today. Even though she can¡¯t help you, I can.¡± Even after hearing that, she was still not convinced by his statement.

    She hadn''t even shared her ns with Monica yet, which made her wonder how Caden could know about them.

    "Thanks, but I''ll pass," he replied firmly.

    Noticing her defiance, Caden let out a chuckle.

    "You have a great opportunity before you, and yet you choose to ignore it. Don''t expect my helpter."

    Alice felt herpetitive spirit re up. ¡°I appreciate your concern, but please stay out of my business.¡±

    She reminded herself not to resort to underhanded tactics like she had done in the past.

    From a distance, Alice saw Rachel approaching. She grabbed her drink and prepared to approach her from across the room.

    ¡°Why the rush? Take care of my business first and then you can go,¡± Caden said.

    He took a sip of his drink and immediately frowned, finding itpletely tasteless.

    Alice felt a wave of annoyance. She looked down at her ss and asked, ¡°Is your drink tasteless?¡±

    Caden looked down at his ss and replied, ¡°It¡¯s just warm water.¡±

    She paused for a moment before calmly suggesting, ¡°Would you like something with a little more vor?¡±

    Caden turned his gaze to her lips.

    When their eyes met, an unspoken understanding passed between them, and Alice couldn''t help but smile.

    It seemed like they both thought the same thing. Caden reluctantly agreed. ¡°It¡¯s not a bad idea, but in this environment, it might not be convenient for you, Miss Bet.¡±

    Alice smiled reassuringly. ¡°It will be quick.¡±

    Caden straightened up and replied, ¡°Whatever.¡± Instead of leaning in for a kiss right away, Alicia took a sip of her own drink first.

    Caden raised an eyebrow, clearly noticing her deliberate move. His expectations were not met, however, when Alicia decisively spat the sip from her mouth into his ss.

    Her actions were gentle and purposeful, and she made it all seem so natural.

    Caden stared silently at the now pinkish water, choosing not to answer.

    Alice wiped thest of the drink from her lips and said casually, "You can drink it now. It''spletely nd, just like you like it."

    With that, Alice walked gracefully out of the room.

    Caden let out a frustratedugh, clearly exasperated. Once he was gone, Gerry walked over and casually picked up a sandwich to nibble on. ¡°What was going on with you and Alicia?¡±

    ¡°We had a little argument,¡± Caden replied tly.

    ¡°You have a lot of time on your hands,¡± Gerrymented with a hint of amusement. He took a couple of bites of the dessert, its overwhelming sweetness catching him off guard, making him cough in annoyance.

    Instead of reaching for his own drink, Gerry reached for the ss in Caden''s hand. ¡°Let me have a sip.¡±

    Caden pushed the ss out of reach with a frown. ¡°Buy your own drink.¡±

    "Why can''t we share a drink? What''s the problem?" Gerry asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already drunk from it,¡± Caden said, giving him a withering look.

    ¡°I don''t care,¡± Gerry said before making another attempt to record her. ¡°We''ve been sharing drinks since we were kids. Come on, I¡¯ll get you another er.¡±

    Without another word, Caden drank the entire ss.

    This left Gerry speechless. Then he gulped and asked, ¡°What¡¯s so special about that drink you¡¯re keeping?¡±

    When Caden remembered drinking the water Alicia had spat out, a wave of nausea hit him.

    Truth be told, Caden wasn''t even thirsty. He just didn''t want Gerry to take the drink. What had been going through his head?Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    He put the ss on the floor and walked away without saying a word.

    A waiter passed by and Gerry casually ordered a ss of water. Looking at the crystal-clear liquid, he felt confused. Why was this ss so clear, while Caden''s was tinted pink?

    Turning to the waiter, he asked, ¡°Do you serve different types of water here?¡±

    Seemingly perplexed, the waiter replied, ¡°Sir, the only difference is the temperature, not the taste.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Gerry took a sip and licked his lips. The taste was nothing special.

    So why was Caden so protective of his drink?

    Meanwhile, Alice walked up to Rachel and said hello. Rachel didn''t even say hello. It was like her mind was somewhere else.

    Alicia followed Rachel''s gaze and saw Randolph standing at the wine cab, selecting a bottle. Next to him was a woman. Although they weren''t particrly close, their bodynguage suggested an undeniable closeness. Anyone could sense that something was going on between them.

    Raquel quickly snapped out of her daze when she noticed Alicia. She avoided direct eye contact and asked, ¡°Mrs. Bet, when did you arrive?¡±

    ¡°I just got here. You seemed upset, so I thought I¡¯d stay with you,¡± Alice replied kindly.

    Rachel tried to smile, but she couldn''t and looked back at the couple sadly.

    Realizing that Alice had probably noticed her difort, Rachel did not hold back. ¡°She is an old me of Randolph''s. There is nothing between them now, but they have been very close. He often asks her for help. Today she came to have him choose the wine for her elders, and they have been together for quite a while now.¡±

    Alicia didn''t sugarcoat her response. ¡°It doesn''t look like they''re just choosing wine.¡± Their bodynguage told another story. Theyughed and talked easily.

    The two looked more like a couple.

    Rachel''s jealousy simmered beneath the surface, but her pride prevented her from making a scene. All she could do was endure in silence.

    When the woman finally chose her bottle, Randolph pulled out his card and paid without a second thought. That was thest straw for Rachel. Unable to contain herself any longer, she walked over to them.

    "Randolph."

    .

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    .

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    The ce was upmarket, and the drinks here were far from cheap. Randolph wasn''t one to lend money to an old me. Chances were he would pay her back. By doing so, he would create a debt, so she would end up repaying, keeping them in constant contact.

    When Randolph noticed Rachel approaching, his expression immediately darkened. ¡°What''s the problem?¡± he asked sharply. Rachel stepped forward, preventing the cashier frompleting the transaction.

    He spoke softly, ¡°Have you made your choice?¡±

    Randolph, clearly annoyed, replied, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m about to pay. Why are you interfering?¡± He motioned for the cashier to proceed with the transaction, and the woman smirked.

    Alice looked at the scene, but she didn''t want to get involved in someone else''s emotional problems. So she quickly scanned the room and decided to head towards the back door.

    Caden noticed her and followed her with his eyes, curious about what she was doing. He watched as she approached a group of waiters and whispered something to them. At first, they were hesitant, shaking their heads, but then Alicia showed them something on her phone. Their faces lit up and they agreed enthusiastically.

    Caden smiled in satisfaction, intrigued by the turn of events.

    Rachel, who was usually passive at home, never dared to contradict Randolph. Shecked the courage to say that he spent money on his ex-girlfriend. Not wanting to seem awkward, she forced a smile and asked, ¡°Did you choose the wine?¡±

    Randolph, feeling that his interruption was untimely, replied coldly, "If I hadn''t chosen it, why would I pay?"

    Rachel nced at her ex-girlfriend, who gave her a polite smile in return. At first nce, the woman seemed considerate and remained silent throughout the exchange. But only another woman would understand how cutting that smile really was.

    Rachel wasn''t concerned about money; she just didn''t want to give the woman any advantage.

    He put his arm around Randolph. ¡°Let''s wait a minute. ¡°I want a bottle too.¡±

    Randolph frowned. ¡°Why didn''t you say so before?¡±

    ¡°I just decided now,¡± she said, tightening her grip on his arm. ¡°Can you help me choose, honey?¡±

    Without much thought, Randolph picked up a bottle. Rachel started to speak, but decided against it.

    The woman, noticing her hesitation, took the opportunity to provoke her further. She approached Randolph and said suddenly, "Wait a minute, Randolph."

    His expression softened and he turned to her. ¡°What''s wrong? Have you seen any other wine you like?¡±

    With a feigned look of concern, she replied, ¡°Maybe we shouldn''t buy the wine. It¡¯s too expensive.¡±

    For a man like Randolph, suchments were insulting. ¡°It''s not expensive at all,¡± he replied.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    ¡°It''s tens of thousands of dors,¡± she said thoughtfully. ¡°I feel like Mrs. Gray cares about this. ¡°I¡¯ll buy it next time.¡±

    Randolph immediately turned his attention to Rachel.

    Caught off guard, Rachel stammered, ¡°I don''t care¡­¡± As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she immediately regretted them. It could have been her chance to express how she really felt.

    The woman''s voice shook as she spoke. "When Mrs. Gray came in, she stared at me. She didn''t say anything, but I knew exactly what she meant. Randolph, I was wrong. I shouldn''t have asked you to pay the bill. She must have misunderstood something between us."

    Randolph''s expression hardened and he turned to Rachel.

    "Did you re at her?"

    Rachel looked up, sadness in her eyes. ¡°No, I didn''t look at her.¡±

    ¡°So why did he make it up? Why would he lie for no reason?¡± His voice turned stern. ¡°How many times do I have to exin myself? We''re just friends now. Nothing else is going on. Why can¡¯t you let go of this jealousy?¡±

    He made a dramatic gesture with his hand, went to buy several more bottles for his ex-girlfriend and finished the purchase. Rachel no longer cared about the price. All she wanted was to clear her name.

    Without hesitation, he quickly approached the woman.

    "I haven''t done anything. Why are you using me of something like that?"

    As soon as Rachel spoke, the woman''s expression changed and without warning, she screamed and fell to the ground.

    Rachel stood frozen, unable to move.

    Randolph came running up, shouting, ¡°Did you push her?¡±

    Rachel paled, her words catching in her throat. ¡°I don''t¡­

    Her silence only fueled Randolph''s frustration. He knelt down and helped the woman to her feet.

    Tears were streaming down the woman''s cheeks. "Mrs. Gray, I already told Randolph that he didn''t have to buy the wine. Why do you keep treating me like this?"

    Randolph''s anger red. He felt humiliated by the scene Rachel had created in front of everyone. His rage consumed him and he raised his hand, ready to strike her.

    Rachel instinctively raised her arms to protect herself.

    Suddenly, a loud sound echoed through the air.

    Someone had been hit.

    The room fell silent and all eyes turned to the source of the sound.

    Even Randolph stood there, momentarily confused. He had already stopped, his hand suspended in the air, deciding not to hit Rachel in front of everyone.

    He hadn''t hit her.

    So where was the sounding from?

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 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    In the distance, a woman was crying, her face hidden between her trembling hands.

    In front of her stood a man and another woman, whose presence cast long shadows.

    The trio''s appearance was strikingly contrasting. The man, who had just been charged, was dressed in crisp blue, his cold demeanor as harsh as his actions. Beside him, the woman in pink clung to his arm, her posture a mixture of shyness and determination. Meanwhile, the woman in white, who had been hit, clutched her bruised cheek, her face bathed in tears, a mixture of pain and disbelief. Between stifled sobs, she cried out, "You hit me¡­ for a homewrecker!"

    The crowd gasped together, a wave of shock spreading through the spectators.

    They hadn''t been paying attention until now, but the scene was impossible to ignore. Eyes widened, murmurs rose, and the tension in the air grew.

    However, the trio seemed oblivious, lost in their heated exchange.

    The man in blue, his face twisted with anger, barked, "So what if I hit you? Know your ce."

    The woman in pink snuggled closer to him, her voice soft butden with false guilt.

    "Honey, it''s my fault. I should never have asked you to buy me anything. You shouldn''t have hit him."

    The murmur of the crowd grew louder, shock and intrigue written all over their faces.

    This¡­ this spectacle was eerily simr to the scandal that Randolph had staged earlier. The audience looked at Randolph, who was standing nearby, with an unreadable expression.

    His ¡°first love,¡± standing behind him, instinctively stepped back, taking refuge in his shadow as countless gazes turned toward her.

    The disdain of the spectators was palpable.

    The man in blue put his protective arm around the woman in pink and his voice took on the tone of a ssic scoundrel.

    "She deserved it. Why wouldn''t she spend a little money on you? What''s wrong with her, that she''s so mean?"

    The woman in white¡ªhis wife, it seemed¡ªwas shaking with fury.

    ¡°A little money? Tens of thousands of dors is a little money to you?¡± She raised her voice, full of righteous indignation.

    "We are married! It is our joint property, and you cannot throw it away without my consent. That money must be returned."

    ¡°What the hell are you saying?¡± the man scoffed, rolling his eyes.

    "I work my ass off every day while you stay home, and now you want to tell me how to spend my money? Keep dreaming."

    The woman in white replied, ¡°Who do you think you are? Once we''re married, thew says that what''s yours is mine. Whether you like it or not, you have no right to waste our money like this! Give the money back at once.¡±

    Suddenly, a loud crack rang through the air: he had hit her again. The woman staggered back, and he roared, ¡°Shut up! ¡°I¡¯ve already let you get away with it.¡±

    Beside her, the woman in pink whimpered, her voice dripping with feigned remorse. ¡°Honey, I told you not to buy it. Look how upset she is now.¡±

    At that moment, a security guard burst through the crowd in an authoritative voice. ¡°Who the hell gave you the right to hit him?¡± He walked over and hugged the woman in white. His eyes red with anger as he turned to the man in blue. ¡°I''ve already called the police. You can¡¯t assault someone in broad daylight and expect to get away with it.¡±

    The woman in white broke downpletely, sobbing into the security guard''s chest as he held her firmly. Her gaze dared the man in blue to try anything else.

    The man in the blue suit stood up defiantly, his voice sharp: "Who the hell are you? And who told you that you can touch my wife?"

    The guard''s eyes narrowed and his voice was filled with contempt. ¡°Do you remember that she is your wife? After beating her because of a homewrecker? How dare you call yourself a man?¡±

    Clinging tightly to the man in blue, the woman in pink whimpered, ¡°Honey, I''m scared¡­ Don''t leave me¡­¡±

    But the woman in white, her expression determined, clung to the guard. ¡°I am not your wife anymore,¡± she whispered firmly. ¡°I am going to ask for a divorce. ¡°Please take me away¡­ I don¡¯t want to see you again.¡±

    The guard gently caressed her bruised face and her expression softened. Despite the purple marks, her beauty was tragically radiant, far surpassing that of the lover who still clung to her husband''s arm.

    Without another word, the guard effortlessly lifted her into his arms and turned around.

    ¡°You had such a beautiful wife,¡± the guard said over his shoulder. ¡°But you abandoned her. Shame on you. If you can¡¯t protect her, let someone else do it.¡±

    Anger red in the eyes of the man in blue. He pushed the woman in pink aside and lunged at the guard in a fit of jealousy. The two men engaged in a fierce struggle as the onlookers murmured in shock. Murmurs rose from the crowd.

    "This is exactly like Mr. Gray''s business," someone muttered.

    "Isn''t that right? Everyone in town knows about Randolph and his shameless ex. That woman has been stuck with him for years... what a bitch," someone added with a snort.

    "And Randolph is no better! Didn''t you see how he bought his first love those expensive bottles of wine? He even tried to p his wife in the process."

    ¡°Shameful,¡± one woman snapped. ¡°Randolph and that woman are a match made in hell, if you ask me. But poor Rachel¡­ Such a refined beauty. She deserves better than that jerk. ¡°She¡¯ll be leaving him soon.¡±

    The murmurs reached Randolph''s ears, and his face darkened with each word. He grabbed Rachel roughly by the wrist, dragging her away from the scene.

    ¡°Randolph¡­¡± His first love¡¯s voice trembled as she called out to him, stunned by his sudden departure. She reached out to stop him, but Randolph, caught in the public ridicule, ignored her. He quickened his pace, forcing Rachel to follow him as the murmurs of the crowd followed them.

    Her first love bit her lip in humiliation, the reproachful nces of the crowd fixed on her. She hurried away, hiding her face behind her handbag.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Alice stood among the spectators, silently watching the scene with barely concealed amusement.

    At that moment, a deep voice broke into her thoughts. ¡°Miss Bet, you are very fast, aren''t you?¡±

    She turned around, started, to find Caden standing behind her, his gaze sharp as ever.

    Feigning innocence, she blinked at him. ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡±

    Caden''s lips curved into a knowing smile. ¡°Don''t act shy. Weren¡¯t you the one who hired those actors?¡±

    Alicia''s expression faltered for a moment. So Caden had realized his n.

    She cocked her head, watching him with herrge doe eyes. Caden didn''t flinch under her scrutiny. He let her circle him as if waiting for his next move.

    Finally Alice paused and asked, "Do you have anything on you? How else would you know everything I do?"

    Caden''s eyes sparkled with amusement. ¡°It¡¯s not me¡­ It¡¯s something you¡¯re carrying around.¡±

    "What do you mean?" Alice instinctively felt for her handbag.

    "Where?"

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 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden smiled as he noticed that Alicia really believed him. ¡°You can keep looking for him when you get home. There¡¯s no rush.¡±

    It took Alice a moment to realize she had been tricked. She rolled her eyes in annoyance.

    Caden looked at a nearby spot. ¡°Do you still have time to argue with me?¡± he said in a level tone. ¡°Mrs. Gray is about to walk out the door. Didn''t you just defend her? Aren¡¯t you going to take this opportunity to take credit for it?¡±

    Alice turned towards the door. Her gaze fell on Randolph and Rachel, who were walking out together and seemed very close.

    Moments ago, Rachel had looked utterly pitiful, but now she was beaming with joy at a simple gesture from Randolph. Alicia''s expression instantly turned cold.

    "Trying to take credit now would be a disaster, don''t you think?" he said.

    Randolph must have been delighted with her.

    At that moment, Rachel was lost in her happiness and certainly wouldn''t listen to Alicia''s advice.

    Caden smiled and said, ¡°You catch on quickly.¡± Alicia felt a little constrained.

    After all the bullying Rachel had hardened, a single touch from Randolph had made her feel overwhelmingly happy. Aliciaughed at herself. Before the divorce, Joshua had asionally made an effort to cheer her up, driven by guilt. In those days, she felt a genuine sense of happiness. Did she seem just as foolish to those who knew the truth?

    Taking a deep breath, she looked around for the temporary actors. She grabbed a bag of ice and headed toward them. The group of young people gathered around a table near the back door looked up as Alicia approached. The man in blue was the first to stand.

    "How have we been doing?" I have asked.

    Alice responded with a smile. ¡°Very well. Your performance was better than I expected.¡± She quickly assessed the face of the woman in white. It still had a reddish hue.

    ¡°Use this ice pack to relieve the pain,¡± he said as he handed it to her.

    The woman smiled shyly. ¡°It''s nothing. ¡°It was hard, but it didn¡¯t hurt.¡±

    Seeing the eager and sincere expressions of the young workers, Alice couldn''t help but smile back. She had initially promised them $10,000 each, but her satisfaction led her to add another $5,000 each. Thus, all four of them received $15,000. She transferred the funds directly to them.

    They burst with joy, hug her and kiss her in gratitude.

    ¡°You''re doing charity work? You¡¯re amazing.¡± Alice chuckled.

    "My mother used to do charity work," she said proudly. "Honestly, I''m much more stingy than she was."

    The woman in white, who had a great fondness for money, hugged Alice tightly and nted another kiss on her cheek. The woman in pink joined in as well.

    When the man leaned in to kiss her, Alice held up her hand to stop him. ¡°Let¡¯s not get carried away.¡± He smiled shyly. ¡°I''m sorry. ¡°I¡¯m just so happy.¡±

    Alice had other things to attend to, so she waved her hand. ¡°I have to go now.¡±

    Across the street, Rachel stood in the jewelry store, watching the scene outside through the ss, taking in everything that had just happened. She watched the group of young people jumping up and down in excitement.

    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Randolph shouted. ¡°Come here and pick something out. ¡°I¡¯ll buy you anything you want.¡±

    Rachel took her hand and pointed to the group of young people outside. ¡°Randolph, look at that.¡±

    Although he felt annoyed, he was intrigued by what it was, so he took a closer look.

    "Aren''t they the same ones who caused trouble before?"

    ¡°Yes,¡± Rachel replied. ¡°Why are they suddenly wearing party uniforms?¡±

    They quickly realized that the ruckus earlier had been organized by someone. Randolph''s expression darkened as he realized that he had been made fun of.

    ¡°Who organized this?¡± I have grownled. ¡°Was it the host of the party?¡±

    ¡°I think it was Alice,¡± Rachel replied. She remembered seeing Alice transferring money to them earlier.

    Randolph didn''t expect it to be Alice.

    "What do you have against me?" he asked, his expression grim.

    Rachel felt equally confused. She had always had a good opinion of Alicia. However, today''s events seemed excessive.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

    Randolph''s anger was appeased as he quickly regained hisposure. ¡°She¡¯s Joshua¡¯s ex-wife. Do you think she has some hidden agenda?¡±

    Rachel replied, ¡°She is very close to him. What motive could she have?¡±

    ¡°You can never be sure what someone is thinking,¡± Randolph replied with a disdainful snort, clearly not in the mood to press the issue. ¡°Alicia is not as naive as she seems. I''ll have to ask Joshua about her. And you, be careful around her from now on.¡±

    Rachel naturally agreed with him. She nodded and said, ¡°Understood.¡±

    Randolph patted his hand and smiled. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go pick out some more jewels. ¡°You¡¯ve had a hard day.¡±

    As Alice walked back to the party to collect her belongings, she passed Randolph and Rachel. Randolph kept his polite expression.

    "Miss Bet, it seems you havee alone. Why don''t youe with me? I''ll take you."

    Alice noticed the forced smile on his face and immediately felt wary. She replied politely, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Gray, but I have already arranged a carriage.¡±

    Randolph wasn''t about to let it go so easily. I have needed answers about today''s situation.

    ¡°Cancel your trip. What''s the problem, Ms. Bet? I offer to take you myself, and you refuse?¡±

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 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    "That''s not what I meant. I just didn''t want to interrupt your time with Mrs. Gray," Alicia exined.

    ¡°We''ve been married forever. You wouldn¡¯t be interrupting anything,¡± Randolph replied firmly. ¡°Come on, let''s go!¡±

    Just as Alice was starting to feel trapped, she noticed Caden walking nearby. He was leaving with Gerry and a few others.

    For a brief moment, she looked in his direction. Desperate for a way out, Alice hoped he woulde closer, say something to her, and take her with him.

    However, things never went the way she expected. Normally, she couldn''t avoid Caden, but now, when she needed him, he was indifferent. He looked away, pretending not to notice her.

    Alice waspletely speechless.

    Rachel then said, "Come, Miss Bet. You bought me some jewelry today, and I still owe you. Let me pay you back with a meal."

    Alicia noticed Rachel''s rosy cheeks, and her expression was that of someonepletely in love. Alicia''s instincts told her that something was wrong. It seemed that Randolph and Rachel were nning something. Although Alicia had her own ns, if things got out of hand, everything could go wrong.

    Just as she was looking for a way to refuse, she heard Gerry''s voice from the doorway. "Alice!"

    At that moment, his voice was a wee relief. ¡°What is it, Mr. Hopkins?¡± Alice turned to him.

    He walked over to her and said, ¡°Come with me. ¡°Hank is already driving.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Seizing the opportunity, Alice quickly said to Randolph, ¡°Excuse me, Mr. Gray, but I have a business matter to discuss with Mr. Hopkins. Let''s have that meal another time. ¡°It¡¯s on me.¡±

    Randolph looked at Gerry, standing in the distance. Aware of Gerry''s influential background, he did not press the matter further.

    Alice wasted no time and walked over to Gerry, giving him a thumbs up.

    Gerry raised an eyebrow. ¡°What have I done to deserve that?¡± Alice smiled. ¡°You just showed up at the right time.¡±

    Gerry looked at Randolph and Rachel. ¡°Did they give you a hard time?¡± I have asked.

    "No, but thanks anyway," Alice replied.

    ¡°For a ride?¡± Gerry said, opening the car door for him. ¡°You''re thanking the wrong person. ¡°This is Caden¡¯s car, and he sent me to get you.¡±

    Alicia looked up. Caden was sitting in the backseat, watching her unchallengingly.

    She had dealt with him enough times. As cunning as he was, she no longer feared him. Without hesitation, she climbed into the car and settled into her seat.

    Gerry took the passenger seat. ¡°I had a bit to drink so I couldn''t drive. Plus, I didn''t realize you weren''t with us when we left. ¡°Caden reminded me.¡±

    Alicia forced a smile. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ward.¡±

    Caden nonchntly replied, ¡°No problem. It was nothing.¡± He was an expert at keeping up appearances. When he wasn''t scheming, he yed the role of a mature, polished professional effortlessly.

    Alicia realized that Caden must have noticed her situation sooner. That was probably why he had made Gerrye back for her. She touched her nose lightly. ¡°Is your cold feeling better?¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°Miss Bet, I''m impressed. ¡°You can really show concern for someone else.¡± Alicia didn''t know how to respond and instantly regretted asking the question.

    Caden smirked. ¡°So, do you want me to get better or not?¡±

    Alice pursed her lips. ¡°Do you want the truth?¡±

    "Either one is fine with me."

    "Well, you may not like the truth."

    Caden chuckled. ¡°Looks like you got what you wanted. ¡°I don¡¯t feel so good.¡±

    Hearing this, Alice moved a little further away. ¡°Don''t pass it to me.¡±

    Gerry intervened: "Can''t you two just go a minute without arguing?"

    Caden flipped through some documents casually. ¡°With you and Hank around, we only exchanged a few words. When we''re alone, things have evene to blows.¡±

    Alicia froze for a second, quickly understanding the double meaning behind Caden''s words. Caden shot her a look, his smile widening.

    Beneath his calm facade, there was something sinister.

    ¡°Really, Caden?¡± Gerry shifted in his seat, his voice filled with disbelief. ¡°How could you hit a woman?¡±

    Caden''s gaze locked on Alicia. ¡°Did it hurt?¡±

    Alice''s ears reddened, and she chose to remain silent, scratching her head awkwardly to avoid conversation.

    Gerry misinterpreted the situation, assuming that Caden had mistreated her and left her upset.

    In a serious tone, he said, "Stop giving Alicia a hard time. I need her to write songs for me."

    Caden smiled but remained silent.

    Sounding concerned, Gerry asked, ¡°Alice, is your cold getting better?¡±

    Alice agreed. ¡°Yes, thank you for asking, Mr. Hopkins.¡±

    ¡°No problem,¡± Gerry replied with a smile, then paused as a thought crossed his mind. He looked between the two, studying them closely.

    "How did they both catch cold at the same time?"

    Alice didn''t know what to answer.

    Caden smiled in satisfaction. ¡°What a coincidence, huh?¡±

    Gerry''s suspicion grew.

    ¡°Wait a minute¡­¡± she narrowed her eyes, focusing on Caden¡¯s lips. ¡°Caden, that mark on your lip. Could it be¡­¡±

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 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80:N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice''s heart skipped a beat before it began to race uncontrobly.

    Fortunately, Hank intervened just in time. ¡°It''s just the flu going around. Nothing unusual about it. ¡°I¡¯ve had a stuffy nosetely, too.¡±

    Hearing that, Gerry''s suspicion seemed to fade. "For a second, I thought Caden and Alicia had kissed. It scared the shit out of me." Alicia had no words for that.

    So what if they did?

    Gerry chuckled. ¡°Randolph really hit the jackpot with a wife like Rachel. If I were his wife, I would have left him after today''s fiasco.¡±

    That caught Alice''s attention. "How does Randolph treat Rachel when they''re alone?"

    Gerry didn''t know all the details, but he''d heard enough. "Randolph is quite thedies'' man. He flirts with his old lovers and tries to get any attractive woman into bed. Honestly, I thought he had that intention with you before."

    Alice clenched her fists tighter.

    No wonder she felt so ufortable around him.

    He asked, "Does Rachel have no idea what she''s up to?"

    ¡°How could I not know? Even I do,¡± Gerry replied with a smirk. ¡°People in love can be maddening. She knows it, but she pretends not to know. Her family is not well off and she depends on Randolph for everything, so she has this feeling of inferiority.¡±

    After saying that, Gerry looked unsure and turned to Caden. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, Caden?¡±

    Caden replied nonchntly, ¡°Yeah, fools in love never learn, do they?¡±

    Alice felt her jaw tighten.

    Caden was implying something.

    Although she hadn''t been overly submissive to Joshua back then, she had made many sacrifices to repay his kindness. To others, she probably seemed just as infatuated.

    ¡°Last year, there was a big stir at the bank where Randolph works,¡± Caden said. ¡°Have you heard about it?¡±

    Alice was now more focused.

    Gerry intervened: ¡°You mean that thing about Joshua?¡±

    "Exactly."

    "I heard a little bit, but it didn''t end well and they quickly buried the news. Do you know what really happened?"

    ¡°Yes I know,¡± Caden replied.

    His slow, measured tone was beginning to unsettle Alice. Gerry leaned towards him, seemingly intrigued. ¡°So what''s the real story?¡±

    Alicia turned her gaze to Caden.

    He casually ran his fingers over his phone, zooming in on a page full of documents.

    He was connected to the bank.

    A confidential watermark stood out on the screen. Alice leaned in, trying to get a better look, but Caden closed the screen without hesitation.

    She looked at him in disbelief.

    His words hurt her even more. ¡°It''s a business matter. ¡°With outsiders here, it¡¯s better to keep it private.¡±

    Once again, Alice was at a loss for words. Remembering who Alice used to be, Gerry cleared his throat. ¡°Fair enough.¡±

    Alice forced a smile. ¡°Go ahead. ¡°I can pretend I didn¡¯t hear anything.¡±

    Gerry asked, ¡°Are you interested in the bank?¡±

    Caden scoffed, ¡°As far as I know, she¡¯s still hung up on Joshua.¡±

    Alice immediately counterattacked: ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡±

    Her answer did not seem to convince anyone. Gerry sighed, a trace of pity in his voice. ¡°Alice, don''t be like Mrs. Gray.

    "Fools in love never end well."

    Once again, Alice found herself speechless.

    I shot a sharp look at Caden.

    His words cut through her, leaving her increasingly frustrated.

    After dropping Gerry off at his house, Hank asked, ¡°Miss Bet, where do you want me to take you?¡±

    Alice looked at the time and realized that it was still early. She had used the excuse of going to the beauty salon earlier, and the Yates family would not bother to look for her.

    I had plenty of time.

    Eager to know what secret Caden was hiding, Alice said, ¡°You can leave Mr. Ward first. Don¡¯t worry about me now.¡±

    Hank looked in the rearview mirror.

    Caden was still,pletely serene.

    However, something in his expression suggested that he was strangely satisfied.

    ¡°Mr. Ward, where should I take him?¡± Hank asked.

    Caden shifted slightly in his seat. ¡°Take me back to the apartment.¡±

    Hank understood what this meant and started driving. Alicia checked her sat nav and saw that it was a twenty minute drive.

    After a brief pause, he asked, ¡°At the party, you mentioned that others couldn''t help me, but you could. What did you mean by that?¡±

    Caden replied nonchntly, ¡°I didn''t mean anything by that.¡±

    Alice had no words to reply to that. His smug expression took away all interest in continuing the conversation. She concentrated on thendscape passing through the window. The silence in the carsted for a while.

    Finally, Caden broke the silence. ¡°What''s wrong? Have you lost your voice?¡±

    Alice turned to him. ¡°Why?¡±

    Caden leaned back in his seat. ¡°Don''t you have any more questions?¡±

    She replied with a hint of sarcasm: ¡°What''s the point of asking? ¡°You already said you didn¡¯t mean anything by it.¡±

    "And you really believed it?" he asked, his tone filled with disbelief.

    "Yeah.

    "You must be incredibly naive."

    Why was he insulting her again? Did he think that insulting her would benefit him?

    Alicia nced at her phone, her unease growing. ¡°What really happened between Joshua and Randolph?¡±

    Realizing he had taken the bait, Caden smiled again. ¡°Miss Bet, this is not how you ask for favor. Have you never tried sweet-talking a man?¡±

    .

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 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia bit back her frustration. ¡°If I was any good at sweet-talking men, do you think Joshua would have left me?¡±

    Suddenly, Caden let out a chuckle. ¡°You''re right.¡±

    To keep him interested, he added, ¡°When Joshua was building his business, he needed serious financial backing, so he worked closely with banks. ¡°A lot of his business went through Randolph.¡±

    Alice asked, "Did Randolph take his cut and cover things up for her?"

    ¡°Yes,¡± Caden replied.

    Her heart sank, confirming what she had feared. Randolph had been involved in shady dealings. Approaching him and Rachel had been the right decision after all. She read over to Caden and asked, ¡°Can deleted transaction records be recovered?¡±

    He gave her a knowing smile. Alice''s heart skipped a beat under his gaze.

    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± she asked, feeling a little puzzled.

    ¡°I wasn''t sure why you were trying to get close to Randolph, but I understand now,¡± Caden replied.

    Alice was speechless once again. Damn, he''s tricked me into showing my true intentions, she thought.

    His face tightened. ¡°You said you could help me. That means you know something, right?¡±

    "I considered it, but at first I thought you were only interested in Randolph."

    Alice instinctively replied, "Why should I settle for anything less? I''ve been with better men."

    Caden kept hisposure, almost humbly. ¡°I appreciate thepliment.¡±

    Once again Alice was speechless. She blushed, turned away, and thought, ¡°I really should stop talking.¡±

    Later, Caden sent her something to her email. Alicia quickly checked her inbox. ¡°What is this?¡±

    "I sent you information about Randolph."

    His eyes lit up. ¡°You''re just going to give it to me?¡±

    Caden spoke in a scathing tone. ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Alicia gripped her phone tightly, feeling ufortable.

    I have tried to sound hopeful. ¡°You''ve already given it to me. Isn¡¯t it toote to put conditions on it now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve only handed over a third,¡± she replied, her frustration mounting. She hadn''t expected him to hold back any information, and she shot him a sharp look.

    Caden remained calm. ¡°Do you want to know the rest, Miss Bet?¡±

    Alice narrowed her eyes, biting her lip as she stared at him. Of course, she wanted the rest of the information.

    His n had been to go after Randolph through Rachel, but Rachel''splete devotion to him made that impossible. Rachel wouldn''t help; in fact, she might even defend him from Alicia.

    Caden wasn''t a good person either. It was clear that he had his own agenda. But for the most part, he was always honest in his dealings. Compared to Rachel, he was the better choice.

    Alicia wasn''t naive. She understood exactly what Caden wanted. She twisted her fingers silently for a moment before slowly answering, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Prove it,¡± he replied.

    His words left Alice momentarily speechless. Then, in a lower voice, he replied, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Caden smiled with satisfaction at how quickly he had adapted. ¡°Do you know what I''m asking you to do?¡±

    Alicia''s eyes shifted to Hank, who was still driving. She felt awkward, struggling to find her voice. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we discuss this somewhere more private?¡±

    Caden chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction.

    Once they arrived at the apartment building, Hank left, but Caden didn''t seem to be in any hurry to take Alicia upstairs.

    ¡°Did we forget to buy something?¡± Alice asked, feeling a wave of nervousness despite it being broad daylight.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Caden didn''t answer directly. Instead, he let out a light cough.

    Alice''s eyes were drawn to the movement of his Adam''s apple, her thoughts drifting to ces she hadn''t anticipated. She rubbed her forehead quickly, avoiding eye contact. After a pause, she said, ¡°I''ll go get whatever it is. You get on up.¡±

    ¡°Where exactly are you nning to buy them?¡± Caden asked.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Alice paused before answering, ¡°At the supermarket?¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow.

    "That''s a bit far. There''s a pharmacy nearby." Then he gave her his apartment number and left.

    Alice then headed to the nearby pharmacy. Despite her previous encounters, she could not shake off the nervousness that was gnawing at her.

    What was about to happen to Caden was like opening Pandora''s box.

    I knew it was dangerous, but the temptation was too strong to ignore.

    I wanted to open it and im whatever was inside.

    The shop assistant greeted her with a warm smile. ¡°How may I help you, ma¡¯am?¡±

    Alicia didn''t hesitate. She grabbed the most expensive box of condoms, more focused on protection than experience.

    When she arrived at Caden''s apartment, the door was open, so she walked in.

    It was his first time here, and the huge floor-to-ceiling window immediately caught his eye, reflecting the bright sky like a giant mirror.

    Nearby was a desk under a tall bookshelf that extended upward, filled with books and scattered machine parts.

    The apartment''s design reflected Caden''s personality: elegant, minimalist, luxurious and impressive.

    But for some reason, he also felt distant and cold.

    There was hardly any sign of anyone living there. Alicia assumed that Caden probably didn''t spend much time in this space.

    Maybe I just stayed here from time to time. Had he ever brought women here? I had no idea.

    Alice opened the shoe rack looking for a pair of slippers, but it waspletely empty.

    She decided to walk barefoot. The dark tiles on the floor made her toes stand out even more. Caden stood nearby, silently observing the contrast of her skin against the dark floor.

    "If there are no slippers, you don''t have to take off your shoes," he said.

    She hadn''t realized how close she had gotten.

    "Aren''t you worried about the dirt my shoes would leave?" she asked.

    Caden didn''t seem interested in continuing the conversation. "Did you get them?"

    Alice''s uneasiness returned, and she gripped the bag tighter. The soft creak of the stic was the only sound that filled the silence.

    ¡°Yes,¡± she said, her voice tense but her words bold. ¡°I bought the extrarge ones.¡±

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 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia spoke, her gaze lost.

    She didn''t want to meet Caden''s gaze.

    Caden, on the other hand, seemedpletely rxed. He leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    She hadn''t expected him to ask that question.

    Considering how things used to go between them, shouldn''t they just strip down and move on? He''d give her what she wanted, and then he''d leave.

    But since he was questioning her, she couldn''t help herself and had to address him directly. "Can you stop acting like you''re not aware?" With all his games, it was clear that he had a lot of experience at this.

    Why did he pretend otherwise?

    Caden began to walk towards her at a leisurely pace. But for some reason, he felt as if each step was weighing on his heart, stirring up conflicting emotions within him. He took the bag from her hand and opened it.

    He looked at her with a mocking smile. ¡°Condoms? Is that what you bought?¡±

    Alice blushed when she heard hisughter.

    She looked up, noticing the weight of his broad shoulders looming over her, his presence creating a pressure that frayed her already frayed nerves.

    His eyes had a slight smile on their faces, which made them even more striking.

    Trying to maintain herposure, she replied, ¡°What''s wrong? Isn¡¯t that what you wanted?¡±

    Caden casually pulled out the small box. In his hands, it looked even smaller.

    Her embarrassment increased, and the way Caden fiddled with the box felt even more suggestive than before.

    ¡°Who said I wanted this?¡± Caden looked at the box, then back at her. ¡°I asked for cold medicine, not this.¡±

    Alice stood there,pletely stunned.

    His face was a mixture of shock and embarrassment.

    ¡°Huh? ¡°Cold medicine?¡± he stammered, almost biting his tongue. ¡°But that''s not what you implied.¡±

    Caden smirked. ¡°Did I imply that you should buy condoms?¡±

    ¡°You coughed,¡± she replied. ¡°Obviously, you were too shy to say it openly, so you gave me a hint.¡±

    "I just reminded you that I still have a cold and a sore throat."

    Alice''s face burned with shame.

    The first thing he did was try to take the box away.

    Caden effortlessly raised his arm, dodging her attempt with ease. He nonchntly slipped the condoms into his pocket.

    ¡°Don''t get too excited. ¡°We¡¯ll use themter,¡± he joked.

    Alice''s face turned red. "I''m not excited. I just don''t want you to have them."

    Caden turned around and headed inside.

    ¡°You don''t want me to use them?¡± he sneered, twisting his words. ¡°Miss Bet, are you more into up-close, direct contact?¡±

    Alice was not naive. She immediately understood his insinuation and replied: "In your dreams!" Then she hard pushed against his back.

    However, he barely moved, and she almost slipped because she was barefoot.

    Caden reacted quickly, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her into his arms.

    This caused his face to collide with his chest.

    Ignoring the awkwardness, she reached for her pocket. Caden grabbed her wrist before she could reach it.

    "Are you that desperate for them?"

    Alice tried to pull her hand back, but her grip held firm.

    Frustrated, she stomped on her foot.

    Caden effortlessly dodged it.

    Her bare foot mmed into the hard ground, sending a sharp pain shooting up her leg, making her gasp.

    Caden''s gaze sharpened. "Rx. I¡¯m starving and too tired to take care of you right now.¡±

    His abrupt words caught Alice off guard once again.

    Secondster, he let go of her.

    ¡°Feed me first,¡± he said, sliding his hand down her waist through her clothes. ¡°When I¡¯m satisfied, I¡¯ll take care of you.¡±

    Alice stood there,pletely speechless.

    He despised the ease with which she understood what he meant.

    And she hated even more how her body involuntarily responded to his flirtation, her thoughts wandering to indecent ces.

    Unable to respond to his suggestivements and desperate to avoid further embarrassment, she pushed him away and ran to the bathroom.

    Caden watched Alicia''s frantic escape, fighting the urge tough. Theughter bubbled up but quickly turned into a loud cough. His throat throbbed with difort. He rubbed his forehead, realizing his cold hadsted too long. Resigned, he ordered some cold medicine on his phone.

    Alicia stood in the bathroom for a while. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she muttered to herself, ¡°It''s just sex. It''s nothing to write home about. Rx." She continued, ¡°With a man like Caden, the more I fear him, the more arrogant he bes and the more he tries to boss me around. Why should I give him an advantage?¡± Taking a deep breath, Alicia walked out, regaining her usualposure.

    Caden was lying on the couch, his head propped up and his eyes half-closed.

    The weather soon turned cool, and feeling the freshness on the soles of her feet, Alice walked over and put on her slippers. Caden opened his eyes slightly, watching her every move.

    ¡°Did I say you could wear them?¡± I have asked.

    Alice chose to ignore him, yfully rubbing her feet inside her shoes. So you''re a neat freak? Let''s see how you manage this, she thought.

    Caden was speechless.

    Ignoring his indifferent expression, Alice adopted a matter-of-fact tone and asked, ¡°What would you like to eat?¡±

    ¡°You decide,¡± Caden replied.

    She rolled her eyes and plopped down into a chair. ¡°I don''t know how to cook. Should we order takeout?¡±

    Caden didn''t move. "You didn''t cook during your marriage?"

    "Yes, but I wasn''t very good at it," Alice replied.

    She had learned to cook and make desserts, hoping to make Joshua feel wee when he came home. However, he often stayed out all night, leaving her alone to eat, which eventually made her lose interest in cooking.

    Caden wasn''t about to budge. "I don''t eat takeout."N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Alice tried to convince him: ¡°What I cook is worse than takeaway food. You may not survive. Think about it carefully.¡±

    Unfazed, Caden calmly replied, ¡°A culinary catastrophe? Sounds exciting. Now I¡¯m really curious.¡±

    She stared at him,pletely speechless.

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 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia had grown ustomed to Caden''s peculiar behavior, so she didn''t feel the need to argue. Deciding to take the easy way out, she went ahead and ordered groceries for delivery.

    ¡°What do you want to eat?¡± I have asked, trying to keep it simple.

    Caden, eyes closed,zily replied, ¡°Whatever. ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡±

    Although he imed to be indifferent, Alice already knew him well enough.

    "How about some fish soup and a light beef stir-fry?" I have suggested.

    As expected, Caden, always the picky eater, rejected his idea. ¡°I don''t like fish soup.¡±

    ¡°So, how about veal?¡± she offered.

    "I don''t want to see either."

    Alice was surprised by his answer. She tried not to lose her patience and said: "You are sick and your throat hurts. How about something easy to digest? Maybe a light soup?"

    "I''ll get hungry again too soon. I have workter," he replied nonchntly.

    "In that case, eat something heavier," she countered.

    "That will only make me run to the bathroom more. It''s too much of a hassle."

    Alice was getting more and more upset.

    "What do you think of pasta? It would go well with mushrooms," I suggested.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    ¡°I hate the taste of mushrooms,¡± Caden replied tly.

    Through gritted teeth, Alice asked, "Then what on earth do you want to eat?"

    Caden lightly tapped his forehead and replied, ¡°Anything is fine.¡±

    This time Alice couldn''t contain her frustration. She snapped at him: "Eat whatever you want. I give up!"

    At that moment, Caden''s phone range. He calmly picked it up and answered, "Hello?"

    Hank''s voice came through clearly. ¡°Mr. Ward, there''s a meeting scheduled for this afternoon. ¡°Will you be joining us online?¡±

    Without missing a beat, Caden nonchntly replied, ¡°Oh? Do you have any more information on what Randolph did?¡±

    Hank felt a wave of confusion wash over him. He had no idea what his boss was referring to.

    Alicia looked at Caden, puzzled. Who are you talking to? I never mentioned Randolph, she thought, confused by the sudden change in conversation.

    When she looked in his direction, Caden rubbed his forehead in irritation. ¡°There''s no need for that. I''ve changed my mind; ¡°I don¡¯t want them anymore.¡±

    Hank, still puzzled, asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Alice stood up, clearly frustrated. ¡°What about the shrimp? ¡°I can make you some scrambled eggs, too.¡±

    Hank, hearing a woman''s voice in the background, quickly turned up the volume, eager to catch more of the conversation.

    Caden ended the call with a satisfied smile on his face. ¡°I can live with that.¡±

    Alice was speechless again. What a pain!

    Caden chuckled to himself, fully aware of her silent irritation, but he chose to remain silent. Before long, the groceries arrived at the door and Alicia carried them into the kitchen.

    Every now and then, she heard Caden cough softly from the other room. Looking back, she realized he was already sitting at his desk, absorbed in his work.

    When he was quiet, he seemed rather handsome. It was a shame he had such a sharp tongue.

    Alice peeled a pear and put it in a small bowl. She sprinkled a little sugar over the fruit, thinking that it would be a good source of nutrition for him, especially since the doctor had mentioned that he was feeling weak today.

    After covering the pot, she looked around and found that the cupboards werepletely empty. It was as if no one had ever lived in the apartment.

    She pulled out her phone and ordered several things. The cost quickly added up, and the total left her a little dazed.

    ¡°Caden, you''re going to refund me for everything I bought, right?¡± she asked, a little exasperated.

    Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°How much was it?¡±

    Alice looked at the receipt, her eyes wide. The total came to over three thousand dors.

    "Three hundred and ny thousand dors!" I have eximed.

    ¡°What the hell did you buy, gold?¡± Caden asked sarcastically.

    ¡°Are you saying you can''t afford it?¡± she retorts.

    ¡°Correct,¡± he replied indifferently.

    Alice was speechless. He was incredibly stingy.

    As Alice peeled the shrimp, Caden put his work aside and walked over to her to supervise her. She had just finished washing the shrimp when he approached.

    Alice used scissors to cut the fins off the shrimp, using quick, precise movements. Before long, she had a pile of shell-less shrimp. Alice was impressive. No matter what task she undertook, she excelled at it, whether it was studying orpeting. No matter where she was, she radiated confidence.

    Even the simplest of tasks took on a warm and weing atmosphere thanks to her gentle, calm presence. Alice had never had anyone supervising her before. She looked up from her task and asked, ¡°Are you hungry?¡±

    The softness in Caden''s gaze changed slightly and his tone became more serious. ¡°I just want to remind you that I have OCD. ¡°I can¡¯t have even a piece of shell around.¡±

    She was speechless.

    Caden walked over to the table and pointed at the peeled shrimp. ¡°See that? It¡¯s a shell,¡± heined. ¡°Do it again.¡±

    Alicia, increasingly frustrated, blurted out, "Caden, what the hell is wrong with you?"

    Caden, taking advantage of his illness to tempt fate, replied: "Shells take away my appetite."

    Alice, her patience exhausted, replied: "I could poke you in the eyes. If you can''t see, it won''t bother you."

    Shortly afterwards, a bubbling sound rose from the kitchen. The pear soup was boiling. Alice quickly lowered the heat and lifted the lid to take a look. Much of the water had evaporated, so she realized she needed to add more.

    Caden loomed over her, his presence impossible to ignore. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    The sweet, refreshing aroma of pear broth filled the air. Alice replied without looking up, ¡°Take a look for yourself.¡±

    Caden realized that it had properties that could help calm coughs. He smiled, but preferred not to press the matter further.

    Alicia went to get some water and then an idea urred to her. She paused and drank the water in one gulp. Hiding the paper cup behind her, she said to Caden, ¡°Watch the stove for me. ¡°I have to get something.¡±

    Caden noticed her subtle movement. ¡°Sure.¡±

    Once Alicia was sure Caden wasn''t looking, she quietly crept into the bathroom. She lifted the toilet lid and filled the disposable cup with water.

    As she looked at the clear liquid, a mischievous smile appeared on Alice''s face.

    ¡°Always such a fussy eater, constantly criticizing everything,¡± she thought. ¡°Enjoy this grooming surprise. Maybe your appetite will improve and you¡¯ll be more willing to eat everything.¡±

    Discreetly, she hid the cup and quietly made her way to the bathroom door. Then she nced toward the kitchen, only to find Caden nowhere in sight. Maybe he had gone out onto the balcony to work. Alicia took a few cautious steps forward, craning her neck to peek at the desk, but no one was there.

    Just as she was about to turn around, a cold voice interrupted her from behind. ¡°Miss Bet, who are you looking for?¡±

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 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia started and spun around. At some point, Caden must have silently moved behind her. His gaze was as cold as ice.

    Feeling a surge of guilt, she almost dropped the cup she was holding. She forced a smile and said, ¡°Didn''t I ask you to stay in the kitchen? What are you doing here?¡±

    Caden replied ominously, ¡°If I hadn''te, would I have discovered the big surprise you''ve prepared for me?¡±

    Alice found herself speechless. Even though her prank had been an impromptu idea, she remained cautious. Still, she managed to catch her.

    Sensing the icy tension radiating from Caden, Alicia knew better than to argue. With a reluctant sigh, she poured the toilet water down the drain. Then, she stood up straight and put her hands behind her back. She bowed her head and remained silent.

    Caden towered over her, his broad chest making him look even more imposing. When his expression changed to one of stern authority, he looked like a strict schoolteacher reprimanding a misbehaving student.

    Alice remained silent and obedient, but her defiant posture showed that she would not back down. She stared at his hand.

    ¡°Why are you still holding that cup?¡± I have asked. ¡°What? Are you going to refill it when I leave you alone?¡±

    Alicia''s lips twitched slightly as she threw the cup aside. She could tell that Caden was really angry, but after knowing him for so many years, she had witnessed his worst moods and felt no fear.

    Her curiosity got the best of her. ¡°How did you know I was nning to y a prank on you?¡±

    Caden felt a wave of nausea as he recalled the earlier scene. At first, he hadn''t suspected anything, but something in his gut urged him to check on Alicia.

    When Caden saw her fetching water from the toilet, his expression instantly darkened. He was relieved that he had walked in when she did. What would have happened if he hadn''t?

    Honestly, she was looking forward to the pear soup. If she had identally consumed it, her obsessive cleanliness would have made her vomit for days. Caden''s voice was icy as he spoke tersely. ¡°Wash your hands thoroughly before returning to the kitchen.¡±

    Alicemented: ¡°You still haven''t exined how you knew!¡±

    Caden snapped, ¡°Your stupid eyes gave you away!¡±

    Alice felt a surge of anger. ¡°Your eyes are even sillier!¡±

    After the previous incident, Caden scrutinized her every move. Alicia also felt wary of him. She kept her behavior under control.

    Before long, the shrimp were finished cooking, and Alicia even found time to prepare a dipping sauce. The dish was a vibrant mix of color, aroma, and vor. Caden stood behind her, watching her skillful movements. He was fully aware that she had perfected this routine over time. She had practiced tirelessly, all for Joshua.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    When Alicia picked up a te, she quickly stepped away, realizing the rim was too hot. Caden stepped in effortlessly, lifting the te with one hand.

    Alice touched her ear and went to get the cutlery. The dining table was not big by any means. Once seated, they ced themselves at just the right distance from each other.

    Alicia, hungry, dove into her food without hesitation. She ate slowly, gracefully and confidently, without rushing. With a shrimp in her mouth, she looked at Caden, who sat motionless.

    ¡°Why aren''t you eating anything?¡± he asked tentatively. ¡°Is it not to your liking?¡±

    Earlier, while she was cooking, he seemed quite satisfied. Caden kept a neutral expression and asked, ¡°Is it too hot for you?¡±

    Alice moved the food around in her mouth and blew lightly. "Forks."

    "So tell me this: if I put my hand on the te, would it burn?"

    Alice thought her question was strange and cocked her head in confusion. Instinctively she looked at her hands, but they were empty.

    Then it hit her. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m just used to serving myself.¡±

    Herment unexpectedly softened Caden''s demeanor. He stood up and took the cutlery for himself. Noticing Caden savoring his food, Alice saw her opportunity to ask, ¡°When will you give me the rest?¡±

    Caden continued eating calmly and replied, ¡°The work is not finished yet. There is no need to hurry.¡±

    Alice counterattacked: ¡°But you promised you wouldn''t sleep with me!¡±

    Caden looked up slightly. ¡°I wasn''t saying that. ¡°I was referring to the pear soup.¡±

    Alice found herself momentarily speechless. Frustrated, she eximed, ¡°Can you please stop giving me mixed signals?¡±

    Caden calmly replied, ¡°Which of my words misled you? Did I say anything that alluded to sex?¡±

    Alice replied, ¡°You knew exactly what you were suggesting.¡±

    ¡°I can''t speak for that, but your mind certainly seems to wander,¡± Caden replied after taking a leisurely sip of his soup. ¡°But I understand. ¡°With my abilities, it¡¯s only natural that women can¡¯t resist me after we¡¯ve been intimate.¡±

    Hisment left Alice speechless. Did that imply that he has been with many women? She gripped her fork tightly and asked, ¡°Have you been with many?¡±

    Caden smirked and asked, ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Alice studied his handsome face, trying to gauge his response. He was a handsome man in the prime of his life. Honestly, he looked like a yboy with a string of affairs and possibly even illegitimate children all over the world. He might even have an STD.

    The fact that she had lost her virginity to someone so vile made her feel ufortable.

    So when he brought her the pear soup, her movements were somewhat clumsy. ¡°Eat this and then pay off your debt to me,¡± he said, his impatience showing.

    Noticing his irritated expression, Caden remained motionless. ¡°I¡¯m too exhausted,¡± he replied.

    Alice frowned. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    "Feed me," he said.

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 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia''s face clearly showed irritation. If Caden hadn''t taken advantage of her earlier, she might have agreed without hesitation. After all, what was the problem with feeding someone soup? It would only take about ten minutes.

    However, Caden was a cunning fox. She knew it could take at least half an hour to finish. Suppressing her frustration, Alice tried to keep her tone even. ¡°You''ve tormented me enough. Are you still not satisfied? We¡¯re both busy, so eat quickly, give me what I want, and we can part on good terms, okay?¡±

    Caden replied sharply, "If the situation were the other way around, would you let me off the hook so easily?"

    Alicia looked shocked. She couldn''t help but imagine herself in her ce. If the day ever came when she had the upper hand over Caden, forcing him to swallow his pride and beg for her mercy...

    Normally he exuded arrogance, constantly looking down on everyone around him. However, if she threatened him, he would have no choice but to obey her everymand. Just thinking about it made her want tough out loud.

    But when she snapped back to reality and saw Caden''s imposing face, her irritation only intensified. Right now, he was the one enjoying the situation. She was the one who felt like the joke in this whole scenario.

    Alice clenched her fingers. Thest remnants of her hesitation prevented her from acting.

    Caden nonchntlymented, ¡°You¡¯ve worked so hard to get what you want. Are you really going to throw in the towel now, right at the finish line?¡±

    As he spoke, his voice took on a low, soothing tone. It was almostforting, if it weren''t for the underlying tension between them. It seemed to Alice that he was only adding to the mes.

    ¡°Do you have any idea what I''ve done? I''ve been running around for over an hour just to please you. Can¡¯t you at least show a little appreciation for my effort?¡± I have asked.

    Caden smiled. ¡°Sorry, but friendliness isn¡¯t my thing.¡±

    Alice was speechless.

    He said it with such conviction. That was Caden.

    Suddenly, Caden looked toward the kitchen. ¡°If you don''t hurry, the soup will get cold, and that will ruin the vor. ¡°You¡¯ll have to make it again.¡±

    Alicia clenched her jaw in frustration. Noticing her stubbornness, Caden nonchntly pulled out his phone and sent her another email. ¡°I¡¯ve already given you two-thirds.¡±

    Alice pursed her lips, reluctantly heading to the kitchen. Fortunately, there wasn''t much soup left, just one bowl. It wouldn''t take long to finish it.

    As Alice looked at the fragrant pear soup, she regretted washing over her. To tell the truth, making this soup to relieve his cough had not been part of his original n. She simply felt sorry for him, knowing that he had a cold and that no one was looking after him. Her intention had been to show him a little kindness, if only for a moment.

    Now it seemed to her that she was asking for trouble. The more she tried to take care of Caden, the worse his attitude became.

    Alice determinedly pushed the soup over to him, took a spoonful and brought it awkwardly to his mouth. ¡°Open up,¡± she ordered.

    Cadenmented, ¡°You look like an evil maid tormenting a disabled old man.¡±

    Alice countered: ¡°If you were really disabled, I would be a male caregiver.¡±

    "Why would you do that? Are you nning to beat me up?"

    "No, I''d just take it out and piss in your mouth."

    This time, she was speechless. Where had I gotten such insults from? He reallycks manners, she thought.

    With time running out, Alice held the spoon up to her mouth. ¡°Eat it.¡±

    Caden sighed. ¡°Is this how you feed someone? What happened to your so-called politeness? ¡°I thought you took lessons for that.¡±

    ¡°I learned that from Joshua. What does that have to do with you?¡± Alice snapped.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Caden''s expression darkened. ¡°Oh, of course. ¡°He¡¯s your beloved man,¡± he said grimly.

    This time, she bit her tongue.

    ¡°So Joshua is the reason you want information about Randolph? That information won¡¯t benefit him at all,¡± Caden added.

    Alicia looked into her eyes, feeling her heart racing. She sensed a hint of irritation in Caden, but couldn''t pinpoint its source.

    Acting as if he knew nothing, he replied pointedly, ¡°I¡¯m just worried that Randolph might use it to threaten Joshua. ¡°I want to help him navigate these problems.¡±

    After speaking, a wave of guilt washed over her as she studied Caden''s expression. She understood that their rtionship was already strained, and helping Joshua would likely make Caden resent it even more.

    As she had anticipated, her mood darkened even further. Her hand began to tremble, and she felt the urge to withdraw it.

    But then Caden ordered, ¡°Keep feeding me.¡±

    Surprised by his authoritarian tone, Alice felt a chill run down her spine. She stirred her soup hesitantly, her nerves getting the better of her.

    As she was about to pick up the spoon, Caden added, ¡°Feed me with your mouth.¡±

    Alice was surprised. ¡°Huh?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice reached her breaking point. ¡°Just stop it, will you?¡±

    Caden stretched out his leg, hooked it around the leg of his chair, and pulled her closer to him.

    Alice jumped in surprise, instinctively protecting the soup.

    Not a drop was spilled.

    But when she looked up, Caden''s face loomed right in front of hers.

    That moment seemed more terrifying to him than the idea of ????spilling the soup.

    Caden kept a neutral expression, waiting for his next move.

    Alice felt paralyzed.

    She couldn''t understand it. When she was within a certain distance of Caden, she often felt so enraged by him that she wanted to strangle him.

    But as they came closer, Alice found herself captivated by his charm. A wave of vertigo swept over her.

    His body began to react on his own, especially his face.

    Her cheeks flushed and she felt hot.

    The heat radiating from her face took her away, revealing her nervousness to Caden.

    It was mortifying.

    Alice tried to escape, trying to push her chair back.

    However, Caden extended his arm, pressing against the back of his chair, trapping her like a bird in a cage.

    She waspletely immobilized.

    Caught in her clutches, she realized she was trapped.

    Caden leaned in slightly. His warm breath brushed her ear. ¡°Are you thinking about running away? Are you scared?¡±

    The tone of his voice was chilling.

    However, the warmth radiating from his body was unmistakable.

    The stark contrast between his intimate posture and his stern posture was striking.

    Alice didn''t know where to look.

    ¡°Why are you so angry all of a sudden?¡± Caden paused for a moment.

    After a few seconds of silence, he replied in his usual calm tone: ¡°Because you were too slow. ¡°I got impatient.¡±

    Alicia stole a nce at him.

    "You should be thankful I haven''t hit you yet. Given our rtionship, feeding you mouth to mouth seems like a punishment to me," he said.

    Caden chuckled. ¡°What rtionship?¡±

    Alice didn''t know how to respond to that.

    I honestly had no idea what their rtionship was like. Neither of them could stand the other, but their sexual chemistry was undeniable.

    Joshua stood like a giant obstacle between them,plicating everything with their tangled history. They weren''t friends, nor could they go through a casual friends-with-benefits arrangement without feeling awkward. The situation was tooplicated, leaving her unsure of how to proceed.

    Caden didn''t see the point in arguing with her.

    I leaned back slightly and ordered, ¡°Feed me.¡±

    Alice paused, feeling that escape was not an option. Gathering her resolve, she finally took a sip of the pear soup.

    Just as he leaned towards her, her lips trembled and the soup slid down her throat.

    In the end, he gave up. ¡°I can¡¯t do this.¡±

    Caden showed no signs of concern. ¡°Why are you so nervous? ¡°You weren¡¯t this shy when you were on top of me before.¡±

    Alice''s eyes widened in disbelief. "That''spletely different! I was acting like that because I was drunk."

    ¡°You''re not drunk now. Your self-control should be intact. That means you shouldn¡¯t feel nervous.¡± She didn''t answer.

    ¡°Is it because of ack of confidence?¡± He leaned closer to her as he spoke. ¡°Are you worried that you¡¯ll lose control and repeat your previous actions?¡±

    "Don''t get ahead of yourself!" she argued.

    Caden scoffed. ¡°So what''s holding you back?¡±

    Alice was momentarily speechless. After a brief internal battle, she finally asked, ¡°If I feed you, will you give me what I want?¡±

    "Yes," he replied simply.

    Alice took a deep breath to calm herself.

    "Close your eyes," he ordered.

    Caden''s gaze lingered on her glossy lips.

    Even from this close, I couldn''t see a single imperfection on her skin.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    I felt an undeniable attraction towards her.

    "Shouldn''t you be the one closing your eyes? Then you can pretend I''m Joshua."

    Alice felt a surge of frustration. ¡°Do you want the soup or not?¡± He was such a chatterbox!

    After that, Caden closed his eyes.

    Alice calmed down, took a sip of her soup, and leaned closer to him.

    Feeding him this way was much more difficult than kissing him.

    Fortunately, Caden was amodating.

    When their lips met, he opened his mouth, making it easier for her to feed him the soup.

    She ate too much soup on her first try, revealing herck of experience.

    Neither of them could contain it, and a good amount spilled out.

    Caden used his tongue to scoop up the soup.

    Alicia put it in her mouth and, being so close, their tongues inevitably brushed.

    The sweet taste of the pear broth was delicious. I expected the heat in her mouth to be unpleasant.

    Instead, it turned out to be surprisingly intoxicating.

    She pressed her lips together and swallowed.

    When their tongues parted, Alice instinctively licked the juice from the corner of her lips. She even wiped a smear from his chin.

    Caden''s body tensed at her unexpected action.

    Realizing what she had just done, Alice suddenly froze. ¡°I didn''t mean to¡­¡± she stammered. ¡°I just didn''t want to waste it.¡±

    Caden looked at her more intensely.

    He could feel his desire starting to overwhelm him.

    "You haven''t quite perfected the game of ying hard to get, but you''ve definitely be more adept at the art of seduction."

    Alice felt her cheeks heat up. ¡°No, I¡­¡±

    She wasn''t trying to seduce him at all.

    Caden gritted his teeth, fighting to control his growing desire. ¡°Keep going.¡±

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 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice understood that if this continued, something was bound to happen.

    Caden''s eyes were already brimming with desire.

    It seemed that his instincts had been disturbingly correct.

    After giving her thest spoonful of soup, desperately clinging to herst shred of rity, she tried to escape, but he quickly pinned her against the chair.

    He pressed his chest against hers and kissed her with authority.

    Then he grabbed her chin.

    Soon, his tongue invaded her mouth.

    Alice began to hesitate.

    During sex, Caden was apletely different man.

    He was usually impably dressed. He projected an air of refinement and restraint. Aside from his asionally aloof demeanor, he was never aggressive.

    But when lust took hold of him, he transformed into a voracious predator.

    And right now, he was savoring every inch of her.

    I wanted to enjoy every part of her body.

    Feeling his kiss move down, Alice opened her eyes and saw the ceiling. Her vision became blurry.

    His strong arms wrapped around her.

    He hugged his tighter.

    She squirmed in his arms. His slender legs iled, heightening his sense of vulnerability. Caden slid his hand beneath her clothes, exploring her curves with a careful but eager touch.

    Alice gasped in surprise, clutching his muscr arm.

    ¡°Caden, you¡­¡±

    Everything went back to chaos.

    Everything ended in chaos.

    Caden was infuriating. He shouldn''t be doing this to her.

    He silenced her with a kiss. His voice was rough when he said, ¡°You don''t want this?¡±

    Alicia almost melted under the intensity of her gaze.

    "You''ve been nning it from the beginning. So why bother asking me to cook?"

    He wanted her, but he had previously ridiculed her for buying condoms.

    He had acted superior then, but now he craved more.

    Keep dreaming!

    Caden replied, ¡°I never wanted your body to be part of our arrangement. Asking you to cook for me is the reward I seek. ¡°What¡¯s happening now is simply the natural attraction between a man and a woman.¡±

    Alice was surprised.

    I didn''t expect him to say something like that. In the business world, he was always firm and ruthless. He wasn''t one to take feelings into ount.

    They had been at odds for so long, each eager to outdo the other, and yet here he was, speaking out. It was she who had underestimated it all.

    He muttered, "I didn''t see it that way at first."

    If it had been anyone else pressing her, she would not have agreed to go up.

    But it was Caden.

    She weighed the pros and cons. Putting the transaction aside, she had to admit that she was a little attracted to her body.

    When it came to having sex, wasn''t it ultimately about having fun?

    Caden kept his promise.

    He had said he wouldn''t pressure her, and his demeanor was noticeably more restrained.

    He waited patiently for her to give her consent.

    In broad daylight, without the influence of alcohol or drugs, she felt unable to act freely. Too many worries held her back. As Caden skillfully unbuttoned her blouse, she hesitated for a moment.

    Alice suddenly remembered and covered her almost exposed skin. ¡°Last time, you said that if this happened a third time, what would you do?¡±

    Caden looked up.

    His eyes were slightly red.

    "If there is a third time, there will be many more after that, and it will be up to me," he said.

    Alicia''s heart raced and she felt her waist weaken.

    He asked, ¡°Why me?¡± Aren¡¯t there many beautiful women interested in you?¡±

    Caden swallowed hard, moistening his dry throat.

    Despite his longing, he could not reveal the truth.

    She wouldn''t admit that her body was only reacting to her.

    If she found out, she would take advantage of him.

    ¡°Because we¡¯re morepatible,¡± Caden reasoned.

    Alice was speechless.

    Before she could respond, Caden pressed her face into his neck.

    When he spoke, his voice was more authoritative than inviting. ¡°Alicia, is it going to be a yes or no for sex?¡±

    His forceful words and husky voice were almost impossible to resist.

    Alice pressed her lips together, fighting her feelings.

    I couldn''t make a decision.

    She felt an undeniable attraction towards him, but Caden''s previous words remained in her mind, making her doubt.

    After this moment, he would have the final say in their interactions.

    Was she really letting him dictate the terms?

    Caden could feel Alicia''s inner conflict as she licked her lip.

    I was expecting this to happen.

    Knowing Alice''s personality, he understood that once they got into a tug-of-war, she wouldn''t give in easily.

    However, this challenge intrigued him.

    Watching her cry beneath him was satisfying, but hearing her beg even more¡­

    Caden abruptly stopped his thoughts, afraid of losing control.

    So I stopped teasing her.

    But now that they had reached this point, it felt appropriate to take action.

    Caden took a shaky breath. ¡°When are you nning on returning to the Yates mansion?¡±

    "I suppose I shall be gone before dinner," answered Alice, in a voice void of warmth.

    "There is still plenty of time," he said.

    Alice felt confused by his insinuation.

    Before she could process her thoughts, Caden raised his hand and ced his index and middle fingers on her lips.

    "Kiss them," he ordered.

    Alice''s mind raced. "Do you want me to kiss your fingers?"N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    "That''s right," she whispered.

    I understand that you are seeking help to improve the consistency and quality of your writing. However, the content you have provided is explicit in nature.

    I would be happy to assist you with overall writing improvements, ensuring that the text maintains a respectful and thoughtful tone while improving fluency and rity.

    If you have any specific adjustments you''d like to make or would prefer help with a different type of content, feel free to share and I''d be happy to help!

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 Chapter 88

    Chapter 88:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Now, Alice was at her breaking point.

    It was bing increasingly difficult for him to think clearly.

    Despite everything, he was still able to maintain consciousness.

    ¡°You don''t have to do that. I didn''t do anything to make you feel good. ¡°You did it all,¡± he stammered.

    Caden chuckled softly, his voice muffled against her.

    ¡°I appreciate you caring about me,¡± he said, pulling her close and inhaling deeply the scent of her hair. Alice felt paralyzed and too nervous to respond.

    Caden then asked, ¡°Do you hate him?¡±

    Although the question was casual, his gaze burned with intensity.

    It was like he wouldn''t let her say yes, but he didn''t seem worried if she did.

    Alice found herself unable to lie, but she didn''t dare admit the truth either, so she looked away to concentrate on something else.

    Caden took the opportunity to insist.

    "If the answer is no, then think of me when you can''t sleep."

    Think about him while doing what?

    They both understood the implication.

    However, they did not dare to say it out loud.

    Alicia felt a wave of shame wash over her.

    "Be quiet."Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    Once they were done, she didn''t dare look at Caden and quickly found an excuse to head to the bathroom.

    Caden leaned back in his chair, searching for a moment of respite.

    He wasn''t in the habit of smoking, so there were no cigarettes in the house. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to rx as he waited for his heartbeat to steady. His shirt was half unbuttoned, revealing a sheen of sweat on his muscled chest, which rose and fell with each breath.

    After an eternity, Alice slowly emerged from the bathroom.

    He stood a few feet away, trying to act as if nothing had happened.

    "Where is what I asked you for?"

    Caden slowly opened his eyes.

    He looked deeply into her eyes before walking towards his desk.

    Alice followed closely behind him.

    He ced himself on the edge of the desk.

    After leaning on him to steady her shaky legs and slightly trembling waist, she tried to find her bnce.

    Caden handed him the remaining third of the documents. Then he pulled a sealed envelope out of the drawer.

    ¡°There are some photographs inside this envelope,¡± he exined, tapping the envelope. ¡°Randolph doesn''t want anyone to see them. They¡¯re of no use to me, but they might be of value to you.¡±

    Alice looked at her hand for a moment.

    His hands were clean, with defined, slender fingers.

    It was impossible to know what unpleasant things they had done just moments ago.

    Caden noticed her gaze and smirked. ¡°What''s on your mind? Do you want to do it again?¡±

    Alice covered her mouth and coughed softly.

    Then she discreetly epted the envelope from him. ¡°I didn''t mean it like that. I was just curious. Why are you going to all this trouble?¡±

    Last time, even though she had been drunk, she hadn''t held back. If he had really gone too far with her, she wouldn''t say he was forcing himself on her.

    As for now, she had verbally rejected him, but her body had told a different story.

    What could he have done if he had been firm? From a man''s perspective, I thought that Caden had no need to pretend to be a gentleman.

    Caden bluntly stated, ¡°We can continue now if you want.¡±

    She shook her head vigorously.

    There was no need for that at all.

    Holding the envelope, he hesitated whether to leave.

    "If you have something on your mind, say it," he told her.

    Alicia leaned in slightly and whispered, ¡°Caden, do you have some kind of secret illness?¡±

    Caden was momentarily speechless.

    Then he pursed his lips and replied nonchntly, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    Alice was stunned.

    "What the hell?" he has eximed to himself.

    "What''s wrong?" I have asked.

    Caden let out a snort as he nced at his ¡°priest.¡± ¡°Why don''t you guess?¡±

    Alice''s mind was buzzing with all sorts of wild ideas. The more she thought about it, the more oundish her thoughts became.

    ¡°Well, take care of yourself,¡± he said.

    Alice could feel the intensity of his gaze. It was like if he wanted to eat her alive. Deciding that it was best to leave quickly, she turned to leave.

    Caden watched her retreating figure, slowly leaning back in his chair.

    Would he really give up the chance to sleep with her again?

    No, of course not.

    However, he was in no hurry. He could wait for the right moment.

    By then, his prey would be even more tempting.

    As Alice opened the door to leave, a thought crossed her mind, and she turned to him.

    ¡°Do you need me to take out the trash in the kitchen?¡± I have asked.

    Caden was momentarily taken back.

    "No?" Alice replied indifferently.

    Caden was speechless.

    Meanwhile, Jerald was at the Yates mansion. He now required several meals throughout the day, including one at four in the afternoon. When he was awake, Shelia personally saw to his daily needs, eager to gain his favor.

    Bringing his food into the studio, she said, ¡°Take a break, Jerald. You''ve just recovered. Don''t exhaust yourself. Let Joshua handle these chores.¡±

    Jerald snorted.

    He didn''t want Joshua to take on too much responsibility, so he insisted on working even when he was sick.

    ¡°Leave it and go away,¡± he said, irritated by her insistence.

    Shelia understood his temperament. He was used to being a macho man and carried insecurities from his past as a live-in son-inw, which made him quite patriarchal.

    I knew that saying too much would only provoke his anger.

    With that idea in mind, I opened the door and walked out.

    As she left, Shelia remembered Jerald''s medication schedule. Worry gnawed at her, prompting her to open the medicine cab and shake the bottle.

    To his dismay, only a small amount of medicine remained.

    This particr medicine was effective, but it was not easy to obtain through ordinary means; only Caden had the resources to acquire it.

    Jerald always assumed it was Joshua who was giving him the medicine.

    Shelia preferred to let Joshua receive the credit for such a thoughtful act. She had no intention of revealing Caden''s capabilities to Jerald.

    In his effort to maintain the facade, he resorted to purchasing counterfeit drugs, passing them off as the genuine article.

    Since the effects were simr, he believed Jerald wouldn''t notice any discrepancies.

    In the worst case, you may experience a slightly slower recovery.

    Just as Shelia was mixing the real medication with the counterfeit one, she heard Joshua''s voice calling her from behind.

    "Mom, what are you doing?"

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 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    She''s heart skipped a beat, started by the sudden noise behind her.

    Instinctively, she turned around, clutching the medicine bottle tightly to her back. When her eyesnded on Joshua, she felt relieved. After a quick nce to confirm they were alone, she muttered, ¡°I¡¯m just going to get some medicine for Jerald.¡±

    Joshua''s gaze fell on the jar she was trying to hide.

    Then he noticed her restless and tense expression.

    It was clear that something was not right.

    I have frowned. ¡°So what¡¯s all the secrecy about?¡± Without hesitation, he picked up the bottle and turned it over in his hands to examine it closely.

    She''s voice dropped to a whisper. "Actually, I was going to ask you if you had any contacts to get more of this medicine."

    Joshua squinted at thebel. He wasn''t well versed in pharmaceuticals, but the name of the drug sounded familiar.

    Was it weird? I wasn''t sure.

    What I did know was that it cost a small fortune and was certainly not covered by insurance.

    Her interest wanted. ¡°Didn¡¯t Caden buy this already?¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± She nodded, her eyes narrowed. ¡°And that''s the point. Why let him take all the credit when we can get it ourselves? Besides, this stuff works fine, but we¡¯re running out of it.¡±

    Joshua raised an eyebrow. ¡°Aren¡¯t there still many left in the box?¡±

    She hesitated, then leaned closer. ¡°They¡¯re fake.¡±

    Lowering his voice even further, he continued, ¡°I was worried we would run out, so I bought some counterfeit ones as a backup.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Joshua felt his stomach churn. ¡°Do you realize how dangerous this can be? What if something goes wrong?¡±

    It wasn''t Jerald''s possible death that worried him, but the idea of ??being held responsible.

    As he moved to throw away the fake drugs, She grabbed his arm. ¡°You''re exaggerating,¡± she protested. ¡°I know people who work in the factory where they make them. They replicate big-name drugs all the time. The knockoffs may not be as effective, but no one has ever died from them. They¡¯re not dirt-cheap either ¨C I paid a pretty penny for them. Throwing them away would be a waste.¡±

    But Joshua shook his head. "No. ¡°They have to go.¡±

    She pursed her lips in frustration. ¡°And if Jerald doesn''t take them, then what? Are you just going to let Caden swoop in with the real ones and y the hero?¡±

    "He''s the eldest. Isn''t it his responsibility?"

    ¡°Sure, but who stood by Jerald when he needed help? You. And everyone remembers that. Do you really want to let Caden steal your thunder thiste in the game?¡±

    Joshua paused, his words working their way through his mind.

    She hadn''t stayed by Jerald''s hospital bed out of worry ¨C she''d been calcting.

    If Jerald died, he wanted to make sure the will left him in a secure position.

    If Jerald lived, then ying the loyal son could leave asting impression.

    And with Caden at odds with Jerald, this was his chance to step up.

    ¡°Okay. I''ll think of something. But don¡¯t give him the fake meds yet.¡± Joshua took a quick photo of the bottle for future reference.

    "By the way, where is Alice? I didn''t see her when I came back."

    She snorted, irritated. ¡°She went out to get a facial or something. ¡°How much money did you give her?¡±

    Joshua was in no mood to argue.

    ¡°Stay out of our business,¡± he hissed. ¡°If Lilliana finds out about this, you know what will happen.¡±

    With that, he pulled out his phone and walked away, dialing Alicia''s number.

    Alicia had just left Monica''s house, where she had safely tucked away the photos Caden had sent her. When she picked up the phone, her voice was light and casual.

    "What''s happening?"

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you home yet?¡± Joshua''s tone was impatient.

    ¡°I''m just on my way back,¡± she replied simply, almost wanting to end the call. But then she remembered the role she had to y and quickly added, ¡°I just left Monica¡¯s house.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay. I got off work early today anyway,¡± Joshua said, a slight urgency in his words. ¡°Come home soon. ¡°Let¡¯s spend some time together.¡±

    Alicia hesitated, surprised by his sudden request. Even through the phone, she could sense the frustration hiding beneath his smooth facade.

    "I''m still on my period," she replied, trying to keep a neutral tone.

    Joshua chuckled. ¡°You think I just want to see you for sex? We were married for two years. Did I ever do anything to you then?¡±

    His words only increased the disgust that was boiling inside her. The irony was not lost on her: when she wanted his attention, he was with Lilliana.

    Now that she wanted nothing to do with him, he was suddenly present, persistent, if anything.

    But Alice knew that wasn''t the case. Whatever was bound to happen would happen.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be right back,¡± he said in a firm voice.

    ¡°Great,¡± Joshua murmured, as if mollified. ¡°I''ve missed your cooking. ¡°I haven¡¯t done it in a while.¡±

    Alice almostughed. Cooking? Again?

    He and Caden were actually brothers¡ªthey both treated her like some sort of servant.

    ¡°I should have invited you to join us sooner,¡± he joked sarcastically.

    ¡°What?¡± Joshua sounded confused.

    He cleared his throat and quickly disguised himself. ¡°Nothing, I just had dinner with Monica.¡±

    As soon as the call ended, Alice shook her head, half amused, half annoyed. If it was cooking that he wanted, she would do it, for the moment. It was better than the alternative. After all, thest thing she wanted from him was sex.

    With a new n in mind, I turned to Monica''s door.

    "Monica, do you still have the medicine you mentioned?"

    Monica and agreed to get a small vial. ¡°Yes, you should have him take it now. ¡°It takes a few days to really take effect.¡±Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    ¡°Perfect,¡± Alice murmured, a macabre smile on her lips.

    He picked up the bottle and put it in his pocket.

    Joshua wanted his food? He''d get it, okay.

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 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    The ampoule contained a drug that could cause loss of appetite, drowsiness and, above all, a significant decrease in sexual desire.

    ¡°This is an improved version developed by my mentor,¡± Monica exined with a knowing smile. ¡°It''s designed for patients who have¡­ difficulties controlling themselves. The side effects are mild, but it works like a charm. And the best part? It¡¯s almost impossible to detect.¡±

    Alice was curious. ¡°Patients? Do people really struggle to control their sexual impulses?¡±

    Monica, well versed in the oddities of human behavior, shrugged as if it were nothing out of the ordinary. ¡°You wouldn''t believe how many weird things there are out there. It''s hard to keep up. My mentor and I have been researching these topics, and we¡¯ve made impressive progress over the past two years.¡±

    Alice was both impressed and a little embarrassed. ¡°You¡¯ve worked so hard, and here I am using your work for¡­ less noble purposes.¡±

    Monicaughed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. ¡°Oh, don''t worry. Doing justice to assholes like Joshua is as noble a pursuit as ever. Honestly, I wish I could whip up a pill that would turn him into a patheticpdog. Then, when you''re in a bad mood, you could kick him, and when you''re feeling generous, you could feed him shit.¡±

    Alice couldn''t help butugh, the image disturbing but strangely satisfying.

    Being with Monica was a very nice escape, but he couldn''t afford to waste time. He sighed, painfully aware that time was running out.

    Monica realized that he was hesitant to leave. ¡°Stop acting like you miss me so much. ¡°If you really did, you¡¯d think about me more often.¡±

    Alice smiled weakly. ¡°I''ve been busy today. ¡°I didn¡¯t avoid you on purpose, you silly thing.¡±

    Monica raised an eyebrow. ¡°Busy with what exactly? ¡°You¡¯ve been tied up all day.¡±

    Monica''s question immediately brought Caden to the forefront of Alicia''s mind. Their previous encounter reyed itself in vivid detail: how he had done unspeakable things to her.

    It wasn''t something she could easily forget, and just thinking about it made her cheeks blush.

    Monica noticed the change immediately and her curiosity was piqued. ¡°Oh-ho! Look at you. Who made you blush like that? Did some handsome rogue steal your heart?¡±

    Alice tried to cover it up, fanning her flushed cheeks. ¡°It''s nothing like that! ¡°I just had a lot of errands to run.¡±Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    ¡°Errands, huh? What kind of errand would make you turn red like a tomato?¡± Monica scoffed, her suspicions growing. She leaned forward with a knowing smile. ¡°Come on, tell me. Who''s the lucky one? I¡¯ve never seen you so¡­¡±

    "So horny? Not even with Joshua."

    Alicia gasped, surprised by thement. ¡°Horny¡±? What the hell are you talking about? ¡°I¡¯m not horny.¡± She quickly rubbed her cheeks, as if that would erase the telltale blush.

    Monica crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow in disbelief, like a parent who catches her child in a lie.

    Feeling cornered, Alicia finally slowed down, her voice defensive. ¡°After I split up with Rachel, I met up with Caden. He told me he had something I wanted, and things got a little heated. That¡¯s why I¡¯mte.¡±

    Monica''s sharp gaze softened noticeably when Caden''s name slipped into the conversation. ¡°So, it was Caden who held you up?¡± she asked, lightening her tone.

    Alice''s heart fluttered unsteadily, beating in time with the sudden nervousness gripping her chest. "Yes," she squeaked guiltily.

    Monica leaned over to her, her tone concerned. ¡°Did he give you a hard time?¡±

    Alicia caught the change in Monica''s demeanor the moment she mentioned Caden. It was as if his name alone had the power to dispel Monica''s previous suspicions.

    How extraordinary, I thought. Almost too convenient.

    "He wasn''t exactly cruel," Alice admitted, "but he didn''t make things easy for me either."

    Monica let out a long sigh, her tension disappearing. ¡°That exins everything. ¡°You were so weird I thought you had fallen in love with an idiot again.¡±

    Alicia was speechless, but now that Monica had stopped teasing her, she felt relieved.

    Something about Monica''s reaction piqued his curiosity, though. "You didn''t suspect anything about Caden?" he asked cautiously.

    Monica blinked, her lips twitching in amusement. ¡°Suspected of what? Of having an affair with you?¡± Alicia agreed.

    Monicaughed out loud, the sound ringing with genuine disbelief. ¡°You and Caden? That''s like me dating Joshua. What would you think of that?¡±

    Alice grimaced internally.

    What a horribleparison.

    After parting ways with Monica, Alicia found herself on Sunset Road, picking up one of Joshua''s favorite snacks. All the while, her mind was buzzing with conflicting thoughts.

    When he returned to the Yates mansion, he discreetly crushed the medicine he had brought and mixed it into the sandwich before presenting it to her.

    Joshua''s brow furrowed in disgust as his eyes fell on the takeout. ¡°Didn¡¯t I just say I was craving your food?¡±

    Alice kept her voice even as she replied, ¡°Cooking takes time, you know. Have some of this while I prepare something.¡±

    The tension in Joshua''s posture rxed slightly.

    He had always been a picky eater, rarely finding food that satisfied him, and few people remembered his specific tastes, but Alice did. She always had.

    It was the same as before.

    Joshua''s gaze lingered on her and his voice softened. ¡°Sunset Road is more than forty minutes away. Did you get a taxi?¡±

    Alice vaguely nodded. ¡°Yes,¡± she said, not wanting to dwell on the details. She didn''t want to dwell any further on their tense dynamic than necessary.

    Unexpectedly, Joshua stepped forward and put his arms around her, pulling her close. ¡°Thank you. You still care about me a lot. After our divorce, I even began to doubt that you really loved me. It seems I was thinking too much.¡±

    Alice remained silent, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes.

    He thought bitterly, "Overthinking? No. I just needed you close enough to drug myself with your food.

    The feel of his body pressed against hers made her skin crawl, and she instinctively tried to push him away. But Joshua only tightened his grip, refusing to let go.

    Memories of their two years of marriage flitted through her mind like unwee ghosts. He had always been busy, under pressure, and his demands, especially in the bedroom, had been relentless. At first, he had tried constantly to seduce her, but her shyness and awkwardness had only fueled his frustration.

    At the end, he gave in and left her untouched. And then came Lilliana, who was bold, daring, and more than willing to satisfy his needs.

    Lilliana was everything Alicia was not: exciting, self-assured, and skilled in the art of seduction.

    But even the sexiest of women lost their appeal over time. Now that Lilliana was pregnant, she had be insufferably arrogant and unpredictable, adding more stress than excitement to her life.

    Now he desired the same Alice he had previously found repugnant.

    Men like him always grew tired of their own decisions, endlessly chasing the next fleeting thrill.

    Alicia''s stomach turned at Joshua''s familiar, disgusting smell, so she subtly held her breath. "I can''t cook like this," she muttered.

    Joshua, ignoring her protest, buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply.

    ¡°There''s no hurry to eat,¡± she whispered.

    At that moment, the sound of footstepsing down the stairs made them stop.

    Shelia appeared in the doorway, her eyes narrowed at the scene. ¡°What are you doing?¡± she asked, her voice full of disdain.

    Joshua reluctantly released Alicia, frowning.

    Shelia''s gaze moved from one to the other, settling on Alicia with a sneer. "Are you really that horny?" she mocked.

    "Can''t you at least wait until you get out of the kitchen?"

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice frowned.

    Joshua was used to Shelia''s sharp tongue and knew that she disapproved of Alicia. Not wanting to upset Shelia, he pretended not to hear and left the kitchen.

    The more Shelia thought about it, the more frustrated she became. Pointing her finger at Alicia, she yelled, ¡°All you do is waste money! You contribute nothing to this family and you have no manners. Can''t you see that Joshua is exhausted? ¡°Jesus, he can barely catch his breath!¡±

    Alicia had heard enough and turned to look at Shelia. She looked at Joshua, who was eating calmly as if nothing was happening.

    He had been very insistent before, practically throwing himself at her, but now he pretended that none of that had happened.

    He never cared about her feelings or what she had been through.

    It was always like that.

    Nothing had changed, not even now.

    A few days ago, when Joshua hadn''t realized she was on her period, he''d wanted to sleep with her so badly that he''d argued with Shelia just to get the chance. But now that he knew there wasn''t a chance, he didn''t even care enough to intervene.

    Alicia never expected Joshua to intervene on her behalf, but that didn''t mean she let Shelia walk all over her.

    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Shelia growled. ¡°You live here, you depend on us, and I can''t even tell you what I think?¡±

    Alicia struggled to contain her emotions.

    He was in no position to start a direct confrontation with Shelia, not in the situation he found himself in.

    Keeping his voice level, he asked calmly, ¡°Mrs. Yates, do we have any herbal supplements for the soup? ¡°The best, most nutritious ones?¡±

    Shelia looked at her suspiciously. ¡°What do you need them for?¡±

    ¡°To make soup for Joshua, of course,¡± Alice replied with a pleasant smile. ¡°After all, he just hugged me and you said I was weak. ¡°We should take it seriously, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Shelia immediately picked up on the sarcasm in Alicia''s tone. Her eyes widened. ¡°What kind of nonsense are you spouting? Joshua is only twenty years old. There¡¯s no way he¡¯s weak.¡±

    Alice looked forlorn. ¡°But Mrs. Yates, you were the one who said it first. You said you could hardly catch your breath, didn''t you?¡±

    Shelia was momentarily speechless.

    Joshua, for his part, began to sense that something was not right.

    Although Alice''s behavior seemed kind and harmless, her words disturbed him.

    ¡°Enough, both of you,¡± Joshua said firmly. ¡°I just want to eat in peace.¡±

    Alice grimaced internally.

    ¡°Fuck you!¡± he grew up to himself.

    She had been willing to put up with anything, even preparing a meal to keep calm.

    But now, the idea of ??cooking disgusted him.

    Shelia was sitting next to Joshua. He wasted no time in badmouthing her. ¡°I told you not to bring her, but you wouldn''t listen. She¡¯s nothing but trouble.¡±

    Shelia''s tone sharpened. ¡°How much did she spend on that beauty treatment today? She wasted so much money in just one day. ¡°Can you afford to keep her by your side?¡±

    Alicia didn''t pay attention to Shelia''sments.

    He opened the refrigerator, took out the most expensive herbs he could find, and ced them in the most expensive container he could find.

    At first nce, it looked like he was diligently preparing a meal.

    When Joshua finished eating, he went up with Shelia to visit Jerald.

    Knowing that Georgia would be arriving soon to take over the kitchen, Alice turned her attention to the fish tank in the living room.

    I have pulled out one of the prized fish. It was a rare breed that Shelia adored.

    It was an expensive and delicate fish that required constant care.

    Without thinking twice, Alice picked him up and dropped him into a pot of cold water, where he swam happily, not knowing what awaited him.

    Georgia soon arrived to help.

    When she saw the untouched vegetables, she rolled her eyes in frustration. ¡°You guys are so slow. When are we supposed to eat?¡±

    Alice calmly replied, ¡°I was waiting for you to cook.¡±

    "Me?" Georgia''s tone turned sharp now that no one else was around. ¡°Get real. I didn''t respect you even when you were Mrs. Yates. Now that you''re just ady, you''d better get your act together and do your part to avoid being told off.¡±

    Alicia gave a slight smile.

    Georgia walked over and removed the lid from the pot. ¡°What''s cooking here?¡±

    The moment she lifted the lid, the fish inside jumped out, sshing water all over Georgia''s face.

    Startled, her hand slipped and knocked over the pot.

    The expensive pot fell to the ground with a crash, breaking into pieces.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    While Georgia stood frozen, Alice picked up the fish and put it back in the tank.

    Shelia, hearing themotion, rushed down the stairs. ¡°What''s going on? What happened?¡±

    By the time recovered Georgia, she saw Alice crouching down, calmly picking up the broken pieces.

    Before Georgia could exin, Alicia spoke up. ¡°Mrs. Yates, please don''t be angry with Georgia. She''s getting older and her eyesight isn''t what it used to be. That¡¯s why she identally broke it.¡±

    Georgia''s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°No, Mrs. Yates, that¡¯s not what happened¡­¡±

    But when Shelia came closer and saw the smashed pot, her face turned pale and she looked like she was going to faint. Shelia had paid tens of thousands of dors for that pot. And now it was ruined.

    Georgia screamed, "Alice, how could you use me like that? You scared me."

    Alice acted as if she didn''t notice. "Did I scare you? How? Weren''t you the one who knocked over the pot?"

    Georgia knew Alicia was right. She had overturned her, and now guilt silenced her.

    Shelia noticed Georgia''s hesitation and asked sternly, "So, was it really you who broke it?"

    "Mrs. Yates, it''s not what you think..." Georgia began to protest.

    Without warning, Shelia pped him.

    "Fantastic! The cost wille directly from your sry."

    Georgia clutched her cheek, silently seeing, her gaze filled with hatred toward Alicia.

    Alice, however, showed no emotion. After calmly cleaning up the broken pieces, she left the kitchen without a word.

    In the hallway, Joshua approached her.

    He noticed that he had a small cut on his finger, from which blood was slowly running.

    Alice took a handkerchief and put it on the wound. ¡°I''m hurt, so I guess I can''t cook.¡±

    Joshua had been watching the whole scene.

    He looked at her intently with an unwavering gaze.

    "You''ve changed a lot since the divorce."

    .

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 Chapter 92

    Chapter 92:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia kept her face expressionless and got straight to the point. ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m the one who should be getting med in the kitchen right now?¡±

    His abruptness caught Joshua off guard.

    No retort urred to him, because he knew things had changed between them and he no longer feltfortable speaking harshly to her.

    Georgia has been with my mother for years. She''s practically part of the family, so she has her moments. You''re younger, what''s wrong with giving her a break?

    Alice absentmindedly touched her wound, showing no reaction.

    She remained silent.

    Joshua sighed and led her into the living room, pulling out a band-aid to gently dress her wound.

    ¡°Before, when I brought you here, didn''t you work non-stop from morning to night just to make a good impression? It''s just one meal. How tiring can it be?¡±

    Alicia pulled her hand away from his. ¡°I never said I wouldn''t cook.¡±

    "You made the pot break on purpose. Isn''t that your way of making a statement?"

    Alice didn''t know what to answer.

    "It was Georgia who broke it," he finally said.

    Joshua was convinced that he was just ming someone else.

    ¡°But in the end, it''s still your fault,¡± he replied. ¡°You already have a special position here. I''m not around much. Can¡¯t you tolerate a little more to make things easier for me?¡±

    Alice didn''t say anything else at that moment.

    A moment ago she had been furious, but as Joshua continued with his absurdments, a strange calm took hold of her.

    At some point I had stopped having feelings for Joshua.

    No matter what he said or said, he no longer aroused any emotion in her.

    This is what indifference felt like.

    ¡°You can''t stand to see me idle, can you?¡± he said tly. ¡°Okay. I''ll go help Georgia. ¡°If my blood ends up in your food, it¡¯s your problem.¡±

    Joshua frowned. ¡°Alice, there¡¯s no need to be sarcastic.¡±

    Alice remained silent, preferring not to say anything else. If it hadn''t been for some unfinished business, she might have pped him right there.

    The air between them grew tense. Alicia knew Joshua cared too much about appearances to approach her.

    So after taking a shower, he locked the door and pulled out his phone to check the file Caden had sent him. A password was required to open the document. The software only allowed one incorrect attempt before it locked him out permanently.

    Alicia didn''t dare take any chances. After making sure that no one was around, she called Caden. The phone range for a while.

    Just as he was about to hang up, a groggy voice answered, as if he had just woken up from a nap.

    "What''s happening?"

    The tone was almost like a lover''s murmur.

    Maybe because they had been intimate more than once, Alicia''s heart skipped a beat.

    "The file you sent me needs a password. What is it?"

    There was a pause before Caden responded.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    He opened his eyes, realizing that it was already night.

    He didn''t remember exactly when he had fallen asleep.

    All he knew was that both his body and mind feltpletely calm. After Alicia left, he had nned to rest for a while on the couch.

    With the persistent cold and several nights of bad sleep, he fell into a deep, exhausted sleep as soon as he closed his eyes.

    He felt strangely satisfied.

    However, he didn''t understand why he felt good.

    It had been a peaceful, dreamless sleep. It took Caden a few seconds to process his question, and he finally replied, ¡°The password is my birthday.¡±

    Taken by surprise, Alice asked, "And when is that?"

    Caden''s stubbornness red. "Look for yourself."

    Alice sighed in frustration. ¡°Really? ¡°You can¡¯t tell me?¡±

    "No," he replied curtly.

    Alice was speechless again.

    It seemed she would have to find out for herself.

    Since birthdays had multiple digits, Alice wasn''t sure how long the password was or which part to use, so she kept the call connected, in case she needed to ask him anything else.

    She quickly looked up Caden''s personal details on the Inte. "How many digits is the password?" Alice asked over the phone.

    There was a slight rustling sound on the other end of the line, like the sound of fabric rustling.

    Caden''s voice came, apanied by the sound of footsteps. "It''s six digits."

    ¡°But your birthday has eight digits. Don¡¯t I have to include the first two?¡± Alice asked.

    ¡°Correct,¡± I confirmed.

    Alice then carefully entered the password.

    It didn''t take long to unlock the file.

    Alice let out a sigh of relief and was about to hang up when she suddenly heard the unmistakable sound of a zipper being undone at the other end.

    Recognizing him immediately from past encounters with Caden, her heart skipped a beat.

    "What are you doing?" asked Alice, started.

    Surely, it couldn''t be what he was thinking. Could he really be that desperate?

    Caden paused for a moment and asked, ¡°Why? Are you curious?¡±

    Alice''s instincts told her that nothing good coulde of this. She was about to refuse when the clear sound of running water echoed through the phone. She couldn''t understand what he was thinking.

    Caden casually said, ¡°Did you hear that? ¡°I¡¯m pissing.¡±

    Alice cursed him under her breath.

    ¡°I didn''t expect you to be interested in this kind of thing,¡± Caden said, his tone as if he were talking about somethingpletely ordinary.

    It was as if Alice was the one being inappropriate.

    Alice rubbed her forehead, not bothering to reprimand him for his actions.

    Without missing a beat, he replied curtly, ¡°It sounds like your urination has a bifurcation problem. Maybe you should go see a doctor when you can. ¡°Men¡¯s health problems only get worse the longer you ignore them.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 93

    Chapter 93:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden was speechless.

    Momentster, there was a knock on Alice''s door.

    ¡°Alice, why did you lock the door?¡± Joshua asked.

    Her voice was soft, but Caden could still make it out.

    Then he ended his phone call.

    A frown creased Caden''s forehead as he looked at his phone, his mood darkening slightly. He was at the Yates mansion.

    Joshua''s bted visit had clear intentions.

    Caden tried to push away the unsettling feeling, deciding not to focus on such insignificant details.

    Then he washed his hands, disinfected his phone and took a shower.

    Alice, after pausing to calm herself, opened the door.

    "I lock the door every night," he exined calmly.

    Joshua walked in without hesitation.

    I have inspected the room suspiciously, but found nothing out of the ordinary.

    Dismissing his suspicions, hemented, ¡°I thought you were protecting yourself from me.¡±

    Alicia kept her thoughts to herself, but replied, "If I were protecting myself from you, why would I be here at Yates Mansion?"Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    Suddenly, Joshua closed the door and gently held her face, admiring her fresh-out-of-the-bathroom appearance.

    Alice''s face tensed.

    She had thought that her menstrual period would deter him, making her less attractive, a notion he normally adhered to.

    However, his current expression was one of uncertainty. Joshua caressed her face tenderly, examining her features carefully.

    "How long has it been since you got your period?"

    Clenching her jaw, Alice replied curtly, "Three days."

    "Your period is almost here, isn''t it?" she insisted.

    Internally, Alice felt a wave of annoyance.

    ¡°It''s still quite heavy,¡± she replied, with a mixture of defiance and hope of repelling him. ¡°You''d better stop.¡±

    Joshuaughed softly, easing the tension. ¡°I wasn''t nning on pursuing that tonight, but Alicia, remember that there are many ways to make someone happy, and it''s not limited to just one,¡± he joked, softening his words to keep the conversation light but suggestive.

    Alicia felt nauseous thinking about her sexual experience with Lilliana.

    Remembering Joshua''s earlierments about her being boring, she adopted an expression of bewildered ignorance.

    "I don''t know what to say," he admitted.

    Joshua, barely maintaining hisposure, suggested, ¡°You could use your mouth.¡±

    The suggestion filled Alice with revulsion.

    She struggled to mask her disgust as she searched for an excuse.

    "But I don''t know how," he protested.

    ¡°I can teach you. You learn quickly, you''re an outstanding student. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re good at this too,¡± Joshua reassured her, taking her hand and cing it below his belt.

    ¡°I have to leave soon, so please hurry up.¡± His whisper was intimate. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for this moment since our divorce, do you know?¡±

    Alice repeatedly pulled her hand away.

    With Caden, intimacy felt good. With Joshua, it was totally terrifying, and I felt a total aversion.

    As Alicia resisted, Joshua''s frustration grew.

    "What''s the problem? You don''t want to?"

    Alice, clenching her jaw and bowing her head, confessed: "I''m too anxious. I don''t know how to proceed."

    Joshua ceased his instructions.

    He unbuckled his belt and pushed her onto the bed.

    Overwhelmed, Alice began to gag.

    Joshua stepped back in shock.

    His expression turned icy. ¡°What is this reaction causing you, Alice?¡±

    Alice told the first lie that came to her mind. "My period makes me sick, especially when I''m nervous, and I start to vomit."

    Joshua paused, closed his eyes briefly, then released her and stood up.

    At that moment, his phone buzzed.

    Irritated, he was ready to reject the call, but upon seeing Randolph''s name, he moderated his tone and answered.

    Alicia escaped to the bathroom, frantically scrubbing her hands.

    It took him a long time to regain hisposure.

    She took a deep breath, torn between retreat and resistance. She had hoped she could tolerate Joshua''s presence briefly to aplish her goals, but now she doubted she could hold out for another moment.

    After a considerable time, she wiped her face and stepped out, ready to leave. Joshua had just finished the call.

    Then he looked at Alice, with questioning eyes.

    Alice tensed and pressed her lips together as she waited for him to speak.

    Frustrated, Joshua threw the phone aside. ¡°Have you been to see Randolph?¡±

    A pang of anxiety tightened in Alice''s chest.

    She wasn''t sure how much Joshua knew about her encounter with Randolph or what Randolph might have told him.

    However, he realized that honesty was his only viable option at the moment.

    ¡°Randolph? Mrs. Gray¡¯s husband?¡± Her face remainedposed as she replied, ¡°I had the opportunity to apany Mrs. Gray to a party today, and I met him there.¡±

    Joshua continued to scrutinize her intently.

    He had recently learned from Randolph about his actions at the party, which had led Randolph to question his motives. It really wasn''t a big deal.

    She had merely defended Rachel during an unfair fleeting situation.

    However, Randolph was the unwitting focus of their actions.

    The ndestine dealings between Randolph and Joshua, nowplicated by her involvement, made Joshua suspicious.

    ¡°Do you know Rachel?¡± Joshua asked.

    Alicia shook her head. ¡°Not really. ¡°We met for the first time today at the beauty salon and we chatted for a while.¡±

    ¡°How did you end up talking to her? Don¡¯t get involved with the Gray family anymore,¡± Joshua warned. ¡°You''re out of your depth with them.¡±

    Alice smiled. ¡°Why? I just made a new friend. But your concern seems excessive.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 94

    Chapter 94:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Joshua''s train of thought changed abruptly when the question was directed at him.

    I chuckled. ¡°You married me shortly after graduation, and yet you''ve barely had any contact with the elite. Rachel is a socialite. Do you think you can fit into her circle?¡±

    Alice replied calmly: ¡°It is rather strange. Despite my apparent simplicity, she extended her hand to me in order to make friends.¡±

    Joshua''s face darkened even further.

    He asked himself: "Why is Alice acting against my wishes?

    He thenmented: ¡°She¡¯s just being polite. To her, you''re insignificant. Trying to connect with her makes me look stupid.¡±

    Alice, puzzled, asked, ¡°How could that embarrass you? ¡°We are divorced and no one knows about our current rtionship.¡±

    With obvious irritation, Joshua replied, ¡°Just follow my instructions!¡±

    Alicia hid a smile and preferred to remain silent. The atmosphere became tense and Joshuapletely lost interest.

    I have left the room.

    Alicia put on her coat and followed him. It was toote for Joshua to stay. He had to get back to Lilliana.

    Alice said goodbye to him.

    Then I filled a ss with water and gently dropped a pill into it.

    Its taste and appearance were undetectable.

    As he handed her the ss, he whispered, "Be careful not to overindulge."

    In his irritable, patchy state, Joshua drank without a second thought.

    A fleeting look of triumph crossed Alice''s face as her n unfolded sessfully, and she preferred to remain silent.

    Joshua,den with a pile of chores, left quickly. Alicia returned to her bedroom.

    He then carefully examined the document Caden had provided him.

    Joshua''s transaction log for the past three yearsy before her, perfectly intact. A smile of relief spread across her face.

    She was amazed that after so manyplex years, it was Caden who finally lent her a helping hand.

    However, he wondered why he possessed such documents.

    As he was contemting this, his phone range.

    It was Rachel.

    Alicia felt her heart skip a beat when the phone rangte at night.

    He answered the call.

    "Mrs. Gray," he greeted, his voice warm.

    Rachel replied softly, ¡°Are you avable in the next few days? ¡°I¡¯d love to have you over to my house forpany.¡±

    Alice asked, "Is it for a special asion?"

    ¡°Not really,¡± Raquel exined. ¡°I often have friends over for tea and conversation. ¡°I look forward to introducing you as a talented new friend.¡±

    Alice paused for a moment, then reluctantly replied, "I''m sorry, I may have to disappoint you."

    Rachel replied, ¡°You earlier refused Randolph''s offer to take you, and now you are refusing my invitation. Have we upset you in some way, Mrs. Bet?¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Alice quickly assured him. ¡°It''s just that I already have ns.¡±

    "My influence seems too limited then. I suppose I shall need Randolph to extend the invitation personally," Rachel observed, with a lingering smile.

    A wave of anxiety washed over Alice.

    He felt like a knife was pointed at his throat. Rachel''s insistence made him suspect that something was wrong.

    His intuition was screaming at him that attending would bring him problems.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    However, avoiding the meeting might anger Randolph, a situation she preferred to avoid. It would be wiser to act diplomatically.

    Facing adversity might be inevitable, but there was also the possibility of preventing any crisis.

    ¡°Okay, Mrs. Gray,¡± Alice agreed with a forced smile. ¡°Let me know the time and I''ll be there,¡± she confirmed.

    Rachel expressed her relief.

    "Great. I won''t keep you any longer."

    After the call ended, Rachel turned to Randolph with a worried look on her face.

    "You insist on meing. What are you nning?"

    Randolph scoffed. ¡°I have to make things clear to her. I won''t let anyone manipte me. Do you think I¡¯m a wimp?¡±

    Rachel tried to calm him down. ¡°It doesn''t bother you that much, does it? Why don¡¯t you just let it go?¡±

    ¡°Do you think those people are stupid? Everyone is looking at me,¡± Randolph replied.

    Rachel was silent.

    He thought, "If you had been a little more restrained with your ex, none of this would have happened."

    Randolph''s tone turned cold. "If it were anyone else, I''d take it easy. But this is Alicia, Joshua''s ex-wife. She betrayed me and now I''m going to get my revenge through her."

    Raquel, seeing his true anger, decided that it was better not to continue arguing.

    Alice felt a pang of difort.

    He has considered his next steps and decided to call Caden.

    ¡°Do you still have time to talk?¡± Caden asked yfully.

    "Why not?" Alice replied.

    I have remained silent.

    She dove right in. ¡°I have a question about the document you gave me today. Does Randolph know anything about it?¡±

    Caden hesitated before asking, ¡°Is this a good time to talk about it?¡±

    "Why not?"

    "Where is Joshua?"

    Alicia paused, realizing that Caden hadn''t understood. ¡°I didn''t sleep with him,¡± she quickly corrected.

    After rifying, she felt a wave of guilt and covered her mouth.

    Why did he justify himself to him?

    Cadenughed softly. ¡°Okay.¡±

    Alice''s anxiety increased. She pulled herself together and pressed: "Now, please answer my question."

    Caden replied indifferently, ¡°He doesn''t know anything.¡±

    "So why did Rachel invite me to her house so suddenly?" Alice expressed her fears. "I feel like it''s a trap, like walking into the lion''s den."

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 Chapter 95

    Chapter 95:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden questioned her, ¡°Are you afraid of him?¡±

    Alice did not deny her fear. ¡°Randolph is not a good man. ¡°Many people fear him.¡±

    In her vulnerable state, it seemed like anyone could take advantage of her.

    His ability to resist was not yet strong.

    Caden, speaking calmly, said, ¡°You''re terrified just thinking about meeting them. Do you really think you can help Joshua with his problems?¡±

    Alice was shocked, having momentarily forgotten her made-up story.

    I have hesitated. ¡°Courage is not constant, it varies ording to circumstances.¡±

    Cadenughed knowingly. ¡°So fear has gotten the better of you now.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Alicia admitted, trying to keep herposure. ¡°Fear isn''t permanent. ¡°You might get over it soon,¡± Caden assured her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Randolph isn¡¯t going to eat you.¡±

    Alice remained silent.

    They both remained silent, but the call continued.

    Alicia sensed that there was an unresolved issue, but she was having trouble articting it.

    Caden also remained silent.

    Finally Alice broke the silence. ¡°What''s all the silence about?¡±

    Caden, losing his patience, bluntly dered, "I''m waiting for you to beg me."

    She paused, surprised. ¡°Who said I was going to beg?¡±

    ¡°You''re hesitant because you need my support at the Grays'', right?¡± Caden pointed out sharply. ¡°Randolph might be aware of something, so he poses a threat. You¡¯re looking for protection, right?¡±

    Alice replied defiantly, ¡°It was you who informed me about him. ¡°If he seeks revenge, you can¡¯t just walk away.¡±

    Cadenughed at the seriousness. To him, Randolph was irrelevant. ¡°Yes, he is a dangerous man. I ampletely petrified,¡± he said sarcastically.

    Alicia stood there speechless, her anxiety palpable as she thrashed around in the sheet. Caden had hit the target with precision.

    Alice was speechless.

    Caden kindly offered, ¡°Should I ask Joshua to apany you?¡±

    Alice quickly intervened: ¡°No!¡±

    "Why not? What''s wrong with me seeing your efforts?"

    "I want it to be a surprise. He doesn''t have to know yet."

    Caden sneered softly, ¡°How touching.¡±

    Embarrassed, Alice felt the conversation had to end. Why did she call him? She knew he wouldn''t just offer to help.

    "I''m going to hang up," he muttered.

    Unbeknownst to Caden, his tone sounded charming.

    Caden''s hearing seemed momentarily dulled.

    He grabbed a bottle of strong wine from the bar counter and drank it quickly.

    The alcohol burned his throat and ignited a heat in his heart.

    He was unable to stifle the inner turmoil.

    Meanwhile, Joshua wasing out of the shower in another house.

    Lilliana put her arms around him.

    ¡°Why do youe home sote these days?¡± she asked him. ¡°You''re always at work and youe home toote. ¡°We hardly spend any time together,¡± hemented.

    Joshua pinched her yfully.

    "You''re pregnant, try not to get too upset."

    Lilliana lightly pped his chest. ¡°I''m not nervous. ¡°I just miss you,¡± she said.

    Joshua felt theck of intimacy.

    He could not seek sce from Alice, and Lilliana''s pregnancy made things worse. His spirits were visibly low.

    Lilliana noticed his distraction. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Are you thinking about something else?¡± she joked.

    Joshua hesitated, but then discarded the idea.

    ¡°Someone else? Hardly.¡± I have quickly changed the subject.

    "We are running out of my father''s medicine. It is rare, and only certain individuals, like Caden, can get it."

    Lilliana sensed an underlying question. ¡°Is Caden causing trouble again?¡±

    "It''s always a potential problem as long as he''s around," Joshua confessed.

    Lilliana calmed him by tracing patterns on his chest. ¡°Don''t worry about the medicine. My father can fix something if Caden gets difficult. He¡¯s manageable.¡±

    Joshua rxed, reassured by her support.

    "Lilliana, you always know what to say."

    Lilliana''s eyes were sensual.

    A few months into their pregnancy, Lilliana and Joshua had kept their physical intimacy at bay after a few brushes that nearly jeopardized the safety of the baby. As a result, they had recently adopted a more cautious approach.

    ¡°Joshua, I''ve taken care of you many times before. Isn¡¯t it your turn?¡± she murmured, snuggling closer to him. Normally, Joshua wouldn''t hesitate in such circumstances.

    However, today, as he reached under Lilliana''s clothes, he suddenly collected them.

    This unexpected reaction caught him by surprise and made him let out a gasp.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    Lilliana was surprised.

    She knew her attractiveness and knew that Joshua was in love with her physique, so her reaction was even more disconcerting.

    ¡°Does that disgust you?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°Joshua, does my pregnancy disgust you?¡± she asked, her anger growing.

    Joshua was equally perplexed by his own reaction. He didn''t understand why he felt such a sudden change. Lilliana became angry and made to move to leave the bed.

    Joshua, concerned for her well-being and that of her unborn child, was quick to reassure her: ¡°I''m just tired today and I don''t feel well. ¡°It has nothing to do with disgust.¡±

    In her frustration, Lilliana pped him hard.

    .

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 Chapter 96

    Chapter 96:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Joshua was stunned.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Lilliana did too. Instinctively she reached out to touch his face, showing remorse.

    Despite his strong character, he understood the meaning of pride for a man and regretted his impulsive action.

    It had been nothing more than a momentarypse.

    Joshua''s face darkened and he pushed his hand away. He fought to contain his anger and managed to say, "If you don''t listen to me, fine. I''m exhausted. I''ll sleep in the living room tonight."

    Lilliana, still angry, turned away, unwilling to speak.

    ¡°If you leave now, don''t bothering back!¡± she dered. Joshua left despite her warning.

    When the door mmed shut, Lilliana bit her lip in frustration.

    Furious, she threw a pillow at the door and shouted, "Joshua, go to hell!"

    She burst into tears. When her tears had passed, she began to reflect on recent events and realized that things didn''t add up.

    Since his divorce from Alicia, Joshua had be less attentive and passionate.

    Was he tired of her or was there someone else?

    His suspicions increased.

    The time hade to investigate Joshua further.

    The days flew by.

    Alicia kept the evidence provided by Caden in a safe ce.

    The records she had, detailing the transactions, were insufficient to seriously damage Joshua''s reputation. She had given him the money willingly at the time. Even if the information became public, some might use him of being a profiteer, but that hardly mattered.

    Given Joshua''s influence, he could easily silence any detractors.

    Alicia remembered something Caden had once mentioned.

    He had spoken of major disputes during Joshua''s dealings with Randolph, which led to no contact between them for almost half a year.

    What were these disagreements about?

    Considering Randolph''s influential position, it must have been a big deal.

    Solving this mystery could be a turning point in their ns.

    Rachel would be the ideal ally for this endeavor. With renewed determination, Alicia was more determined than ever to ept the Gray family''s invitation.

    Worried for his safety, she thought of Caden again. Although he was known for his cunning and yful banter, he had a unique gift for making her feel protected in serious situations.

    However, this time he didn''t seem willing to help. Reluctant to ask him again, Alice decided to procure some self-defense items.

    At Blizzard Group headquarters, Caden was attending a meeting.

    During the first hour, Hank noticed Caden checking his phone repeatedly.

    After an introduction, Hank leaned over and asked quietly, "Mr. Ward, did you miss something urgent?"

    Caden, keeping a firm demeanor, simply replied,

    His mind was waiting for a message from Alice, although it was not an urgent matter.

    The Gray family visit was scheduled for the next day, and Caden was sure Alicia would attend. He wondered why he hadn''t heard from hertely.

    Weren''t you worried anymore?

    As the meeting drew to a close, Caden still had no news from Alicia.

    He got up to leave.

    Hank, keeping pace, asked, "Do you have ns for tonight, Mr. Ward?"

    ¡°Why do you ask?¡± Caden replied.

    Hank suggested, ¡°There¡¯s a social event tonight that might interest you.¡±

    Caden nodded and then paused briefly, recalling past events.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Randolph extend several invitations to me after thest banquet?¡± I have asked, pondering the connection.

    Hank confirmed, ¡°Yes, you had already declined those invitations.¡±

    ¡°Let him know I¡¯ll be visiting his house tomorrow,¡± Caden stated.

    Hank was surprised. ¡°Randolph? Really, Mr. Ward? Considering your status?¡±

    After a pause, Caden said, ¡°You think it¡¯s quite a sacrifice, too, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely. Visiting his home would be seen as a great honor for him.¡±

    ¡°Then have Aliciae too,¡± Caden suggested.

    Hank was surprised once again. ¡°Why bring Miss Bet into this?¡± I have asked.

    "What does Alice have to do with this?"

    Caden didn''t answer and walked into his office.

    "I need to see her in half an hour," he dered.

    Hank immediately felt the urgency. ¡°Half an hour? What if Mrs. Bet is busy? It¡¯s not easy to invite her.¡±

    ¡°Make it twenty minutes,¡± Caden cut him off.

    Hank was speechless.

    Understanding the seriousness of the situation, he wasted no time and called Alicia directly. Luckily, she was avable.

    She picked up the phone. ¡°Hello? How can I help you?¡±

    Hank knew that a direct approach might cause Alicia to refuse. Even threats would not convince her.

    So she tried a different tactic. ¡°Mrs. Bet, Mr. Ward has picked out a strip dance and I would like you to watch it. Are you interested?¡±

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 Chapter 97

    Chapter 97:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice remained silent for about ten seconds, leaving the room in an awkward silence.

    Hank, though outwardly calm, was internally panicked, worried that Alice might disconnect the call. After a brief pause, Alice finally spoke.

    "Caden asked me toe here on some business, correct?"

    She was skeptical of Caden''s motives, but she knew Hank was no fool.

    ¡°It seems Caden has something important to discuss,¡± Hank admitted, surprised by his frankness.

    "Mr. Ward gave no specific reason for the meeting. He only insisted that I make sure you were here in twenty minutes."

    ¡°Did he mention anything in particr?¡± Alice asked. Hank paused, then replied, ¡°I mentioned the Gray family.¡±Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    Alice understood.

    He paused for a moment, thoughtful.

    To break the silence, Hank added jokingly, "Although Mr. Ward isn''t nning a striptease, I''d be willing to do one if it would ensure his arrival."

    Alice giggled at this, but then turned gloomy.

    "It''s rming how much Caden pushes everyone to their limits."

    Hank felt conflicted.

    The job was well-paid, but challenging often. He awkwardly reminded her, ¡°Mrs. Bet, we only have twenty minutes, and five have already passed.¡±

    "Okay, I''ll be right there," Alice confirmed.

    Hank was touched by his kindness, thinking it was no wonder Caden valued his presence.

    Alicia arrived at thepany in exactly eighteen minutes.

    Hank greeted her with a coffee. ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Bet.¡±

    epting the coffee, Alice felt a pang of guilt, wondering if her maniptions had caused Hank any trouble.

    ¡°Mr. Ward is waiting,¡± Hank motioned for him to go ahead.

    Alice and agreed continued.

    As he went through security, Hank nced at the monitor and saw something that looked like a spray can in his bag.

    ¡°Miss Bet, is that pepper spray?¡± he asked, unable to contain his curiosity at the variety of items she carried, remembering that she always seemed well prepared.

    Ensuring Caden''s safety was paramount, no matter the circumstances.

    Alicia was momentarily stunned, then awkwardly rified as she touched her purse. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s not pepper spray.¡±

    Finding it difficult to exin, she opted to leave her bag outside, hoping to ease Hank''s worries.

    Hank trusted her and didn''t take the bag. Instead, he knocked on the door of the CEO''s office to announce her. Both Caden and Alicia clearly understood the purpose of their meeting.

    In a mix of persuasion and insistence, Caden made Alicia sit on hisp.

    Feeling a little anxious but holding her ground, Alice asked cautiously, ¡°Have you decided to apany me to the Gray family¡¯s house?¡±

    Caden replied sarcastically, ¡°Just because you¡¯re on myp, you think I¡¯m easy to persuade?¡±

    Alice paused, her gaze fixed on her lips.

    She leaned closer to him.

    As their lips were about to meet, Caden tilted his head, his lips brushing his cheek as he asked, ¡°Do you know what I want?¡±

    Struggling to maintain herposure, Alice replied, ¡°One kiss should do it.¡±

    Wondering at his intentions, she looked into his dark, piercing eyes.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried that I might take things further?¡± Caden probed deeper.

    With instinctive confidence, Alice replied, "You won''t."

    ¡°And why?¡± I insisted.

    ¡°You once said you wanted my voluntary participation,¡± Alice recalled firmly. Assertively, she added, ¡°You will not coerce me.¡±

    Cadenughed at her assertiveness, his breath warming her face and sending a shiver down her spine.

    She thought, ¡°How many men can truly be trusted? What if I break my word?¡± Then she mockingly reminded him, ¡°Remember that I have been a troublemaker since my youth. Don¡¯t forget that you once lost to me in our past challenge.¡±

    Alicia felt overwhelmed, feeling her heart pounding under her intense gaze.

    Instinctively, she tried to pull away.

    Caden pulled her into his arms.

    The next instant, I kissed her, catching her off guard. She was clearly at a disadvantage at the moment. Sensing his dominance, she inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself, though he quickly released her.

    He looked at her intently, noticing her reaction.

    Breathless, Alice''s lips parted as she breathed heavily. Bewildered, she looked into his eyes.

    ¡°Did you expect me to kiss you before we got here?¡± Caden asked.

    Alice, surprised, stammered a denial. "Not¡­"

    Caden stepped even closer, his intense gaze making the moment seem endless.

    "You were too little for me before, but today you are surprisingly sweet," I observed.

    Alicia, speechless, blushed deeply, remembering the fruit-vored breath spray she had used earlier.

    Realizing how foolish her preparations might seem, she firmly pushed him away, dering, "Now that we''ve kissed, I''m leaving."

    Caden didn''t loosen his grip, though, determined to keep her there.

    Caught in his firm grip, Alicia stopped resisting. When he moved in to kiss her again, she shyly covered her eyes. Caden¡¯s voice, soft but clear, taunted, ¡°It seems you were eager for my kiss.¡±

    His smile increased his embarrassment.

    Trying to regain herposure, she retorts, ¡°I would react like that to anyone.¡±

    Caden, intrigued, continued to ask, ¡°Oh? ¡°How many men have you kissed?¡±

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 Chapter 98

    Chapter 98:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia evaded Caden¡¯s probing question with a distraction. ¡°I¡¯ll be kissing many more in the future.¡±

    Caden''s question was pointed out. "Do you also prepare yourself with breath spray before you kiss Joshua?"

    Speechless, Alice felt that continuing the conversation might expose too much.

    Determined to move from passivity to action, she bit her lip and initiated a kiss.

    Caden inhaled sharply in reaction. ¡°My wound is still fresh, and now this?¡±

    "You talk too much," Aliceined, annoyed by his continued chatter during the kiss.

    Why couldn''t he keep quiet?

    Kisses were supposed to be simple, without unnecessary talk.

    When the kiss ended, Caden released her, and the immediate heat between them dissipated.

    With a lingering feeling on her lips, Alice dered, ¡°My safety tomorrow is your responsibility. Keep an eye on my location and intervene immediately if anything seems amiss.¡±

    Caden, raising his head indifferently, replied, ¡°Am I supposed to act as your bodyguard just for a kiss? That¡¯s like expecting a free ride for a simple handshake.¡±

    Alicia preferred to ignore hisment.

    After all, he had been the one to summon her. He figured the more desperate one seemed, the more they stood to lose.

    When she left, Caden still felt the residual taste of her kiss on his lips, difficult to ignore even if he intended otherwise.

    Later, when Hank came in with the updates and noticed the marks on Caden''s lips, he stopped abruptly.

    "Mr. Ward, what happened to your lips?"

    Touching his lips unconsciously, Caden saw a faint red stain and quickly wiped it away with a tissue. ¡°It''s nothing.¡±

    I removed it with a brush.

    Hank looked at him with a knowing expression.

    "It seems things are progressing well between you and Miss Bet."

    Instantly, Caden''s mood turned icy. ¡°Are you gathering information for Ciara again?¡±

    Hank quickly rified, ¡°After your warning, I haven''t spoken to anyone else. I¡¯m simply impressed by your willingness to put aside your prejudices for your own well-being; it¡¯s quite rare.¡±

    Caden took a deep breath, reflecting on his journey from a precocious child who started school at age two to bing CEO of Blizzard Group.

    Over the years, he has faced countless challenges, but none as intricate as managing his interactions with Alicia.

    He often considered deepening their rtionship, but always held back, unsure of his ability to maintain hisposure under such circumstances.

    Hank, remembering that they had business matters to attend to, struck up a conversation. ¡°Mr. Ward, I notice that you have been examining Mr. Yates¡¯ ount transactions. Do you have any ns to take action?¡±

    Caden replied nonchntly, ¡°Alicia has expressed interest in such transactions.¡±

    Hank, puzzled, asked, "Are you targeting Mr. Yates as well?"

    ¡°Yes,¡± Caden confirmed. ¡°Alicia¡¯s long rtionship with Joshua makes her much more than just a pawn,¡± he added, underlining her strategic importance.

    Hank''s concern was evident as I probed further. "Mr. Ward, are you using Miss Bet in this endeavor?"

    Caden paused, then replied nomittally, ¡°Not exactly,¡± suggesting more intricate involvement than Hank had assumed.

    Hank decided to keep the matter private due to Alicia''s formidable personality, which could lead to direct confrontations,

    "I will keep this confidential to avoid any direct confrontation from her," he advised.

    Caden felt a pang of apprehension as he recalled the unpredictable outbursts he had witnessed from Alicia over the years.

    Trying to steer the conversation away from sensitive topics, I changed the subject. ¡°What time should we go to the hotel for dinner?¡±

    Meanwhile, Lilliana, dressed in a baggy outfit and sunsses to conceal her identity, approached the reception area of ??Joshua''spany.

    The receptionist didn''t recognize her at first and greeted her politely. "Hello. Do you have an appointment?"

    Lilliana took off her sunsses and asked dryly, "Do I look that ordinary?"

    Once recognized as the future Mrs. Yates, the receptionist quickly bowed and apologized: ¡°I''m sorry, Miss Green. It was the sunsses¡­¡±

    As she leaned forward, Lilliana noticed the receptionist''s attitude and her demeanor turned icy.

    "Is this how you dress for work? Does this reflect thepany culture?"

    Confused, the receptionist looked down at her standard business suit, baffled by Lilliana''s disapproval.

    Lilliana, losing interest in further arguing, put her sunsses back on and snapped, ¡°You¡¯re fired.¡±

    Stunned, the receptionist followed Lilliana, pleading, ¡°Miss Green¡­¡±

    At the same time, Joshua, who had just finished his work, entered the chaos unfolding below.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    His secretary quickly informed him: "Mr. Yates, Miss Green has arbitrarily dismissed about ten employees."

    Joshua''s expression hardened as he headed to his office.

    Inside, Lilliana sat in her chair, brimming with authority.

    The secretary instantly fell silent under Lilliana''s formidable gaze and began to back away.

    ¡°Why are you leaving? Come in,¡± Lilliana insisted. The secretary hesitated, looking uncertainly at Joshua for signs.

    Perplexed by Lilliana''s actions, Joshua signaled for the secretary to leave.

    Lilliana, mming the door on her desk, demanded loudly, ¡°Didn''t you hear me? Come in.¡±

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 Chapter 99

    Chapter 99:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Joshua''s secretary was shaking with anxiety.

    She longed to escape but felt paralyzed.

    Observing Lilliana''s domineering behavior, Joshua''s displeasure increased and he ordered his secretary, "Go away now!"

    The secretary rushed out immediately.

    Lilliana, frustrated, snapped at Joshua, ¡°What are you saying? Am I not allowed to direct your secretary?¡± Her voice rose sharply, echoing with anger, and her expression contorted with frustration.

    Joshua silently closed the office door.

    He faced Lilliana calmly and firmly, containing his irritation. ¡°Do you realize that the entire office is under surveince? If your outbreak today is filmed, what will you do? Are you not interested in going out into the public eye again?¡±

    Lilliana sneered disdainfully. ¡°If I decide to return to the limelight, I need only speak to my father. I am not intimidated by any of these minor yers. Is your concern for me genuine, or are you trying to divert attention from some misconduct on your part?¡±

    Under Lilliana''s piercing, usatory gaze, Joshua clenched his fists in frustration. ¡°What are you implying?¡±

    ¡°What am I implying?¡± Lilliana replied as she stood up and closed the distance between them, her eyes narrowed. ¡°If I hadn''t visited today, I wouldn''t have noticed how many attractive women work here. It must be quite a daily pleasure, surrounded by so much beauty, right?¡±

    Joshua''s expression soured. ¡°Their employment here is not my decision. Why take out your frustrations on them?¡±

    ¡°I just can''t stand it. What does it matter? It''s just a few employees. Find others to hire. And look at you ¨C so gloomy. You¡¯re really angry with me, aren¡¯t you?¡± Lilliana challenged.

    Joshua closed his eyes, choosing to remain silent.

    Lilliana, finding no evidence of infidelity but speaking harshly, insisted: "Joshua, I don''t want any women in your office, including your secretary. Do you understand?"

    Completely exasperated, Joshua replied, ¡°She has been with thepany for years, performing her duties excellently. We have an agreement that she cannot be fired without just cause. Have you thought about the repercussions if I fire her just because you demand it?¡±

    Lilliana''s voice dripped with sarcasm. ¡°Oh, happy with your performance? ¡°How exactly?¡±

    Joshua''s expression darkened even further. ¡°She''s married, Lilliana!¡±

    ¡°When you were involved with me, weren''t you married to Alicia?¡± Lilliana snapped. Her voice hardened as she continued, ¡°You were unfaithful to me. It¡¯s not unthinkable that you would do it again.¡±

    Joshua looked at her with eyes filled with jealousy and anger, realizing that the tender understanding they once shared had vanished¡­ perhaps it had never existed.

    Before Joshua could respond, Lilliana escted the situation. ¡°Joshua, either you fire all the employees today or ourmitment is off. ¡°It¡¯s up to you.¡±

    This ultimatum visibly affected him.

    Fear gripped Joshua, mixed with a deep sense of regret.

    Acting more out of necessity than desire, he took Lilliana''s hand firmly, not as a gesture of affection, but as a show of control.

    Losing the support of the Green family was not an option he could afford.

    "I''ll take care of it immediately," he said, his voice rough with exhaustion.

    Lilliana''s anger cooled considerably, despite knowing that Joshua feltpelled to obey.

    However, that pleased her.

    ¡°I''m aware that you''re still upset about ourst disagreement. It was my fault,¡± Joshua admitted, surprising himself with his own words. ¡°Firing them is a drastic measure. I will instruct the PR team to frame it as a measure to ensure yourfort during pregnancy. I will take full responsibility. It will not reflect badly on you.¡±

    Hearing that, Lilliana''s attitude softened.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    She leaned towards him, seeking reassurance. ¡°Tell me honestly, did you cheat or not?¡±

    Joshua replied firmly, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Swear it,¡± Lilliana demanded.

    "I swear. If I''m unfaithful, I''ll have a terrible ending," Joshua dered, feeling a tightness in his chest.

    He remembered the day he married Alice, how grateful he had been for her support. Standing at the marriage registry counter, he had made a grave promise. ¡°If I ever mistreat you, may ite to a terrible end.¡± At that moment, Alice had blushed and quickly covered her mouth, reprimanding him for such dark words.

    She had smiled warmly. ¡°Joshua, I will always trust you.¡±

    But now, Lilliana''s reaction was entirely different. Instead of silencing him, she added coldly, "I have sacrificed a lot for you. If you betray me, I will make sure my father makes you pay for it."

    Joshua didn''t believe much in karma, but he couldn''t help a growing feeling of unease.

    The tension was momentarily dissipated when Lilliana, no longer angry, leaned in to kiss him.

    Joshua had not felt inclined to kiss her for days, disgusted by the situation. However, he hid his disgust well, feigning charm to win her over without any real affection.

    Just as the moment was escting, Lilliana''s assistant burst in, eximing, "Mr. Yates!"

    Witnessing the intimate moment, the assistant''s face flushed red in embarrassment, and she quickly apologized, turning around. ¡°I''m sorry, I''m sorry.¡±

    Lilliana released Joshua, visibly upset.

    "Haven''t you learned to knock?"

    As she released him, her gaze shifted usingly to her assistant. ¡°You said his name so lovingly. What is it you want?¡±

    His assistant, crying slightly, turned round and replied: "I was looking for you everywhere and came to ask Mr. Yates if he had seen you."

    Suspicion rising, Lilliana cast a wary nce at Joshua, her confidence evidently shaken.

    .

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 Chapter 100

    Chapter 100:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Lilliana asked.

    Joshua''s voice was t, his face a mask of indifference. ¡°She''s your assistant. What could she be hiding from you?¡±

    Lilliana''s lips curved into a sharp, mocking smile. ¡°Who knew what you were up to, Joshua? Let me give you a word of advice: don''t dip your pen in thepany ink. It¡¯s a dirty business.¡±

    Joshua''s patience ran out and his cold eyes narrowed. ¡°Okay. Since you don''t trust me in the slightest, I''ll drop everything. I''ll stay by your side 24 hours a day. ¡°How about that?¡±

    Unfazed by his scathing tone, Lilliana raised an eyebrow. ¡°If you want me to trust you, stop ying around. ¡°I know you¡¯re hiding something, and I won¡¯t stop digging until I find out every secret you¡¯re keeping from me.¡±

    Joshua''s gaze locked with hers, the tension building between them.

    He knew she had found out something, rumors that could destroy everything. Alicia was bing a real threat.

    However, the more dangerous the situation, the more he wanted it; the challenge only fueled the fire in him.

    ¡°Very well, then,¡± he said with eerie calm. ¡°Do as you wish. ¡°I have work to do.¡±

    As he walked away, Lilliana''s eyes followed him, suspicion simmering beneath the surface. She snapped her fingers and called for her assistant.

    "How many times have you been here?" Lilliana''s tone was sharp, loaded with usation.

    The assistant froze under his gaze, his voice shaking. ¡°Miss Green, I swear this is the first time I''ve been here. ¡°I lost sight of you earlier and panicked, so I went to Mr. Yates¡¯ office.¡±

    Lilliana¡¯s eyes narrowed, amusement flickering as she watched the assistant squirm anxiously. ¡°Do you really expect anyone to believe that pathetic lie?¡±

    "Miss Green, I don''t..."

    A sharp crack cut through the air.

    Lilliana''s hand shot out, leaving the assistant reeling from the prick.

    Her cheeks burned and her eyes filled with tears, which spilled down her face despite her efforts to contain them.

    Although she had long since grown ustomed to Lilliana''s outbursts, the pain and humiliation stung her and she couldn''t help but tremble like a frightened child.

    Lilliana, unfazed, shook her hand as if brushing off dust, her chin raised in a gesture of defiant arrogance. ¡°Wipe that pathetic look off your face,¡± she sneered.

    "I''m pregnant now and I''m not going to tolerate any little temptresses hanging around waiting for an opportunity, especially ones hovering around me!"

    The assistant, her voice shaking with frustration, pleaded softly, ¡°Miss Green, I don''t¡­¡±

    "It''s a pity I''m in a bad mood today," Lilliana interrupted, her tone cold and disdainful.

    With a flick of the wrist, she pulled a wad of cash from her purse and tossed it carelessly at the assistant''s feet. ¡°Take this and keep your mouth shut.¡±

    The assistant stood frozen, biting her lip to suppress her humiliation as the money fell to the floor, her pride as wounded as her cheek.

    He didn''t want to pick up the money; the very thought made his stomach turn. How degrading!

    Lilliana¡¯s lips curled into a sneer. ¡°What''s wrong with you? Have you suddenly found some courage?¡± Her eyes shed with mockery. ¡°Or have you conveniently forgotten that your sister is clinging to life in that hospital bed?¡±

    His assistant''s face turned red, each word tightening the knot of shame and fear around him.

    Lilliana, growing more and more smug, continued, ¡°If it weren''t for the generous sry I give you, how exactly would you cover those medical bills? Let''s face it, if you can''t handle this, then quit. Do you think anyone else would dare to hire you after you walk away from me?¡±

    His assistant''s eyes were shining with unshed tears, a storm of hatred and helplessness was brewing beneath the surface, but he dared not let it show.

    Swallowing the bitter taste in his mouth, he whispered, "I''m sorry, Miss Green. It was my mistake."

    Lilliana waved her hand dismissively. ¡°Now get out of my sight.¡±

    "If you don''t need me anymore, I''ll go back to the office," the assistant said quietly.

    After a brief pause topose himself, he hurried away, stopping only to ssh cold water on his face.

    Meanwhile, Shelia had just arrived at thepany entrance, with a thermos in one hand and her phone in the other.

    Engrossed in her phone conversation, she didn''t notice the assistant leaving.

    The inevitable collision urred in an instant; the thermos fell to the floor with a crash, spilling soup everywhere.

    Shelia''s face twisted in irritation. ¡°Damn it! ¡°I spent over six hours on it and now it¡¯spletely ruined.¡±

    The assistant immediately crouched down, feeling guilty¡­

    I have rushed to clean up the mess. Joshua''s voice came over the other end of the phone. "What happened?"

    Shelia snorted, ¡°The soup spilled. I made it especially for you since you''re not feeling well. Honestly, nothing¡¯s been going well for metely.¡±

    Her tone sharpened. ¡°And did you hear what I said before? Cut ties with Alicia now. I''m sick of seeing her every day. ¡°I can¡¯t take it anymore.¡±

    The assistant''s breath caught.

    He recognized Shelia as Lilliana''s future mother-inw.

    And Alice¡­

    Wasn''t she Joshua''s ex-wife? Weren''t they divorced?

    But the assistant did not dare to insist. When Shelia hung up the phone, she murmured: ¡°I am very sorry, ma¡¯am. I will pay you for the trouble¡­¡±

    Shelia, already seeing with frustration, noticed the p mark on the shy assistant''s cheek. The sight barely fazed her, and money wasn''t what she was worried about today, so she turned and walked away.

    The assistant, stunned by the series of unfortunate events, stood motionless.

    A bold idea quietly sprouted in his mind, taking root despite his initial doubts.

    That same afternoon, after finishing the day''s work, Alice sank into her chair, idly flipping through the news. Her eyes scanned the headlines until one caught her eye: Joshua had fired all the female employees in his office.

    Something inside him told him there was more to the story, so he dug deeper into the rted reports. It didn''t take long for him to put the pieces together.

    Just then, Joshua called her to warn her to stay away from the Yates mansion for the time being, iming it was a ¡°sensitive period.¡±

    Alice could barely contain her excitement, though she kept her tone neutral and responded with a simple "okay."

    Joshua stayed on the line.

    His voice softened, conveying an unusual vulnerability, almost as if he were seekingfort. ¡°Alice,¡± I murmured, ¡°I¡¯m very tired.¡±

    Alice smiled in disbelief.

    ¡°Tired? Isn¡¯t this exactly what you wanted?¡± he asked, his voiceced with sarcasm.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    There was silence. Joshua was speechless, shocked.

    During that pause, he felt the weight of nostalgia pressing down on his chest. He has longed for the days when she used to greet him warmly after a long, tiring day at work.

    But those days were gone.

    When he finally spoke again, his voice was calmer, almost hesitant. ¡°Why aren''t you saying anything?¡±

    Alice pursed her lips, suppressing augh.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m just worried,¡± she said, feeling concerned. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want your fianc¨¦e to get suspicious, would you?¡±

    Of course, it was a lie.

    She wasn''t afraid of saying too much, she was afraid of bursting outughing.

    ¡°Let¡¯s end the call,¡± he suggested, his voice light. ¡°You said it yourself: this is a delicate moment. ¡°Better to be careful.¡±

    As soon as he hung up the phone, a mocking thought crept into his mind.

    When he had threatened to let those drunks rape her, had she ever stopped to ask him if she still loved him?

    .

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    .

 Chapter 101

    Chapter 101:

    ? ? ? ? ?Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Rachel had meticulously nned a garden party.

    Most of the guests were women from Rachel''s elite social circles. Thoughughter and casual chit-chat filled the air, beneath the polished surface ran an undercurrent of subtle power ys and negotiations. The women, all smiling, knew each other, at least on the surface. No one let their guard down, each interaction carefully measured.

    Rachel kindly handed an elegant velvet box to Mrs. Reyes. ¡°I couldn''t attend your birthdayst time, so here''s ate gift. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Mrs. Reyes epted the box with a practiced smile, her fingers sliding over the soft fabric. ¡°Rachel, you shouldn''t have done that,¡± she said, letting out a lightugh. She opened the box and inside was a delicate ne whose diamond centerpiece caught the afternoon sun and threw bright sparks of light in all directions.

    ¡°My goodness,¡± Mrs. Reyes eximed, her eyes wide with genuine surprise. ¡°This must have cost a fortune, Rachel. You are too generous.¡± Mrs. Reyes admired the piece and put it back in the box with a pleased expression.

    Rachel then turned to Mrs. Reyes''s little son and patted him on the head.

    She pulled out a limited edition toy from behind her, its shiny packaging catching the boy''s attention.

    The boy barely looked up from his tablet game as he took the toy from Rachel''s hand.

    Mrs. Reyes'' smile faltered for a moment before she turned to her son, her tone now firm. ¡°Ted, what do you say to Mrs. Gray?¡±

    But the boy didn''t answer. Grabbing his new prize, he ran off without even looking back. Mrs. Reyes forced a lightugh, her smile now a little strained. ¡°I''ve spoiled him so much. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Raquel¡¯s smile remained polite. ¡°Don''t worry.

    He looked back at the fence, a hint of worry creeping into his calm demeanor.

    Where the hell was Alice?

    When Alice finally arrived, she thought about sending a message to Caden, warning him to keep his distance today; After all, appearances were everything in her world, and misunderstandings could spread like wildfire. But to her surprise, Caden had not yet arrived.

    She looked around, but there was no sign of him. After a moment of hesitation, she shrugged and headed for the party.

    Inside, a group of women were huddled together, their conversation animated, with bursts ofughter echoing throughout the garden.

    Rachel had casually mentioned that Alicia wasing, and naturally, the conversation turned to her.

    "I only found out she was married when Joshua proposed! Can you believe they had been married for two years? He kept it pretty secret."

    ¡°What makes Miss Bet so irresistible to men?¡± another woman mused, her voice dripping with disdain.

    ¡°I can''t tell if Joshua hid her because she''s a precious treasure or a humiliating disgrace!¡± Mrs. Reyes giggled, a high-pitched sound that cut through the air. ¡°Every man likes to tell what he has. If his wife is beautiful and talented, why wouldn''t he show her off to the world? Just look at Lilliana¡­ can youpare her to Alicia?¡±

    The previousments had been scathing, but Ms. Reyes'' words were the icing on the cake.

    The others shared their sentiment, their giggles bubbling with a kind of cruel amusement.

    ¡°Poor thing,¡± someone muttered, snickering. ¡°She got dumped, her heart was broken, and now she''s struggling to make a name for herself in showbiz. Just when she¡¯s trying to move on, her past is brought up and the inte rips her apart.¡±

    Anothermented: "I saw her a while ago, her face and figure were fine I guess. So why doesn''t she attract any men?"

    "If she was so pretty, they would have taken her away already. Nowadays, it''s all about filters and special effects. Who knows what she looks like without makeup."

    They chuckled, enjoying his disappointment.

    Only Rachel remained silent, her eyes darting around nervously. She had seen Alice not far away, hovering within earshot.

    In truth, Alice had heard every word.

    When theughter died down, Alice made her move. With a graceful stride, she approached the group with a ss of wine in her hand.

    He stopped next to Mrs. Reyes and, with a silent clink, clinked his ss against Mrs. Reyes''s.

    Mrs. Reyes turned slowly, her smug smile faltering as she saw Alicia standing next to her.

    Alicia wore a champagne-colored silk dress, the delicate straps of which framed her soft shoulders. Her skin glowed under the soft light and her lightly made-up face showed a serene, almost mysterious smile.

    She had a captivating elegance, like a rare flower in full bloom amidst a garden of thorns. In short, Alice was simply stunning.

    Mrs. Reyes blinked, evidently surprised.

    Part of her wondered if Alice had heard her cruel jokes, while another part of her couldn''t help but admire how wless Alice looked, even up close.

    Far from the image they had painted moments ago, Alice was beautiful.

    She looked even more stunning than in the videos.

    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Reyes.¡± Alicia''s smile was warm and radiant, enough to light up any room. ¡°And what, may I ask, has made youugh so much?¡± Her tone was gentle, but there was an undeniable edge beneath it.

    Mrs. Reyes, momentarily lost in her own thoughts, blinked as Alicia''s question brought her back to the present.

    For a split second, a trace of worry flickered through her mind, but it disappeared just as quickly. After all, Alice was a woman dealing with her own burdens, with hardly any support to fall back on. What did she have to fear?

    A slow, deliberate smile spread across her face as she replied, ¡°Oh, Mrs. Bet, have we made too much noise? ¡°You must have heard our conversation.¡± The words were condescending, a clear attempt to dismiss Alice as insignificant.

    Alice''s smile did not fail. "I''m afraid not," she said lightly. "Perhaps your voice has be softer with age, making it difficult to hear. Would you mind repeating that for me?"

    There was a great silence in the room, as the spectators focused their attention on theing confrontation.

    Alice''s voice was as soft as ever, without a hint of hostility showing on her face.

    However, Mrs. Reyes''s expression darkened.

    Women who married rich men tended to rely on their looks, and Ms. Reyes was no different. Her biggest insecurityys in her fading beauty. At her age, not even the best cosmetic procedures could disguise the passage of time.

    She hated being reminded of this. Being called old in front of so many people, especially a younger woman, was an insult she couldn''t stand.

    Fury shed across his face and he mmed the table, making the tes rattle. ¡°Alicia Bet, do you know who I am?¡± I have grownled.

    The outburst didn''t even affect Alicia''sposure, but it caught the attention of Mrs. Reyes''s son. His eyes locked on Alicia and, without thinking, he lunged at her like an enraged bull.

    ¡°Don''t you dare bully my mother!¡± he roared, lunging at her at reckless speed.

    Alice blinked, her expression almost amused, as she calmly lifted the hem of her dress and ducked. The movement was graceful, fluid, almost like a dance.

    However, the wine ss trembled in his hand, its contents swirling precariously, as if it had a mind of its own.

    Then, with a cruel twist of fate, the wine jumped out of the ss, sshing directly into Mrs. Reyes'' face.

    Meanwhile, the boy, unable to stop his momentum, skidded across the grass,nding face first with a loud thud.

    .

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 Chapter 102

    Chapter 102:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Mrs. Reyes let out a shrill scream.

    She spent no time fixing her smudged makeup and immediately rushed to help her son, Ted, who was sprawled across the soft grass.

    Her breathing hitched as she knelt beside him, her hands quickly but gently feeling for any signs of injury. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    The grass beneath him was more forgiving than anything else, but Ted''s flushed face was a storm of anger. His round cheeks, red from embarrassment or frustration, puffed out as he red at Alicia. ¡°It''s all your fault, you stupid girl!¡±

    Alicia blinked, her eyes widening slightly at the outburst. Ted was only eight, face still chubby, brow still furrowed, but the sharpness of his words stung.

    Mrs. Reyes, who had already pulled Ted to his feet, turned to Alicia with a hard look.

    "Alicia, if anything happens to Ted today, I won''t let you go so easily," he said, his voice warning.

    Alice responded to the boy''s gaze with a slight smile, not of amusement, but ofplicity.

    He understood that such petty disputes as that could spiral out of control if given the chance.

    Instead of fanning the mes, he turned his gaze to Rachel, the host of the meeting.

    ¡°Mrs. Gray,¡± Alice began softly, her tone deliberately calm, ¡°surely you can tell me¡­ have I done anything wrong here?¡±

    Rachel, ever serene, let out a soft sigh, her expression one of gentle reproach.

    ¡°Miss Bet,¡± he said, his voice lilting like the wind brushing through the trees, ¡°why argue with a little girl?¡±

    Alicia hesitated, her smile hardening as Rachel walked past her, reaching out to smooth Ted''s tousled hair with motherly tenderness.

    ¡°I was just messing with you,¡± Rachel continued lightly. ¡°Why didn''t you just y along? Do you really think a child could hurt you?¡±

    Alice''s smile disappeared, reced by a shadow of disappointment that crossed her features.

    She studied Raquel for a moment, waiting for some sh of understanding, but Raquel''s attention had already wandered elsewhere.

    Rachel knelt down and gently invited Ted to y with the other children.

    Ted, before running off to join the others, gave Alice a devilish grin and waved her off. ¡°Wait,¡± his eyes seemed to say.

    Rachel, ying peacemaker, dispelled the tension with a gentle pat on Alicia''s hand.

    "Miss Bet, don''t let something so insignificant dampen your spirits, okay? The girl didn''t mean anything by that."

    Alice gently removed her hand, her voice soft but firm. ¡°If you say so, Mrs. Gray.¡±

    There had been a time when Alice had felt a pang of pity for Rachel, but now, she could see that Rachel was the one who had gotten caught in this web of superficial pleasantries. Sensing Alice''s withdrawal, Rachel''s face tightened slightly.

    Alicia''s aloof attitude, in Rachel''s eyes, was nothing but arrogance. They were from different worlds, after all. Alicia was beneath her in every way. Even after Alicia humiliated Randolph, Rachel had let it go. However, Alicia still looked down on her.

    Under Rachel''s skillful mediation, the tension in the air began to dissipate as everyone slowly returned to their previous activities.

    However, Mrs. Reyes'' makeup was running down her face, making her look like a soaked rat. Rachel, ever the gracious hostess, guided her into the house to fix it.

    Furious, Mrs. Reyes gritted her teeth. ¡°No wonder no man wants her. With that attitude, she deserves everything thates her way.¡±

    Rachel hummed softly, her fingers working skillfully on Mrs. Reyes¡¯ face. ¡°Do you want to teach her a lesson?¡±

    A sharp gleam lit Mrs. Reyes¡¯s eyes as she caught the insinuation in Rachel¡¯s tone. She was not alone in her disdain. ¡°Do you have any clever ideas?¡±

    Rachel''s lips curved into a subtle smile. ¡°Oh, yes I do. But unlike her, we won''t stoop to crude antics. ¡°We have ss.¡±

    Later, with time to kill before dinner, Rachel set up a few tables for card games, the perfect fun.

    She deliberately coaxed Alicia to join Mrs. Reyes and the others, as if the previous dispute had never happened. With a warm smile, Rachel invited her. ¡°Mrs. Bet, do you y cards?¡±

    Alice immediately sensed the trap, having anticipated this moment.

    Now, sitting at the table, there was no way she could leave gracefully.

    "No," Alice replied coldly, not wanting to be drawn into their game.

    Raquel''s eyes sparkled with false delight. ¡°Perfect! Mrs. Reyes can teach you. It¡¯s just a friendly game.¡±

    Alice remained silent, sighing inwardly.

    Good.

    Now she understood why older men oftenined about being forced to do things they didn''t want to, because she was in their ce.

    She felt trapped, powerless against a force that left her no easy way out.

    The minutes passed and it was getting closer to ten.

    She looked at her watch. Was Cadening or not?

    Sensing Alicia''s difort, Mrs. Reyes leaned back in her chair, her smile almost predatory. "What''s wrong, Mrs. Bet? Are you afraid to y with me?"

    Alicia''s gaze sharpened and she met the challenge. "Mrs. Reyes, how much do you want to y?"

    Mrs. Reyes smiled with satisfaction. ¡°Not much. Just three thousand dors.¡±

    The corners of Alice''s lips twitched. Three thousand dors? She should have expected the same.

    Alicia had been in enough high-stakes games to know the rules of the table: one bad round and you could lose tens of thousands in an instant. And these women ¨C smiling behind their perfectly manicured facades ¨C were professionals at exploiting her weaknesses.

    Mrs. Reyes''s eyes glittered as Alicia fell silent, herughterced with cruelty. ¡°What''s wrong, Mrs. Bet? Is it too much for you? I thought Mr. Yates would have left you plenty of money after the divorce. Surely you have some left over for some entertainment.¡±

    Alicia''s expression remained cold, her voice firm. "Then you must teach me how to y, Mrs. Reyes."

    Mrs. Reyes¡¯ lips curved into a mocking smile. ¡°Oh, no problem. ¡°I¡¯ll be happy to teach you again.¡±

    As the cards shuffled with a soft rustle, Alicia discreetly reached for her phone under the table, typing a message to Caden with quick precision.

    ¡°Where are you? You better get your ass here right now! ¡°I¡¯m in trouble!¡±

    Meanwhile, Caden was still at the airport. He had hoped to be at the Gray family estate for nine, but fate had other ns. Just as he was about to leave, a call from his butler threw his evening into disarray. Apparently, Ciara had suddenly arrived in Warrington and insisted that Caden pick her up personally.

    It was his first time in the city and, despite the inconveniences, Caden could not refuse the old woman''s request.

    Looking at Alicia''s message, he swiped his thumb across the screen and frowned. He turned to Hank, who was standing beside him. ¡°Howte is the flight?¡±

    ¡°About half an hour,¡± Hank replied.

    "You still don''t know when it will arrive?"

    Hank, sensing his boss''s agitation, quickly made a call to check on the status.

    When he returned, his expression had darkened. ¡°Mr. Ward, the flight never took off because of weather problems. Mrs. Ward¡¯s n is still on the ground and they don¡¯t know when it will take off.¡±

    Caden let out a frustrated sigh, his patience wearing thin. ¡°I thought they said it was about tond.¡±

    Hank shrugged helplessly. ¡°Mrs. ¡°Ward isn¡¯t always¡­ precise.¡±

    Still, Caden couldn''t stay mad at Ciara. Despite her unpredictability, she always treated her with a tenderness that few saw. Even now, his expression softened as he thought of the older woman.

    He stood up, his voice low but firm. ¡°Take the car. ¡°We¡¯re leaving.¡±

    At that moment his phone range.

    Caden looked it up and saw Alicia''s name on the screen.

    His message was brief but sharp: ¡°Forget it. I know now what kind of person you really are, Mr. Ward. ¡°I swear we will never cooperate again.¡±

    Caden stared at the words, his mind racing for an answer. But for the first time in a long time, he found himself lost.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

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 Chapter 103

    Chapter 103:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    At the gaming table, Alice was outmatched by Mrs. Reyes.

    As if that were not enough, Mrs. Reyes was not her only opponent; the others had subtly and unequivocally formed an alliance against her.

    Tensions mounted as round after round slipped through his fingers, and his losses numbered in the hundreds of thousands.

    Alice squeezed her cards tightly, realizing that she couldn''t rely on her skill alone to beat them.

    His eyes narrowed as he shifted his attention from the letters to Mrs. Reyes herself.

    It was absurd how Mrs. Reyes seemed to win every hand.

    Not even the luckiest person could have won so many times in a row.

    Alicia''s keen eyes soon picked up on a pattern. Every time Mrs. Reyes yed a card, she would casually raise her hand to support her head, twisting her jade bracelet in a practiced, almost mechanical motion.

    Once or twice it might have been a coincidence, but it always happened without fail.

    And what was more revealing: the otherdies only yed their cards after Mrs. Reyes made this peculiar gesture.

    Before long, Mrs. Reyes was back to sweeping the table, a smug smile on her lips as she carried off the winnings.

    It was a trap, in and simple.

    Alice''s gaze fell on her dwindling chips, frustration simmering beneath her calm exterior. If this continued, she would be out of every penny.

    "Mrs. Reyes," Alicia said, her tone cold but determined.

    Mrs. Reyes¡¯s eyes sparkled, as if she had been expecting it. She offered Alicia a sweet smile. ¡°Miss Bet, have you left yet?¡±

    Alice didn''t respond immediately.

    Mrs. Reyes, feigning a look of understanding, leaned forward with a hint of feigned sympathy. ¡°You''ve already lost enough. If you¡¯re short on funds, we could stop.¡±

    One of thedies even ventured: ¡°Giving up for such a small loss, Mrs. Bet? Please don''t spoil the fun. Why don¡¯t you call your ex-husband to bail you out?¡±

    The taunt hit like a well-aimed arrow, but Alice wasn''t about to give up that easily.

    They may have conspired to rob her, but she wasn''t going to give them the satisfaction of seeing her defeated.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a break,¡± he said, rising gracefully from his seat. ¡°I need to freshen up. ¡°We can continue when I get back.¡±

    He needed a moment topose himself ande up with a strategy. There had to be a way to turn the tables. Just as I prepared to walk away, the murmurs in the room grew louder.

    "Mr. Ward?"

    Rachel''s voice cut through the din, surprised and excited. She ran to the door. ¡°Randolph said he was inviting you to dinner. He knew you wereing and booked the most exclusive private restaurant. In fact, he¡¯s still busy organizing everything.¡±

    All eyes turned to the door as Caden entered. Dressed in a sleek ck suit that entuated his broad shoulders and long legs, he carried himself with an effortless elegance that spoke of a calm authority. His healthyplexion, contrasted against the dark fabric, only enhanced his striking masculinity. His deep eyes were sharp and insightful, so if he could see things no one else could.

    ¡°No need,¡± Caden replied softly, his voice calm but authoritative. He stepped forward, his gaze fixed solely on Alicia. ¡°I can eat anywhere,¡± he added casually.

    Alice, who had just risen from her seat, found herself instinctively sitting back down, her pulse quickening unexpectedly. With her back to him, she still felt the weight of his presence and each beat of her heart grew louder in her chest. She thought he wouldn''t appear.

    The other women exchanged nces, excitement shining in their eyes. After all, who wouldn''t be captivated by a man like that? Caden was one of the most handsome men in Warrington, and his good looks aroused the admiration of women of all ages. They toyed with the idea of ??flirting with him, with a thousand thoughts, although none dared to voice them out loud.

    Rachel, in particr, was eager to greet him, but Caden ignored her. He walked past her, his steps determined, and sat down next to Alicia without hesitation. Alicia sensed his presence immediately, although she kept her face impassive, moving her chair slightly away from him.

    Caden raised an eyebrow at his subtle movement. Curiosity got the better of Mrs. Reyes. ¡°Mr. Ward, do you know Alicia?¡±

    Without even looking at Mrs. Reyes, Caden coldly replied, ¡°She¡¯s my ex-sister-inw.¡±

    There was a stunned silence. Everyone knew Joshua was Caden''s half-brother. As for Alicia¡­ Well, she was actually Caden¡¯s ex-sister-inw.

    Yet there they were, sitting together so naturally, their proximityfortable, yet somehow unsettling. The tension was palpable, although no one could pinpoint its source. Unspoken questions lingered in the air, but Caden''smanding presence silenced them all.

    Without warning, Caden extended his leg, hooking it around the leg of Alicia''s chair and pulling her towards him with firm precision.

    Alicia blinked in surprise, momentarily speechless. Caden remained unfazed, his tone dry as he asked, ¡°You''re still as stubborn as ever. How much have you won?¡±N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Instinctively, Alice moved her hand to protect the drawer, a reflex gesture that only seemed to amuse Caden even more. She was too slow. With quick efficiency, Caden reached the drawer first and opened it to look inside. His eyes scanned the scattered chips and a smug smile yed on his lips as he chuckled.

    ¡°Someone broke into the drawer?¡± he joked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Where are all your chips?¡±

    Alice huffed in annoyance, crossing her arms defensively. ¡°No one''se in.¡± ¡°I lost them.¡±

    Caden''s smile deepened. ¡°With your level of brilliance, even tic-tac-toe seems like a challenge. Why bother with this?¡±

    Alice clenched her fists under the table, biting back a retort. ¡°Idiot! I kissed you because I needed your help, not your lectures. You might as well have stayed out,¡± she thought, silently seeing.

    The tension in the room rose, but augh from one of the women broke the air. ¡°Mr. Ward, you havee at the perfect time. It seems that Mrs. Bet''s luck has run out. Care to throw some chips at her?¡±

    Mrs. Reyes quickly kicked the woman under the table, giving her a piercing look. Teasing Alicia was one thing, but provoking Caden? That was dangerous territory.

    Of course, Caden''s sharp gaze turned to the woman, causing her to freeze momentarily. After an awkward pause, she forced a tight smile and quickly excused herself. ¡°I¡¯m going to go get some water.¡±

    As soon as he left, Caden casually took the vacant seat. Mrs. Reyes, clearly surprised, asked tentatively, ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward, do you y cards, too?¡±

    I have shrugged nonchntly. ¡°Not really, but if someone is desperate enough to throw money at me, why not take it?¡± His gaze slid to Alice, her eyes sparkling with amusement. ¡°Don''t you agree?¡±

    Alicia narrowed her eyes and pressed her lips into a thin line before silently uttering, ¡°Idiot!¡± Her obvious discord seemed to reassure Mrs. Reyes.

    It seemed Caden wasn''t nning on dancing Alicia out after all. Mrs. Reyes allowed herself to rx slightly¡ªher advantage still intact.

    However, Caden''s unexpected participation had shaken up the dynamics. He was now without an ally and had to y his cards more cautiously. Despite this, the round ended in his favor and he took an important victory.

    Alicia watched intently, her brow furrowed in frustration. Caden, despite his nonchnce, was eerily calm. Was he really just here to take her money? Something about the situation didn''t add up.

    Unable to resist, Alice gave him a discreet kick under the table.

    Caden gave him a questioning look. ¡°Why did you kick me?¡±

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 Chapter 104

    Chapter 104:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice couldn''t find the right words to answer.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Mrs. Reyes''s gaze locked on her, and Alicia clenched her jaw, feeling ufortable. She shot a piercing nce at Caden. "It wasn''t on purpose. I''m sorry."

    Caden replied, ¡°Oh, I assumed you were asking me for a card.¡±

    Once again, Alice was speechless.

    Mrs. Reyes let out a softugh. ¡°Miss Bet, are you losing control?¡±

    Feeling an unexpected surge of boldness, Alice replied, ¡°I¡¯ve been sitting here so long that my legs cramped up. That''s why I identally hit Mr. Ward. But watch out, Mrs. Reyes, you could be next.¡±

    Mrs. Reyes'' expression darkened. "Good sportsmanship is important when ying. Even if it''s just for fun, you have to understand the rules and not resort to underhand tactics."

    Caden chuckled. ¡°I have to ask, who came up with the rules for this table?¡±

    Mrs. Reyes replied: "Nobody created them; they have been in ce for generations."

    ¡°I swear it was you, Mrs. Reyes,¡± Caden said.

    Mrs. Reyes'' heart skipped a beat as her gaze turned to him. Was there something else behind those words? Did he suspect something?

    But his face remained unreadable.

    The weight of the moment pressed down on her, sapping her usual confidence. An ally had already slipped away.

    After losing all her chips in record time, Alice began to y recklessly, her aggressive moves bing more and more intense. Although Mrs. Reyes remained ahead, her victories were bing less and less certain.

    Shuffling the cards in his hands, Cadenmented, ¡°Three thousand dors doesn''t seem like much. Ms. Reyes, how about we up the ante?¡±

    Mrs. Reyes paused, unsure.

    Caden added: "If she''s not willing, it doesn''t matter."

    Mrs. Reyes could not tolerate such a slight. Without hesitation, she replied, "What is your proposal, Mr. Ward?"

    "One hundred thousand dors."

    Mrs. Reyes fell silent. Her instincts told her that Caden had set his sights on her. A strong feeling of unease washed over her.

    Alicia, unfazed by her empty wallet, looked at Mrs. Reyes''s grim face and smiled. "A hundred thousand? That''s all? That''s chump change. Let''s raise it to two hundred thousand. Mr. Ward can afford it. Congrattions, Mrs. Reyes, it looks like today is your lucky day."

    Mrs. Reyes didn''t dare smile. Alicia''s words seemed like praise, but Mrs. Reyes knew she was being set up. Still, with the biggest wins yet, backing out was not an option.

    ¡°Okay. We¡¯ll go with Mr. Ward¡¯s idea,¡± Mrs. Reyes finally concedes.

    But Caden interjected: ¡°Actually, let¡¯s follow Ms. Bet¡¯s lead. ¡°Two hundred thousand sounds a lot more exciting.¡±

    Mrs. Reyes was speechless.

    Alicia continued. ¡°Mrs. Reyes, what''s wrong? You don''t seem excited. Is two hundred thousand too modest? Should we raise it to five hundred thousand?¡±

    Mrs. Reyes cut her off: ¡°Two hundred thousand is perfectly fine.¡±

    Alice suppressed a smile.

    Before the game began, Mrs. Reyes had clung to a faint hope. Although she had lost a partner in the game, Raquel had rigged the dice in her favor. As long as she yed cautiously, not even Caden could outy her.

    But to her amazement, in the second round, Caden began racking up wins. Sweat began to build up on Ms. Reyes'' palms. How was this possible?

    Then came the second round, and the third¡­

    Caden swept all of them. His hands seemed to get better with each game.

    Mrs. Reyes''s head began to spin.

    Another woman at the table, crushed by her defeats, silently stood up and left without a word.

    Rachel slid smoothly into the vacant seat.

    Caden looked at her and said, ¡°Mrs. Gray, your timing is impable. ¡°I have a question for you.¡±

    Rachel kept her smile calm and friendly. ¡°I''m listening, Mr. Ward.¡±

    Without a word, Caden picked up the dice and dropped them casually in front of her.

    ¡°Would you mind exining this to me?¡± I have asked.

    Alice''s expression was one of confusion.

    Mrs. Reyes hadn''t anticipated Caden picking up on that detail, and her grip on the dice tightened.

    Alice quickly put two and two together. ¡°Is there something wrong with the dice?¡±

    He took them and examined them carefully. But despite his careful examination, he found nothing unusual.

    Curious, she asked, "What have you done to the dice?"

    Caden kept his expression neutral. ¡°I''m not sure. ¡°You¡¯ll have to check with Mr. Gray.¡±

    Rachel looked at the says. Unless she was caught outright, she wouldn''t concede. "They''re just regr he says. What''s the problem?"

    Caden replied in a rxed tone, ¡°In that case, I guess I''ll have to bring in some experts to take a closer look.¡± He paused before shifting his attention to the visibly agitated Mrs. Reyes. ¡°I heard Mr. Reyes is out of town on a business trip. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll make sure the media gets all the details and I¡¯ll send you a special copy of today¡¯s highlights.¡±

    The mention of her husband sent a wave of fear through Mrs. Reyes. ¡°Mr. Ward, please don''t¡­¡±

    Rachel quickly realized that Caden was backing off Alicia, leaving her feeling cornered.

    With no other options, she reluctantly made a concession. ¡°I just remembered that this card table had some previous problems that I forgot to address. My apologies, Ms. Bet. I¡¯ll have Ms. Reyes reimburse you for all your losses. We are here to have fun, after all. ¡°Let¡¯s not let money spoil the fun.¡±

    Alice smiled faintly. Even now, they were trying to hold her responsible for the fuss.

    "Mrs. Gray," Alice replied, "since you are being so generous, why don''t you give me back the money I lost earlier to Mrs. Reyes?"

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 Chapter 105

    Chapter 105:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Now it was Raquel''s turn to turn pale.

    Mrs. Reyes, relieved that she was no longer on the hook, quickly intervened: ¡°Mrs. Gray, we''ve been going on about this for ages, and you''ve only just remembered now? It¡¯s clearly your mistake.¡±

    Rachel blinked, momentarily stunned. She hadn''t expected Mrs. Reyes to turn on her so quickly. Mrs. Reyes'' smile was cold and knowing. In her eyes, Rachel was nothing more than an acquaintance, not a friend. And when millions of dors were at stake, loyalties shifted easily.

    Rachel''s heart sank, a heavy weight settling on her chest. The entire n had been her idea, but now she was facing the consequences, and it hurt. But losing millions of dors? It was a sum she couldn''t easily dismiss.

    Randolph had always been a tightwad, and most of the funds in her ount had been hard-earned by herself. The thought of leaving with so much money made her stomach turn.

    Mrs. Reyes had powerful connections and Rachel knew she couldn''t afford to alienate her. There was only one person left: Alicia.

    Rachel took the path of least resistance. She forced a small, tight-lipped smile. ¡°Mrs. Bet, everyone makes mistakes. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being too harsh?¡±

    Alice''s eyes glittered with cold amusement. ¡°What''s the problem? You can¡¯t afford it?¡± She paused, letting her words sink in, before adding sharply, ¡°No problem. You can draw up a promissory note and we¡¯ll calcte the interest ording to bank rates.¡±

    Rachel''s smile faltered and her expression soured. ¡°Mrs. Bet, do you really have to be so aggressive? Mr. Ward joined us and won quite a bit. It¡¯s not like I have suffered losses.¡±

    ¡°It''s money he earned. What does it have to do with me?¡± Alice asked, cocking her head in mock confusion. Then she turned her gaze to Caden and asked dryly, ¡°What makes you have to support me financially? Are you my son?¡±

    Caden¡¯s eyes narrowed, irritation barely concealed. Alicia, you''re so ungrateful, he thought, suppressing the urge to roll his eyes. I''m here to help, and you turn it against me?

    Sensing an opportunity, Raquel quickly said, ¡°Okay, let¡¯s leave it. ¡°Ms. Reyes didn¡¯t mean to single you out.¡±

    Alicia scoffed, her patience running thin. ¡°If Caden hadn''t stepped in and noticed, Mrs. Reyes would have had me ying for hours. I was losing tens of thousands of dors with every round. How much would I have lost after all that time? How is that not aiming?¡±

    Rachel raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. ¡°You could have given in or just walked away. No one forced you to continue ying the game.¡±

    Mrs. Reyes, never one to miss an opportunity to make fun of it, added with a sly smile: ¡°Exactly. If you were losing so much, why didn''t you just leave?¡±

    Alice''s smile didn''t reach her eyes as she straightened up. ¡°Fine,¡± she said coldly. ¡°But don''t me me for whates next.¡±

    She nudged Caden in the arm with a defiant look. ¡°Call the police, Mr. Ward.¡±

    Caden''s expression hardened, his voice dripping with disdain. ¡°Why are you ordering me around? Does he really think I¡¯m his son?¡±

    Alice''s lips pressed into a thin line, speechless for a moment. She red at him, mentally cursing the man. How infuriating!

    Rolling her eyes, Alice pulled out her phone and called the police.

    Seeing how serious Alicia was, Rachel intervened, trying to calm the situation. ¡°Mrs. Bet, that¡¯s enough!¡±

    Caden, his expression grim, kicked a nearby chair. The chair skidded across the grass, blocking Rachel''s path.

    Alicia, unfazed, let the call go through. ¡°Hello? Is this the police?¡±

    Rachel''s eyes widened, her thoughts racing. If this went any further, Randolph would have her head. With a heavy sigh of resignation, she muttered, ¡°Fine. ¡°I¡¯ll pay.¡±

    Alicia looked up with a small, victorious smile, nonchntly disying the screen of her phone. ¡°Rx,¡± she said, her tone sweet and calm. ¡°I didn''t actually call the police.¡±

    Rachel gaped, staring at her in disbelief. With a falsely innocent expression, Alice added with a shrug: "I wouldn''t take it that far. It''s only a small amount of money, after all."

    Raquel''s face hardened as she gritted her teeth. Now that she had spoken, she couldn''t go back on her word.

    Reluctantly, I have transferred half the amount, unable to part with the full sum.

    Rachel then turned to look at Mrs. Reyes, indicating that she had to pay the other half.

    Of course, Mrs. Reyes didn''t want to do it, but she couldn''t make a scene, so she reluctantly transferred the money to Alicia.

    Alice checked her ount bnce, her fingers tapping the screen leisurely. Every penny was there.

    Caden, for his part, frowned silently as he saw her eyes light up with satisfaction. She had been through so much, she had fought tooth and nail, and yet this small victory seemed enough to make her shine.

    ¡°Are you sure you counted it right?¡± Caden''s voice cut through the moment,ced with icy disdain. ¡°Maybe there¡¯s an extra two dors in there somewhere?¡±

    Alicia blinked, surprised by his suddenment. She put her phone back into her bag and frowned slightly. Why was he asking her that all of a sudden?

    ¡°I''ve already checked,¡± she replied, bewildered. ¡°Everything is in its ce. Why?¡±

    Caden''s lips twisted into a cold smile. ¡°For all the fuss you''ve made, how much have you really spent and how much have you actually earned? ¡°Miss Bet, it seems your time ising rather cheap.¡±

    Alice''s eyes widened as she realized what she meant. Her moment of triumph suddenly felt hollow, a slight bitterness bubbling in her chest.

    Their eyes met. He didn''t need to say anything else, she understood the message.

    In a silent exchange, Alice''s eyes seemed to ask, Can I push them even harder?

    Caden¡¯s gaze flickered with subtle challenge, his eyes silently conveying, ¡°It¡¯s up to you.¡±

    Alice asked silently, Will you support me?Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    He didn''t answer, just cocked his head, resting it on his hand and rubbing his temple in that familiar, carefree way. It wasn¡¯t exactly a ¡°Yes,¡± but she understood it.

    Before Mrs. Reyes could slip away, Alicia stopped her dead.

    Mrs. Reyes''s irritation red. "What more do you want?"

    Alice''s lips curved slightly, but her words were sharp. ¡°You and Mrs. Gray conspired against me. How do you intend topensate for the emotional distress you have caused me?¡±

    Mrs. Reyes¡¯ eyes widened, momentarily surprised. ¡°Why, you¡­?¡±

    Alice didn''t give him a chance to finish. Her voice was cold, almost boring. "Apologize to me."

    Caden, watching the scene, raised an eyebrow, looking at Alicia with a mixture of exasperation and disbelief. It''s hopeless, he thought, shaking his head inwardly.

    Mrs. Reyes''s apology was stiff, her face tense with barely suppressed frustration, but she muttered the words before storming off.

    Raquel followed closely behind her. The two women whispered hurriedly as they hurried away.

    Alicia exhaled, feeling a small surge of satisfaction. She plopped down next to Caden, letting out a sigh. ¡°If you hadn''t shown up when you did, I might have been left with nothing.¡±

    Caden sneered, his tone scathing. ¡°Weren¡¯t you so harsh just now, telling me we wouldn¡¯t cooperate again?¡± Alicia hesitated for a moment, caught off guard.

    "You''rete. I thought you weren''ting."

    ¡°And if I hadn''t shown up, would you have just let them trample you?¡± Caden leaned in slightly, his voice quieter but no less intense. ¡°Why do you alwayse at me with such fire when you can''t even stand on your own?¡±

    Alice looked away, her voice softening. ¡°You''re different from them. I just wanted to push them a little. If I really offended them¡­ I¡¯d be the one to suffer.¡±

    Caden let out a soft snort, shaking his head in disbelief. Different? How could it be different?

    The thought crossed his mind, but he quickly pushed it away. Without saying a word, he pulled out his phone and transferred the money he had earned earlier into Alicia''s ount.

    Alice blinked in confusion. ¡°Why are you giving me money?¡±

    He didn''t look at her, just shrugged. "That money passed through your hands. It''s bad luck."

    This time, she was the one who was left speechless.

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 Chapter 106

    Chapter 106:

    ? ? ? ? ?Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    Alice curled her lips into a satisfied smile as she epted the money. Her bank ount had seen a noticeable increase, and she was smiling with pleasure.

    Caden watched her intently, his thoughts drifting. He remembered the Bet family''s extravagant lifestyle, where even their dog wore a gold chain. Then she married Joshua. Now she was delighted with such a paltry sum.

    Alice''s mind returned to one thought. "You should have known that Mrs. Reyes was cheating on you, right?"

    Caden just agreed.

    Piqued by curiosity, he asked, ¡°So how were you able to win?¡±

    "I possess the ability to alter cards."

    Alice opened her eyes in surprise. ¡°You mean you can do magic? Like turning two into a three?¡±

    Caden nced at her. ¡°Are you really taking me at my word?¡±

    Of course, he couldn''t change the cards. He had simply figured out how women cheated and calcted the odds, managing to win a few rounds by chance.

    With a deadpan expression, he advised Alice, ¡°You might want to consider getting some help.¡±

    Alicia was speechless, frustration ring up. Clenching her jaw, she muttered a couple of curses under her breath and walked away, clutching the hem of her dress.

    Meanwhile, Rachel, eager to put things right, had been busy preparing lunch with top-quality ingredients. Randolph returned, eager to share a drink with Caden.

    ¡°Mr. Ward, this is your first visit here. How did you like it? Did you enjoy it?¡± Randolph asked.

    Caden declined the drink offered to him. With a neutral expression, Imented, ¡°Mrs. Gray is admirable and shrewd in business. ¡°I have gained valuable knowledge today.¡±

    At first, Randolph didn''t get the sarcasm. His hand, still holding the drink, remained in the air until it dawned on him.

    She nced usingly at Rachel, whose expression had soured. ¡°What have you done to Mr. Ward?¡±

    Rachel''s nerves were evident. "Randolph, it''s all an misunderstanding."

    Realizing that he had indeed upset Caden, Randolph pped her with determination.

    Alicia hadn''t anticipated Randolph''s explosive reaction. Her grip on her fork tightened instinctively. She couldn''t help but look at Rachel, who had been beaten by her husband in front of a crowd, covering her face as tears of humiliation ran down her cheeks.

    Randolph, however, remained unfazed. He continued to praise Caden as he downed a ss of wine in one gulp.

    Caden frowned slightly. ¡°Mr. Gray, please enjoy your meal. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    The spectators whispered among themselves, the tension was palpable.

    Alicia took a few bites of her food. Once Randolph and Rachel walked away, she slid into the seat next to Caden, leaning in to whisper, ¡°You''re significantly younger than Randolph. Why does he seem so intimidated by you?¡±

    Caden replied distantly, ¡°He''s not really afraid of me. ¡°He just sees this as an opportunity to inte his ego by belittling a woman.¡±

    Alicia recognized the pattern. Most men behaved like that. Rachel''s affection only served to swell Randolph''s pride, making him feel like royalty. He truly believed he was something special.

    "You know how Randolph is. Why do you provoke them?" Alice asked, her voice full of curiosity.

    Caden nced at her. ¡°Are you sympathizing with Rachel again?¡±

    Alice shook her head. ¡°You seem rather unpleasant to me.¡±

    ¡°If I¡¯m not unfriendly, then I¡¯m naive,¡± Caden replied coldly. ¡°Don¡¯t forget the real reason you¡¯re here today.¡±

    Alice was shocked. ¡°How did you find out?¡±

    Caden ced some food on his te and ate confidently, his expression unreadable. ¡°What do I really know?¡±

    Alicia was speechless. Although Caden didn''t borate, his sly expression made her wonder if he was aware of everything. Could he have realized that she was trying to get close to Rachel to find out secrets about Randolph?

    With a puzzled look, Alice asked, "Did you study psychology abroad? The kind that allows you to read people''s thoughts just by looking at them?"

    Caden replied with a perfectly straight face, ¡°I have mastered the art of mind reading.¡±

    Alice remained silent. She was half convinced and mentally cursed herself.

    Then she challenged him: ¡°So what were you thinking?¡±

    "You referred to me as an imbecile."

    Now I felt admiration. ¡°After all, mind reading really exists.¡±

    He had read her thoughts urately, not missing a single detail.

    Caden remained unfazed as he gestured for a nearby maid toe closer.

    The maid came over and asked, ¡°Mr. Ward, how may I help you?¡±

    "Is there anything here that could improve intelligence?" He looked at Alice. "Thisdy could use quite a bit."

    Alicia gritted her teeth and kicked him under the table. Caden didn''t even flinch. His body was as solid as iron, leaving her with a throbbing toe.

    She gasped, her lips twitching at the corners.

    Noticing the maid frozen in uncertainty, Alice said, "Why don''t you make me some kebabs? Cook them thoroughly and make sure they''re loaded with chilli."

    However, a chubby boy snatched the skewers from her. Alice recognized Ted and didn''t feel like arguing.

    ¡°That''s Mrs. Reyes''s son. He¡¯s fiercely protective of her,¡± Alice said, licking her lips. ¡°Those kebabs smell delicious. ¡°What a pity.¡±

    Caden nced over. Ted was sitting next to Mrs. Reyes, enjoying the kebabs. Mrs. Reyes had him in her arms and nced in his direction.

    Seeing Alicia enjoying her meal so effusively, Mrs. Reyes gritted her teeth in envy.

    ¡°Ted,¡± Ms. Reyes began, ¡°if someone harassed me, would you defend me?¡±

    Ted replied seriously, ¡°Of course, Mommy! ¡°You¡¯re my favorite.¡±

    She leaned down and whispered in her ear, ¡°So¡­¡±

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 Chapter 107

    Chapter 107:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Later, Rachel put on her makeup and went to get a finer wine to make up with Caden. Her eyes were swollen and red. ¡°Mr. Ward, I would like to propose a toast in your honor. Otherwise, Randolph will have my head.¡±

    Caden kept a stoic attitude and took a sip of wine. This one was considerably stronger than thest. As it went down his throat, he won slightly.

    Rachel filled a ss for Alicia. ¡°Miss Bet¡­¡±

    Rachel''s voice was as weak and pitiful as before. Fighting back her tears, she said, "I''m most to me for today. I''m truly sorry; please forgive me." To Alice, such a plea sounded like moral ckmail.

    After being pped, Rachel now approached her humbly. If Alicia chose to remain resentful, it would only paint her as unreasonable.

    After a few seconds of silence, Alicia finally raised her ss. Caden looked in her direction and gently pushed it under the table.

    Alice recognized the warning. He was silently warning her not to drink. But she replied bluntly: ¡°Why did you kick me?¡±

    Caden was momentarily speechless. Alicia picked up her ss and turned to Rachel. ¡°I can''t have wine, so I''ll have water instead.¡± She then reced the wine with water.

    Rachel''s expression tightened momentarily, although it was hard to tell because of her swollen cheek. ¡°I really appreciate that, Mrs. Bet.¡±

    Rachel closed her eyes and drank the wine. Her face immediately flushed.

    Alicia responded with a small sip of water, feeling a little ufortable under the gaze of the room. Rachel quickly turned away, embarrassed to be the center of attention. She walked over to Randolph, who was standing a short distance away, and leaned gently against him.

    I have patted her on the back to offer somefort.

    Alice sat down. ¡°Looks like Randolph managed to calm her down. Did she decide to overlook the p so easily?¡±

    Caden replied nonchntly, ¡°Neither of you are obliged to do anything against your will. It''s your business. Don¡¯t make it yours.¡±

    Alicia rested her chin on her hand, suddenly intrigued. ¡°Caden, given your unique temperament, if you were to get married, would you end up hitting your wife when you felt stressed?¡±

    Caden kept a straight face. ¡°I would hit him even when I wasn''t feeling stressed.¡±

    Alice was shocked. ¡°You''re an idiot.¡±

    ¡°I never specified where I would hit,¡± Caden replied, giving him a meaningful look.

    Alice instinctively replied, "What kind of twisted reasoning is that? Domestic violence is illegal, no matter where it urs."

    Cadenmented: ¡°You might want to check with the police to see if yful spanking in bed is illegal.¡±

    Alicia was speechless. Noticing her shocked expression, Caden smiled and began, ¡°And also¡­¡±

    Before he could continue, Alice covered her mouth and said seriously, "That''s enough."N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Caden yfully brushed his hand away, joking, ¡°Do you have any idea what I was about to say?¡±

    Alice''s expression was nk, but her ears reddened. She struggled to maintain herposure. "I know it wasn''t going to be appropriate."

    ¡°Just standard sex ed,¡± Caden replied, keeping his tone serious.

    Alice was not convinced. She lowered her voice and said, ¡°My biology teacher never mentioned anything about spanking in the context of sex.¡±

    Caden let out a softugh. ¡°I teach advanced sses,¡± he said.

    Alice looked at her hand. She could easily imagine how he used to yfully spank women.

    "No, thank you," she replied, clearly annoyed.

    As everyone finished eating, Alicia lost her appetite and headed to the bathroom. Caden went in another direction to rinse his mouth and wash his hands.

    A feeling of being watched bothered him from behind. I have decided not to look back immediately. Once he dried his fingers, he turned around. A crowd had gathered outside.

    However, his target quickly caught his attention.

    She was a servant of the Gray household.

    The maid hesitated momentarily under her scrutiny before stepping forward. ¡°Mr. Ward, would you like to rest for a bit?¡±

    Caden barely acknowledged his presence.

    In a casual tone, he asked, ¡°Where could I go?¡±

    The maid replied, ¡°Mr. Gray mentioned that he had been drinking, so he thought he might benefit from some rest. ¡°I have prepared a room for him.¡±

    Wary of a possible disappointment, Caden replied, ¡°That won''t be necessary. Have Randolph meet me in the parlor. ¡°I need to talk to him.¡±

    The maid hesitated, biting her lip for a few moments.

    It was clear that he was trying hard toplete his task due to Caden''s response, but his shy nature prevented him from pressing any further. He hurried off to find Randolph.

    Randolph''s expression darkened when he learned that Caden had not gone to rest in the designated room. However, he showed no signs of anger. He simply waved the maid away. After a while, Caden made his way to the living room. Randolph motioned for someone to bring a bowl of soup to help Caden sober up.

    Caden declined the offer. ¡°Mr. Gray, if you are concerned about my intoxication, why did you have Mrs. Gray serve such a potent wine?¡±

    Noticing Caden''s cold demeanor, Randolph pressed further. "Mr. Ward, are you still upset by Rachel''s treatment of Miss Bet?"

    He had previously asked Rachel about the previous incident.

    Even though it was only a few women, Caden had intervened.

    He had defended Alicia so transparently.

    Concerned that Caden might have some interest in Alicia, Randolph feltpelled to approach him.

    Caden, understanding Randolph''s motives, replied enigmatically, "She was my brother''s ex-wife. Now that she''s facing difficulties, what reason would I have not to help her?"

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 Chapter 108

    Chapter 108:

    ? ? ? ? ?Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    Randolph paused, surprised by thement. ¡°That''s all?¡± Just because she¡¯s your ex-sister-inw?¡±

    Caden¡¯s smile widened slightly. ¡°What else could it be?¡±

    Randolph was silent for a moment, searching for an answer. Finally, I let out a smallugh. ¡°Fair enough. ¡°I guess he¡¯s like family to you.¡±

    Randolph never seemed to like Caden getting involved with his sister-inw. Once he was sure that Caden''s interest in Alicia was nothing more than polite concern, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. Slowly, I have turned the conversation back to business matters.

    Although Randolph always made a good profit, opportunities to coborate with someone like Caden didn''te along often. After all, who wouldin about making more money?

    Randolph leaned towards him, adopting a tone filled with excessive admiration as he tried to draw Caden into the deal. Caden listened in silence for a while and then looked at Randolph.

    ¡°What do you need, Mr. Ward?¡± Randolph asked.

    Caden nonchntly replied, ¡°I think I could use some hangover soup right now.¡±

    Randolph was speechless. He held back his frustration and brought the soup while looking visibly displeased. Caden took a sip and then said, ¡°Joshua has been taking care of your banking business, right?¡±

    Randolph looked away for a moment. ¡°In business, it is always wise to have as many valuable customers as possible,¡± he said. ¡°When ites to generosity, you cannot bepared to him, Mr. Ward.¡±

    Caden took another sip from the mug. Randolph leaned forward and asked, ¡°Mr. Ward, what do you say? ¡°I realize that three hundred million is a small amount for you.¡±

    Caden pursed his lips. ¡°The soup is too sweet. Tell your maid to use less honey.¡±

    Randolph didn''t know what to say to that. "Is Caden ying me?" I have wondered.

    Caden set the bowl down. ¡°Take it easy. Joshua has been doing welltely. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure he helps you more if the opportunity arises.¡±

    Randolph gave him a polite smile. ¡°No need to bother, Mr. Ward. If I need anything, I can always contact Joshua directly. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t refuse.¡±

    Caden replied with a slight smile, ¡°Oh, yeah?¡± It was clear that Randolph had some influence over Joshua. After finishing his business discussion, Caden looked out the window. Several high society people were gathered outside, basking in the afternoon sun. They were chatting. The area radiated elegance and luxury, but Alicia was nowhere to be seen.

    Meanwhile, Alice walked out of the bathroom, only to hear a sudden scream. She turned around to see where the noise wasing from. Ted was there, holding arge water gun, spraying it in her direction.

    Ted had been waiting for the perfect moment and managed to catch her off guard, leaving her no chance to react. Water sshed all over her, soaking her instantly. Her silk dress clung tightly to her body as soon as it got wet. Alicia felt exposed and humiliated.

    Tedughed loudly, waving the water gun and mocking her. ¡°Look at you, ugly duckling! ¡°Everyone can see you!¡±

    Alicia''s expression hardened. Ignoring the water dripping down her body, she grabbed the hem of her dress and searched for something to defend herself with. She wasn''t going to let this brat get away with this. Realizing what she was about to do, Ted ran off.

    Even as he moved, he kept taunts: ¡°Come on, ugly girl! Catch me if you can!¡±

    With longer strides, Alice quickly caught up with him. Ted struggled to escape, but she grabbed his curly hair and gave him a hard lesson. He was surprised that she was so much stronger than him and that he had no chance of escape. Ovee by fear, he burst into tears.

    Alice let him go, looking at him with contemtion. ¡°You are lucky you are a boy. Try again, and next time it won¡¯t be so easy.¡±

    Ted shouted angrily, ¡°Witch! How dare you hit me? ¡°I¡¯ll have my mother deal with you.¡±

    Alice''s gaze hardened, and she was about tosh out. But before she could, a maid rushed over.

    ¡°Miss Bet, you should change before you catch cold,¡± the maid suggested. ¡°Why don''t you go in and change your clothes?¡±

    As Ted ran off, Alicia decided to let it go for the moment. ¡°Is this how everyone in the Reyes family behaves?¡± she muttered as she wrung out her soaked dress. Ted might be just a child, but his foulnguage was too much.

    The maid remained silent and gently guided Alice towards a small building on the other side of the courtyard. It was a bit of a walk, but as it was still within the property, Alice did not question it too much.

    "Why do I have to change here?" she asked, curious.

    The maid gave her a polite smile. ¡°Miss Bet, your clothes are soaked. You probably don''t want the security guards to see you like that. It¡¯s closer here and you can change quickly before youe back.¡±

    She opened the door and handed Alice a clean set of clothes. Alice looked down and noticed that her dress had be almost transparent, revealing her underwear. It wasn''t very appropriate.

    When the maid left, she quietly closed the door. Alice quickly changed and hung the damp dress in a ventted ce to dry.

    Just outside, a small pond reflected the afternoon light. The water was pristine, clear and calm, surrounded by carefullyid flowers. A few delicate flowers swayed gently in the breeze, like dancers moving to a gentle rhythm. Alice took a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill her lungs. It felt good to get away from the chaos and enjoy a brief moment of peace.

    Unfortunately, peace was always short-lived.

    As he rested with his eyes closed, he heard someone enter the room. He assumed it was the maid, but instead, it was Ted. This time, he wasn''t alone. A group of children from wealthy families had joined him, each looking ready for mischief.

    Without warning, Ted aimed his water gun directly at her, spraying her in the face and hitting her in the eyes. Her vision blurred and she nearly tripped. Before she could react, Ted grabbed a stick he had brought and hit her with all his force.

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 Chapter 109

    Chapter 109:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Ted, already eight years old, was surprisingly strong for his age.

    Alice felt a sharp, overwhelming pain as he hit her. Before she could recover, he hit her again. The blows carried the malice of a child who had been taught to fight dirty.

    Alice struggled to defend herself, but the other children quickly restrained her. Ted continued to hit her and shouted, ¡°This is what you get for messing with my mother! ¡°This is what you deserve.¡±

    Her aim was deliberate, aiming for the softer parts of his body, avoiding his face and vital points. Despite the pain, Alice managed to push one of the children away.

    Ted saw this and immediately dropped the stick, grabbing a rope. In no time, he had tied his hands.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Alice''s voice grew firm as she demanded, "What''s wrong with you? Let me go."

    Ted looked at her, his eyes burning with intensity. ¡°If I let you go, you''ll hurt my mother again. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to kill you.¡±

    Alice froze, her heart stopping for a moment. It was the first time she had seen such a fierce, almost terrifying expression in a child''s eyes.

    He was incredibly daring.

    ¡°Are you nning to kill me?¡± Alice struggled against the taut rope, breathing heavily. ¡°Has no one ever told you that killing is a crime? You¡¯ll end up in jail.¡±

    To her surprise, Ted scoffed and replied, "My mother told me that I''m a boy, so nothing will happen to me if I kill you. Didn''t you know that?"

    Alicia''s fear intensified as the weight of her words sank in. She understood thew and was using it to her advantage. It was clear that Mrs. Reyes had taught her well.

    Even if Alicia survived today, she knew she would suffer. Mrs. Reyes would let Ted take the me, knowing that thew would protect him.

    As these thoughts were running through her mind, Ted suddenly pushed her into the pool.

    Alice felt her stomach drop as she lost her bnce and fell. She tried to scream for help, but no sound came out of her lips. Within moments, her head hit a rock. Pain shot through her body before the world went numb.

    His energy drains and everything goes dark as he loses consciousness.

    Her body slowly sank beneath the surface of the water. One of the boys, clearly frightened, gasped. ¡°Ted, she¡­¡±

    Ted stared in shock. The sound of Alice''s head hitting the rock had been so loud that it echoed throughout the yard. Now, Alice wasn''t moving in the water, and it looked like she was really gone.

    ¡°I just wanted her to get in the water. ¡°I didn¡¯t know she hit a rock,¡± Ted stammered, his panic growing as he watched her body float upward. Blood began to spread into the water, deepening his fear. ¡°It wasn''t me! ¡°I didn¡¯t push her.¡±

    Mrs. Reyes had only told Ted to mistreat Alicia. She never intended to hurt her like that.

    In a fit of panic, he ran outside, screaming for his mother, Mrs. Reyes. The other children, equally frightened, followed him, their shrill cries filling the air.

    Caden was in the living room, talking to Randolph, when he heard themotion outside. He looked out into the yard and saw Ted running into Mrs. Reyes''s arms.

    Caden recognized the boy instantly. Ted had been the one who had taken Alicia''s skewers during the meal. The look Ted had given him earlier suggested he held some sort of grudge.

    Randolph, puzzled, asked, "What''s going on out there?"

    Rachel looked toward the noise, her voice unconcerned. ¡°They''re just some kids misbehaving. ¡°They may have had a scuffle, but it¡¯s nothing serious.¡±

    Caden noticed the fleeting look of guilt that crossed Rachel''s face. He watched her closely, but kept his thoughts to himself.

    As Rachel turned her attention to the small building in the distance, a frown created her forehead, and a sh of uncertainty passed through her expression.

    Caden looked restlessly out across the openwn. It was vast, but there was no sign of Alice anywhere. An uneasy feeling came over him and he rose from his seat.

    Meanwhile, Mrs. Reyes quietly questioned Ted, asking for more details.

    Ted was shaking, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°She¡¯s dead¡­ She hit her head and now she¡¯s dead.¡± Fear gripped Mrs. Reyes. Her voice dropped to a whisper. ¡°She''s dead?¡±

    "Who died?" he asked, barely able to understand what he heard.

    A booming voice cut through the tense atmosphere. Mrs. Reyes looked up in rm as her eyes met Caden''s. His face was shadowed with fury and the intensity of his presence was overwhelming.

    Before Ms. Reyes could speak, Ted blurted out, ¡°It wasn''t me! ¡°It wasn¡¯t me.¡± Her immediate reaction was to me someone else.

    Caden''s suspicion deepened. It was clear that something had happened to Alicia.

    Without hesitation, he grabbed Ted by the cor and began marching toward the small building.

    Terrified, Mrs. Reyes stumbled after him. ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward, please let Ted go!¡±

    Caden ignored her, dragging Ted to the entrance of the building.

    "Where''s Alice?" I have grownled.

    Ted had never felt so scared. His mind went nk, and his body froze.

    ¡°It¡¯s upstairs¡­ in the pool,¡± he murmured.

    ¡°What floor?¡± Caden pressed.

    ¡°The second¡­¡± Ted stammered.

    Caden threw him to the ground. Ted screamed in pain from the fall.

    Caden didn''t hesitate. He ran up to the second floor, threw open the door, and saw a figure floating in the pool. His heart pounded in his chest as he ran toward her.

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 Chapter 110

    Chapter 110:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice''s consciousness was wandering aimlessly. It was raining hard, and beneath the emergency building, a small figure was huddled tightly.

    Alice walked over, curious to see who it could be. As soon as she saw him, her jaw dropped. It was Caden.

    But this Caden was nothing like the man she knew. He always had an air of arrogance about him, greeting everyone with a cold, disdainful stare. He was constantly at odds with her.

    Now Caden was kneeling in the rain, staring nkly at the hospital entrance. His body looked weak,pletely consumed by grief and despair. His face had lost all color under the downpour.

    The wind blew hard, and she staggered. Alice could bear it no longer. She cried out, "Get out of the rain!"

    But there was no response.

    Caden stood where he was, still, like a statue. Alicia touched herself, realizing that her body had be transparent. As she tried to make sense of it, a group of people emerged from the hospital.

    It was the Yates family.

    The family servant held an umbre, keeping Joshua dry from the rain. Joshua walked with his parents, hand in hand, exuding an air of privilege.

    When she saw Caden kneeling in the rain, a smug smile appeared on her face. She walked towards him, her steps confident.

    ¡°Caden,¡± Joshua shouted. ¡°Stop kneeling. Your mother is dead.¡±

    Alicia felt her anger rising inside her. Joshua''s smug expression made it worse.

    ¡°Don''t you understand?¡± Joshua taunted, walking over and kicking Caden. ¡°Your mother is dead! Why are you still kneeling?¡±

    Caden copsed to the ground after the kick.

    Alice tried to reach out and help him, but her hands went right through him. Only then did she realize that she was powerless to help him.

    As Joshua moved to kick Caden again, Alicia instinctively stepped in front of him. ¡°Joshua, stop¡­¡± Before she could finish, her throat tightened and she suddenly vomited arge amount of water.

    The pain brought her back to her senses. A sharp, painful sensation spread through her body, forcing her to moan. She struggled to open her eyes.

    When her vision finally cleared, she saw the person in front of her: it was Caden.

    Alice was stunned when she saw him. She could only stare at him in disbelief. The Caden in front of her did not look like the one in her dream. He looked older, more serious. His eyes held something she could not understand. Her thoughts scattered as she took his hand.

    ¡°Caden¡­¡± she whispered.

    Caden stopped, but without a second thought, he pushed his hand away, without hesitation.

    Alice froze. She wanted to speak, but the words wouldn''te out.

    This was no longer a dream.

    It was reality.

    Here, Caden was irritable, unpredictable, quick to anger. He was not the same as the pitiful figure in her dream.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    ¡°Is he conscious?¡± Someone asked, leaning closer.

    Alicia was still in a daze. She slowly turned her head and realized that besides Caden, a group of people had gathered. The wealthydies were all there to check on her. Each one had a different expression, but none of them seemed really worried. They were here for the show.

    The person who spoke was Rachel.

    She was one of the suits.

    Caden wiped the water from his clothes, his face unreadable. ¡°Do whatever you want,¡± he said tly, before walking away.

    Alicia didn''t expect Caden to act so distant, and it left her confused.

    ¡°What the hell is wrong with him?¡± she thought, her frustration mounting. ¡°I''m already in a terrible state, and he''s still so petnt? What the hell is wrong with him?¡± She cursed inwardly.

    Rachel immediately called an ambnce, her face covered in worry as she approached the bed.

    ¡°Mrs. Bet, are you okay?¡± Rachel asked, feigning concern.

    Alicia remembered what had happened before she fainted and instinctively pulled Rachel''s hand away.

    Noticing the change in Alicia''s demeanor, Rachel softened her tone. ¡°Don''t worry. I''ll make sure those kids are punished. They won¡¯t suffer for anything.¡±

    Alice''s expression remained nk. "Please go away. I need some time alone."

    Raquel hesitated, her concern still evident. ¡°The ambnce is on its way. Should we call Mr. Yates?¡±

    Alice snapped, her voice hoarse and shrill with anger. ¡°Why would you do that?¡±

    Rachel continued, trying to calm her down. ¡°I know you''re divorced and you''re not his wife anymore. But after something like this, it''s only fair that Ie to see how you are.¡±

    ¡°No need!¡± Alice''s words were filled with frustration, tinged with anxiety. ¡°Don''t call him.¡±

    Raquel was confused. ¡°Why don''t you want me to eat?¡±

    Alice''s face hardened. "Why would I want to?"

    ¡°You called him several times while you were unconscious,¡± Raquel pointed out. ¡°Isn¡¯t this when you need him the most?¡±

    Alice didn''t know what to answer.

    Had she really called Joshua?

    She vaguely remembered feeling excited in the dream, but it wasn''t because she missed him. In fact, she had cursed him.

    She touched her fingers to the bridge of her nose, trying to calm herself. ¡°My situation has nothing to do with Joshua. If you want Lilliana to create chaos, call him. But be prepared for the consequences.¡±

    As soon as the words left her mouth, the image of Caden''s stern expression filled her mind.

    Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind.

    Had I misinterpreted everything?

    Without wasting another second, she got out of bed, determined to find him.

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 Chapter 111

    Chapter 111:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia had been hit several times and had hit her head, but her injuries were not serious. She leaned against the wall and slowly walked down the stairs, looking everywhere for Caden.

    Finally, she saw him at the party on thewn.

    As he approached, he felt something strange. Caden was standing in the middle of the crowd, exuding an intimidating presence. No one dared toe closer, as if his aura was ordering them to keep their distance.

    The entire crowd remained silent, watching him. Mrs. Reyes stood at the front, her eyes filled with concern as she watched Caden.

    Alicia noticed an empty chair and sat down, aligning herself with the crowd''s gaze.

    In front of Caden, a group of children from the previous incident were standing in a straight line, waiting for their orders. They were hanging on his every word.

    ¡°Channel all your strength into defeating the others. Whoever loses will be punished. Thest one standing will earn a reward from me,¡± Caden announced.

    His voice was a mixture of lightness and authority.

    He looked like a general leading his troops into battle.

    Alice watched the children who had once strutted around like a gang of bullies. Now, they stood as timid asmbs,pletely subjugated by Caden''s imposing presence. They didn''t obey out of respect, they followed out of fear.

    Everyone, even children, knew what it felt like to fear authority.

    Caden stepped back slightly, his gaze shifting to Alicia in his peripheral vision. He frowned briefly, but the expression quickly disappeared.

    The children erupted into chaos, fighting among themselves.

    Alice wasn''t interested in his antics. A dizziness washed over her as she made her way to Caden. "Uh..."

    Without looking up, Caden pulled up a chair and sat down. ¡°Yeah?¡±

    Alicia struggled to move her chair closer to him. Every movement sent a wave of dizziness through his head, but it was manageable.

    After taking a brief moment topose herself, Alicia studied Caden''s face. ¡°What''s wrong with them? Why do they listen to you so easily?¡±

    Caden responded clearly: ¡°The incident caused quite a scene. Randolph wanted to avoid police involvement, so he asked me to handle things discreetly.¡±

    ¡°Why should it have been you?¡± Alice asked instinctively. Shouldn''t it be her turn to decide what happened? After all, she was the one who had been hurt. She told herself that her question had been born of genuine curiosity, not malice.

    However, Caden''s expression remained stern. ¡°You were unconscious. As your ex-husband¡¯s brother, I was given temporary authority to make decisions for you.¡±

    Alice slowly agreed. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said, the sincerity evident in her voice.

    Caden scoffed. ¡°Luckily for you, I had some time today, but next time, you take care of it.¡±

    Alice stared at him for a moment, speechless. After a while, she murmured, "I wasn''t ming you."

    Caden remained silent and looked back at the children as they continued to fight. Ted stood out as the strongest among them. Despite his strength, he was also the most terrified, fighting with all his might as he took down the other children one by one.

    The mothers rushed to break up the chaos, pushing Ted aside while Mrs. Reyes protected him.

    It wasn''t long before some adults joined the fray. At this point, the situation quickly escted.

    Alice felt a small satisfaction. ¡°Your methods are still as ruthless as ever.¡±

    Caden looked indifferent, watching the scene unfold. To him, it was nothing more than a circus show.

    Alicia didn''t approach him to strike up a casual conversation. She had intended to exin why she had called Joshua while he was unconscious. But for some reason, as she looked at his face, words failed her.

    In her dream, she had felt a deeppassion for the boy. His mother had died in the hospital and his father had shown no interest in him. His younger brother, born the same year, not only failed tofort him in his darkest moments, but hadpounded his pain. She had also lost her parents. This suffocating pain was something she understood all too well.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Alice opened her mouth to speak. ¡°Caden¡­¡±

    Caden''s face remained unreadable. ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    Alice scratched her palm, searching for the right words.

    "Were you the one who saved me?"

    "It was nothing," he replied distantly.

    Alice persisted, ¡°Then why did you act so coldly after saving me? ¡°It seems like if you held a grudge against me.¡±

    Was it because she had called Joshua in her dreams? She didn''t dare ask. The thought of being wrong was too embarrassing. Instead, she decided to wait for his answer.

    Caden replied in an icy tone, "Don''t you realize we might hold a deep grudge against each other?"

    Alice was speechless.

    Caden added, ¡°I saved your life. That means you owe me.¡±

    Once again, she had no answer. She knew she was overanalyzing the situation. Maybe she shouldn''t have looked for him out at all.

    At that moment, Ted raised his hands in victory, standing triumphantly in the middle of the pile of children. ¡°I won! I beat them!¡±

    Alicia nced at him, feeling frustrated. ¡°He was the one who pushed me down, thinking he could get away with it just because he''s underage. YO-"

    Cadenmented: ¡°You couldn''t even handle a child? Are you proud of that?¡±

    Alice''s head was throbbing painfully. "I was ambushed."

    Ted ran to Caden, excitement shining in his innocent eyes. ¡°Sir, I''ve won! Where¡¯s my reward?¡±

    Mrs. Reyes felt a sense of unease and quickly pulled Ted back. ¡°Ted, we don''t need a reward. ¡°I was just joking.¡±

    Ted shook his head stubbornly. "No! He promised me. ¡°I want my reward!¡±

    Caden fixed his gaze on Ted, his eyes carrying a menacing intensity that was difficult to interpret.

    ¡°You fought well. You deserve a reward,¡± Caden said, turning to Alice. ¡°Arrange the reward for her.¡±

    Alice won, trying to ease the pain in her head. His words stunned her. ¡°What?¡±

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 Chapter 112

    Chapter 112:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Mrs. Reyes'' expression changed as she pulled Ted closer. "Mr. Ward, he''s just a kid. He doesn''t understand. Please let him go!"

    Caden''s face remained impassive. ¡°Did I say something?¡± He smirked. ¡°Why are you so scared?¡±

    A slight shiver ran through Mrs. Reyes. Although she didn''t know Caden well, their brief interactions that day had already shown her his decisive and ruthless nature. When he found out something had happened to Alicia, he had thrown Ted to the ground without hesitation. If things had gone even slightly wrong, Ted could easily have been seriously injured.

    Caden showed no mercy to the children. His earlier order for them to fight had felt like personal revenge. He mentioned that there would be a reward, but Mrs. Reyes could sense that what wasing was far from good.

    Without wasting any time, Caden looked at Alicia and said, ¡°For the next half hour, Ted is yours. ¡°Do with him whatever you want.¡±

    Understanding the implication of his words, a wave of tion washed over Alice, momentarily easing away the pain of her wounds. Caden had opened the door for her, and she wasn''t going to let that brat walk away unscathed.

    She immediately called two servants to help her.

    Seeing that her pleas were futile, Mrs. Reyes''s demeanor changed. ¡°What right do you have to treat Ted like that? I made a mistake that any child could make. He doesn''t know any better, and neither do you. ¡°Harming children is against thew.¡±

    Caden leaned back, appearing unfazed.

    Alice couldn''t help but feel amused. "Isn''t it illegal for him to attempt murder? He may be a minor, but that doesn''t change the fact that he tried to kill me. If we take legal action, both you and your husband will face the consequences."

    Alicia continued, ¡°Do you really want this to go any further? We can get the police involved. I will work with them and share the whole story with the media. Everyone will know how Ted hurt me. ¡°I am sure Mr. Reyes will appreciate you raising such a tough son, and the entire Reyes family will be proud of you.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Mrs. Reyes''s legs shook and she nearly copsed to the ground.

    She didn''t want anything bad to happen to Ted, but she also feared the consequences of making a scene. If the Reyes family found out about this, her life would be ruined.

    Her voice shaking, she said, ¡°Mrs. Bet, I''m so sorry. This is all my fault. I didn''t like you, so I told Ted to make things difficult for you. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to hurt you so much.¡±

    Alice remained impassive.

    She had just faced a terrifying brush with death and had almost lost her life. Did Mrs. Reyes really believe that a simple apology could erase it all?

    ¡°Rest assured, Mrs. Reyes,¡± Alicia said firmly. ¡°Once Ted enters society, you will find yourself on your knees frequently.¡±

    Mrs. Reyes realized she was kneeling. She tried to get up, but her legs felt so weak that she sank back down.

    Alice told the servants to bring a basin of water. They put it on the table, which was about waist high.

    Unable to hold on to Ted, he called two servants for help.

    Sensing impending danger, Ted began to squirm and resist.

    The servants held him firmly.

    Mrs. Reyes said sternly, ¡°If you dare to touch Ted, you will regret it!¡±

    Fear spread through the servants, causing them to loosen their grip.

    Alicia quickly realized that she shouldn''t involve them any further and turned her attention back to Caden. ¡°Can you record Ted for me?¡±

    Caden replied coldly, ¡°I¡¯m busy.¡±

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    .

 Chapter 113

    Chapter 113:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia lost track of how long she had been unconscious until the overwhelming need to urinate woke her up with a start.

    It took him a moment to get his bearings and he soon realized he was in a hospital room. He hurriedly threw off the nket and sat up in bed.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    She noticed the dropper hanging over her. Ignoring the difort in her body, she stood up and reached over to unhook the bottle.

    However, he felt his limbs gopletely weak and he inadvertently hit something, causing a loud bang.

    Suddenly, the air was filled with noise.

    The curtain had been drawn.

    Startled, Alicia turned to see who had entered. ¡°Would you please¡­¡± She froze when she saw it was Caden. She hesitated for a moment, her expression growing tense. ¡°Could you please help me get the IV bottle down?¡±

    Caden dropped the papers he was holding onto the table.

    ¡°What do you need to do?¡± he asked, his voice cold.

    When Alice had copsed at the Gray family''s house, she had looked ghostly pale, as if she were a corpse. Now, a short whileter, she was standing up in bed like a restless child.

    Driven by her urgent need, Alice no longer cared about her dignity. She squeezed her legs together and said, ¡°I need to go to the bathroom.¡±

    Caden paused for a moment. Without a word, he walked to the other side of the bed and picked up the bottle of serum.

    Alice breathed a sigh of relief and got out of bed.

    Noticing her hurt movements, Caden frowned. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to get the serum bottle?¡±

    Alice stared back at him. ¡°Aren''t you going to carry it for me?¡±

    Caden hesitated briefly before replying coldly, ¡°No. ¡°I¡¯m allergic to public bathrooms in hospitals.¡±

    Alice gritted her teeth in frustration.

    It was not the time to argue with him, so she took the bottle of serum herself.

    In his haste, he quickened his pace.

    Her body struggled to keep up with her urgency, and as soon as she entered the bathroom, she copsed to the floor.

    Suddenly, Caden heard a loud thud.

    Turning to look, he found Alice lying awkwardly on the floor.

    Once again, he was left speechless.

    With a resigned sigh, he walked over to help her up.

    Alice had hurt her leg and couldn''t stand. But what was more pressing than the pain in her leg was the unbearable pressure building up in her dder. She felt like her dder was going to burst at any moment. Alice abandoned her pride, grabbed Caden¡¯s arm, and pleaded, ¡°Please¡­ take me to the bathroom quickly.¡±

    Caden was reluctant to go in.

    He stepped back slightly. ¡°It''s just a few steps. You can walk.¡±

    Alice gripped him tighter.

    Her face flushed and her voice dropped to a whisper. ¡°My leg hurts too much to move. I can''t take it anymore, Caden. Please hurry up.¡±

    As he spoke, he felt something break in his abdomen.

    The pressure that had been building for what seemed like an eternity was suddenly released.

    It was like a flood that overwhelmed her and plunged her world into darkness.

    She clung desperately to Caden''s hand, as if she were drowning.

    The air grew still and silent around him.

    Caden sensed something was wrong when he noticed Alicia was freezing. Then, he felt a warm stream soaking through his pant leg.

    As soon as he realized what was happening, he looked down, amazed beyond words.

    The hospital gown hid most of the evidence, but a noticeable wet spot had formed on her ck pants. The heat spread and the stain expanded. Caden''s expression darkened as he realized what was happening.

    "Alice!"

    All his good manners disappeared in an instant, and just as he opened his mouth to curse, Alice raised her hand and covered her lips.

    "Silence."

    Alice tensed her neck. ¡°Wait until I finish.¡±

    Caden stood there, mouth agape, as Alicia silently finished her task,pletely absorbed in the moment.

    Half a minuteter, when the test was over, Alice slowly regained her senses, her limbs feeling weak as she leaned on Caden.

    Caden had a tense expression. There was an uneasy feeling creeping inside him.

    ¡°Let me go,¡± he said sharply.

    Alice slowly raised her face.

    Although she had embarrassed felt before, at this moment she gave inpletely. ¡°Go ahead and scold me. ¡°I won¡¯t say a word in response.¡±

    Caden had lost the desire to scold her.

    Right now, I just wanted to kill.

    Pushing Alicia aside, he called for Hank to bring him a change of clothes.

    Hank arrived immediately.

    Alicia showered in the bathroom while Caden stood at the door, his expression somber and brooding, like someone ready to unleash his fury upon the world. His presence was undeniably menacing.

    Hank was quick to notice the wet spots on Caden''s pants.

    With the sound of the shower echoing inside, Hank put two and two together.

    "Mr. Ward, here are your clothes."

    He hesitated for a moment before speaking. ¡°I heard that Mrs. Bet is seriously injured. ¡°She should restrain herself for a while, no matter how strong her desire is.¡± It was not considered to let her shower alone.

    Mr. Ward needed to disy more gentlemanly behavior.

    Caden was in no mood for jokes. In a stern voice, he replied, ¡°Can you act normal for once?¡±

    Hank smiled with satisfaction. ¡°There''s no need to deny it. ¡°I¡¯ve seen plenty of scenes like this in adult films.¡±

    She gave Caden a thumbs up and continued, ¡°Congrattions! You managed to do this right after losing your virginity. You¡¯re very talented.¡±

    Caden''s expression darkened, bing increasingly menacing. ¡°Do you want to end up sleeping in the morgue tonight?¡±

    Hank was speechless.

    Why is the boss so sensitive? I never thought he would get so easily embarrassed, Hank thought to himself.

    Secondster, Alicia emerged from the bathroom, wearing apletely different hospital gown.

    Alicia didn''t dare look at Caden. Instead, she focused on the floor.

    "You have to take a shower. There are no toiletries, so you''ll have to make do with the hospital hand soap."

    Caden remained silent.

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 Chapter 114

    Chapter 114:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden''s expression was grim.

    Alice felt a pang of guilt as she noticed this. Without realizing it, she had caused him deep frustration.

    "Why don''t we find the nearest hotel and get a room, so you can clean up?"

    He looked at her with a frown. ¡°Do you really expect me to get in a car and drive when I''m this dirty?¡±

    Alicia didn''t know what to say. She knew it was her fault. She wasn''t in any position to argue, no matter how angry Caden got.

    ¡°Okay, how about I go get you some body soap?¡± she suggested. ¡°I need to buy a few things anyway. ¡°I can record whatever you need.¡±

    Caden almost agreed when a thought struck him. His eyes darted to her bottom. ¡°Are you wearing underwear?¡±

    Alice blinked, visibly surprised. ¡°No,¡± she replied, instinctively squeezing her legs together. ¡°I was just about to buy something.¡±

    The hospital only provided gowns for patients. Personal belongings, such as underwear, were not included. Alice had nned to buy a set of disposable underwear for her entire stay.

    Caden gritted his teeth. He wasn''t going to let her walk around without underwear. He nced toward the bathroom. For a moment, the only sound that filled the room was the steady dripping of the faucet.

    "So, hand soap."

    Alice awkwardly touched her nose. ¡°I''m sorry.¡±

    "If you''re really sorry, you''d better start thinking about how to make it up to me."

    She raised her head at that, but Caden had already disappeared into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

    Aliciaid down on the bed and pulled out her phone to text Monica, letting her know she was safe.

    "I''ll be there right now," Monica replied. "Which ward are you in?"

    Alicia enjoyed the warmth her friends provided her. She quickly sent the address to Monica.

    A few minutester, she heard Caden calling her from the bathroom. ¡°Hand me my clothes, will you?¡±

    Alice looked at the back of her hand. The line was still connected.

    Alicia cautiously got out of bed and carefully pulled the IV stand out as she carried Caden''s clothes into the bathroom.

    Knowing he was naked, he only opened the door a crack, shoving his clothes inside without looking.

    ¡°Come on, bring them here,¡± Caden scolded.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Alice kept her face warned. ¡°Don''t you think that would be a little inappropriate?¡±

    "What do you mean? You''ve seen every inch of my body, right?"

    That made Alice stammer. ¡°That doesn''t mean I have to take every opportunity to look at your naked body!¡±

    Fortunately, Caden didn''t say anything else. When he took the clothes from her hand, Alicia quickly closed the door and went back to bed.

    She had barely finished putting the drip stand in ce when Caden emerged from the bathroom, impably dressed as always.

    Seeing her struggle, he walked over and lifted her onto the bed in one smooth motion.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Alice said timidly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be sure to return the favor next time you get hurt.¡±

    Caden red at her. Next time? Was she hexing him or something? It wouldn''t be such a loss if she''d just shut up.

    Alicia crawled under the nket and asked, ¡°Did anything else happen after I passed out? Did the Reyes family eat?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Caden replied. ¡°They n to apologize to you in person once you are able to be discharged.¡±

    Alice''s chest tightened. "Are they really going to apologize or just take advantage of the opportunity to finish me off?"

    Ted had been through a lot. Without Caden''s protection, he would be an easy target, waiting for his hunters to take the first shot.

    They could torture her however they wanted, for as long as they wanted.

    But Caden already knew she would think that way.

    "That is why I rejected them in your name."

    Alice breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Good job.¡±

    Caden grabbed a pack of tissues and began wiping his hands.

    ?You may have dodged a bullet today, but you won''t always be so lucky. Even though you were injured on the Gray family''s property, you should know that it doesn''t matter to them, or to the Yates family. "They can make it all go away."

    ¡°¡­they can make things disappear with a snap of their fingers and a thick wad of cash. But the same cannot be said for the Reyes family. They will definitelye after you to avenge Ted, and they will show no mercy.¡±

    Alice fell silent. Her hands slowly clenched into fists.

    Caden looked at her, but when she didn''t say anything, he tossed the tissue into the trash and sat down on the bed. He reached out, gently opened her fingers, one by one, andid her hand, palm down, on the nket.

    "Are you afraid? If so, the most sensitive thing to do is to find someone powerful to support you. Don''t you think so?"

    Alice looked up and met her deep, meaningful gaze. For a few seconds she stood paralyzed, staring at him in a daze.

    She was torn, her emotions fighting against her reason.

    ¡°Certain paths may seem absurd at first nce,¡± Caden said. ¡°But they may turn out to be the easiest route. Likewise, well-trodden paths can lead you to a dead end. It¡¯s about making the right choice.¡±

    ¡°You sound just like Joshua,¡± Alice murmured.

    ¡°Well, with me it¡¯s mutual consent,¡± Caden said nonchntly. ¡°Can you say the same about Joshua?¡±

    Alice was speechless again. ¡°When did you find out?¡±

    Caden shrugged. ¡°When he touches you, you physically recoil. When I touch you, you get wet.¡±

    Alice let out a little gasp.

    Did this man have no sense of decorum?

    He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes. ¡°You knew my intentions towards the Gray family from the beginning, but you didn''t stop me. It¡¯s because you wanted Joshua to fall into disgrace, right?¡±

    ¡°It''s not just him,¡± Caden said nonchntly. ¡°The whole Yates family.¡±

    Alice remembered the dream she''d had. Who would have thought that the mighty Caden Ward had endured such a difficult childhood?

    ¡°Your target is Joshua, and mine is the Yates family. If we do this, we''ll have a clear deal. We''ll be partners. This isn¡¯t a friends-with-benefits situation, you know?¡±

    Caden leaned in slightly, as if to emphasize his next words. ¡°It¡¯spletely different from your current rtionship with Joshua.¡±

    Alice''s heart wavered.

    She decided to be honest. ¡°I have been staying with the Yates family because I want to use this identity to achieve my goals. ¡°I am not there yet, so I can¡¯t leave for now.¡±

    Caden was equally blunt. ¡°Have you slept with Joshua during this time?¡±

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 Chapter 115

    Chapter 115:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice immediately shook her head. "No."

    Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°So he doesn''t want to?¡± Or is he impotent?¡±

    Alice hesitated before answering: "At the moment, it''s a bit of both."

    Caden let out a quietugh. ¡°I expected more from him.¡± Feeling his resolve waver, he didn''t press further. Instead, he asked, ¡°What size underwear do you wear?¡±

    Alice stood still for a second, then answered awkwardly, "Monica willeter. I''ll ask her to buy me something."

    "Do you want him to know that you peed on yourself?" I have asked.

    Alice blushed at her question. ¡°No one would know if we kept it between us!¡±

    "What if he asks you where your underwear is? What would you say?"

    Alice remained silent.

    After a few moments, she sighed in resignation. ¡°I¡¯m wearing a size M.¡±

    "Medium, huh?"

    Caden looked at her waist and legs. Both were slim, though with a little more flesh around the hips. Size M seemed reasonable.

    He agreed and left the room.

    Once he was gone, Alice closed her eyes, waiting for a moment of rest.

    A few minutester, the door creaked open.

    Hearing the unmistakable sound of leather shoes, Alice instinctively assumed it was Caden. ¡°Are you back?¡± She sat up and pulled back the curtain, only to freeze.

    It was Joshua.

    He had brought food.

    Joshua put the food down on the table and looked directly at her. ¡°Who were you talking to?¡±

    Alicia did her best to keep herposure. ¡°I thought it was the nurseing.¡±

    She reached for her phone under the nket, hoping to text Caden and dy hising upstairs.

    Joshua, however, moved closer to the bed, keeping his eyes fixed on her, watching her every move. There was no way she could reach the phone without him noticing.

    ¡°How do you feel now?¡± Joshua asked with a frown.

    Alice gave him a disdainful look. ¡°Why are you here? Didn¡¯t you say it was a delicate moment for you?¡±

    Joshua replied, ¡°The Gray family told me you were seriously injured. ¡°I had toe check on you.¡±

    Alicia was not convinced. She had seen him do this kind of theater before.

    He opened the food container, revealing a seafood soup he had gone out of his way to buy. Next to it was a small bag of jewelry.

    ¡°I can''t stay long,¡± he added, looking at the bandage on her head and her paleplexion. ¡°I have to leave soon. But Randolph has gone too far this time. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll make sure things get sorted out.¡±

    Although he had never shown much interest in her during their two years of marriage, Joshua had never allowed her to endure this level of abuse.

    "The Gray family really went too far this time."

    Alice lowered her eyelids, looking tired. ¡°Let it be. ¡°You have enough on your te.¡±

    ¡°This is different,¡± Joshua said, genuinely believing she was in pain and trying to show her kindness. ¡°Have some of the soup. Do you want me to feed you?¡±

    "I''m not hungry," Alice mumbled, closing her eyes.

    At that moment, footsteps echoed from the hallway. Alicia instantly recognized them as Caden''s and let out a forced cough, hoping he would get the signal not to enter.

    Joshua kicked him on the back. ¡°Why are you coughing? Are you okay?¡±

    You hear him, right, Caden? Don''t go in. Don''t go in! she thought desperately.

    However, Caden didn''t seem to care.

    As soon as she noticed Joshua was in the room, she not only refused to avoid the situation, but quickened her pace and walked straight in.

    They quickly came face to face.

    Alice''s heart sank, feeling the tension in the room instantly skyrocket.

    Joshua stood up. ¡°Caden?¡±

    Caden calmly put down the shopping bag he was carrying. ¡°Word seems to spread fast. ¡°You got here in no time.¡±

    Joshua shifted ufortably, sensing that something was wrong.

    For some reason, the atmosphere made him feel like Caden and Alicia were the couple, and he was the outsider.

    ¡°Looks like we¡¯re both fast,¡± Joshua said, ncing at the bag. ¡°Since when did you and Alicia get so close?¡±

    Alicia didn''t want Caden to say anything that might escte the situation, so she spoke quickly. "He was at the Gray family home when I got hurt. He took me to the hospital afterwards."Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Caden gave him a cold look, making it clear he wasn''t interested in humoring him.

    Joshua maintained his polite demeanor. ¡°Oh, yeah? Thanks for that, Caden.¡±

    Alicia spoke quickly, trying to get Caden away. ¡°Mr. Ward, if you have other things to attend to, you may leave. ¡°Thank you for today.¡±

    Before Caden could respond, Joshua interjected, ¡°What''s the rush? ¡°We rarely get a chance to catch up.¡±

    He pulled out a chair for Caden and smiled. ¡°Caden, why don''t you sit down?¡±

    However, it seemed like Caden had no interest in ying along.

    "No need. I''m too busy for that," he replied.

    Joshua walked over to the head of the bed and took Alicia''s hand. "I wanted to ask you how she is. Is she seriously hurt?"

    Caden''s eyes lingered on their joined hands.

    Feeling ufortable, Alice quickly pulled her hand away.

    ¡°Talk to the doctor. ¡°I can give you all the details,¡± Caden said firmly.

    Recognizing the tension, Joshua acknowledged. ¡°Fair enough, Caden. ¡°We won¡¯t keep you any longer.¡±

    When Caden reached the door, I heard Joshua''s voice. "I''ll stay with you tonight to keep youpany. How about that?"

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 Chapter 116

    Chapter 116:

    ? ? ? ? ?Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Caden hesitated to beat before Yankee opened the door and slipping out.

    Alicia waited for Caden''s footsteps to fade before she spoke, her gaze fixed on the closed door. ¡°Are you staying tonight?¡±

    Joshua''s easy smile faltered. ¡°That was only for Caden''s ears. He wants everything that''s mine. ¡°I had to remind him that you¡¯re mine and mine alone.¡±

    Alice frowned, but remained silent, her emotions twisting into knots.

    His feelings were a tangle, neither clear nor easy to decipher.

    I hadn''t agreed to Caden''s request, but¡­

    Why did the idea of ??being alone with Joshua make her feel so guilty?

    Meanwhile, Caden had just left the hospital and got into Hank''s car.

    Hank, who had been waiting for a while, had seen Joshuaing up the stairs earlier.

    Noticing the dark cloud looming over Caden''s head, Hank broke the silence.

    "Mr. Ward, did you meet Mr. Yates?"

    Caden''s jaw tightened. Instead of answering, he simply ordered, ¡°Take me to the apartment. ¡°I need a shower.¡±

    His voice was sharp and cold as ice.

    Hank started the engine, looking at Caden in the rearview mirror. In an attempt tofort his boss, he said softly, ¡°You know, Mrs. Bet is just acting with him; it''s just a show. There¡¯s no reason to be jealous.¡±

    Caden frowned and narrowed his eyes. ¡°Who said I was jealous?¡±

    Hank swallowed hard, quickly shifting his gaze back to the road. ¡°I misspoke. I was wrong. You¡¯re not jealous.¡±

    As Caden''s car sped off into the night, Joshua emerged from the hospital, his expression unreadable.

    Moments after his car disappeared from sight, a hidden camera quietly retracted behind a tree.

    The man behind the camera spent no time and sent the newly taken photos to Lilliana.

    Sitting in her room, Lilliana flipped through the pictures with her eyes half-closed.

    Although the man had not clearly captured the driver''s face, and although the car was not one of his usual vehicles, Lilliana immediately recognized Joshua.

    She tightened her fingers around the phone and typed a question: ¡°What was he doing at the hospital?¡± Joshua, using a different car and moving so stealthily¡­ It was clear he wasn''t there for a simple routine checkup.

    Momentster, a message buzzed back. ¡°The only person rted to Joshua in that hospital is Alicia.¡±

    Lilliana''s heart skipped a beat.

    Alice?

    I had already discarded the idea, thinking it too ridiculous.

    If Joshua still had feelings for Alicia, why would he go through the trouble of divorcing her and getting involved with her?

    But now, the evidence was before his eyes, revealing everything he had believed.

    She had spent days searching for any sign of another woman in Joshua''s life, but all leads were empty.

    He clenched his fists in realization. Where were they sneaking off to? And worse, where did they sleep?

    The more he thought about it, the more worried he became.

    Anxious thoughts tormented her, until finally, in a fit of rage, she could bear it no longer. She broke everything she could: ornaments, vases, even the framed photo of her and Joshua.

    The ss shattered into pieces on the floor. As she looked at the shattered memory, her anger turned to sadness. She fell to her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks, sobbing until she was emotionless.

    When Joshua returned, Lilliana had fallen into a restless sleep, her breathingbored as the maid swept up the debris.

    His expression darkened as he took in the scene.

    Without saying a word, he entered the room.

    Lilliana stirred at the sound of her voice, her body tensing and her eyes widening. Nausea and pain churned in her stomach.

    "Don''t touch me," she whispered hoarsely, turning her face away from him.

    But Joshua ignored her. Firmly, he pulled her against his chest, holding her tightly as she tried to resist. After such an emotional crisis, she was too weak to fight him off. His hold was unbreakable, and his lips pressed against her skin as her resolve broke once more. She began to cry, her tears soaking his shirt.

    Joshua''s tone softened, although there was an undertone of concern. "What happened?" he asked gently. "Why are you crying?"

    Lilliana looked at him, her eyes red and filled with pain. ¡°Joshua¡­ of all people, why Alicia?¡± Her voice shook with the weight of her pain.

    He had left Alicia behind, he had left her aside. Why did she continue to be a shadow in their rtionship?

    How could Lilliana ept it?

    Hearing Alicia''s name, Joshua clenched his jaw and remembered his previous visit to the hospital. Did Lilliana know?

    I have quickly searched for an excuse. "Alice? What''s wrong with her? Didn¡¯t she have some kind of incident at the Gray family¡¯s house and end up in the hospital?¡±

    Lilliana''s handshed out at him, hitting him with surprising force. ¡°Stop pretending! How long are you going to keep lying to my face? Do I have to catch you in bed with her for you to admit it?¡±

    Joshua''s expression remained calm, unhurried, as if his outburst was nothing more than an inconvenience. ¡°Did anyone say anything to you?¡±

    Lilliana''s voice cracked. ¡°Do they have to?¡± I hired a private detective to follow you. He saw you visiting Alicia in the hospital. If there''s nothing between you two, why would you meet her behind my back?¡±

    A humorless chuckle escaped Joshua''s lips.

    ¡°I was there for a check-up,¡± he said wearily, his voice tinged with exhaustion. ¡°I''ve been exhaustedtely and needed to see a specialist. While I was there, I heard that Alicia had been admitted, but I didn''t see her.¡±

    Lilliana blinked in surprise at her answer. She wanted to believe him, but doubt continued to gnaw at her.

    ¡°You''re still lying to me, aren''t you?¡± she muttered, her voice cracking with disbelief.

    Joshua hugged his tighter. ¡°I swear, I''m telling the truth. I haven''t slept well and it affects everything, even my sex drive. That''s why I haven''t told you. When I feel better, your pregnancy will be well advanced and I promise I''ll make it up to you. Okay?¡±

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 Chapter 117

    Chapter 117:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Lilliana pushed Joshua away. ¡°Joshua, I¡¯m serious!¡±

    Joshua touched her belly, tenderness in his eyes. ¡°I too. In just a month, we''ll feel the baby move. This is my first time as a father and I cherish our life together. Lilliana, you have to trust me. I''ve never cheated on you. You''re the only person I''ve ever loved. Do you understand?¡±

    Lilliana''s tears had exhausted her, leaving her eyes empty. His mention of the baby moving out soon hit her deeply. As a mother, she wanted to provide her baby with a happy,plete family.

    Because of this, his heart began to soften.

    ¡°Joshua¡­¡± She felt touched, and her doubts began to fade away. With tears still in her eyes, she said, ¡°Joshua, promise me that you won''t let me down.¡±

    Joshua was relieved to hear her answer. He gently ran his hand down her back. ¡°I promise. I won''t be going to the office for the next few days. I''ll be here with you at all times. Is that okay?¡±

    Lilliana agreed.

    Once Joshua got Lilliana to sleep, her gentle expression faded.

    Meanwhile, Alice opened the bag Caden had given her. Inside, she found several types of underwear. Some were disposable and others were made of soft cotton. The designs were simple, nothing extravagant, but well made.

    Alice put on her cotton ones, and a strange feeling came over her. She touched her cheek and noticed that it was flushed. She looked out of the window, and the sight of the autumnndscape drew her thoughts elsewhere.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Before she knew it, sleep had taken hold of her again.

    When Alice woke up, she felt someone hugging her. Whoever it was, their scent was familiar to her.

    Still half asleep, she instinctively pushed the person away. ¡°We''re in a hospital. Don¡¯t be so reckless¡­ Wait.¡±

    Suddenly, she felt something unusually soft in her hand. She opened her eyes with a start and realized she was holding a soft breast, probably a C cup. Startled, she opened her eyes fully and looked up. ¡°Monica?¡±

    Alice turned around, trying to recover from her embarrassment. ¡°When did you get here?¡±

    Monica narrowed her eyes and leaned in. ¡°Who exactly did you think it was?¡±

    Alice was speechless.

    She had feltforted by the smell, thinking it belonged to Caden.

    ¡°I¡­¡± Alice turned her head, avoiding Monica¡¯s gaze. ¡°No one. ¡°I was just having a wet dream.¡±

    Monica didn''t seem convinced.

    ¡°Yeah, because I¡¯ve had wet dreams too,¡± he said sarcastically. ¡°You looked too guilty for it to be just a wet dream.¡±

    Monica''s expression hardened. "Who is this mysterious man you''re hiding?"

    Alicia replied softly, ¡°It''s definitely not Joshua. ¡°You can be sure of that.¡±

    "Did you sleep with that man?" Monica insisted.

    Alice groaned and closed her eyes. ¡°Suddenly, my head is killing me.¡±

    Monica stared at her, exasperated.

    Frustrated, Monica lightly pped Alicia''s bottom.

    Monica then looked at her seriously. ¡°Are you really happy with him?¡±

    Alice paused for a moment to think.

    In a way, yes. Especially when it came to sex.

    Caden had a touch that was hard to forget.

    ¡°Yeah, I guess,¡± I muttered.

    He hade to her rescue more than once.

    And even if his intentions weren''t entirely selfless, it didn''t change the fact that he had helped her a lot.

    Seeing that Alicia seemed happy, Monica decided to let it go.

    "So how long are you going to keep pretending with Joshua?"

    Alicia sighed. ¡°At first, I was nning to gather more solid evidence through the Gray family, but it turned out to be much more difficult than I expected. ¡°I had barely started, and now I¡¯m stuck here in the hospital,¡± she said solemnly.

    Monica looked at her worriedly. ¡°For now, avoid anything too dangerous. Try to find other evidence.¡±

    "I''ve already hired someone to look for evidence of Joshua''s affair with Lilliana during our marriage. Maybe that will be enough," Alicia replied.

    ¡°Joshua is a shrewd man,¡± Monica warned. ¡°And even if he gets all the evidence he needs, what happens next? Have you thought about how you will deal with retaliation from the Yates and Green families?¡±

    Alice had once been fearless, feeling invincible because nothing had happened to her before. But now, with her injuries, she realized how dangerous these people were.

    Monica knew they had to n it carefully.

    Alicia clenched her fists, determination etched in her eyes.

    Caden''s image appeared in his thoughts.

    Facing the two powerful families alone would be impossible, but with a strong ally, she had a chance to change the oue.

    Once Monica made sure Alicia was okay, she slipped out of the hospital, avoiding any trouble with the nurses.

    Shortly after Monica left, Hank entered the room, carrying a basket of fruit and flowers.

    ¡°Mrs. Bet, are you okay?¡± I have asked.

    Alice epted the gifts with a polite smile. ¡°They are just a few minor injuries. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°I''m terrible at picking out presents and I wasn''t sure what he''d like. Mr. Ward picked out the fruit basket and the flowers,¡± Hank said, ncing around the room. He rxed when he saw that there was only one nurse in the one-person room. ¡°It''s gettingte. I''ll be going now. Get some rest.¡±

    Alice agreed. ¡°Okay. Take care of yourself on the way back.¡±

    Once Hank left, she looked at the luxurious fruit basket, feeling confused.

    Since when had she gotten so close to Hank?

    As soon as Hank left the hospital, he texted Caden. ¡°Mr. ¡°Yates didn¡¯t spend the night at the hospital.¡±

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 Chapter 118

    Chapter 118:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia''s injuries were not too serious. After three days in the hospital, she was almost back to her normal self. However, the doctor rmended that she remain under observation for a little longer because of her head injury.

    ¡°Could I go home just for tonight?¡± Alice asked. ¡°I cane back early tomorrow for the IV.¡±

    The doctor looked at her questioningly. ¡°Is there something urgent you need to take care of?¡±

    Alice hesitated to answer.

    It wasn''t exactly urgent, but if she ignored it, she would feel ufortable.

    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied, scratching his head nervously. Unfortunately, he grazed the wound, causing him to wince. ¡°There¡¯s¡­ a broken pipe in my house. There¡¯s no one to take care of it and I have to notify the manager.¡±

    The doctor looked at her with concern. ¡°Are you sure you should be dealing with this in your condition? Can¡¯t you ask someone else for help?¡±

    Alicia raised an eyebrow. ¡°Is my condition that serious?¡±

    "Not exactly, but you have to avoid overexertion. Even if you go home, make sure you get as much rest as possible."

    "I''ll be careful," Alice assured the doctor. Seeing her determination, the doctor allowed her to go.

    "Make sure youe see me first thing tomorrow morning."

    "Understood.

    When Alicia left the hospital, it was already after eight in the evening.

    The temperature had dropped noticeably. The autumn chill surprised her as she stepped outside.

    It had been three days since Alicia hadst contacted Caden. As she typed out a message, a feeling of unease crept over her. She asked, ¡°Are you done with work?¡± It was usually the time of day when Caden was busiest.

    More than ten minutes passed before his reply came. ¡°What''s wrong?¡±

    Alice replied: ¡°It doesn''t matter. Concentrate on your work.¡±

    Caden quickly replied, ¡°What? Just say it.¡±

    Alice could almost imagine his impatient expression at her short reply.

    With a small smile, she replied, ¡°You helped me at the Gray family''s house, and I promised to make you a meal. I''m free today. How about I keep that promise?¡±

    Right after sending it, he was worried that it might be taken the wrong way, so he added, "That way I won''t owe you any more favors."

    Caden read the message half an hourter.

    His mood changed and he decided to end the discussion.

    "We''ll continue with this tomorrow," he said, rising from his chair. He grabbed his coat and added, "We''re done for today."

    Hank rubbed his tired eyes as he followed. ¡°It''s veryte, sir. You haven''t had dinner yet. Would you like me to order you something?¡±

    Caden climbed into the driver''s seat.

    "Don''t bother. I''ll have dinner at home."

    Hank stood by the car, confused. ¡°Are you cooking tonight?¡±

    Caden nced at him briefly. ¡°Someone''s making me dinner.¡±

    Hank''s eyes widened. ¡°Did you hire a chef, Mr. Ward?¡± He quickly ran to the passenger door and asked, ¡°Can I join you for dinner?¡±

    Before Hank could reach the doorknob, Caden was gone, leaving him behind.

    Hank stared at him in disbelief,pletely stunned.

    Who exactly was that mysterious cook?

    Alicia leaned against the wall, trying to steady herself. Just as she felt her knees weaken and prepared to crouch down, the elevator doors opened, revealing Caden stepping out.

    Seeing him, she stood up and looked at him.

    The lights in the hallway were bright, but the rushing wind carried a biting chill. She noticed that his reddened eyes were clear and focused despite the cold.

    Before I could ask a question, Alice said, ¡°I haven''t waited long. ¡°It took me half an hour to do my shopping and then I saw your message abouting back.¡±

    Caden did a quick calction. It had taken him about twenty minutes to get home.

    He must have been here for quite some time.

    He first noticed the bump on his head and noticed that it had shrunk considerably.

    Then I noticed his hands.

    Alicia was carrying shopping bags and the straps dug into her fingers, turning them red.

    Caden took off his coat and draped it over his shoulders. Then he reached out to enter the code for the door.

    ¡°Have you been discharged yet?¡± he asked, his voice tired from a long day.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Alice felt the warmth of his coat and stammered, ¡°No¡­ I¡¯ve only been allowed out for a little while.¡± The door clicked open.

    After hearing her response, Caden turned and looked at her.

    ¡°It seems you were eager to eat,¡± he said with a small smile.

    Alice''s pale face turned red and she quickly replied, "It''s not that! I just came to cook for you."

    ¡°That''s what I was saying,¡± Caden replied, taking the shopping bags from her and then taking her hand. ¡°What did you think I meant?¡±

    Alice didn''t know what to say.

    "You always fall for the same trick," Caden said.

    She looked at their hands, still intertwined. His warmth and the touch of his skin tugged at his emotions. Her face turned even redder, and she quickly pulled her hand away.

    Caden ignored her reaction.

    "Change your shoes," he told her.

    There were no shoes for her here, but he had a new pair she could wear.

    Her feet were much smaller than his. Her shoes were size 10H. They were too big for her. When she put them on, they made noise when she walked.

    Caden poured her a ss of hot water and was about to call her when he saw her head straight for the kitchen.

    His wound had not yet healed, so his movements were slow.

    There was a certain grace in the way she moved. Under the warm light, Caden felt aforting sense of calm after three hectic days.

    He came over, holding the ss of water. ¡°If it''s too much, don''t push yourself. You''ve offered me this meal for three days; ¡°a few more won¡¯t change anything.¡±

    Alice looked back at him. ¡°But I¡¯m already here, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    Seeing how determined she was, Caden said, ¡°If you¡¯re worried about not doing enough, then do something different.¡±

    Alice looked at him, puzzled. ¡°Do what?¡±

    Caden pressed his lips together, his expression serious. ¡°Love.¡±

    Alice stared at him, unable to utter a word.

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 Chapter 119

    Chapter 119:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice''s lips twitched slightly.

    "Who''s the anxious one now?" I have muttered.

    Three days ago, he had insisted that it was not about exchanging favors for sex.

    And now, before anything had happened, he was already showing his intentions?

    Caden noticed her firm expression and couldn''t help but smile.

    He had matured quickly.

    In the past, even a few teasing words from him would make her blush. Now, she was able to maintain herposure effortlessly.

    He walked over and watched her as she cracked the eggs. ¡°I''m just joking. No matter what, I wouldn¡¯t take advantage of someone who isn¡¯t feeling well.¡±

    I have handed her the ss of water. ¡°Drink this.¡±

    Alice looked at the hot water with distrust.

    "Why are you being so kind? You didn''t take this from the toilet, did you?"

    Caden looked at her, speechless.

    I still couldn''t forget that incident with the toilet water.

    "If I hadn''t caught you that day, were you really going to give me toilet water?" I have asked.

    Guilt appeared on Alice''s face for a brief moment.

    ¡°Do you really want to know the truth?¡± I have asked.

    "Yeah."

    Alice was reluctant to admit it. ¡°I don''t think I should say it.¡±

    Caden''s expression hardened.

    ¡°Are you really incapable of telling even a lie?¡± he said coldly.

    Alice shrugged. ¡°Liars are punished.¡±

    ¡°You won''t be punished if you just tell me the truth,¡± Caden said.

    Alice was silent for a moment.

    Then he clicked his tongue. ¡°See? If you don''t want to hear my answer, then stop asking. You¡¯re just doing this harder on yourself.¡±

    Caden didn''t respond.

    He should have let her drown in the pool at the Gray family estate.

    Then he looked at the bags of groceries nearby, not feeling any sympathy for her.

    "Get started. I want five dishes and a soup."

    Alice''s eyes widened. "Five courses and a soup? At this hour?"

    "If I don''t finish it, I throw it away. I like five dishes and a soup. I think it''s aplete meal."

    Alice sighed, knowing he was upset. She cleared his throat, searching for a way to calm him down. ¡°I was just kidding. If I really disliked you, why would Ie here to cook? I haven¡¯t even been discharged yet, and I¡¯m not at my full strength yet¡­¡±

    ¡°If you''re really that weak, howe you still have so much energy to argue?¡± Caden said, staring at her nkly. ¡°Get going. ¡°You don¡¯t have more than thirty minutes.¡±

    With that, he turned around and walked away.

    Alice stood there, stunned.

    She looked at his back, gritting her teeth in frustration.

    She wanted five dishes and a soup? She could dream on. There was no way she could earn that much. She would have to eat whatever she decided to cook.

    Just as she finished venting silently, she heard Caden''s footsteps returning.

    I have forced a smile, trying to smooth things over. ¡°You were joking about all that, right?¡±Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    Caden picked up the ss of water, poured it into the sink, and looked at her with a nk face.

    "You''re overthinking it."

    Alice couldn''t believe it.

    He really was incredibly mean.

    After an hour of work, Alice finally put the tes on the table.

    I had prepared stir-fried pork, a te of shrimp, and a bowl of grapefruit slices.

    The food was simple, but the dishes were colorful, aromatic, and full of vor. It seemed more than enough for Caden.

    Caden realized there was only enough tableware for one person.

    He looked at her and asked, "Aren''t you eating?"

    Alice shook her head. ¡°I already had dinner before I came here.¡±

    To demonstrate, he casually picked up a piece of grapefruit and popped it into his mouth.

    Caden''s gaze didn''t change as he said, "Then get away from me. I don''t want you ruining my appetite."

    Alice was speechless.

    It was impossible to deal with him.

    She rolled her eyes, turned on her heel, and walked away with her head held high, refusing to let it get to her.

    Suddenly Alice remembered something, turned around and picked up the te of grapefruit.

    He went into the living room and found a sofa. I touched it and noticed that the fabric was of high quality, but too firm.

    I sat down to try it and realized that it was not soft at all.

    Unable to keep quiet, he asked, ¡°Is this couch for cutting fruit? It¡¯s hard as a rock.¡±

    Caden frowned, looking at the te of grapefruit he was holding.

    "You don''t eat on the couch," he said.

    Alicia looked down at the grapefruit in her hands.

    ¡°Okay,¡± I muttered.

    When Caden finished eating and walked into the living room, he found Alicia lying on the couch. She was holding the bowl of grapefruit and happily eating,pletely ignoring her previous order.

    Alice knew she was breaking her rule, but she didn''t care. When she saw Caden approaching, she looked at him cheekily and said, "Can you get me a pillow? I have a headache and this couch is awful."

    Caden didn''t know what to say to that.

    Of course, he knew this could happen.

    The television was showing an old romantic drama from thete night slot. The scene showed the couple in a heated argument, which ended with the woman pping the man before storming off.

    The protagonist ran after her, refusing to let her go.

    Caden grabbed a pillow for Alicia and gave it to her. Then he sat down beside her, watching the show without saying a word.

    Alice looked at the few pieces of grapefruit left on the te. She felt too full to finish them.

    ¡°Do you want someone?¡± I have asked. ¡°I saved them just for you.¡±

    Caden leaned back on the couch.

    He stretched out his armszily. ¡°Only if you feed me.¡±

    Alice''s lips twitched, and she stood still. "I can''t. My head hurts."

    Caden nced at her. ¡°Are your hands connected to your head?¡±

    "Yes," Alice replied, stuffing more grapefruit into her mouth defiantly.

    Without warning, Caden leaned closer, pinning her beneath him.

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 Chapter 120

    Chapter 120:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Just as Alice was about to put the grapefruit in her mouth, Caden leaned down and snatched it away with his mouth.

    Their lips brushed for a brief moment before quickly separating from each other.

    Alice froze.

    She stared at Caden''s stunning face, just inches from her own.

    The unexpected closeness made her heart pound. She feltpletely nervous.

    Caden hovered over her, chewing the fruit slowly. His eyes locked with hers, his expression unreadable.

    Alice''s heartbeat was quickening with every passing moment. Their chests were almost touching, and she feared he could sense her growing restlessness. Carefully, she reached out, trying to put some space between them.

    Caden''s Adam''s apple bobbed as he swallowed the grapefruit.

    The fresh citrus scent floated between them, filling the small space between their faces.

    ¡°There are two pieces left. ¡°Will you feed them to me, or should I steal another kiss from you?¡± Caden asked.

    Alice felt the tension rising inside her. Trying not to lose control, she quickly replied, ¡°I¡¯ll feed you.¡±

    Caden smiled. ¡°With your mouth?¡± I have joked.

    "No! ¡°With my hand!¡± answered Alice aloud.

    Caden stepped back, finally giving her some space. Alicia took a moment topose herself. She grabbed thest two pieces of fruit and walked over to feed her.

    He fed her without dy, making sure there was no unnecessary contact. The interaction was simple and quick.

    Fortunately, Caden behaved well.

    As the tension began to ease, Alice felt the atmosphere bing more pleasant again. She decided to speak up. ¡°How does it taste? Do you like it?¡±

    Caden looked straight at her. ¡°It''s not that impressive. To be honest, it¡¯s so-so,¡± he replied.

    Caden had never been a fan of fruit. Grapefruit, in particr, had always seemed soft and annoying to him.

    But today, as I ate it, I found it unexpectedly satisfying.

    Alice grumbled under her breath, ¡°Just so-so? ¡°I¡¯ve picked out the sweetest one for you.¡±

    Caden turned his head and looked at her.

    ¡°It''s sweet, but not too sweet. It¡¯s quite juicy,¡± he said, taking his time with each word. ¡°I¡¯d rate it a solid seven out of ten.¡±

    Alice remained silent, not knowing what to say.

    She had a strong suspicion that hisment had a double meaning. The way he said it made her almost certain of it.

    He gave her thest piece of grapefruit. His eyes were fixed on the television,pletely absorbed in what was happening.

    Alice followed his gaze and noticed the scene. The couple on the screen was kissing.

    The sudden intimacy between the characters made her feel ufortable.

    A moment ago they had been crying and arguing. Now, suddenly, they were kissing and getting closer. The change left her ufortable and confused.

    There wasn''t even any background music. The only sound in the living room was the exaggerated thumping of the couple''s kiss on the television. The awkward silence made Alice feel ufortable. She quickly grabbed the remote, wanting to change the channel.

    Cadenmented, ¡°His kissing skills are pretty average, but still better than yours.¡±

    Alice''s lips twitched in annoyance. "Why are youparing them to me?" she asked.

    Caden looked at her calmly. ¡°I''m just being honest,¡± he said.

    Alice rolled her eyes, deciding to respond with equal frankness. ¡°Maybe his kissing skills are better than mine, but yours are definitely worse. What do you think?¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow, amused by her response. ¡°I see,¡± he said. ¡°Looks like I need to practice a little more.¡± His words caught Alicia off guard.

    Then, without wasting a second, Caden added, ¡°Since you im your skills are better, why don''t you teach me?¡±

    Alicia choked on her own breath, stunned by how direct he had been.

    She red at him. He wasn''t being innocent; he was definitely up to no good.

    Alice refused to fall into her trap. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in teaching anyone,¡± she said sternly.

    Caden remained calm. He spoke slowly. ¡°Just admit that your kissing skills aren''t that great. ¡°We know each other well enough, and I won¡¯t make fun of you by being honest.¡±

    Alicia was easy to provoke most of the time, but this time, she stood her ground. ¡°Laugh all you want. It won''t change my mind. ¡°I¡¯m not teaching you anything.¡±

    ¡°Okay. I understand. You¡¯re just used to being second best.¡±

    Caden was teasing her again.

    Alice raised her head at his words. She took the bait without hesitation. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    Caden kept his expression straight, making his ridiculous ims sound almost believable. ¡°When ites to kissing skills, that male lead on TV is first, and you are second. It''s like our oldpetitions. For over a decade, you were always second.¡±

    Alice stared at him,pletely speechless.

    Caden had seeded in igniting Alicia''s anger. He made no effort to calm her down. Instead, he sat, watching with amusement as she slowly lost her temper.

    Alice couldn''t hold back any longer. She leaned forward and bit her lips.

    At first, his actions were filled with fierce determination. But as the moment dragged on, she felt shame welling up, mixed with a surge of nervous excitement. Her resolve began to waver, and she wanted to pull away.

    Before she could do so, Caden wrapped his long arms around her and lifted her onto hisp. He used just enough strength to hold her close, making any escape impossible.

    Their eyes met in silence.

    Caden''s gaze was deep and unwavering. His voice held a hint of defiance. ¡°If you''re going to teach me, do it well. Don¡¯t make me look down on your efforts.¡±

    Alice''s body stiffened for a moment, swallowing anxiously.

    She was snuggledfortably in Caden''s arms. The heat from his body radiated through his thin shirt, making it difficult for her to think clearly.

    Maybe he really had lost his mind.

    At that moment, she found Caden undeniably attractive. I have watched her silently, solemnly. He wasn''t making any yful advances or teasing her. It was his natural presence and striking features that attracted her.

    Slowly, Alice raised her hand and ran her fingers through her hair.

    Caden''s temper was as stubborn as his hair. The roots were firm and the strands felt clean and soft against his skin. He had to make an effort to hold them as they slipped lightly through his fingers.

    Alice leaned down and pressed her lips against his.

    Her mind went nk. She wasn''t sure how to kiss him properly, and her movements were awkward and stiff, even more so than thest time they''d kissed. When she tried to continue, the bridge of her nose got in the way.

    I have brushed against it repeatedly.

    It was starting to frustrate her. She finally pushed her hand against her nose, trying to adjust.

    Caden was speechless for a moment. ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked, sounding both confused and amused.

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    .N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

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 Chapter 121

    Chapter 121:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice let out a frustrated whisper. ¡°Your nose keeps getting in the way. ¡°It¡¯s making it impossible for me to kiss you properly.¡±

    Caden took a deep breath and pulled his hand away. His voice was hoarse as he spoke. ¡°You have enough strength to almost knock me down, but you can''t think of a way to just tilt your head?¡±

    Alice felt a little lost. She licked her lips, trying to think of what to do next.

    The simple action only made her lips look even more rosy and tempting in Caden''s eyes.

    "How?" asked Alice.

    Caden could see the genuine confusion in her eyes.

    How could I be so absent-minded?

    She had excelled in school, mastering the mostplicated subjects effortlessly.

    They had already kissed several times.

    How was it possible that he still didn''t know how to bow his head?

    Caden felt the urge to deepen the kiss and take his tongue into his mouth, but he restrained himself. I have decided to guide her. ¡°Turn a little. Move while you suck on my lips. Move your head to the left, then to the right. Do it fluidly, back and forth.¡±

    Alice tried to follow his instructions step by step.

    He exined everything in detail, and she tried her best to imitate him, but her hesitations were obvious. Although she learned quickly, her shyness made her clumsy. After a few minutes, she was still clumsily clicking her teeth together.

    Caden felt like he was losing control.

    He had started this with the intention of watching her struggle, just for fun. But instead, her clumsiness had be more of a test of its own limits.

    His patience finally ran out. He grabbed her by the back of the head and took control.

    He was frustrated, but his desire drove him on. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally let go. His eyes held an unmistakable intensity. ¡°Do you understand?¡±

    Alicia''s body trembled and she sank into Caden''s embrace.

    The chemistry they had was so passionate and overwhelming.

    Caden seized the moment, pressing forward. Alicia tried to resist, but her body betrayed her. The situation began to spiral out of control.

    He turned her around, pressing her back against the couch. His hand carefully cradled her head to protect her wound. Their lips met and their bodies pressed together. Heat coursed between them, mixed with a strange coldness that made everything more electrifying.

    The bright light from above bathed the room, softening the edges of his blurry vision. The warmth of the scene gave it an almost dreamlike quality.

    Caden leaned over her. ¡°Do you want to take the lead, or should I?¡±

    Alice''s face flushed deeply. She hesitated for a moment and then stammered: "You do it."

    When Alice cried, she cried silently. No sound came from her lips. Caden only noticed when he felt her tears fall onto his hand and saw her eyes and nose turn red. Feeling embarrassed, she quickly covered her eyes with her hand. ¡°Don''t look at me,¡± she whispered.

    Caden''s jaw was sharp and well-defined, with an air of sensuality.

    He smiled at her. ¡°How much grapefruit have you eaten tonight? You taste the same.¡±N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Alicia gritted her teeth, clearly frustrated.

    She wished she could block out her voice, if only for a moment.

    Caden leaned over and gently kissed her earlobe. ¡°You have a talent for picking fruit. It¡¯s always plump and fresh, just like you.¡±

    He paused before adding, ¡°And it''s also very juicy. Do you want to smell it? It smells just like grapefruit.¡±

    Alicia never imagined that Caden could be so flirtatious, especially at a time like this.

    Alice felt irritated by his words, and even more so by how quickly he grasped their meaning. She wanted to disappear, or even dig a hole in the sofa and hide.

    Luckily, the awkward moment didn''tst long. Now, it was her chance to take control of the situation.

    The lights in the living room had gone out, which made her feel a little less self-conscious. Determined not to be the only one to benefit, she decided to give something back. She put real effort into pleasing him, moving her hand with deliberate intent.

    Every now and then I nced at him. Although the darkness obscured his features, I could still make out the basic outline of his face.

    After several nces, he realized his concern.

    He spoke, sounding a little frustrated. ¡°I can''t read your mind just by looking into your eyes. If you want something, say it out loud.¡±

    Alice''s wrist began to ache and her movements slowed. She took a breath before asking, "Did you throw away the condoms I boughtst time?"

    Caden shook his head. "No."

    "So you n to use one, or¡­"

    Caden already knew what Alicia was about to suggest. I have cut her off with a question. ¡°Is your headpletely healed? ¡°I don¡¯t want to end up calling an ambnceter.¡±

    Alice was speechless.

    The room suddenly fell into an awkward silence.

    Caden could sense what she wanted, but she seemed hesitant. He took her delicate fingers in his, guiding them. He looked into her eyes and spoke directly. ¡°When you¡¯re healed, we can take our time.¡±

    He ced his other hand on her abdomen, with one finger gently resting on her navel.

    He paused and said, ¡°Here. Think about it. Do you think it can get this far?¡±

    Alice''s heart skipped a beat. She felt an intense pressure inside her.

    Before she could catch her breath, Caden pulled her close and kissed her.

    His kiss was aggressive, leaving her no room to react.

    She flinched at the sudden bite on her lip. She tried to pull away, but her strength wasn''t enough. Her resistance only seemed to make it seem like she was mocking him, which elicited an even fiercer response from Caden.

    She felt her body shake uncontrobly as she tried to keep up with his intensity.

    Alicia couldn''t find the right words to describe how intense Caden could be when he came to sex. She realized that if they really ended up going any further and she couldn''t take it, there would be no way for her to escape. He would pull her in without hesitation.

    A feeling of fear washed over her, and regret began to set in.

    Caden seemed to notice her hesitation. He could feel her start to pull her hand away. Her voice was hoarse as she asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Alice wanted to get out of this situation. She lied, hoping it would work. ¡°My¡­head hurts.¡±

    ¡°You seemed fine when I was focusing on you,¡± she said bluntly. Caden didn''t believe her for a second. He stared at her and added, ¡°No matter what happens, you''ll just stop when I''m done.¡±

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 Chapter 122

    Chapter 122:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice didn''t know what to answer.

    Once Caden was done, he picked Alicia up and carried her to the bathroom to clean up. They hadn''t done it all the way, but they were both exhausted, their bodies drenched in sweat.

    Alicia soaked in the tub while Caden showered on the other side of the transparent ss screen. The distance between them was small, only the thin partition separated them.

    Caden turned off the faucet and began applying soap to his skin.

    Alicia leaned her head on the edge of the tub and spoke clearly. ¡°Actually, the reason I came today was to talk about our coboration.¡±

    Caden replied, ¡°I know.¡±

    Alice looked at him, speaking seriously. ¡°We have to sign a contract.¡±

    Caden listened intently, maintaining his usualposure. ¡°What do you want to include?¡± I have asked.

    Alice tapped the ss with her fingers, tracing random shapes as she spoke. ¡°To coborate, we must havemon goals. If one of us needs support, the other must provide it without hesitation, provided it is reasonable. There must be no tricks or deception, and we must avoid any possibility of ckmail.¡±

    Caden paused briefly and asked, ¡°What kind of needs are you talking about?¡±

    Alicia answered directly: ¡°Managing Joshua, of course.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± He gave her a simple nod. ¡°Sounds good to me.¡±

    Alicia continued: ¡°The whole agreement must be confidential. No one else must find out.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Caden said.

    Alice continued to drawrger patterns on the ss. As her lines grewrger, her eyes saw something unexpected.

    She blushed and quickly looked away.

    "As forpensation, tell me what you think and I''ll offer you what I can."

    Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why would I needpensation from you?¡±

    She hesitated for a moment. ¡°The deal is not equal. ¡°You will probably end up contributing more, so I can only try topensate you financially.¡±

    Caden didn''t respond immediately. He rinsed the soap off his body and put it on a robe.

    Without warning, I opened the ss door.

    Alice was surprised by the sudden movement. Instinctively she went deeper into the water, letting the bubbles hide her chest.

    Caden''s eyes fell on the bite mark along his corbone. ¡°I don''t need anypensation.¡±

    Alicia understood that Caden was not short of money, but she still felt guilty. ¡°You are already at a disadvantage in this society. And, well, whenever we are in the mood¡­ you are always the one who puts in all the effort. What if you get tired of it and startining?¡±

    Caden was momentarily speechless.

    After a brief hesitation, he asked, ¡°Do you really think I''m at a disadvantage when we''re intimate?¡±

    ¡°What else could it be?¡± she replied.

    He wiped some water from his hair, apparently thoughtful.

    Suddenly, curiosity struck him. ¡°Have you ever read those romance novels about dominating CEOs?¡±

    Alice shook her head.

    The sudden movement made her feel dizzy and she quickly covered her face to calm herself.

    "Those books are for teenagers. I was too busy with my studies to read them," she said.

    She looked at Caden curiously. ¡°Have you read them?¡±

    Caden avoided answering directly. ¡°You should try reading one sometime. Maybe it will help you see that it''s okay for women to be a little more dependent on men. ¡°Life doesn¡¯t always have to be so stressful.¡±

    He knew she had had financial problems.

    And now, despite all that, she was trying to offer himpensation.

    Caden walked out of the bathroom, leaving her alone. Alicia got out of the tub, rinsed off the bubbles, and got dressed.

    They had discussed the terms of the contract, which outlined their coboration for the following year.

    Caden, however, made some adjustments to the final use. He added: ¡°During the coboration, Party A can make any request, and Party B mustply without hesitation. In personal matters, Party B has the right to ask Party A for privacy at any time, and Party A cannot refuse except in special circumstances.¡±

    Alice frowned and asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t this just a sex trade?¡±

    Caden took a sip of water. ¡°Of course. Considering how much you seem to desire my body, it makes sense. Earlier on the couch, when¡­¡±

    Alicia couldn''t respond to Caden''sment. She really didn''t need to bring up those details.

    The terms were clearly in her favor, and Caden didn''t seem to care, so Alicia decided there was no reason to hesitate.

    He picked up the pen and signed his name.

    Caden spoke again. ¡°Our private rtionship must remain secret.¡±

    Alice paused, sensing that something was wrong. Still, she nodded and said, ¡°I understand.¡±

    This arrangement was not a typical rtionship. If anyone found out, it could have consequences for him in the future.

    Anyway, Alice didn''t n to make anything public.

    With everything arranged, he began to prepare to return to the hospital.

    Caden walked her to the door. ¡°When you were living with the Yates family, what exactly did you say to Joshua to get him to stop touching you?¡±

    Alice hesitated, feeling that he was questioning her honesty. After a moment, she reluctantly replied, ¡°I told him I was on my period.¡±

    Caden''s response was curt. ¡°I see. Just so you know, if you ever use that excuse with me again, I''ll make sure you regret it. ¡°I¡¯ll make it so you can¡¯t get out of bed.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Alice was speechless.

    How had he managed to fall for her threats again?

    As he was leaving, a bell range in his pocket.

    Alice reached into her pocket. ¡°How timely,¡± she murmured.

    However, the call turned out to be bad news.

    Thendlord''s voice sounded agitated. "What''s going on down there? There''s water downstairs. Come here and open the door right now."

    .

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 Chapter 123

    Chapter 123:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    It was then that Alice realized that her apartment was flooded.

    ¡°Could it really be a burst pipe?¡± she muttered in disbelief. ¡°That was just the excuse I used to get out of the doctor¡¯s office today.¡±

    Caden remembered thendlord''s angry voice and frowned slightly. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡±

    Alice looked at the time. It waste, and she wasforted by the idea of ??having someone with her. She agreed.

    When they arrived at their rental apartment, Caden took charge. He pushed thendlord and downstairs neighbors aside, leaving room for Alice to go inside and assess the damage. I found the shutoff valve and turned it off. Then he quickly called a repairman toe fix the problem. When he was done, Alice walked out to find thendlord and neighbors gone.

    Caden approached her calmly. ¡°Thepensation has been deducted from your deposit. You should start looking for another ce to live. Buildings this old aren¡¯t safe.¡±

    Alicia agreed with her assessment. It was time for a change.

    Things were different now. Alicia could no longer handle everything alone like before. Now that she had partnered with Caden, she needed to make sure that her personal safety was guaranteed.

    He looked back at his apartment, then silently rolled up his sleeves and began packing his things.

    Caden looked at her, clearly displeased. ¡°Everything is flooded, and you still want to keep all this?¡±

    Alice replied calmly: ¡°Some of these objects are very important to me.¡±

    He grabbed a bag and started putting away small items from his drawer.

    Many of them were old, but well preserved. It was obvious that Alice cherished each one, keeping them tidy and clean despite their age.

    He moved efficiently, packing his belongings quickly. It didn''t take long for him to fill arge bag.

    ¡°That should be about it,¡± he said, turning to Caden. ¡°Would you mind if I kept this at your ce for a while?¡±

    Caden agreed slightly. ¡°Sounds good to me. ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Alicia took a deep breath before hoisting the heavy bag onto her shoulder. Caden was surprised.

    He looked at the dirty water covering the floor. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and took the bag from her.

    "Would it kill you to ask for help?" I have asked.

    Alicia straightened her neck defiantly. ¡°I don''t usually ask for help.¡±

    Caden stepped forward, taking careful steps as he walked.

    Alice frowned and asked, "What are you looking for?"

    Caden''s tone turned a little t. ¡°Mousetraps.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Why?¡± Alice asked, genuinely confused.

    Due to the unexpected flood, Alicia had to return to Caden''s apartment with him.

    During the return trip, she unexpectedly fell asleep in the car.

    The soft, warm glow of the car''s interior light fell on her face, highlighting her peaceful features. She seemed serene, peaceful, and oblivious to the harshness of the world.

    Caden stared at Alicia for a moment before leaning over to pat her shoulder. ¡°We''re here,¡± he said.

    Alice frowned slightly, but moved only a little, still sleeping.

    Caden sighed. He cradled her in one arm while carrying the bag with the other and walking up the stairs.

    Once inside, I carefully ced her on the sofa. As he arranged her, a photo album fell out of the bag andnded at his feet.

    He nced at the cover. It showed Alice as a baby with her parents.

    In the photo, she was only a few months old, with round cheeks and fair skin. She was smiling at the camera, showing two small white teeth. She looked adorable.

    Caden had never seen these photos before. He couldn''t resist opening the album.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    On the first page there was a photo of Alice on the day she was born.

    The photograph showed Alice, freshly groomed and wrapped in a soft nket, crying like a newborn. Beneath the image was a line of elegant handwriting that read: ¡°Our darling daughter, Lucky.¡±

    Caden narrowed his eyes slightly, rubbing his thumb over the name.

    "Lucky, huh?" I have muttered.

    Alice was still deep in sleep when she heard the sound of his voice. Instinctively she snuggled closer to him, murmuring softly, ¡°Yes¡­¡±

    Caden looked at her, taking in her peaceful expression, before gently closing the album.

    I turned off the lights in the living room and turned on the air conditioning. Then, with Alicia still in his arms, hey down beside her, letting her eyes close as she fell asleep.

    Morning hase.

    When Caden woke up, he realized that Alicia was no longer by his side.

    He looked at his watch and, to his surprise, it was already nine in the morning.

    Caden couldn''t quite remember how he had slept the night before. His memories were hazy, unlike his usual sleepless nights of restless dreams.

    He quickly freshened up and prepared to leave, when something caught his eye on the dining table. He walked over and noticed that it was breakfast, prepared by Alice. Curious, I picked up the food and took a bite.

    The taste was bnced, rich but not overwhelming. The vors blended perfectly, leaving a delicious feeling in your mouth. It was surprisingly good.

    He continued eating as he headed for the door. He grabbed his car keys and went out.

    Caden noticed that unlike most mornings when he would just have a cup of coffee, he felt actually satisfied after having this breakfast.

    If your stomach could talk, it would say: "Finally, a proper breakfast after all this time."

    When he arrived at the office, he immediately went into work mode.

    He gave Hank back the breakfast he had bought him.

    Hank looked confused. ¡°Why? ¡°Skipping breakfast isn¡¯t good for you, sir.¡±

    Caden replied, ¡°I¡¯ll be eating at home from now on. ¡°You don¡¯t need to buy me breakfast anymore.¡±

    Hank''s eyes lit up with interest. ¡°Did your maid make this? You must have really liked it to change your mind after just one taste. She must be a fantastic cook. Do you think she could make something for me, too?¡±

    .

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 Chapter 124

    Chapter 124:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden looked at Hank and said bluntly, ¡°Dream on.¡±

    Hank wasn''t sure how to react.

    Despite the dismissive response, Hank soon cheered up and continued with his tasks.

    "Mrs. Ward has rescheduled her visit to Warrington for next month. I have preselected a few houses and bodyguards for her. Would you like to make the final decision?" Hank informed him.

    Caden agreed.

    The thought of Ciara''s arrival was hardlyforting. She could be unpredictable, and just thinking about her uing visit was giving him a headache.

    Meanwhile, Alice carefully followed the doctor''s instructions. She took her medications on time and received all her treatments. After a week, she was finally ready to leave the hospital.

    Monica arrived to help her with the discharge paperwork.

    Meanwhile, Alicia and Caden hade to an agreement and she had managed to gather solid evidence of Joshua''s affair during their marriage.

    Joshua hadn''t been in touch with hertely. He''d been busy managing hispany''s IPO and dealing with Lilliana''s return to the spotlight.

    Lilliana was busy creating an image of herself as a mother-to-be, crafting a more sentimental persona for her public presence.

    With financial support, he was already making progress on this new approach.

    Monica mocked the news. ¡°So the lip-sync scandal has gone away? ¡°The Inte is quick to forget.¡±

    Alicia stood in line, scrolling through her phone with a calm expression.

    "Showbiz made her what she is and it will tear her down just as quickly. We just have to be patient," he replied.

    The more evidence she gathered, the greater Lilliana''s fall.

    Alicia put away her phone and took out her bank card, ready to pay the medical bills.

    Suddenly, a desperate voice cuts through the noise of the hospital. ¡°Please, doctor! I beg you to save my sister. I swear I will find the money in three days. Please help her now.¡±

    Alice turned to face themotion.

    A young woman clung to a doctor''s white coat, her expression desperate. The doctor seemed equally helpless. "I''m very sorry, but your medical expenses are considerable. I can''t pay them," he exined.

    ¡°Please operate first! I promise to pay the bills little by littleter, please! ¡°I beg you.¡±

    the woman begged desperately, falling to her knees and clinging to the doctor''s leg.

    The doctor sighed, unable tofort her.

    A crowd had gathered. Some watched with curiosity, others were indifferent, and a few seemed genuinelypassionate.

    Alice frowned at the scene and began walking towards the grieving woman.

    Monica grabbed her arm. ¡°Alicia, are you really going to help?¡±

    Alice replied, ¡°It looks familiar. ¡°I want to see what happens.¡±

    Monica hesitated for a moment, but seemed moved by the woman''s desperate cries. "Okay, I''ll go with you."

    Alicia pushed her way through the crowd until she reached the woman.

    As she approached, Alice recognized her as Lilliana''s assistant.

    Without hesitation, Alice bent down and helped the woman up.

    The assistant''s face looked exhausted and her eyes unfocused. Although Alicia was holding her, she was still clinging to the doctor''s coat, refusing to let go.

    The doctor spoke softly. ¡°I will help you start a fundraising campaign. That is all I can do for now.¡± With these words, he turned and walked away.

    The assistant tried to follow her, but she was too exhausted. She copsed right in front of Alice.

    Seeing the crowd watching her, Alice decided to get the assistant away from the scene. She found a quiet hallway where they could sit down.

    Monica soon returned with a bottle of water.

    Aliceforted the assistant. Eventually, she managed to calm her down. However, the assistant was still crying.

    ¡°Thank you¡­ I have to go back to see my sister. Thank you forforting me,¡± says the assistant, preparing to leave.

    Alice gently took her hand. ¡°What illness does your sister have?¡± she asked.

    The assistant seemed to recognize Alice, but avoided looking at her eyes.

    She was not willing to share the details.

    Alice was unsure of the assistant''s character, but it was clear that she was in a desperate situation.

    Alice thought that she could help her and that maybe it was worth taking the opportunity.

    The assistant felt a wave of guilt and hurried away. Alice didn''t try to stop her. In those few moments, Alice had already made up her mind. "If you need help, don''t hesitate to ask. I''m sure you know how to get in touch with me."

    The assistant hesitated for a second. Then she turned and ran, avoiding looking back.

    Alice watched her stumble away and let out a sigh.

    Monica spoke up, breaking the silence. ¡°I remember now. She''s Lilliana''s assistant. I''ve seen her in pictures on the inte. If she''s ever kneeled down in front of a doctor, she must be desperate. Either Lilliana doesn''t know anything about this, or she''s simply refusing to help. Alicia, are you going to do something for her?¡±

    Alicia felt torn.

    I needed to talk to Caden about this.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go check on your sister first,¡± Alice said. ¡°Monica, thanks for being here with me. You can go if you have things to do. ¡°I¡¯ll just take a quick look.¡±

    Monica shook her head. ¡°I don''t have anything urgent. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡±

    The assistant''s name was Gina Mendoza, and her sister, Harley Mendoza, had a brain tumor. The tumor was causing nervepression, making surgery risky. That''s why they had initially opted for conservative treatment.

    Now, an emergency had arisen and Harley needed immediate surgery. The cost was enormous. It ran into hundreds of thousands of dors, an amount Gina simply did not have.

    That exined why Gina had gotten down on her knees and begged the doctor earlier.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    After wiping away her tears, Gina went to get some food for her sister. She spent a lot of time coaxing Harley to eat some, but it all ended up being in vain as Harley threw it all up.

    Harley was still young, but her face was pale and she was so weak that she didn''t even have the strength to cry.

    Gina stood with her back to the door, wiping away tears as her shoulders visibly shook.

    Alicia watched her from the other side of the window, her heart heavy.

    The hospital had already started the fundraising campaign, and Alicia made a contribution. Harley had nothing to do with the mess that had been caused.

    After a while, Alicia and Monica decided to part ways. Alicia didn''t waste any time. She immediately sent a message to Caden.

    "I need to see you immediately."

    Caden read the message and quickly responded. ¡°Go to the apartment.¡±

    After answering, he went to buy some condoms.

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 Chapter 125

    Chapter 125:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia was already waiting downstairs in Caden''s office building.

    "I cane up if you''re free now," she texted.

    Caden was a little surprised at her impatience.

    Did you want to do it in the office?

    He couldn''t deny that the idea of ??having sex in his office was intriguing.

    Caden replied, ¡°Yes. I have granted you ess. Come on in.¡±

    Alicia''s response was not long ining. "Aren''t you in the office?"

    ¡°I''ll be there soon. Wait for me,¡± Caden replied. He had just arrived at the pharmacy and was in the middle of picking up some things.

    She carefully selected two boxes of condoms and added several aftercare products to the basket.

    After finishing his purchase, Caden returned to thepany. On the way, I met Hank.

    Hank looked anxious, holding his phone as if it were burning his hand. ¡°It''s Mrs. Ward,¡± he said.

    Caden frowned. ¡°Why didn''t you answer?¡±

    Hank answered, ¡°I answered the first call, but she insisted on speaking directly to you. She seemed very upset. ¡°I think she¡¯s about to storm over here.¡± The phone continued to ring, and the sound became increasingly squeaky.

    Caden sighed, realizing he had no choice. He headed toward the living room to take the call.

    As soon as she answered, Ciara started demanding answers. ¡°Your doctor told me that you haven''t had a checkup in ages. Can you exin why?¡±

    Caden had anticipated it.

    He replied in a t tone: ¡°I¡¯ve been feeling fine.¡±

    ¡°Not again! You always use that excuse to avoid your treatments. Do you think I¡¯m that easy to fool?¡± she snapped.

    ¡°This time is different,¡± Caden replied.

    Her anger only seemed to increase. ¡°You said exactly the same thingst time! Can''t you at leaste up with something new? I¡¯m sick of hearing this.¡±

    Caden didn''t answer, preferring silence.

    Ciara continued: ¡°If you refuse treatment, I will go there myself to make sure you are doing what you are supposed to be doing. ¡°I will be there next week, so you better take care of yourself.¡±

    "Medicine. If I find something wrong, you''ll regret it!"

    Caden rubbed his temples in frustration. ¡°Why bother with treatment anyway? It¡¯s just a minor issue.¡±

    Ciara snapped, ¡°How do you expect me to have great-grandchildren if you don''t take care of yourself? Don''t you want to get married? Are you nning to stay single forever?¡±

    ¡°You want great-grandchildren? I¡¯ll have Hank sort that out for you,¡± Caden replied.

    Hank was stunned. Why me? Why me? he thought to himself.

    Caden knew that continuing the argument would only make Ciara angry, so he decided to end the call.

    Hank picked up the phone again, looking worried. ¡°Mrs. Ward seems to be serious this time. Maybe I¡¯d listen better and cooperate with the treatment.¡±

    Caden replied nonchntly, ¡°If she hadn''t called, I would already be treated.¡±

    Hank stood, momentarily bewildered.

    Her eyes fell on the pharmacy bag in Caden''s hand, and it dawned on her. ¡°Mr. Ward, are you buying random drugs again?¡±

    Caden stepped into the elevator and brought the bag to his other hand.

    Hank rushed in after him.

    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s safe?¡± Hank asked. He was worried that Caden might be jumping the gun and taking the wrong pills. ¡°You''re not a doctor. What if you make a mistake? What if it causes a problem?¡±

    Caden replied, ¡°You don''t have to worry.¡±

    ¡°Of course I have to worry! Mrs. Ward made it clear that I have to keep an eye on you. It''s one thing for you to refuse proper treatment, but if you take the wrong medicine, she''ll kill me.¡±

    When they arrived at the office, Caden looked around, but Alicia was nowhere to be seen.

    She assumed he waste and put the pharmacy bag in a drawer.

    Hank noticed the careful way Caden carried her, and his concern only grew.

    "Mr. Ward, forgive me for speaking bluntly," she said. "You''re already on a lot of medication, and it''s putting a strain on your kidneys. If you keep buying more on your own, I''m worried you won''t make it to thirty."

    Caden had heard this sermon countless times. To him, Hank sounded like a broken record.

    She knew her own body and knew exactly how much medication she could take.

    Since Hank enjoyed nagging, Caden let him do it. He simply ignored him and focused on his own work.

    Then something seemed to click in Hank''s mind. ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward, is all this medication because you¡¯re getting ready to have sex?¡± he asked tentatively.

    Caden leaned back in his chair, not bothering to answer. Instead, he picked up his phone and sent a quick text to Alicia. ¡°Where are you?¡±

    Alicia was in the bathroom at that moment.

    She was about to answer after washing her hands when she suddenly heard Hank''s voiceing from the other side of the door.

    ¡°Is that person Miss Bet?¡± Hank asked.

    Hearing her name, Alice stopped.

    He put the phone away and listened attentively.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Caden replied.

    Hank''s tone changed to one of exasperation. "Aren''t you and she on the same page? Then why do you need medication?"

    ¡°Who said I was on medication?¡± Caden replied.

    ¡°Don''t lie to me!¡± Hank argued bravely. ¡°Who used Viagrast time, then?¡±

    Caden was speechless.

    It was just an ident. It was a joke Alice had yed on him.

    Still, he didn''t bother to exin. He looked at his phone, annoyed that Alicia still hadn''t responded.

    Caden frowned.

    Why was it taking so long?

    Hank thought for a moment, feeling that something was off. ¡°Mr. Ward, you do react to Miss Bet, don''t you? Then why does she need the medication? Is it because she can''tst long?¡±

    Caden was speechless once again.

    Hank continued: ¡°If you really want tost longer, you should go to a real hospital. You can¡¯t just buy random pills at a pharmacy.¡±Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    Caden''s expression hardened. ¡°Just go away, will you?¡±

    Hank immediately fell silent.

    Caden was growing increasingly impatient with Hank''s pestering. When Alicia still didn''t answer, he decided to call her.

    Alicia was focused on listening to the conversation.

    Her phone suddenly rang, starting her.

    She quickly ended the call, but it was toote. Caden had already heard her.

    He turned around, and his eyes locked with hers immediately.

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 Chapter 126

    Chapter 126:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia walked out, wearing an awkward smile. She scratched her forehead and pointed toward the bathroom. ¡°I was washing my hands in there.¡±

    Neither Caden nor Hank responded.

    The silence made him ufortable, so he added, ¡°I didn''t mean to eavesdrop. ¡°I was just about to leave, but then I heard you two talking.¡±

    Caden stared at her.

    Alice felt her chest tighten. She quickly tried to correct herself. ¡°Actually, I didn''t hear anything at all.¡± Her words came out unconvincingly, and she nearly burst outughing, which only made Caden''s expression darker.

    Caden turned around and gave Hank a cold look.

    Hank shuddered under his gaze.

    I have hurried to speak to Alicia. ¡°You have the wrong idea, Miss Bet. It¡¯s not really what you think.¡±

    Alice looked confused. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t hear anything.¡±

    Caden took a deep breath.

    His voice was cold as he spoke. ¡°Get out.¡±

    Hank had been anticipating this and quickly turned to leave.

    Alicia realized that Caden was on the verge of losing his temper, so she began to cautiously follow Hank out of the office.

    Caden looked at her coldly. ¡°Not you.¡±

    Alicia felt dread and stopped dead in her tracks. The door closed behind Hank, leaving her alone with Caden.

    She looked at him and silently searched for a ce to sit.

    Trying to ease the tension, I spoke up. ¡°I had just gotten in.¡± I didn''t see you, so I went to the bathroom. And right after that you showed up. I didn''t mean to eavesdrop. I just walked over to the door and heard you talking. I assumed it was something work-rted, so I decided not to interrupt. I couldn''t hear much. ¡°I just heard some muffled voices, nothing important.¡±

    When she was done, Alice looked back at Caden, trying to read his expression. He seemed even more upset.

    ¡°You might want to look in the mirror,¡± he said. ¡°You''re making faces.¡±

    Alice felt surprised.

    Was it that obvious?

    He quickly passed his hand over his lips.

    Realizing that her lie had been poorly constructed, she gave up and decided to be honest.

    ¡°Look, don''t worry. You''re still twenty years old. You¡¯re young and everything can be treated.¡±

    Caden''s frustration only grew.

    Hank had already filled his ears with nonsense, and now Alicia was doing the same.

    His regretful tone made it even worse.

    ¡°You don''t know if I have any health problems?¡± she asked tly. ¡°I''ve never slept with Hank. But I have slept with you, haven''t I?¡±

    Alice answered without thinking: "But you didn''t exactly finish thest few times."

    Caden found himself speechless.

    Alice''s voice softened. "I thought you were just being considerate, but now I wonder if it was because you couldn''t."

    That was enough for Caden. ¡°Last time, your wrist hurt when we broke up. Really? Do you think I¡¯m powerless?¡± he said, barely able to contain his frustration.

    Alice''s eyes opened wide.

    ¡°Youst a long timest time. Was that a side effect of the medication?¡± I have asked. Again, Caden was speechless.

    He could no longer contain his anger. He pulled Alice closer and pushed her towards the desk.

    With one swift movement, he pulled at her clothes, unzipping them and exposing her soft skin. Realizing he was serious, Alice began to panic.

    ¡°Hey, wait¡­¡±

    Before she could finish, he kissed her, cutting off her words.

    Alice kicked him in a desperate attempt to resist. But then he grabbed her ankles and wrapped her legs around her waist.

    Soon, Alice''s resistance weakened. She pushed him gently.

    ?Caden, stop. I need to¡­ tell you¡­¡±

    She pulled her hair, trying to catch her breath. ¡°Let me go! ¡°I have something important to tell you.¡±

    Caden was filled with both desire and anger. He held her tightly and said, ¡°Do you really think talking is more important than finishing what we''ve already started?¡±

    ¡°Have we started yet?¡± Alicia gasped, shaking her head. "No! ¡°I need to talk to you about Lilliana¡¯s assistant.¡±

    Caden frowned, frustrated. ¡°What''s wrong with her?¡± Pinned beneath him, Alicia struggled to breathe. ¡°Let me go¡­¡± she gasped.

    His chest rose and fell as he tried to catch his breath.

    The sight of her breasts only excited him more. Without any gentleness, Caden pulled her neck down and bit her skin.

    Alice''s waist trembled and she let out a small involuntary cry.

    Realizing the sound hade from her own throat, Alice felt both anger and shame. She punched Caden.

    "What are you, a dog?" Alice felt a burning pain in her chest and spoke irritably.

    Caden pulled her closer as he sat down in the chair.

    All the pulling left her disoriented.

    Alicia blushed and tried to straighten her clothes. But Caden pulled at her again. His eyes were dark with lust. ¡°Say what you have to say while I watch,¡± he told her. Alicia red at him. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say they were small?¡±

    "What''s worth looking at anyway?"

    Caden admired every inch of her tits. ¡°They¡¯re a nice shape.¡± Alice snorted.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    He buttoned up his clothes tightly, keeping them out of sight. ¡°Obviously. ¡°Anyone looking at them would think so.¡± Caden looked up. ¡°1. Including Joshua?¡±

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 Chapter 127

    Chapter 127:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden''s expression hardened.

    Alicia paused for a moment, then exined, ¡°When I was in college, I went for a checkup, and the doctorplimented me during the breast exam.¡±

    ¡°A male doctor?¡± Caden asked.

    ¡°Of course not. That would be inappropriate, wouldn''t it?¡± Alice replied.

    Caden''s expression seemed to rx a little.

    He adjusted his clothes and began to recount the day''s events in a serious tone.

    ¡°Should I help Gina? What do you think?¡± I have asked.

    Caden appreciated her asking for his opinion. It made him feel like she trusted him.

    ¡°Do you want to help her?¡± I have asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Alicia said, making it clear that she sympathized with Gina. ¡°Harley is the only family she has. It¡¯s very sad.¡±

    ¡°Then help her,¡± Caden replied. ¡°She¡¯s a better choice than Rachel anyway.¡±

    Alice let out a sigh of relief and smiled.

    ¡°I should head to the hospital. Harley is still waiting for surgery,¡± he said. ¡°I''ll cover the costs. You take care of Randolph and get him to talk.¡±

    When she tried to get up, Caden pulled her.

    I have guided her hand towards some dangerous ce.

    "When do you n to deal with this?" I have asked.

    Alice quickly pulled her hand away, feeling the heat of her demand.

    ¡°We''ll see,¡± he replied. It was broad daylight, so he was in no mood to continue. ¡°Take less medication and try to get some proper rest.¡±

    Caden didn''t respond.

    With Harley''s life in danger, Alice wasted no time. She immediately set out to find Gina.

    To keep her identity hidden from Lilliana''s people, she had Caden create a fake phnthropist persona to donate the funds for Harley''s surgery. Alicia didn''t show up at the hospital. She stayed throughout the operation, although she did not make her presence known.

    When night finally fell, the operation was over and Harley was wheeled out on a stretcher.

    Gina rushed over. ¡°Doctor, how¡¯s Harley?¡±

    "Fortunately, the operation was carried out on time. He is out of danger," the doctor said.

    Gina''s legs buckled, and she began to cry.

    From the corner, Alice breathed a sigh of relief. By the time Gina settled Harley into her room, it was alreadyte.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    I have hesitated for a long time before deciding to approach Alicia.

    The night air was cold, and Alice rubbed her fingers together to warm them. ¡°How¡¯s Harley?¡± she asked.

    Gina stared at her for a moment.

    "I will pay you back your medical expenses in installments. Thank you for your help," he said, his voice full of gratitude.

    Hearing this, Alice couldn''t help but feel a slight pang of disappointment.

    It was understandable. Siding with Alicia meant opposing Lilliana. If Gina decided to ept her help, she would basically be going against Lilliana.

    For Gina, that could have serious consequences.

    ¡°There is no need to pay me back. It was just a donation,¡± Alicia says. ¡°I am d that the operation went well. That is all that matters.¡±

    After a brief silence, Alice added: "I''m going now. You should rest."

    Gina''s eyes filled with tears. "Mrs. Bet, please stop this. The Green family is too powerful, and Mr. Yates is ruthless. He''s not worth it."

    Aliceughed softly. ¡°I''m not doing this to earn it. ¡°I¡¯m doing it to survive.¡±

    When Alicia left, Gina stood in the cold hallway, crying silently.

    It was true that she was afraid.

    That''s why she couldn''t help Alice.

    Gina hated Lilliana too, but she had a sick sister to take care of. She couldn''t afford to get into trouble, or worse, lose her job.

    When her legs went numb, Gina finally returned to the living room.

    He had barely sat down when there was a knock at the door.

    He expected it to be the doctor, but was surprised to find a delivery man instead.

    The man handed her an expensive meal. Gina looked at him in confusion. ¡°I didn''t order anything.¡±

    "Mrs. Bet ordered it for you," the delivery man exined.

    Gina''s heart sank. She thanked him as she held the box.

    After leaving the hospital, Alice decided to visit Monica. To cheer her up, Monica took her to a newly opened themed coffee shop where male models dressed as valets served customers.

    ¡°Butlers?¡± Alice asked, apparently confused.

    ¡°Yes, valets,¡± Monica replies enthusiastically. ¡°A bunch of male models dressed as valets, serving us. ¡°We can eat, drink and enjoy theirpany.¡±

    Alice was momentarily speechless before deciding to leave.

    As he turned around, he identally collided with a valet carrying a small cake.

    The valet held her gently. He had curly hair, a charming smile and eyes that sparkled. ¡°Careful, madam,¡± he said.

    Alice was momentarily stunned. She couldn''t help but look at his face.

    Monicaughed. ¡°They''re not bad, are they?¡±

    Alice smiled weakly. ¡°They must have cost quite a bit,¡± she said, looking at the tall, well-built figure of the valet. ¡°You can tell by his appearance. ¡°Male models in clubs are often expensive.¡±

    ¡°It''s a new ce and I got a discount. It¡¯s not that expensive,¡± Monica said, pulling Alicia along. ¡°Come on, it''s just a bit of light-hearted fun. Nothing serious.¡±

    Monica dragged Alicia inside.

    Aside from the attractive valets, the food was also impressive.

    The valets were attentive, easily adapting to each guest''s preferences. If they sensed interest, they would flirt a little; If not, they simply focused on serving food and drinks.

    Alice only touched a few hands and a couple of faces, nothing more.

    After eating, a valet kindly walked her to the door.

    ¡°If you enjoyed mypany, you can ask me for another visit,¡± he said, writing his name on his palm. ¡°I hope to see you again.¡±

    Alice felt a little shy. ¡°Of course.¡±

    He said those words even though he knew he wouldn''t be back.

    Who could resist that kind of charm?

    Seeing that they had chemistry, Monica cleared her throat and made up an excuse. ¡°Alicia, I have to go. Let me know when you get home.¡±

    He winked at Alice, subtly suggesting that she not hold back.

    Alicia pretended not to notice and simply said goodbye.

    A short distance away, the window of an elegant Maybach rolled down, revealing a striking face.

    Caden leaned on his hand, smirking as he watched Alicia''s fascination.

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 Chapter 128

    Chapter 128:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice was shocked for no apparent reason.

    The valet noticed her reaction and took off his jacket, putting it over her shoulders.

    Alice felt ufortable and gave him back the jacket. "I don''t want you to be cold," she said.

    ¡°It''s okay. I¡¯m not cold,¡± the valet replied. ¡°You can give it back to me next time we meet.¡±

    However, Alice insisted on giving it back.

    At that moment, her phone ranged from inside her bag. Seeing that it was Caden, she felt a surge of anxiety and quickly gestured to the valet to be quiet.

    The valet agreed.

    Alice stepped back before answering, "What''s wrong?"

    ¡°Are you done?¡± Caden asked tly.

    "I''m still busy," Alicia replied. "I''m at the hospital right now."

    Caden narrowed his eyes at Alicia, who was standing by the road with the man''s jacket slung over her shoulders. His tone turned sharp. ¡°Why are you still there? It¡¯ste and you haven¡¯t left yet.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just taking care of the things I mentioned before,¡± Alice replied. She looked at her watch, anxious not to give herself away. ¡°What do you need? Just say the word.¡±

    "Nothing," he replied.

    ¡°So why did you call?¡± Alice replied, sounding rather annoyed. ¡°I''m busy right now.¡±

    Caden let out a cold sneer. ¡°Do you have ns for tonight?¡±

    Alice knew instantly what he meant.

    She thought it was toote and didn''t want to deal with him. "Yes, I''m nning on spending the night in the hospital."

    Caden''s face turned grim.

    "Alice, look across the street," he said.

    Alice frowned. ¡°What?¡± she asked before looking up.

    He immediately noticed the ck Maybach.

    The sight of the family emblem made her heart pound, and once she saw the license te, her fears were confirmed.

    His eyes finally fell on the car window.

    Caden was there, holding his phone and looking at her.

    Alice froze for a second, then quickly tried to pretend she hadn''t noticed anything.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    "What''s across the street? I can''t see anything. I have to go anyway."

    ¡°Eat here,¡± Caden ordered.

    She immediately fell silent.

    There was no real reason to fear him, but those two words hit her like a knife to her throat, making her feel intimidated.

    So he stayed where he was.

    Caden''s voice grew even colder. ¡°Do I have to go myself?¡±

    She replied without hesitation: ¡°I will go. Stay where you are.¡±

    With that, the call ended.

    Alicia handed the jacket back to the valet and quickly made up an excuse to send him off. Then, she started walking toward Caden''s car.

    They were just a few feet away, so he walked slowly, trying to mentally prepare himself for whaty ahead.

    Once she had calmed down, she approached the car. But as soon as she met Caden''s sharp gaze, all her resolve seemed to crumble.

    Alice couldn''t help but think it was ridiculous.

    Why was I afraid of him?

    Despite these thoughts, his hand had already obediently moved towards the car door.

    Caden nced at her. ¡°Get in the front seat.¡±

    Alice hesitated for a moment. ¡°I prefer the back seat. ¡°It''s more spacious.¡±

    ¡°Are you afraid of me?¡± Caden asked.

    She didn''t answer.

    Of course, she wasn''t afraid of him.

    Alicia withdrew her hand and sat confidently in the passenger seat.

    Caden didn''t say another word.

    He just started the car and drove away.

    Alice asked in a hesitant voice, "Did you see everything that happened?"

    Caden kept his eyes fixed on the road, his face showing nothing to give away what he was thinking.

    ¡°Are you afraid I saw something you didn''t want me to see?¡± I have asked.

    Alice felt an unknown sense of fear inside her, although she couldn''t pinpoint the reason.

    Still, she tried to hold firm. ¡°There was nothing in our agreement that required us to be loyal to each other. What I do on my personal time shouldn''t be a problem between us, right?¡±

    Caden agreed.

    He was surprisingly calm.

    Alice felt a mixture of surprise and relief as she looked at him.

    It seemed like he had been worrying for no reason. They were just partners in a practical sense, not romantically involved. He had no reason to worry about his actions outside of their agreement.

    The car stopped briefly at a corner.

    ¡°I¡¯m going out to buy something,¡± Caden said, his expression neutral, hiding his thoughts.

    Alicia just agreed and preferred not to ask what he was nning to buy.

    When they got to the apartment, Alicia turned to Caden. ¡°Have you eaten?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied as he handed her a pair of women¡¯s slippers. ¡°Take a shower.¡±

    Alice looked into his eyes. There was an untamed wildness in them.

    At that moment, that ferocity seemed to roar, driven by desire. An uneasy feeling took hold of her, and she quickly looked away, heading straight for the bathroom.

    Halfway through the shower, Caden walked in.

    He approached her, taking off his clothes until he waspletely naked.

    Alice blushed, took a step back and instinctively tried to protect herself with her arms.

    ¡°Caden, what are you doing¡­?¡±

    Before she could finish, her words were silenced by his kisses and the sound of running water.

    The water continued to fall into the shower, the steam slowly filling the space, blurring their intertwined figures until they were hidden from view. After forty minutes, Caden finally stopped.

    He lifted Alicepletely flushed, carried her to the bed and gentlyid her down.

    Then he took out what he had bought earlier.

    Alice continued to tremble. Her blurry vision slowly began to focus, but she could hear a faint tinkling sound.

    What was that?

    Were they wives?

    Caden pressed his warm body against hers again, grabbed her wrists, and held them in ce with something cold.

    Alice came back to reality and looked at her. Sure enough, they were handcuffs.

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 Chapter 129

    Chapter 129:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice was terrified.

    He fought weakly and warned, ¡°Caden Ward¡­¡± His raspy voicecked any real threat.

    Caden ignored her pleas and turned her hand over to inspect her palm. Alicia''s heart raced. "Why are you handcuffing me?"

    "I''m not into this."

    He did not answer.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    He looked at his own hand and asked, ¡°What are you looking at?¡±

    "What did the guy at the coffee shop write on your hand?" I have asked.

    Alicia didn''t expect him to bring up the topic now. She answered truthfully, ¡°His name and WhatsApp ID.¡± ¡°Did you add him?¡± He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers.

    Alicia let out a choked sound, feeling dizzy from her kiss.

    What a pain.

    Why did he have to kiss so well?

    How many women had he practiced with?

    Alicia turned her head to catch her breath. ¡°I haven''t added it. ¡°I¡¯ll do it next time I see him.¡± Caden''s expression darkened.

    He pulled her up and locked the other end of the handcuffs to the bedpost.

    Alice didn''t even dare to protest. Her mind was nk, overwhelmed by its intensity.

    This time Caden fucked her harder than thest time.

    Alice couldn''t hold back her tears. She tried to defend herself, but her words were stopping and scattered as she screamed in protest.

    During a brief pause, he shouted, ¡°What are you doing? Are you going to kill me?¡± Caden did not respond.

    After a moment, Alice blurted out, "Are you jealous?"

    Worried that he was really pushing her to the limit, she told him, ¡°I know you''re a neat freak. I swear. ¡°Nothing happened between us.¡±

    Caden could see the real fear in her eyes.

    I couldn''t stop crying.

    He wiped away her tears, still staring at her red, wet, shiny nose.

    ¡°Why would I be jealous?¡± Caden spoke in a calm, almost distant tone. ¡°I may not be jealous, but I am very particr about cleanliness. ¡°Next time you climb into my bed, make sure you are clean.¡±

    Alicia pursed her lips in frustration. She pulled at the handcuffs, indicating that she wanted them off.

    But Caden showed no sign of obeying.

    "I think these are better. If you run away, I won''t have to chase you," he said.

    Alice stared at him, speechless.

    His suspicions were confirmed.

    I wasn''t going to put an end to this anytime soon.

    Alice tried to appeal to his mercy with gentle words, hoping he would show some kindness.

    Unfortunately, it didn''t work.

    When the handcuffs began to rub against her wrists, she managed to make him look pitiful enough to convince him to take them off. As soon as he did, she jumped out of bed and ran.

    Trembling, she ran into the living room. Caden followed her and slowly unwrapped a condom. Then I fucked her right there in the living room. Exhausted and out of breath, Alicia used thest of her strength to curse him, uttering every insult she could think of.

    Cadenmented: ¡°You have an impressive vocabry.¡±

    Without thinking, she wiped the snot on her face.

    Caden paused before saying, ¡°Good job.¡±

    He shifted his position and said, ¡°Don''t expect to sleep tonight.¡±

    By dawn, Alice had copsed against him, barely sleeping for two hours.

    Caden held her with one arm while flipping through a book with the other. The sound of the pages was almost soothing.

    "What time is it?" Alice asked hoarsely as soon as she opened her eyes.

    Caden looked at her, noticing how her eyes sparkled like morning dew. They weren''t filled with tears. Instead, they held a softness that captivated him, their gentle glow drawing him in. His gaze drifted from her eyes to her chin, then to her smooth neck and soft shoulders, taking in the delicate shape of her figure.

    After a long pause, he finally said, ¡°It¡¯s a little after nine.¡±

    Alice thought about the tasks ahead of her. There was nothing urgent to finish. The only person who could cause her trouble was Joshua, but he had been worriedtely.

    Satisfied, she closed her eyes again and fell asleep. As she did so, she muttered, ¡°So why aren''t you in the office?¡±

    Caden gently ran his hand around her waist, as if he didn''t want to let go. ¡°Someone is clinging to me like a second skin. How can I leave?¡±

    Alice didn''t respond right away. Who was he talking about? She pushed his hand away, turned away from him, andy back down on the pillow. The pillow was soft and high quality, but it didn''tpare to the firmness of her body. She sighed quietly, wishing for something more, but epting it for now.

    Caden stretched out his stiff arm before getting up to wash up. I have ced an order for breakfast and arranged for a set of women''s clothes to be delivered.

    As she listened to the sounds around her, it became clear that he was about to leave. She turned her head and called out, ¡°Caden.¡±

    Caden, adjusting his tie, stood up straight.

    ¡°Do me in favor,¡± she said, a hint of concern in her voice, ¡°cut back on those stamina pills.¡±

    Caden remained silent. He was feeling fine at the moment and saw no reason to argue. In a rare disy of generosity, he said, ¡°You can keep the things you broughtst time in the study.¡±

    Alice slept until noon. When she finally woke up, she got out of bed and began organizing her belongings. The studio was spacious, with an entire wall reserved specifically for its use.

    After cing thest frame, Alice paused. Wasn''t she supposed to rent her own house? Why was she keeping her stuff here?

    The thought disappeared as quickly as it hade. She hadn''t had time to look for a new apartment. Besides, she couldn''t afford an apartment nearby and she didn''t want to live too far away. It was just more convenient toe to Caden''s apartment whenever something came up.

    Still, for the week following that night, she refused to let Caden touch her.

    ¡°It''s been a week now. Still not feeling better?¡± Caden asked, frowning in disbelief.

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 Chapter 130

    Chapter 130:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia hurt her usation at him, clearly frustrated by his actions. ¡°Even an animal needs rest. You didn¡¯t let me have one that night!¡±

    Caden replied calmly, ¡°Animals rest and continue the next day. ¡°You¡¯ve had a whole week.¡±

    In a stern voice Alice replied, "Are you reallyparing me to an animal now?"

    Caden didn''t respond. This conversation had taken a strange turn because of him. Used to handle these kinds of discussions, he knew better than to take things any further. I have decided to stay still.

    When he didn''t respond, Alice persisted, "So you finally understand how wrong you were, do you?"

    Caden just shook his head. ¡°Technically, I haven''t done anything wrong ording to the agreement. But I¡¯ve learned that sometimes it¡¯s smarter to admit guilt.¡±

    Alice blinked in surprise. What did he mean? Was he referring to her experience with other women?

    Trying to maintain herposure, she said, ¡°I thought you were more of the controlling type when it came to rtionships.¡±

    Caden smiled weakly, his expression softening. It was clear he was thinking of someone else. ¡°I wouldn''t dare be like that. He¡¯s a nervous wreck.¡±

    It was the first time Alice had seen him smile like that. Whoever he was thinking of seemed to leave him both frustrated and amused.

    Alice wanted to make fun of him. He was such a self-assured man, and yet a woman had outdone him.

    As she tried to smile, she realized her lips were stiff. She rubbed her cheeks and quickly looked away, trying to avoid his gaze. ¡°I need to review the agreement. Some parts of it are unreasonable.¡±

    Caden noticed the change in her tone and immediately stopped smiling. Without questioning his mood, he replied, ¡°If agreements could be changed at will, they wouldn''t mean much.¡±

    Alice frowned. ¡°You said you would respect me, but you only cared about your own pleasure. Isn¡¯t that rape?¡±

    Caden replied sharply: "Weren''t you enjoying yourself too?"

    She had no answer. Her face turned red, but she kept her tone firm. ¡°In any case, you have gone too far. ¡°I insist on making changes to the contract.¡±

    She looked like she was determined to do it. Caden paused for a moment before agreeing. As she worked on the revisions, he moved closer, pulling down her pants.

    She used to wear her pants loose forfort, which made things easier for her now. Alice quickly threw the mouse aside and tried to stop him. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    Caden held his legs. ¡°I¡¯m just checking to see if you¡¯re hurt.¡±

    Alice red at him. ¡°Yeah, right!¡±

    ¡°Why are you so angry all of a sudden?¡± Caden looked her straight in his eyes. ¡°I admit I went a little overboard that night, but I checked and you weren''t hurt. I even gave you a week to recover. If you''re still angry, I must have missed something. ¡°I need to find out why.¡±

    Alice was silent for a moment. His question, ¡°Why are you so angry all of a sudden?¡± caught her off guard. Was she really angry? She wasn''t. She was just irritated by hisck of control.

    She quickly grabbed her pants and put them on. ¡°I''m not hurt. ¡°What bothers me is how you keep tormenting me.¡±

    "Who stays angry for a whole week?" he said, his voice tinged with disbelief.

    She had no answer.

    Something didn''t fit, but she didn''t want to dwell on it. She finished putting on her pants and turned her attention back to the deal, muttering under her breath, "I''m not mad anymore. Let''s focus on fixing the deal."

    Cadenmented, ¡°We can deal with thatter.¡±

    She gritted her teeth, feeling speechless once again. ¡°No, I¡¯m not in the mood.¡±

    She began typing furiously, documenting every detail about their sexual activity, including how often it would ur each month and how long it wouldst. When she was done, she calmly listed the changes she had made to the agreement and read them aloud to Caden. ¡°Let me know if you have any problems with it.¡±

    Caden wasn''t interested in being formal.

    He slid his hand inside her shirt, trying to get her horny. "No. ¡°I¡¯m fine with that.¡±

    Despite his dismissive tone, he kept his eyes fixed on the screen, making sure Alicia wasn''t trying to sneak anything he didn''t approve of into Iri.

    Alicia, for her part, had no time to n anything.

    Even though she had just said she wasn''t in the mood, Caden''s touch stirred something in her. They hadn''t done it that often, but he had already learned her most sensitive spots.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    She already felt a strange attraction towards him, and his touch quickly weakened her resolve.

    Caden gently held her by the neck and leaned in to kiss her. When he pulled back, he noticed her eyes were shining with excitement. A smile spread across her face. ¡°Are you starting to feel it yet?¡±

    Alice turned her head.

    ¡°No,¡± she mumbled, trying to push him back.

    Caden saw through her resistance and said softly, ¡°I came on strongst time because you made me wait too long. If you reject me today, we''ll end up back where we started.¡±

    Alice didn''t know what to say.

    ¡°Isn''t that a bad deal?¡± Caden¡¯s voice was soft as he removed thest item of clothing. Startled, Alicia quickly grabbed his hand.

    But then he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing her against the table.

    He grabbed her wrists and intertwined her fingers, holding her still.

    Alice tried to struggle, but her body betrayed her. She bit her lip, embarrassed. ¡°Fine. ¡°We can do this once.¡±

    Cadenughed softly, brushing his lips against his ear.

    "Okay. Whatever you say. Good luck."

    .

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    .

 Chapter 131

    Chapter 131:Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice''s heart raced as her eyes widened.

    ¡°Huh? What did he just call me?¡± she asked herself. She stared at him, genuinely surprised. ¡°How do you know my nickname?¡±

    Caden silenced her question with a kiss, his focus clearly not on exining but on fulfilling her desires.

    Although she had agreed to do it just once, Caden took his time, deliberately prolonging the moment. His movements were slow, but his grip remained firm.

    Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over their intertwined forms. Alice looked up, meeting her gaze, and saw her reflection in her eyes.

    His flushed face and dazed expression started her. Both her voice and the sight of herself seemed unfamiliar, almost strange.

    Caden''s intense gaze seemed to pierce through her, making her chest tighten. For a brief moment, Alicia wished she could stay locked in her embrace forever, suspended in time.

    Afterward, Alicia copsed onto the couch, exhausted and still dazed from the intensity of the moment. Caden printed out the revised agreement and handed it to her to sign.

    Still stunned, Alice looked at him. ¡°How did you know my name was Lucky?¡±

    The nickname was a gift from her mother, who hoped that Alice would have a peaceful and prosperous life. Her father, on the other hand, despised it, considering it superficial and trivial. He forbade anyone to use it, so only her mother called her Lucky.

    And now, Caden was the second person to use it.

    At that moment, Alice wasn''t sure how to feel. It was like she was caught in a wave, but somehow, holding on to him made her feel safe from being swept away.

    ¡°It was in the first photo in your album,¡± Caden admitted. ¡°I saw it there.¡±

    Alice looked down.

    The photos reminded her of her mother, and every time she touched them, a deep sadness enveloped her.

    ¡°Don''t call me that again,¡± he said quietly.

    Caden studied her face.

    Her eyes were red and her nose was still swollen. She tried to hide her sadness, but it was impossible to hide it, it was so evident on her face. Traces of her earlier passion lingered, but now her expression seemedden with pain.

    Caden handed him the agreement. ¡°Sign it.¡±

    Alice searched the room for something to write with.

    Caden held out his thumb, offering her thest of the ink.

    She pressed her fingerprint onto the paper.

    The mark was faint, and Alice examined it closely. ¡°This doesn''t count, does it?¡±

    Caden withdrew the agreement, his expression indifferent. ¡°It doesn''t count. Who knows? ¡°You might want to change it again tomorrow.¡±

    Alice was speechless.

    She went to change her clothes. When she returned, she asked him about thetest developments. ¡°Have you Randolph confessed?¡±

    ¡°He did,¡± Caden replied.

    Alice''s face lit up with joy. "So? What''s the secret?"

    Caden still didn''t have an answer.

    Throughout the week, he had used various tactics to corner Randolph, and now, the crucial meeting scheduled for the afternoon would be the final push.

    Randolph had a choice: speak out or face dire consequences.

    ¡°We''ll find out tonight,¡± Caden said. After a brief pause, he added, ¡°Anyway, what¡¯s for dinner tonight?¡±

    Alicia had been in charge of cooking during the time they spent together in the apartment.

    It seemed like he had gotten used to sharing meals with her.

    Alice smiled, feeling cheerful once again. ¡°What would you like to eat?¡±

    She looked into his sparkling eyes, captivated by their brightness. Her rosyplexion gave her an aura of purity and innocence.

    "It''s up to you. I''m not picky," he replied.

    Alice then suggested a few dishes, but then she had an idea. She decided to skip the dish that included beef and celery.

    Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°Is that dish not to your liking?¡±

    Without thinking, Alice replied, "It''s you who doesn''t like it."

    Her heart softened slightly at his words. ¡°When the evidence is discovered, Joshua will have to face the consequences. Are you sure you won¡¯t regret this decision?¡±

    Alice paused, contemting for a moment, before nodding. ¡°Just a little.¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°Regret what?¡±

    "Not having associated with you before," she replied.

    He remained silent for a moment, processing her words. Alice, curious, asked, ¡°Given how efficient you are, why didn''t you act sooner?¡±

    ¡°That''s not my goal,¡± Caden replied calmly.

    Meanwhile, Randolph and Rachel had arrived at the hotel''s private lounge. A week had passed and they now looked deted, their former confidence long gone. Alicia''s injury at home had marked the beginning of their troubles, and the bank was in significant difficulties.

    What started out as minor problems quickly became overwhelming issues that they could no longer manage. Despite the move, their finances were still insufficient.

    Rachel cried incessantly, her eyes so swollen they were almost unrecognizable. ¡°Randolph, who is behind this?¡± she asked through her tears.

    Randolph was furious. ¡°Joshua did this,¡± he said, his re intensifying with each word. ¡°He knows almost everything I did back then. After the incident, I found out he had taken the executives out to lunch. It was clear he was the one who ratted me out.¡±

    One action set off a cascade of consequences. Randolph faced an investigation, and all his past misdeeds came to light. Now he had to pay back every cent of the money he had embezzled while he was a bank director. Plus, he was headed to jail.

    In the days that followed, Caden reached out to him. Today, Randolph steeled himself, hoping that Caden would lend his support in this final effort.

    ¡°Caden isn''t in a much better position,¡± Rachel said, her voice shaking. ¡°Thest time Mrs. Reyes stood up to Alicia, he defended her and forced us to endure the bacsh from the Reyes family. It¡¯s cruel of him to resort to such tactics.¡±

    Doubt crept into her mind. ¡°Can we really count on him to help us?¡±

    Randolph regretted the negative impression he had made on Caden in the past. ¡°I''m not sure about his rtionship with Alicia, but I understand what he wants,¡± he replied, changing his tone. That secret had always been his trump card in emergencies, and now was the time to y it. ¡°He has more than enough money. If he helps me, I will reveal something that could destroy Joshua. It¡¯s an irresistible opportunity for him.¡±

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 Chapter 132

    Chapter 132:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    But Rachel still feared Caden deeply, a weight she couldn''t easily shake off. Joshua was despicable, but Caden¡­ he was a different kind of ruthless. If she and Randolph were caught up in one of their schemes, the path forward would be nothing short of treacherous.

    ¡°Randolph, can¡¯t we find another way?¡± she pleaded, gripping his arm tightly, her voice shaking with despair. ¡°This deal¡­ isn¡¯t worth the risk we¡¯re taking.¡±

    Randolph¡¯s expression darkened, his patience wearing thin. Her tearful pleas grated on his nerves and he couldn''t help butsh out at her. ¡°You have no say in this matter!¡±

    The next instant, he pped Rachel, knocking her off her chair. She fell to the floor with a thud, a muffled moan escaping her lips.

    Her side ached, but she suppressed any sound, knowing she shouldn''t scream. Embarrassment burned her cheeks as she slowly stood up, thankful there was no one else in the private room to witness her humiliation.

    He slowly sat back in his chair, his gaze cast down, his spirits crushed. He had long since grown ustomed to submission, and with such serious matters at hand he dared not provoke Randolph any further.

    Yet as she sat silently, he continued to berate her. ¡°This is all your fault!¡± I have barked.

    Rachel''s chest tightened. How could she me her?

    ¡°My fault?¡± she repeated incredulously, her voice a mixture of pain and disbelief. ¡°I didn''t do anything.¡±

    Randolph''s taunt cut through her like a knife. "If you hadn''t fought with Alicia, none of this would have gotten out of hand."

    ¡°Randolph!¡± Rachel''s voice rose with a spark of defiance, her frustration boiling over. ¡°It was you who said you couldn''t stand Alicia and wanted to teach her a lesson! I tried to stop you, but you wouldn''t listen. Now that things have exploded, you''re ming me.¡±

    ¡°I told you to teach him a lesson, yes,¡± Randolph growled, eyes narrowed. ¡°But why did you have to involve Joshua?¡±

    Rachel''s gaze wavered, flickering with guilt.

    She had told Joshua, thinking it would further humiliate Alicia. Given Alicia and Joshua''s bitter divorce, she thought he would take pleasure in her suffering. But instead, Joshua still harbored feelings for Alicia, and his anger turned on Randolph, avenging his ex-wife.

    His n had failed miserably.

    Yet, despite the oue, she couldn''t shake the feeling of having been wronged. ¡°I did it for you,¡± she whispered, her voice shaking with emotion. ¡°I never wanted things to turn out this way. I''m upset too, Randolph. Why don¡¯t you realize that?¡±

    Randolph snorted in disdain. ¡°You''re useless. All those other men¡­ at least their wives are by their side. And what do I have? ¡°A shitty wife.¡±

    Rachel felt utterly humiliated, her cheeks burning as if they had been pped by invisible hands. Her family was not poor, but in recent years their fortune had dwindled. The stability they enjoyed had crumbled like loose stones. Without the safety of a powerful alliance, she lived in constant fear of being slighted by the imposing Gray family.

    For years, she had swallowed every insult, every condescending nce, trying to maintain herposure. But tonight, something inside her snapped, and she couldn''t take it anymore. She ran from the room, covering her face with trembling hands, but her burst of impulsive courage vanished as almost quickly as it hade.

    Once outside the hotel, the cold, biting wind blew through her, leaving herpletely sober. The thought of the Gray family''s downfall filled her with dread. The judgment of these high society women, these well-groomed vultures, would be swift and merciless.

    For so long, she had basked in the glow of attention, smiling despite the sting of his snide remarks. Losing her dignity now would be unbearable, it would be like stripping away the fabric that held her together. Without it, she felt as if she could end her miserable existence on this earth.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Tears filled her eyes, but she swallowed them back, burying her grievances deep within. Her mind raced and she was already formting a n to help Randolph out of the abyss.

    Joshua''s relentless attacks were all because of Alicia. Maybe if he could make peace with her, another path would open up.

    As she hailed a cab, she didn''t notice Caden''s ck car pulling into the hotel''s driveway.

    Caden glimpsed her departure, but felt no pity: Rachel was little more than a temporary inconvenience in his world. With a disdainful look, he continued on his way.

    Inside the dimly lit private room, Randolph''s frustration hung in the air like thick smoke. He raised his ss to Caden twice in a row, his shaking hands betraying his despair.

    It wasn''t just a toast, it was a plea for help, ast hold on what dignity he had left. Then, with bitter venom in his voice, Randolph cursed Joshua''s name.

    ¡°I helped him so much then,¡± Randolph snapped, his eyes shining with indignation. ¡°And now I''ve fallen right into his trap! ¡°I never thought he¡¯d turn on me like that.¡±

    Caden took a slow, measured sip of his wine, remaining impassive. Joshua had struck the first blow, setting off the chain of events that led to Randolph''s slow copse.

    But Caden knew the truth: Joshua''s actions had only cracked the surface. It was Caden himself who dealt the death blow to Randolph''s finances, quietly dismantling his empire from within. Randolph had no idea who was the real mastermind behind his downfall, and he still believed Joshua was to me for it all.

    ¡°Three hundred million dors?¡± Caden mused, setting down his ss. ¡°That''s chump change to me. But tell me, Mr. Gray, what are you going to offer to prove you''re serious about this deal?¡±

    Randolph''s eyes were bright with despair, bloodshot from sleepless nights and endless scheming. With shaking hands, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a worn document, its edges slightly frayed. I have passed it across the table to Caden.

    ¡°This¡­this is Joshua¡¯s secret,¡± Randolph said, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. He leaned in, eager to fan the mes of Caden''s well-known grudge against Joshua. ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward, use it as you see fit.¡±

    Caden picked up the document, rubbing his thumb across its surface. With a satisfied smile, I put the document away. Randolph, knowing the deal was sealed, exhaled deeply. A weight had finally been lifted from his shoulders.

    For the first time in days, he was able to eat with ease, savoring each bite as if it were the first proper meal he had had in an eternity.

    His eyes scanned the table and settled on Caden, who stood stock still, barely touching his te. A sh of curiosity crossed Randolph''s mind. ¡°Mr. Ward,¡± he asked, frowning slightly, ¡°don¡¯t you like the food?¡±

    Caden chuckled softly, a mischievous smile curling the corners of his lips. ¡°I¡¯m saving my appetite for something a little more¡­ specialter.¡±

    Meanwhile, Rachel''s frustration grew as she repeatedly dialed Alicia''s number, only to have the calls go unanswered. Determined, she set her jaw and took a cab straight to the Yates mansion. With the Yates family involved, she was sure Alicia wouldn''t ignore her in person.

    As luck would have it, Joshua was home that day.

    Rachel''s presence in high society had always been acknowledged, so Shelia greeted her with the usual formality. But Rachel refused the tea offered to her, and her eyes betrayed her impatience. She needed to speak privately with Joshua, there was no time for small talk.

    They headed to the terrace, away from prying ears.

    Inside, Shelia watched them from behind therge soundproof windows, a sick feeling brewing in her stomach. Something didn''t fit. What could they be arguing about that she, as Joshua''s mother, didn''t know about?

    Georgia, another spectator, approached her, her eyes full of curiosity. ¡°What does he want with Mr. Yates?¡± she whispered.

    Shelia, worried, replied: "I don''t know, but it can''t be anything good."

    Georgia''s gaze narrowed on Rachel, noting the telltale signs of distress. ¡°Her eyes are red and swollen from crying. Do you think¡­ she and Mr. Yates¡­?¡± Georgia''s voice cracked, her face scrunched up in disbelief. ¡°But she''s married and not exactly young anymore. Is she really Mr. Yates¡¯ type?¡±

    Shelia looked at her sternly. ¡°Don''t be ridiculous!¡± she snapped. ¡°Enough of this nonsense.¡±

    Outside on the terrace, the tension was palpable. Rachel stood facing Joshua, her expression tense and resentful. Try as she might, she couldn''t muster even a smile in the presence of the man who had caused her so much pain and suffering. Taking a deep breath, she said curtly, "I want to see Alicia and apologize."

    Joshua''s lips twisted into a sneer, coldness shing in his eyes. ¡°Excuse me?¡± I have repeated, his tone mocking.

    "How curious. Did it never ur to you that this could happen while you were busy tormenting her?"

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    .

 Chapter 133

    Chapter 133:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    ¡°She was the one who started all this. ¡°She asked for it!¡± Raquel eximed.

    Joshua showed no interest in his words. ¡°Go away. Alicia can¡¯t see you now.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Determined not to waste her visit, Rachel continued. ¡°Mr. Yates, I had no idea you still had feelings for Alicia. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have treated you like that. Don¡¯t we deserve a chance to work things out?¡±

    Joshua sat back cross-legged as he lit a cigarette, letting her ramble on. The disdain etched on his face was unmistakable. Under his intense gaze, Rachel felt a wave of humiliation wash over her. Her voice shook as she replied, ¡°But it was the Reyes family that harassed her. Why should we have to suffer the consequences?¡±

    Joshua exhaled a cloud of smoke. ¡°The Gray family has a lot of money and influence, and Randolph is very capable. ¡°I taught him a little lesson, and you¡¯re already struggling to get ahead?¡±

    Rachel felt her frustration boil over. ¡°Randolph owes $300 million and is facing trial! You call that a little lesson?¡±

    Joshua''s face turned grim. ¡°$300 million?¡± When he acted, he had expected Randolph to lose only a few million. How had I gotten to $300 million?

    Seeing the confused expression on his face, Rachel suspected that he was pretending not to know anything.

    She wiped away her tears, feeling humiliated. Despite her anger, she tried to be polite. ¡°The damage has been done and we acknowledge our mistakes. Mr. Yates, please allow me to apologize. Stop this and give us a way out.¡±

    Joshua felt that something was wrong. He asked, ¡°Did the Gray family lose $300 million? How did it happen?¡±

    Rachel didn''t understand his question. Did he find it funny?

    Under his intense gaze, Rachel spoke truthfully. ¡°Randolph embezzled money in the past. The evidence was turned over to the authorities. After ends, it all added up to $300 million.¡±

    "Who reported it?"

    "Wasn''t it you?"

    ¡°If it was me who told it, would I be asking you this now?¡± Joshua was no fool. He would never push the Gray family to the limit for a woman. He simply wanted to teach Randolph a lesson.

    In fact, I didn''t even n to leave a trace.

    When Rachel arrived at the Yates mansion today, she was shocked at how quickly she had been discovered. It seemed that someone had deliberately targeted Randolph and made him take the me.

    Rachel waspletely baffled. ¡°You''re saying it wasn''t you? Who else could it be? Mr. Ward?¡± Joshua''s eyes narrowed. ¡°What makes you say that?¡±

    Rachel struggled to think clearly. She didn''t know what to say.

    Under pressure from Joshua, he finally opened up. ¡°Becausetely, Alicia is the only person Randolph has crossed paths with. Aside from you, Mr. Ward is the only one who would defend her.¡±

    ¡°What is Caden¡¯s rtionship with Alicia? Why would he defend her?¡± Joshua asked, clearly displeased. ¡°Do you know anything?¡±

    Rachel had no information to share. However, she despised Alicia with every fiber of her being. If it hadn''t been for that woman, the Gray family wouldn''t be in this predicament.

    ¡°The day Alicia was bullied, Caden was the one who stood up for her. I remember when I found her in the pool; he was more anxious than anyone. ¡°I pulled her out and performed CPR on her right away.¡±

    Joshua had a stern expression.

    Rachel couldn''t help but continue speaking. "Alicia is your ex-wife and Mr. Ward is your brother. How can that be appropriate? They were so close that day. I bet there''s something between them."

    The Gray family had buried the details of that day. Joshua knew Alicia had been hurt, but that was all he understood.

    It turned out the backstory was pretty scandalous.

    Joshua scoffed. At first, he thought Caden was the only one interested in Alicia and that Alicia had no interest in Caden, but now he realized he might have been wrong. It takes two to form a connection.

    He wasn''t worried about the $300 million, as it didn''t affect him much. What he needed now was to see Alicia immediately.

    He stood up and motioned for Georgia to escort Rachel out. Rachel looked surprised. ¡°Mr. Yates, I came to see you today to¡­¡±

    Joshua was in no mood to hear any more. He walked away and called out to Alicia.

    Meanwhile, Alice was at the supermarket doing her shopping. Anxious, she answered the call.

    ¡°Where are you?¡± Joshua''s voice was full of anger.

    Alice sensed that something was wrong. Not knowing what was happening, she cautiously replied, ¡°I''m at the supermarket buying some things. What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Joshua paused before saying, ¡°Mrs. Gray came to the Yates mansion, saying she wanted to apologize to you.¡±

    Alicia''s heart raced. Why would Rachel go to the Yates Mansion to apologize to her?

    Considering the delicate nature of the situation, Alicia was worried that Rachel might say something inappropriate. She quickly returned the items in her cart and rushed back to the Yates Mansion.

    Upon arriving, she realized she should have informed Caden. However, Joshua was already waiting outside the door.

    She approached him immediately, looking through the door.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say she wanted to apologize to me?¡± I have asked. ¡°Where is she?¡±

    Joshua stared at her. He had thought about many things while he was waiting for her, but he still needed to hear it from Alicia.

    .

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 Chapter 134

    Chapter 134:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia was relieved to hear his question. She was relieved that that was all Joshua was worried about. She had been afraid he would ask, ¡°Why did you conspire with Caden against me?¡±

    Keeping his emotions in check, he replied, ¡°Why are you asking me that?¡±

    Joshua''s tone was firm as he replied, "Just give me a straight answer. Yes or no."

    "No," she replied tly.

    But Joshua was not convinced.

    ¡°Mrs. Gray has already left, but before she did, she mentioned that you and Caden were very close while you were at the Gray family¡¯s house.¡± His expression darkened. ¡°Don''t you find it a little coincidental that the two of you were there at the same time? After you were injured, why was it Caden who saved you and took you to the hospital?¡±

    Alice remained silent, her gaze fixed on him.

    In her eyes, she could see not only anger, but also a sh of resentment. Perhaps there was even a hint of fear, although that seemed like an exaggeration. Alicia understood Joshua too well; his interest in her was always fleeting. He wouldn''t really fear losing her.

    Now that she had gathered enough evidence, she no longer felt the need to keep up her facade. She realized that the time hade to break her ties with him.

    ¡°There''s actually something going on between Caden and me,¡± she said, a smile slowly creeping across her face.

    Joshua shudded at her smile.

    His words ignited her fury, and his calm demeanor only intensified her frustration.

    ¡°So why did you deny it before?¡± Joshua asked, his voice agitated.

    Alicia shrugged, her indifference clear. ¡°You asked if we were involved.¡±

    ¡°Is there really any difference?¡± she replied, her smile still lingering.

    ¡°Absolutely. Caden asked me if I wanted to be with him, but I haven''t agreed to anything yet.¡±

    He said whatever came to mind, no matter how ridiculous it sounded.

    So, she let out a sigh and lied through her teeth. ¡°He imed that he¡¯s better than you, and that if I was with him, all my problems would disappear.¡±

    Alice was making it all up.

    But surprisingly, Joshua believed him.

    The reason was simple: he understood Caden''s intentions from their private conversations.

    Her heart began to race. ¡°What do you think?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± she replied mockingly, her toneced with sarcasm. ¡°I don''t have a choice, do I?¡±

    I didn''t really have anything to say about it.

    Who would conquer her was up to them.

    Joshua knew he had no chance of winning, but hispetitive spirit red. Clenching his fists, he dered: ¡°Caden is no match for me.¡±

    Aliceughed at hisment.

    ?Those who have nothing to lose are not intimidated by those who have everything at stake. He is now single and has no ties. And you? Lilliana is pregnant. Aren''t you worried?

    Joshua''s expression soured. ¡°Alicia, are you sitting with Caden to make fun of me?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± she replied with a shrug. ¡°I''m just telling the truth. You¡¯re impulsive, and I¡¯m simply reminding you not to jeopardize the bigger picture over minor issues.¡±

    Lilliana represented the big picture. Alice was nothing more than a trivial matter.

    Joshua needed to understand that.

    Joshua saw through her.

    ¡°Are you nning on leaving me to be with Caden?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.

    Alicia hesitated before answering, ¡°I won''t be with anyone, but as long as I stay at the Yates mansion, I will always be a risk to your rtionship with Lilliana. You should think about that.¡±

    Joshua dismissed his hypocritical words with a wave of his hand.

    He took her hand and firmly said, ¡°Caden only wants you topete with me. If you ept this, it won''t end well for you. Do you understand?¡±

    Alice flinched under his grip and struggled to free herself.

    Believing she was trying to escape, Joshua picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. He then locked the door.

    "What are you nning to do to me, Joshua?" Alice asked in a worried voice.

    He pushed her onto the bed and grabbed her by the neck. ¡°What are you thinking? Have you forgotten why I brought you to the Yates mansion?¡± I have grownled. He began to remove her clothes.

    Alice clung to his shirt, steadily resisting his attempts to undress her.

    She knew Joshua had taken the drug, so he wouldn''t react physically. However, Caden had left marks on his skin.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    I couldn''t let Joshua find out.

    This bastard was a brutal man.

    Fury took hold of Alice and she pped him hard.

    The impact started Joshua, and for a moment he stood still.

    With a stern expression, he growled, ¡°Do you really not want to give yourself to me?¡±

    Alice''s eyes burned with anger. "Why would I want to? Have you forgotten how you threatened me then?"

    Joshua paused, thinking back.

    How had he threatened her? He had told her that if she did not obey, he would leave, leaving her vulnerable to those drunks who would drag her to a secluded area and assault her.

    Shaking with fury, Alice screamed, ¡°You are no different from a rapist!¡±

    Joshua''s body stiffened at his words.

    He looked her straight in her eyes.

    It was true, he had changed.

    She was no longer the Alice of before.

    The eyes before him were no longer kind and smiling. They were filled with anger and defiance.

    He had been trying to force her to stay with him, but now, for the first time, he felt a wave of defeat wash over him. Frustrated by his body''sck of response, he let go of her and turned away to light a cigarette.

    Secondster, her phone range. It was Lilliana.

    He answered the phone, exhaling a cloud of smoke.

    "What''s wrong, honey?"

    In a sweet voice, Lilliana asked, ¡°Are you done with work? Would you mind joining me for a walk?¡± Joshua looked at Alicia.

    She had already smoothed her clothes and stood at a distance, deliberately avoiding his gaze.

    "Yes," he replied tly. "I''ll be there soon."

    After hanging up, Alice spoke up. ¡°Nothing stays hidden forever. Yourpany is about to go public and Lilliana is nning her return to work. Do you really want to risk losing everything because of me?¡±

    Joshua knew exactly what mattered most to him.

    I have valued power too much to risk it all for a woman. Still, he had no intention of letting Caden have Alicia without a fight.

    He did not respond directly.

    Instead, he grabbed his phone from the bed and started to walk out.

    Alicia¡¯s expression tightened. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing, Joshua?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 135

    Chapter 135:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Outside the room, Georgia and Shelia had been listening to the whole situation unfold.

    Alicia tried to reach for Joshua, but without hesitation, he pushed her back.

    He handed his phone to Georgia. ¡°Don''t let her leave until I get back.¡±

    Georgia didn''t hesitate to follow his orders. She picked up the phone and put it away. "Yes, Mr. Yates!"

    Alicia made a desperate attempt to retrieve her phone, but Joshua pushed her back into the room and mmed the door shut, locking it behind him.

    She pounded on the door, shouting verbal threats, but no matter how much she screamed, Joshua ignored her. He had more important things on his mind and he felt he had to do something like this.

    Keeping her locked up for a day or two didn''t seem like a problem. It wouldn''t change anything, but it would allow her to release some of the frustration that was bubbling up inside her.

    Lilliana noticed the red mark on her cheek as soon as she walked in. ¡°Who pped you?¡± she asked.

    Joshua had almost forgotten about the handprint on his face.

    He touched his cheek, quickly making up an excuse. ¡°My father.¡±

    "Why would I hit you?"

    "It was just a minor disagreement. He''s been unstable because of his illness, so I didn''t take it personally."

    Lilliana studied the mark closely. Whoever had struck her had delicate fingers. The handprint looked more like that of a woman than a man.

    Although she still had her suspicions, Lilliana hid them well and gently rubbed her cheek. Nearby, Gina excused herself.

    But Lilliana gave him a quick instruction: ¡°Bring me a ss of hot water first.¡±

    Gina nodded in response, and the water had just finished boiling. It was still dangerously hot when she brought it in.

    As Gina handed her the ss, she reminded Lilliana, ¡°Miss Green, the water is very hot, so be careful.¡±

    Distracted by her own thoughts, Lilliana paid no heed to Gina''s warning. After massaging Joshua''s face, she picked up the ss, only to let out a sharp cry as the heat burned her hand.

    Joshua took her hand and kissed her softly. ¡°Didn''t he tell you the water was hot? Be more careful.¡±

    Already frustrated by the burn, Lilliana was further irritated by Joshua''sment. "Who said the water was hot?"

    "Calm down. Let me cool it down for you," he said.

    Lilliana was still smoking from the burn, so she angrily called Gina toe back.

    "It''s boiling hot! How do you expect me to drink this?" I have shouted.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Gina lowered her head. ¡°I''m sorry, Miss Green. The water has just finished boiling and I warned you.¡±

    ¡°Stop making excuses!¡± Lilliana snapped.

    She couldn''t tolerate being disrespected in any way, so she demanded that Gina drink the boiling water right then and there.

    Gina''s face turned pale. "Miss Green, please..."

    Even Joshua felt that this had gone too far. ¡°Leave it. Why don''t you tell him to get your favorite coffee and we''ll leave it at that? Calm down!¡±

    However, Lilliana had made up her mind. ¡°Fine, but he still has to drink it first.¡±

    Gina pleaded, ¡°Miss Green, the water is too hot. ¡°It will burn my throat.¡±

    ¡°Oh, now you''re worried? What if I had drunk it? Doesn¡¯t my throat matter?¡± Lilliana replied.

    Gina nervously fiddled with her fingers, too scared to move forward.

    Lilliana''s irritation grew as she watched Gina standing there, helpless and scared. She hated how Gina always yed the victim, as if everyone owed her something. The more she looked at Gina, the more her anger intensified.

    "Drink it right now or you''re fired!" Lilliana demanded.

    Gina refused to move from her spot.

    Her silent refusal seemed like an open challenge to Lilliana. It was the first time Lilliana had seen Gina stand up to her.

    Lilliana scoffed, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Has Harley died? You still need money for your medical bills, don''t you?¡±

    Hearing those words, Gina immediately looked up. Her eyes were burning with hatred.

    He could take any insult, but he refused to let anyone curse Harley.

    Lilliana grimaced. ¡°Don''t bother looking at me. I don''t mind. I''m the one who keeps you and Harley alive. I pay you twenty thousand dors a month. No one else would do it for you. So what''s it going to be? Your pride or Harley¡¯s life?¡±

    Joshua remained silent.

    He let Lilliana behave as she pleased.

    The light in Gina''s eyes dimmed until it disappearedpletely. Still, she didn''t move.

    Lilliana stood up, picked up the ss of boiling water and threw it at Gina.

    Gina didn''t flinch, as if the pain didn''t affect her. She simply stood firm.

    Joshua noticed the redness on Gina''s hand and turned to Lilliana. ¡°That''s enough. ¡°You¡¯ve had your say.¡± Then he told Gina to leave.

    Gina stepped forward, took the ss without hesitation and said, ¡°I''m sorry. I''ll get you another ss of hot water. It won¡¯t be scalding hot this time.¡±

    Lilliana scoffed at her. "Rx. I hired her to take the beatings. ¡°This is nothing,¡± she told Joshua.

    Joshua gave him some advice. ¡°Still, be careful. Don''t let thise back to haunt you. You don''t want me to use this against you, do you?¡±

    ¡°Do you really think I would do that?¡± Lilliana scoffed again. ¡°She only gets paid because she works for me. If anything happens to me, she''ll be the first to suffer. ¡°Anyone could try to kill me, but not her.¡±

    Outside, Gina held the ss tightly and stared at it nkly. She filled it halfway with hot water, mixed it with tap water, and set it aside.

    Ignoring the burns on his hand, he pulled out his phone and asked for a portable recorder.

    It was time to help Alice¡­ and herself.

    .

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 Chapter 136

    Chapter 136:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    That evening, Joshua apanied Lilliana back to the Green family residence.

    He yed the role of the ideal fianc¨¦, apologizing to Cedric Green, Lilliana''s father. ¡°My father has been ill for quite some time, and there are still several matters at thepany that require my attention. I have already received a few calls asking me toe back. Please take care of Lilliana for now. ¡°I wille back to pick her up tonight.¡±

    Lilliana grabbed onto his arm, reluctant to let go. ¡°Come back soon.¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± Joshua replied, gently running his hand through his hair, his eyes softening. ¡°I¡¯ll be back by ten at thetest.¡±

    "OK."

    Meanwhile, Cedric stood nearby, watching them silently.

    When Joshua had left, Cedric said, ¡°He''s gone now. Why are you still looking for him? Do you really like him that much?¡±

    Lilliana pouted at him. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re kidding me again.¡±

    No father would be happy to see his daughter like this, especially when Joshua was not Cedric''s idea of ??a perfect son-inw. His reputation for being unfaithful was no secret; everyone knew it.

    ¡°Don''t lose yourself in this rtionship, Lilliana,¡± Cedric warned her.

    Lillianaughed and shook her head. ¡°Don''t worry, Dad. Joshua adores me. ¡°He¡¯s never let me down.¡±

    "If he really loved you, would he have gotten you pregnant before getting married? Would he have cheated on his ex-wife with you?"

    "He had no choice then, but he has been trying to fix it ever since," Lilliana countered.

    Cedric let out a heavy sigh. What could he do with a daughter so blinded by love?

    "I think he''s just pretending."

    Lilliana clung to her arm as they headed inside. ¡°If he can pretend all his life, that''s fine with me. ¡°As long as I¡¯m happy.¡±

    Meanwhile, Joshua returned to the Yates mansion. Shelia greeted him quietly: ¡°Alicia is still locked up. ¡°She hasn¡¯t made a sound, but Jerald is livid.¡± They both knew why.

    Joshua''s privatepany was about to go public, and his wedding to Lilliana was fast approaching. Alicia''s presence had be an annoying distraction at such a critical time.

    Shelia repeated her usual warning. ¡°There are plenty of women out there. But if you lose your career, everything you''ve worked for will go down the drain.¡±

    Joshua kept a neutral expression and said nothing. He walked into the master bedroom and saw Alicia sitting silently in the chair. Her face was devoid of any emotion.

    Joshua could easily force himself on her if he wanted to. But despite his desire, his body refused to respond. He didn''t understand why.

    He sat down beside her, lit a cigarette, and the room filled with silent tension. Neither of them spoke.

    Alice understood him all too well. His calm attitude probably meant that he had already resigned himself to the situation.

    Alice felt relieved and finally broke the silence. ¡°You know it''s illegal to hold someone against their will. When are you going to let me go?¡±

    Joshua stubbed out his cigarette and spoke in a satisfied tone. ¡°As soon as things calm down, I''lle get you.¡±

    Alice couldn''t help but find it absurd. Joshua, your fate is already sealed, she thought.

    At that moment Shelia came in with the phone in her hand. ¡°It''s ringing,¡± she said, showing it to Joshua. ¡°Should I answer?¡±

    Both Joshua and Alicia looked at the screen.

    It was Caden.

    Alicia''s fingers tightened as she remembered her promise to have dinner with Caden tonight. It was alreadyte, and he was probably calling to find out where she was.

    Joshua gave her a menacing smile as he waved the phone in front of her. ¡°So it seems Caden is really interested in you.¡± The ringtone continued to echo in the room, and its tone became even more ominous. ¡°How far have things gone between you two?¡±

    Alicia pressed her lips together and remained silent. She didn''t move an inch. She knew there was no way to outwit Joshua, so staying quiet was her safest option.

    Just before the call ended, Joshua picked up. With an eerie cheer, he said, ¡°Caden.¡± There was a brief silence on the other end.

    Caden chuckled and replied evenly, ¡°Is that you, Joshua?¡±

    Joshua asked casually, ¡°What''s wrong, Caden? Is there something important or do you just need to talk to Alicia at this hour?¡±

    Caden replied in a level tone, ¡°Am I interrupting something?¡±

    ¡°Not really. It¡¯s not thatte, and we¡¯re still awake,¡± Joshua said, moving to sit next to Alicia. She tried to pull away, but he held her firmly, refusing to let her go. His eyes were intense, although his voice remained soft.

    "Alice, do you want to answer the call?"N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Only then did Alice realize that her palms were sweating. She looked at the phone and saw that the call was still connected. She couldn''t understand why Caden hadn''t ended the call. Surely, he knew what was going on, right? Pushing aside her frantic thoughts, Alice gritted her teeth and said, ¡°No.¡±

    Joshua insisted. ¡°Why not? What if Caden has something important to discuss with you?¡±

    Alicia couldn''t take it any longer and grabbed the phone. However, Joshua quickly took it from her. In the struggle that followed, the call ended abruptly.

    Joshua''s calm demeanor cracked. ¡°How far have you and Caden eaten?¡±

    Alice''s gaze turned icy. "Exactly as far as you imagine."

    Joshua''s anger boiled as he grabbed her by the neck.

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 Chapter 137

    Chapter 137:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    As Alicia''s face began to turn purple blue, Joshua released her and pushed her away. Breathing heavily, he looked at her in disgust. ¡°Do you really think Caden cares about you? He''s even more ruthless with women than I am. You¡¯ll soon regret your decisions.¡±

    Alicia''s vision blurred as she gasped desperately for air. By the time she managed to breathe again, Joshua had already left, mming the door behind her. She struggled to her feet and tried to open the door. Unfortunately, it was locked again.

    Leaning weakly against the wall, she heard amotion outside, followed by the sound of a car driving away. She walked over to the window and saw Joshua''s car disappear from view.

    When she realized that no one came to open the door, she realized that they had every intention of keeping her confined.

    Her hopes dashed, Alice was no longer afraid of Joshua. She opened the window, closed her eyes, and jumped out.

    Meanwhile, Caden sat in his office at Blizzard Group headquarters. He put his phone down, paused briefly, and returned to his work.

    After a moment, he said to Hank, ¡°Schedule a meeting for thirty minutester.¡±

    Hank, looking confused, replied, "Mr. Ward, didn''t you say that you had ns today and that you told everyone to leave early?"

    Without looking up, Caden replied tly, ¡°Go away. Don¡¯t bother showing up for work tomorrow.¡±

    Hank flinched at the coldness in his voice. He didn''t understand why the boss was so irritable all of a sudden.

    Afterwards, Hank went out to prepare for the next meeting.

    The meeting dragged on until 9 p.m., with executives leaving one by one. Caden returned to his office, concentrating on organizing key projects.

    Momentster, Hank came in with takeout. ¡°You must be hungry, Mr. Ward. ¡°I brought you something to eat.¡±

    Caden didn''t take his eyes off the screen. "I''m fine. Don''t worry about me."

    Hank had seen this behavior before, but something didn''t add up. He opened the container and gently brought it closer to Caden.

    "Mr. Ward, what are you worried about?"

    Caden paused for a moment, struggling to locate the source of his frustration. I thought back to the phone call earlier. Joshua had mocked him and Alicia had refused to talk.

    Was that what was bothering you?

    Augh bitter almost escaped her. Why would he care, no matter what the situation between them was?

    ¡°Nothing,¡± he muttered, his stomach growing, increasing his irritation. He frowned and said, ¡°Take the food with you. Eat somewhere else.¡±

    Realizing that Caden was serious, Hank quickly picked up the takeout. He knew that Caden hadn''t eaten well all day. With the amount of work piling up, Hank was worried that Caden might break down if he didn''t take care of himself.

    Hank stuck a drumstick in his mouth and called Gerry for backup.

    Around ten o''clock, Gerry drove up. As he got in, he was curious to see how Caden handled his anger. As soon as he arrived, he found Caden calm and collected.

    ¡°Hank said you were in a bad mood. Why do you seem so calm?¡± Gerry asked. ¡°I thought I¡¯d catch you venting.¡±

    Since the day they became friends, Caden had always kept hisposure. Whether it was big or small problems, nothing seemed to unnerve him.

    Caden picked up his coat and said tly, ¡°If you¡¯re that disappointed, I can always use you as a punching bag.¡±

    Gerry was speechless.

    Caden hadn''t eaten all day and his empty stomach was beginning to cramp. Still, he had no appetite.

    Gerry handed Caden a ss of wine, not realizing he hadn''t eaten anything. Caden drank it without a second thought.

    Their years of friendship had taught Gerry to realize that something was wrong.

    ¡°Are you under a lot of pressure?¡± I have asked.

    Caden put down the empty ss and Gerry immediately refilled it.

    ¡°Is it because Jerald favors Joshua? Or are you thinking about your mother? But isn¡¯t the anniversary of her death still far away?¡±

    Gerry threw out several questions, but Caden didn''t answer any of them.

    Changing focus, Gerry asked, ¡°Did the girl you like reject you?¡±

    Caden gave him a pointed look. ¡°Would it kill you to stop being nosy?¡±

    Gerry couldn''t hide his excitement. "There it is! A reaction. Have I hit the mark?"

    I have tried tofort Caden. ¡°Come on, she''s just a woman. What''s the problem? If you¡¯re so torn up about it, I¡¯ll find you someone better!¡±

    With a quick signal, I called the manager over. The manager immediately noticed and brought a group of young, attractive women to his table.

    Caden took one look at the makeup they were wearing and immediately lost interest in the drink.

    Gerry motioned for them toe closer. ¡°Come and serve Mr. Ward. Whoever gets him to smile will earn a $50,000 tip.¡±

    The women immediately lunged at Caden.

    Caden frowned as his thoughts drifted. One of them took the opportunity to grab onto his arm and began feeding him.

    Caden remembered Alicia''s words. She had pointed out that their agreement did not oblige them to be loyal to each other.

    He was not wrong.

    He wanted to give in and ept what was being offered, but he couldn''t bring himself to do so. It was as if his body refused to cooperate.

    His old habit had resurfaced.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Frowning, he pushed the woman away and ran to the bathroom to vomit up the drink he had just consumed. Gerry, sensing that something was seriously wrong, followed him.

    By the time Gerry reached the bathroom, Caden had already rinsed his mouth. Aside from his slightly distant look, he still looked asposed and elegant as ever.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Gerry asked, concern evident in his voice.

    Caden wiped thest drop of water from his mouth and, after a brief pause, replied, ¡°I¡¯m fine. But stop fixing me up. ¡°It makes me sick.¡±

    Gerry felt a wave of relief, although he was still confused.

    "What kind of strange business is this?" he asked himself silently.

    Caden stayed out with Gerry until almost dawn, before finally heading home.

    When he opened the door, the bright light from inside made him squint and frown. But then his gaze fell on Alice, who was lying on the couch.

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 Chapter 138

    Chapter 138:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    The sound of the door opening woke Alice from her light sleep. She rubbed her eyes and looked up. ¡°Why are you here?¡± she asked.

    Caden, still suffering from a hangover-induced migraine, didn''t respond immediately. The sleepless night he''d spent, coupled with an empty day, had left him in a bad mood. You''d say he was smoking.

    "When did you get back?" he asked, his voice clipped.

    "A few minutes ago. I was just about to fall asleep," Alice confessed softly.

    Caden''s expression hardened even further as he silently changed his shoes and went to wash his hands. The atmosphere in the room felt cold and unweing. Alicia could practically feel her impatience in the air. Confusion washed over her, but exhaustion got the better of everything else.

    After jumping from the second floor the night before and injuring her ankle, she spent hours in the hospital, waiting for the swelling to subside. The night had felt endless, and with nowhere else to turn, she found herself back here, unsure of what to do. Alicia had assumed Caden would stay at the office all night and hadn''t expected him to return at seven in the morning. She watched him silently as his back was turned.

    After washing his hands, he poured himself a ss of water. His tall stature radiated a harsh, unapproachable air. After finishing the water, he walked over and took off his coat.

    Not wanting to leave any room for misunderstanding, Alice spoke up. ¡°I went to the Yates mansion yesterday¡­¡±

    Before she could say more, Caden threw the coat on the couch. It was then that she caught the faint scent of alcohol.

    And then there was something else: a woman''s perfume. This fact surprised her. Had he stayed out all night because he was with another woman?

    Caden began to unbutton his shirt without saying a word. "SW? What happened next?¡±

    Alice felt a wave of bitterness rise up inside her and she pressed her lips together tightly. ¡°Nothing,¡± she murmured.

    Caden looked at her. She was wrapped in a thin nket, but I noticed she had changed her clothes. Light marks on her neck caught her eye. They were barely visible, but enough for Caden to notice. At first nce, they looked like hickeys.

    Caden scoffed.

    He couldn''t help but imagine what could have happened, and the thought ignited a spark of anger in him. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say Joshua was impotent?¡± he asked usingly.

    Alice looked at him in confusion. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    Caden suddenly realized how absurd his thoughts had be, and let out a bitterugh. ¡°You''ve really outdone yourself,¡± he scoffed. ¡°Impressive.¡±

    Alicia remained silent. When she realized the usation behind his words, her heart sank. ¡°Caden, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Had she really seen something? She didn''t even know enough to make usations!

    Caden kept hisposure. ¡°Did you at least shower? ¡°I don¡¯t want you staining my couch.¡±

    Alicia''s eyes reddened with anger, and she bit her lip, ring at him. ¡°Do you really think I spent the night at the Yates mansion, sleeping with Joshua?¡±

    Caden''s expression remained indifferent. ¡°What else am I supposed to think?¡± Are you still acting innocent with him? At this point, what¡¯s the point of pretending?¡±

    Alice had thought she could trust him. And with all she knew, what was there left for her to fear?

    What Caden didn''t realize was that it was those very things that had given her the courage to face Joshua the night before. Unlike him, she couldn''t afford to assume victory. She had to weigh each decision carefully.

    She had nned to exin everything to him, but now it seemed pointless. Swallowing, she spoke with quiet disappointment. ¡°Believe what you want.¡± She threw the nket aside and stood up. ¡°I''m sorry I ruined your couch. I¡¯ll rece it.¡± With that, she turned to leave.

    Caden''s voice hardened. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡±

    "It''s none of your business!" Alice growled.

    "Prepare breakfast before you leave."

    Alice leaned back on the couch, her eyes red with anger as she red at him. ¡°Why would I? I cooked for you because I wanted to. Do you really think I¡¯m your maid?¡±

    Caden''s tone became even sharper. ¡°Because of our agreement. We''re partners, not me helping you for free. If you can¡¯t offer anything in return, why wouldn¡¯t I treat you like a maid?¡±

    Alice''s fingers trembled slightly, but she did not respond.

    Caden chuckled darkly. ¡°What''s the problem? Are you no longer interested in keeping up your end of the deal? Do you feel guilty about what you did to Joshua?¡±

    In a lighter tone, he added, ¡°It seems like he hurt you quite a bitst night, considering how easily you changed your mind.¡±

    Alice lost herposure. Tears filled her eyes.

    Seeing her like that, something twisted in Caden''s chest. He had never seen her cry, except after their encounters. Were herments really that cruel?

    His headache,bined with the pressure building in his chest, was unbearable now.

    Still, he didn''t hold back.

    Alice was silent for a moment, but when she finally spoke, her voice wavered. ¡°I must have beenpletely crazy to trust you, Caden!¡±

    He had always been cruel¡ªhe had taught her that lesson over and over again, from childhood until now¡ªbut she never learned.

    She had asked for it.

    Alice wiped away the tears that threatened to spill over and spoke clearly. ¡°You will never taste my cooking again!¡±

    "Eat shit, asshole," he grew up to himself.

    Her anger was so intense that she didn''t even notice the pain in her ankle as she stormed toward the door.

    Just as her hand reached for the doorknob, Caden''s voice cut through the air. ¡°So, I guess that means our deal is over.¡±

    .Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

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 Chapter 139

    Chapter 139:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice gripped the doorknob tightly as she turned to re at him, her expression fierce. ¡°Who are you to put an end to this? ¡°I haven¡¯t broken any rules!¡±

    ¡°So why are you leaving?¡± Caden asked, his voice level. ¡°The contract specifies that you cannot refuse certain requests.¡±

    "But it also requires consent," Alice countered.

    ¡°You owe me for what you skippedst night,¡± he dered. ¡°If you''re going to go back on your promise, then don''t expect the same thing from me that I got from Randolph yesterday.¡± His fingers tightened around the doorknob even more, almost creaking under the pressure.

    Now it was clear to her: Caden was threatening her.

    What was the reason for this sudden change?

    ¡°Is this breakfast so important to you?¡± he asked, his patience wearing thin. ¡°Or are you bothered by my visit to the Yates mansion yesterday?¡±

    His face remained a mask of indifference. ¡°Exactly. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have gone to the Yates mansion.¡±

    ¡°Why not? The agreement doesn¡¯t require your permission for me to meet up with others or stay out, right?¡±

    "You are free to stay with whoever you want, except Joshua," she stated coldly.

    Alice opened her mouth to respond, but he cut her off. ¡°Remember our purpose here. ¡°I am horrified by your actions.¡±

    Alice choked on her words.

    What was the point of exining it to her? Would he even consider his version? He had already branded her guilty.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    His resolve wavered. He began to seriously consider breaking the agreement. With onest look, he opened the door and walked out.

    The door closed behind her, the sound echoing through the room, a sharp reminder that Caden had been struck down by his defiance.

    He stood there, enduring the colding from the hallway, rooted to the spot. His face slowly darkened.

    Despite herck of skills, Alicia''s temper was fierce, and thinking about it only made her headache worse. Taking a deep breath, she turned around and headed for the shower. As dawn broke, she felt the weight of the situation pressing down on her.

    Georgia noticed Alicia was missing and, fearing intervention from Joshua or the authorities, decided to go out alone to look for her.

    As soon as she left, someone covered her mouth and nose with their hand from behind and dragged her to a dark corner.

    A burly man stood before her, his hand firm. ¡°Stay still. I haven''te to hurt you or rob you. ¡°I just want to ask you something.¡±

    Georgia, who was older and easily scared, was shaking uncontrobly.

    The man punched her in the face, and she immediately fell silent, her body recoiling in shock. Her mouth filled with blood and some of her teeth loosened. She sank to the ground, clutching her head as her hands shook.

    "Who was herest night?" the man asked.

    Georgia''s mind churned as she carefully considered his words. The man''s impatience was palpable. ¡°Speak!¡± I have barked.

    Hesitantly, Georgia muttered, ¡°I don''t know¡­¡±

    ¡°You work for the family and you have no idea?¡± I have challenged her, his tone sharp and threatening. ¡°Be honest!¡±

    Without warning, he struck her again, knocking out a tooth. Her eyes filled with tears and agony twisted inside her. ¡°Ady of prominent family and Alice¡­¡± she gasped in pain.

    The man quickly pulled out his phone. ¡°Ma¡¯am, can you hear me?¡± he asked, holding the phone to her ear.

    Lilliana''s voice was heard clearly: "What exactly was Alice doing there?"

    The man repeated the question to Georgia, who, trying to remain coherent, managed to tell the story. However, she preferred not to implicate her employer, cing all the me on Alicia.

    Lilliana''s anger momentarily turned toughter. Her suspicions were confirmed. "Let her go," she ordered coldly. "Keep a close eye on Alicia from now on and keep me informed."

    Meanwhile, Alice, after leaving the apartment, sought refuge in a hotel. Exhausted physically and mentally, she immediately fell asleep, her body yearning for rest.

    She slept through the day, gued by strange and disturbing dreams.

    When she woke up, the darkness of the room increased her feeling of tiredness. She felt exhausted, her body aching in ces she hadn''t noticed before. Sitting up in bed, she rubbed her aching, but not crippling, foot.

    Intending to invite Monica to dinner, Alicia''s ns were interrupted by an iing call from an unknown number.

    He answered, and the voice on the other end was instantly familiar.

    "Mrs. Bet, it''s me."

    Alicia was caught off guard, but quickly recovered. ¡°Miss Mendoza?¡±

    Gina''s softugh came through the line. ¡°Let''s keep it casual. Call me Gina.¡±

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 Chapter 140

    Chapter 140:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Feeling encouraged by her conversation with Gina, Alice decided not to invite her to lunch due to the unusual circumstances and instead opted to join Monica. Sheid out a generous amount of dishes on the table.

    As Monica settled in, she asked, ¡°Are we alone?¡±

    Alice, pecking at her food, agreed. ¡°Yes, just the two of us.¡±

    Monica looked at the table, perplexed. ¡°Is all this really just for¡­?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a celebration,¡± Alicia exined, briefly sharing details of her recent split from Joshua. ¡°I don''t have to go to the Yates mansion or keep up appearances anymore. ¡°I can do whatever I want now.¡±

    He raised his ss of milk in a toast. ¡°Gina has also offered me her support.¡±

    Monica, recognizing the meaning of Alicia''s words, agreed that they did indeed have reason to celebrate.

    ¡°Yet you are still depressed. What is the reason?¡± Monica gently touched Alicia¡¯s forehead.

    Alice gave a small smile. ¡°No, I''m fine. ¡°I¡¯m just very hungry.¡±

    But in truth, Alicia was feeling rather gloomy. The events of the previous day at the Yates mansion had mostly left her scared, worried that they might act rashly. After tending to her foot wound, she had tried to talk to Caden, but his indifference had stung her.

    Eating quietly, Alice turned to Monica. ¡°Monica, are youing with me somewhere after this?¡±

    Alicia had signed up for a wrestling ss, and Monica was fully supportive of her decision. They had chosen apetent instructor and signed up for several self-defense sessions.

    They dressed in training clothes, ready to train.

    Monica, noticing Alicia''s distress, attributed it to the stress of recent events. "Imagine Joshua as a punching bag. Hit him hard to release your anger. Afterwards, you will feel ready to face him."

    Alicia looked at the punching bag, considering it a useful way to channel her emotions.

    Monica grabbed a pen and a piece of paper and wrote Joshua''s name on it. She then handed it to Alicia. After a brief moment of contemtion, Alicia wrote Caden''s name on another piece of paper and ced it on top of Joshua''s.

    "We''re going to beat them both up," Alice dered.

    Visualizing the papers as Caden''s face, he threw a powerful punch. The blow was so hard that Monica trembled. At that very moment, in his office, Caden felt an unexpected chill run down his spine.

    He looked outside and noticed that the sky had darkened again.

    Hank came knocking on the door.

    ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward, haven¡¯t you eaten anything today?¡± Hank asked, aware of how demanding Caden''s day had been and wary of his temper, but still knowing it was crucial that Caden eat.

    Caden, no longer showing his displeasure, asked Hank to make a dinner reservation.

    Sensing a change in the atmosphere, Hank cautiously ventured, "Mr. Ward, has there been any disagreement with Miss Bet?"

    Caden replied tly, ¡°Why would I argue with her?¡±

    ¡°You haven''t been hometely, and you seem¡­ off. Who else but Mrs. Bet could be causing this?¡± Hank ventured a guess. ¡°Did one of you make a mistake?¡±

    Caden quickly changed the subject. ¡°How is the task I gave you going?¡±

    ¡°Everything''s fine,¡± Hank assured him promptly.

    Caden had instructed Hank to contact Randolph and ask him to unravel Joshua''s finances at the bank, as Joshua was preparing an IPO and urgently needed the funds. Randolph''s interference had dyed several ns.

    Hank couldn''t help but gloat. "Now the Yates family must be in turmoil."

    Caden showed little interest, considering it just another taskpleted.

    "There''s a bigger surpriseing," he murmured, hinting at a shock Alice had orchestrated.

    With Alice in mind, Caden felt a surge of excitement, almost like a teenager in love.

    Just as they arrived at the restaurant, Joshua''s call came in.

    ¡°What''s going on, Joshua?¡± Caden replied.

    ¡°You¡¯re quite the tactician, Caden,¡± Joshua¡¯s voice carried a menacing edge.

    Laughing, Caden replied, ¡°What''s the problem? Just a liquidity problem, right? Does that confuse you?¡± The underlying rivalry was evident.

    Joshua, with no options for retaliation, resigned himself, but he had another question.

    "Is the timing of your move due to Alicia?"

    .N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

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 Chapter 141

    Chapter 141:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden quietly confirmed, ¡°If you really need help, you could ask him to intervene on your behalf.¡±

    Joshua felt a tightness in his chest. He was right. Alicia had already approached Caden.

    Understanding Caden''s character, Joshua knew that he would not help Alicia without expecting something in return.

    Hiding his irritation, Joshua sneered, ¡°I don''t need anyone to intervene for me, and it''s too early for you to feel victorious. The oue is not yet decided.¡±

    "It was just money. The Green family will take care of it," he added, not wanting to acknowledge the loss.

    He had not run out of options.

    With a mocking smile, he asked, "Do you really think spending $300 million on a woman is justified?"

    Caden replied coldly: ¡°It¡¯s a major loss.¡± Throwing away $300 million would certainly cause a stir.

    However, Alicia had broken her promise. She didn''t cook as she had promised and spent the night at the Yates mansion with Joshua. His ingratitude stung.

    Caden continued, ¡°Don''t worry. If yourpany is in trouble, I can provide you with all the help you need. Just give me the signal.¡±

    Joshua scoffed, ¡°Dream on. ¡°You don¡¯t control Warrington, Caden.¡±

    Caden narrowed his eyes. ¡°Oh, I forgot. You''ve already traded your freedom for being part of the Green family. Why would you need my help?¡±

    Joshua was speechless and ended the call in frustration.

    Caden remained impassive. He put down his phone and continued eating diligently, although Hank watched him from the side.

    Despite every dish, Caden trying seemed uninterested and was on the verge of stopping eating.

    Hank quickly intervened. ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward, please have some more.¡±

    Caden was unenthusiastic. ¡°Itcks vor. ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡±

    Hank argued, "If you start losing weight, Mrs. Ward will worry and never stop bringing it up."

    Caden''s expression soured. He reluctantly took another bite.

    Hank tried to cheer Caden up on the ride back to thepany by mentioning topics that normally piqued his interest. Caden remained silent.

    Hank, feeling bold, leaned out the window and ventured, ¡°Hey, Miss Bet?¡±

    Caden raised his eyebrows and looked up. Outside, there were only cars.

    Alice was nowhere to be seen.

    Realizing the disappointment, Caden''s expression grew cold. ¡°Are you risking your job?¡±

    Hank, with a knowing look, replied, "Mr. Ward, you''re worried about Miss Bet."

    It seemed that finding Alicia was key to restoring Caden''s normal behavior.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Hank understood what he had to do next.

    Realizing that humor was useless, he focused on driving. Unexpectedly, stopping at a red light, Hank saw Alicia crossing the street with Monica. They were deep in conversation,ughing together. Hank turned to Caden excitedly. ¡°Mr. Ward, Miss Bet!¡±

    Caden, still skeptical, didn''t even look up this time.

    Undeterred, Hank shouted out the window, ¡°Miss Bet!¡±

    Caden remained silent, his gaze barely raised. He only caught a glimpse of Alicia''s back, which soon disappeared into the crowd.

    The street was too crowded for him to hear Hank''s calls.

    When the light turned green, Hank drove off again. I sighed. ¡°I shouldn''t have lied to you earlier.¡±

    Caden considered Hank naive.

    His brow furrowed. ¡°What does it matter if he sees me?¡±

    Hank remained silent. After driving a little further, I stopped the car.

    Leaning down slightly, he said, "Mrs. Bet and herpanion have just entered a pharmacy. Do you think she is hurt or ill?"

    Caden recalled her lively presence earlier that day. ¡°She''s capable. ¡°I doubt a skirmish with ten of them could slow her down.¡±

    ¡°I still think it''s worth checking out. Wouldn¡¯t you agree, Mr. Ward?¡± Hank looked at Caden, waiting for an answer.

    Caden kept his expression stoic. ¡°If you''re so worried, you should check it out for yourself.¡±

    ¡°That was my n, Mr. Ward,¡± Hank replied.

    Caden remained silent, not adding anything else. Hank then headed inside the pharmacy.

    Inside, Alicia was selecting some medicine for her bruises. Hank, always tactical, ¡°identally¡± bumped into her and asked nonchntly, ¡°Mrs. Bet, are you hurt?¡±

    Alice replied politely, "I''ve twisted my ankle. But it''s nothing serious."

    Hank persisted, ¡°Does it hurt a lot?¡±

    Monica, who recognized Hank as Caden''s assistant from previous encounters, noticed the friendlier demeanor he disyed, which contrasted with Caden''s usual coldness. She began to speak more freely, impressed by his kindness. ¡°Alice was lucky. ¡°It could have been worse for someone else.¡±

    Hank, feeling ufortable, probed further: ¡°What exactly happened?¡±

    Monica replied in frustration: ¡°That scoundrel Joshua locked her in a room and she had no choice but to escape through the window.¡±

    Alicia quickly covered Monica''s mouth, her voice a low warning. "Not here, Monica."

    Hank opened his eyes in surprise. He didn''t expect Joshua to be involved in the incident the day before. Could it be rted to Caden''s anger?

    Monica remained silent and Alicia turned to Hank. ¡°Are you here to buy something?¡±

    Hank, regaining hisposure, acknowledged. ¡°Yes, I need to pick up some digestive pills for Mr. Ward. ¡°I have overindulged this afternoon.¡±

    The mention of Caden''s name visibly upset Alicia.

    "He asked for it," shemented abruptly.

    Hank was speechless, unsure of how to continue the conversation.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 142

    Chapter 142:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Hank silently promised himself that he would pass on the details of the conversation to Caden, hoping that it might cheer him up. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they parted ways.

    Alicia was the first to leave the building. As she left, Caden, who was parked by the road, noticed her. He looked back at her as she walked, watching her through the car window. She was out of sight, unaware of his presence. His eyes followed her every move, studying her from head to toe.

    Although he did not appear to have any visible injuries, his gait was noticeably different. He seemed to be standing on one foot, his steps were hesitant, and he barely lifted one foot off the ground.

    Caden couldn''t help but think sarcastically, "Why didn''t she hit her head? Maybe that would make her see reason."

    Meanwhile, Hank, wanting to back up his made-up story, grabbed a box of digestive pills and walked back to the car. Caden gave him a quick nce, but didn''t say anything.

    Hank started the car and the twopse into a brief silence.

    After a moment, Cadenmented, "You came back quickly."

    Hank agreed. ¡°Yes, Mr. Ward. ¡°My long legs help.¡±

    Caden didn''t answer, and the rest of the ride back to thepany was spent in silence. Caden stared out the window, his expression unreadable, while Hank nced at him from time to time, wondering if he had any questions or thoughts to share. Deciding that Caden''s silence meant he wasn''t interested in talking, Hank fell silent.

    After what seemed like an eternity of silence, Caden finally broke it, frowning. ¡°What happened at the pharmacy?¡±

    Hank shook the bag of pills lightly, looking at Caden. ¡°I just picked up the digestive pills, Mr. Ward.¡±

    Caden''s eyes narrowed. ¡°And what else happened?¡±

    Hank hesitated, then continued, ¡°Miss Bet had some great words to say about you.¡±

    Caden¡¯s expression darkened slightly. ¡°What exactly did he say?¡±

    ¡°He said you got what you deserved,¡± Hank replied, his tone cautious.

    Caden paused, his face unreadable. He took a deep breath, but didn''t immediately respond. ¡°Is that there?¡± he asked, his voice colder now.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s all he said,¡± Hank confirmed.

    Caden fell silent once more, his thoughts seeming distant, leaving Hank unsure of what to say next.

    ¡°I¡¯m asking if something else happened, you moron!¡± Caden thought, feeling his irritation rising. ¡°Your brain seems to shut down after work. Is your mind gathering cobwebs?¡±

    Sensing Caden''s frustration, Hank cautiously ventured, "Mr. Ward, is there something you''d like to talk about?"

    In an icy tone, Caden replied, ¡°I am contemting dispensing with your services.¡±

    Hank was stunned. ¡°What have I done?¡± he asked himself, feeling a sense of confusion.

    Annoyed, Caden snapped, ¡°Take us back to the apartment.¡±

    Then a thought urred to Hank. ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward, did you know that Miss Bet visited the Yates mansion yesterday?¡±

    This question clearly agitated Caden. The thought of Alicia''s visit to Yates Mansion had been weighing on him.

    ¡°Why do you ask?¡± Caden asked, his voice breaking.

    Hank, trying to be as honest as possible, exined: "Mrs. Bet injured her ankle after jumping from an upper floor. Mr. Yates tried to restrain her."

    Caden''s face tightened, a pang of dismay passing through him. ¡°She told you that?¡±

    Hank replied, ¡°It was her friend who inadvertently revealed it. Mrs. Bet seems intent on keeping it a secret.¡±

    The details yed through Caden''s mind like a movie. Reflecting on his phone call with Joshua the night before, Caden had suspected there was more to Alicia''s silence. She detested Joshua, how could she possibly have agreed to be with him?

    That was why he hadn''t ended the call when Joshua hinted at his involvement. Caden had been waiting for Alicia to say, ¡°Caden,e get me.¡± If she had, he would have run to her immediately.

    But Alice remained silent. In the morning she appeared with clean clothes and marks on her neck, but she still gave no exnation, even when he asked her for one.

    Caden''s expression darkened, his face as gloomy as the ocean before a storm.

    Without another word, he gave Hank a contact information. ¡°Invite thispetitor of the Green family to dinner tonight. Treat him well.¡±

    Hank made a mental note. ¡°Understood, Mr. Ward.¡±

    Given the significant challenge ahead, Caden knew that Joshua would likely seek financial support from the Green family. However, if the Green family was facing their own difficulties at this time, they would not be able to help Joshua.

    Essentially, Joshua was in for a difficult period.

    Once Caden got upstairs, I dialed Alicia''s number.

    Alicia had just said goodbye to Monica and was returning to the hotel. Her response was indifferent. ¡°What do you want?¡±

    Caden, now in his living room, replied, ¡°When are you going to rece my living room couch?¡±

    Alicia remembered the fight that morning: Caden had scolded her for staining the sofa and she had quickly promised to change it. She knew thatmitments had to be kept.

    ¡°Where did you buy the sofa?¡± I have asked, trying to find a way to resolve the situation.

    ¡°It''s a limited edition. They don¡¯t make it anymore,¡± Caden replied tly.

    Alice gaped, realizing how exclusive her possessions were. She reluctantly replied, ¡°How much did it cost?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll buy another one of equal value.¡±

    Caden''s response was adamant: "I want the original."

    Alicia struggled to remain calm. ¡°But it¡¯s not avable anymore, right?¡±

    ¡°That sounds like a personal problem,¡± Caden replied coldly.

    Alicia pulled the phone away from her ear and muttered a curse under her breath. Caden, however, caught every word.

    His tone turned even colder as he warned her, ¡°Next time you criticize me, make sure to keep quiet.¡±

    Alicia gritted her teeth, thinking to herself, I just wanted to get under your skin.

    ¡°So what''s your proposal?¡± she asked, determined to confront him directly despite the tension.

    Caden replied sharply: "Come here and we''ll talk face to face."

    .

    .

    .N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

 Chapter 143

    Chapter 143:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice scoffed. ?I am very dirty. Won''t stepping into your apartment ruin your immacte floors?

    Caden responded with eerie calm: ¡°You could put shoe covers on.¡±

    "Even my breath is infectious," she replied.

    ¡°Then disinfect,¡± he replied coldly.

    Unable to contain her frustration any longer, Alicia blurted out, ¡°Does my face bother you? Why don''t you blindfold yourself?

    ¡°You can just put on a hood,¡± he suggested dismissively.

    Alicia was speechless.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Caden stated nonchntly, "Send me your address and I''ll send you a car."

    Alicia clenched her jaw. ?It''s not necessary. "I''d rather not hear youin about it getting your car dirty or incurring expenses because it''s a limited edition."

    For a moment, Caden was speechless.

    After the call ended, he stared at the phone, nonchntly murmuring, ¡°You deserve it.¡± She was free to limp here. Let him endure the pain.

    Alicia hailed a taxi and headed there.

    Despite his instructions to wear a hood and shoe covers, upon arrival he defiantly put on his spare sneakers right in front of him.

    Caden looked at her indifferently.

    Alicia changed her sneakers, apologizing: "Sorry, I got the wrong pair."

    Caden coldlymented, "Not even the blind would make such an obvious mistake."

    ?Mistakes are valuable. ¡°I like to make them,¡± Alicia joked.

    "Remarkable," he observed dryly.

    Then he looked at her ankle. He was still slightly bruised, but it wasn''t serious.

    Alicia was determined to settle the matter quickly. "Just tell me where you bought your couch, and I''ll pay extra to secure one you''ll ept."

    Seeing her urgency, Caden purposely slowed down the conversation. He insisted: "I will only ept an identical recement."

    Alicia looked at him intently. The more she looked at him, the more annoying he seemed. He proposed a solution. "I can send you a factory recement."

    "I want it immediately," he insisted.

    Alicia''s frustration increased. ?Why do you have to be so annoying? "It''s unbearable."

    Caden paused to drink some water. ?Do you have a problem with that? ¡°Go ahead and call the police.¡±

    Alicia was speechless. He had often thought about involving the police. A few downloads could put it in its ce.

    After their heated exchange, Caden set his ss aside and instructed her, "Sit on the couch."

    Alicia looked at him as if he were upset. ?Why sit? "We haven''t resolved anything yet."

    ?Sit down. ¡°I have to examine your foot,¡± Caden ordered.

    Alicia stepped back in surprise. The conversation had taken an unexpected turn, and he instinctively asked, "Why?"

    Exhausted by the argument, Caden walked over to her to pick her up. Alicia crossed her arms over her chest defensively, eyeing him warily.

    Caden''s expression turned stern. ?Don''t get your hopes up. ¡°I have no interest in you right now.¡± Then he picked her up and ced her on the couch. He proceeded to take off her sneakers and gently held her ankle.

    Alicia was so surprised by his actions that she remainedpletely still. Confused, she watched silently as he examined her foot.

    Looking down, hiding his feelings, he asked, "Why didn''t you tell me this morning when I asked you?"

    Realizing that Hank must have informed her, Alicia felt a constriction in her chest. ¡°Did you even give me a chance to exin it to you?¡±

    Caden responded tly, "Didn''t I ask you?"

    She felt suffocated by his usation.

    Remembering the smell of his coat, Alice replied coldly: "Would you have believed me if I had told you? Haven''t you already made your decisions about me? What matters to you? Why should I tell you?

    Caden''s frustration was growing. His behavior reminded her of Ciara''s pampered cat. The cat, aware of his status as a favorite, acted without caution. He once destroyed a prized tea set that belonged to Ciara.

    Caden had disciplined the cat by grabbing it by the neck. However, on each subsequent visit, the cat would feign affection only to jump on his face the moment he extended his hand. The only difference between Alice and that cat was their malice. He didn''t even bother to feign affection.

    His nature was spiteful and malicious.

    "What a spiteful person who can''t be tamed," Cadenmented coldly.

    Alicia pursed her lips and quickly withdrew her foot. "Who are you to tame me?"

    ¡°Did I mean you?¡± Caden replied softly. "I was referring to my grandmother''s pet," he rified.

    Alice was taken aback. She felt like Caden was mocking her.

    Not being able to make fun of him, she crossed her limits by brushing her dirty foot against his pants leg. Caden was momentarily taken aback. "Your flirting tactics are as unsessful as ever," hemented.

    Alicia responded with a forced smile: ?Thank you. I''m just trying to repel you."

    Caden looked at her delicate toes. He briefly grabbed her ankle and then let go.

    At this moment, there was a knock on the door. Caden had ordered an herbal oil online to treat bruises, which he had just received. Alicia''s confusion increased when she saw the oil.

    Why was he suddenly treating her kindly?

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 Chapter 144

    Chapter 144:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    When Caden grabbed Alicia''s foot again, she felt a wave of unease. She tried to pull her foot away, but Caden immediately tightened his grip.

    She couldn''t pull away.

    In a hushed voice, she asked, ¡°Caden, what are you doing?¡±

    Caden clumsily applied some herbal oil to the bruise and began to massage it. His voice was stiff as he demanded, ¡°Tell me exactly why you were at the Yates mansion.¡±

    Alice tensed, her body instinctively recoiling. In a soft tone, she insisted, ¡°First, apologize to me.¡±

    Caden''s expression turned stern. Did she expect an apology from him?

    Regardless of whether it was right or wrong, did he really need to apologize for something so trivial?

    He replied coldly, ¡°I¡¯ve never been good at apologizing.¡±

    "Then we have nothing more to discuss," Alice said, trying to withdraw her foot.

    But Caden held her firmly, pressing against her delicate bones. ¡°I may not excel at apologizing, but I am familiar with using a bit of force. ¡°Shall we proceed?¡±

    Hearing his warning, she increased the pressure. Alice flinched, feeling sharp pain and numbness in her joint. ¡°Caden, let me go!¡± she screamed.

    Caden loosened his grip slightly, but his tone remained insistent. ¡°Exin yourself. ¡°Now.¡±

    Alicia cursed him internally, her mind clouded with frustration. She took a deep breath and then exined briefly, ¡°Joshua tricked me by saying that Rachel wanted to meet up. When I got to the Yates mansion, he dragged me into the bedroom and locked me in.¡±

    Caden, unsatisfied with the exnation, pressed further. ¡°Why did he lock you up?¡±

    "Why else? She knew about us," Alice replied quietly.

    At first, Joshua had merely suspected something, but his suspicions turned to anger after Caden''s call.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Caden''s eyes then shifted to her neck, where faint marks were visible. His gaze grew more intense as he asked, ¡°Did he hurt you?¡±

    Alice pressed her lips together, still tormented by the fear of that moment. ¡°He didn''t make it.¡±

    Caden''s concern grew. "Did you manage to escape through the window while you were resisting?"

    Alicia rified: ¡°Not exactly, but that sums it up in essence.¡±

    Caden fell silent, his mind processing what she had said. Once the oil was absorbed, he gently wiped away the residue with a tissue.

    Alice recognized it as an uncharacteristic gesture, almost like an apology, but she wasn''t ready to ept it yet.

    Once Caden left, she rummaged through her purse and pulled out some money.

    Caden looked at the money. ¡°What''s this for?¡±

    "It''s your tip."

    With precision, she slipped the cash into her ne, as if tipping a male escort. ¡°Your skills as a masseuse are rough and unrefined, but this is the going rate. ¡°I won¡¯t let you down.¡±

    Caden was speechless.

    She waspensating him as if it were a service, even for applying the oil, pushing its limits even further. Maybe he had been too lenient with her.

    He waved the gesture away and handed the money back. ¡°We should put this morning''s incident behind us and look forward. Once your foot is better, we¡¯ll n the next steps.¡±

    ¡°Who said anything about moving on?¡± Alice took her money back, her voice sharp. ¡°You seem to have forgotten your harsh words from this morning. It hasn''t even been a day. Do you think we can forget everything that¡¯s happened?¡±

    Caden countered: ¡°If you had exined yourself, I wouldn''t have misunderstood you.¡±

    "And who felt like exining themselves while you were throwing a tantrum?"

    "I did ask you. Why are you silent?"

    Alice looked at him sternly. ¡°Then why didn''t you apologize when I asked you to? ¡°Has the cat got your tongue?¡±

    Caden fell silent again, feeling the sting of her sharp retort.

    His patience snapped. ¡°You insist on a verbal apology?¡±

    Alice held her head high. "Forks. And don''t thank me. I¡¯m just being generous.¡±

    Caden scoffed. ¡°If that¡¯s so, this isn¡¯t over by a long shot.¡±

    Alicia was at a disadvantage when it came to negotiating. Now that she had broken ties with Joshua, the future seemed uncertain. In time, her rebelliousness would take its toll.

    But Caden misjudged her determination. Alicia had already epted her fate. Things had reached a point where, at worst, her life could fall apart. If that were the case, why should she care about living miserably?

    ¡°Fine enough,¡± said Alice, climbing back onto the sofa in a determined voice. ¡°I''ll pay for it. Take it or leave it. If not, report me to the police. ¡°Let me rot in jail.¡±

    Caden was speechless.

    As he cleaned the bathroom, he added, ¡°I''ll wash off the oil you just applied to me. Then we won¡¯t owe each other anything.¡±

    Once again, Caden fell silent. His anger simmered beneath the surface, but he had nowhere to direct it.

    "What a stubborn, exasperating woman," he thought bitterly.

    Suddenly, Alice''s phone range.

    Caden realized it was a WhatsApp call from someone listed as a doctor. The profile picture showed a man.

    Without hesitation, Caden answered.

    A calm voice asked, "Miss Bet, is your foot better?"

    Already in a bad mood, Caden''s patience was exhausted. He replied coldly, "She''s busy. She''s in the bathroom."

    The doctor seemed taken by surprise and stammered, "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to intrude."

    Unwilling to give up, the doctor asked cautiously, "Are you Mrs. Bet''s brother?"

    Caden''s expression darkened. He replied tly, "It''s his father."

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 Chapter 145

    Chapter 145:N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    ? ? ? ? ?

    The doctor was momentarily taken back.

    The voice on the other end sounded remarkably young. ¡°Could he really be Alice¡¯s father?¡± the doctor wondered.

    His instinct warned him of potential danger and he proceeded with caution. He managed to say, ¡°Hello, Mr. Bet. How is Mrs. Bet¡¯s foot now?¡±

    Caden replied coldly, ¡°Were you the one who treated his foot yesterday?¡±

    "Yes," the doctor confirmed.

    Alice''s beauty was undeniable. Although the doctor knew it was unlikely that he would ever win her affections, he felt inclined to try.

    Caden, recognizing the doctor''s intentions, replied tly, "She''s perfectly fine."

    Taking a risk, the doctor asked, "Mr. Bet, may I call Mrs. Better? Since she is well, I would like to invite her to dinner."

    Caden paused briefly. His irritation turned to amusement, and he let out augh. ¡°What do you think?¡±

    The doctor quickly added, ¡°I know it''ste, but please don''t worry, Mr. Bet, I promise I''ll get you home safely after dinner!¡±

    He continued: ¡°I had intended to call earlier, but Mrs Bet was recovering from a head injuryst night in the hospital and needed to rest this morning. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to disturb her.¡±

    Caden''s anger subsided slightly. I have remembered Alicia''s aversion to hospitals. After the order the night before, she had gone to the emergency room alone and had been deeply shaken. Then she had returned home only to face her reproach.

    Caden swallowed and ended the call.

    At that moment, Alice appeared.

    Seeing him with the phone, she asked: "Who told you that you can touch my things?"

    Caden looked at her intently. ¡°I answered a call.¡±

    Alice''s expression darkened even further. "How could you answer someone else''s phone?"

    He then proceeded to unlock the phone and check the call.

    Caden''s guilt quickly dissipated when he noticed Alicia''s impatience.

    ¡°The ringtone was annoying,¡± he said coldly.

    Alice realized that the call was trivial and decided to let it go. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you hang up then?¡±

    Caden scoffed. ¡°If I had, I would have missed all the excitement.¡±

    Alice was confused. ¡°What did the doctor tell you?¡±

    Caden''s voice dripped with sarcasm. ¡°What else would a pathetic loser trying to charm you say? His pick-up lines are so hackneyed a dog wouldn¡¯t fall for them.¡±

    Alice was surprised. Couldn''t she show a little kindness?

    She remembered the doctor''s handsome appearance from the night before and tormented, "Why is he such a pathetic loser? He''s actually more attractive than you."

    Caden gave him a pointed look. ¡°Did you lose your sight along with your bncest night?¡±

    ¡°Am I wrong?¡± Alice replied. ¡°You are unattractive and overly sensitive. ¡°You really do have it all.¡±

    This left Caden speechless.

    Since she was already there, Alice asked, "Where''s the evidence you found on Randolph? Give me a copy."

    Caden''s tone turned icy. ¡°Why would I?¡±

    Alice was stunned. ¡°Why not? Our personal affairs shouldn¡¯t interfere with business.¡±

    Caden replied coldly, ¡°You closed the door and walked out when I asked you this morning. Wasn¡¯t that a clear sign that our agreement was void?¡±

    Alice''s expression hardened, not wanting to miss this opportunity. "No, those are separate issues."

    Caden¡¯s demeanor softened slightly. ¡°Fine. If the deal is still active, let¡¯s review it thoroughly.¡±

    "It has already been amended twice. What else is there to discuss?"

    "I wasn''t worried about losses before, but now I am. From now on, we have to strictlyply with the terms of the agreement."

    With that, he pulled the contract out of the drawer and tossed it in front of Alice.

    I have pointed out the most controversial use: ¡°Sex up to ten times a month. ¡°How many times have we been together this month?¡±

    "Only once," answered Alice, her cheeks flushed.

    "It was five times, not ten. Have you altered the terms?"

    Caden showed no sign of embarrassment. ¡°Originally, the agreement was that you would obey me without question. But after one intense night, you couldn''t stand it, so you reviewed it ten times a month.¡±

    Alice was speechless.

    "What I mean is that it was supposed to be five times. Let''s get to the point," he said.

    Caden raised an eyebrow with a hint of provocation. ¡°Fifteen times?¡±

    Alice raised her voice, clearly frustrated. ¡°Five times!¡±

    ¡°Oh, yeah?¡± Caden pointed to the fingerprint on the document. ¡°I could modify the text of the agreement, but could I fake your fingerprint?¡±

    Alice''s skepticism increased. She picked up the document and inspected it more closely. Sure enough, it was her fingerprint.

    She looked at him, still unconvinced.

    Caden knew the whole story. She had originally changed it to five times, but after an impromptu intimate moment while she was lounging on the couch, she had changed it to ten times. For him, even ten times a month was insufficient. Five times? That was unthinkable.

    Caden picked up the agreement again and put it back in the drawer. ¡°If you acknowledge that the agreement is still valid, I will give you the evidence.¡±

    Alice eyed him warily, unwilling to be caught by his tactics.

    ¡°Give me a moment to think,¡± he said.

    Caden was in no mood to be patient.

    "I''ll give you three seconds," he dered, checking his watch and counting down with exaggerated seriousness. "Three."

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 146

    Chapter 146:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    As Caden began the countdown, Alicia felt the pressure hit her hard.

    She quickly covered her watch with her hand, her cheeks flushed from the heat. ¡°Three seconds? Really? For something this big, you should give me at least three days.¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow and calmly pulled his hand away. ¡°I have the proof. If you want it, you''ll have to y by my rules.¡±

    He looked at his watch again. ¡°And now, your time is up.¡±

    Alicia tried to steer the conversation back. ¡°How do I know you actually have the evidence? Let me see it.¡± Caden saw through his attempt immediately. ¡°You just want to confirm it so you can track it down somewhere else, right?¡±

    Alice was speechless.

    I had forgotten how sharp it was.

    "Ugh, it''s the devil!" he groaned himself.

    Caden saw the frustration on her face and could tell she was silently cursing him. That seemed to only lift her spirits.

    The whole situation seemed strangely amusing to him.

    ¡°I work non-stop at thepany every day, and just like that, $300 million of my money disappears. I gave it away to buy evidence that has nothing to do with me. After all that, I stille back here to keep you satisfied, squeezing every minute out of my day. And you, Miss Bet, what exactly have you done?¡±

    Alicia was caught off guard by his sudden change in tone. He made it sound like she''d been working like a ve, but hearing those words from him was oddly irritating. Caden wasn''t done. ¡°The day I had dinner with Randolph, I didn''t touch a single morsel of food. When I asked you about dinner, my stomach waspletely empty. I was starving. And where were you? ¡°Curled up with your ex-husband.¡±

    Alice twisted her lips. ¡°¡®Curled up¡¯? That¡¯s ridiculous.¡±

    ¡°But you didn''t deny it at the time,¡± Caden replied softly.

    This time, she was speechless.

    Talking to someone as unreasonable as Caden only led to frustration.

    He could barely get a word out.

    No matter how things went, he always found a way to me her.

    ¡°You''re talking about the agreement now, right?¡± Alicia wasn''t going to let him distract her. She gritted her teeth and said, ¡°Let¡¯s renegotiate how many times a month.¡±

    Caden didn''t budge. ¡°The agreement is already signed and in force. There can be no further amendments.¡±

    ¡°We changed itst time, didn''t we?¡± Alice replied.

    ¡°Weren''t you the one who added those changes? Shouldn¡¯t it be my turn to make amendments to the agreement?¡± Caden retorts.

    Alice was speechless again.

    Caden seized the moment.

    "Well, since it''s my turn, I think twenty times a month sounds fair."

    Then he sat down and turned on hisputer.

    "I like the sound of that," he said.

    Alice''s eyes widened in disbelief, and she quickly interrupted. ¡°What? No. I didn¡¯t agree to that change.¡±

    Caden smiled with satisfaction at her reaction. ¡°So, are we sticking with the current arrangement?¡±

    Alice was silent, mentally calcting. With five days off a month, that meant every three days.

    It was too much.

    With Caden''s strength and endless stamina, every time they had sex he left herpletely exhausted. If this kept up, she was sure she wouldn''tst much longer. For the sake of her own sanity, she protested, "This has to change. Ten times a month is too much."

    Caden scoffed at her insistence. ¡°You were the one who wrote ''ten'' in the first ce. Are you breaking your word?¡±

    Alice frowned, sensing that something was wrong. ¡°No, that doesn''t make sense. Something doesn¡¯t add up.¡±

    ¡°The only thing that''s wrong is you,¡± Caden said, sliding his chair closer as he pointed at the keyboard.

    "You were lying here, face down, typing so fast I couldn''t even catch you. In the heat of the moment, you typed ''ten times.''" He was about to say something else when Alice quickly covered his mouth.

    Blushing, she whispered harshly, ¡°Stop saying that! ¡°You were the one who got me into this.¡±All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    Caden inhaled the faint scent of her hand cream, finding it surprisingly pleasant.

    He didn''t take his hand away from her. Instead, he exhaled softly into her palm. ¡°There are just the two of us here. Why do you care about being decent?¡±

    Alice felt a tingling sensation in her hand and quickly pulled it away, scratching the itch. ¡°If the cockroaches hear you, they might get ideas and start multiplying tonight!¡±

    Caden remained silent, thinking to himself.

    Maybe he was better at this than I thought.

    Maybe starting a side business wasn''t such a bad idea. Meanwhile, Alice refused to give up, trying by all means to negotiate the figure down.

    Caden had already lost his patience. With a quick tap on the keyboard, he said, ¡°If you can''t decide, I''ll do it for you.¡± I have typed thirty.

    Alice''s eyes shot open. "Thirty? You just said twenty!"

    "Thirty is the minimum I need," he replied nonchntly.

    ¡°Thirty? You might as well kill me.¡± Alice finally gave in. ¡°Well, have it then!¡±

    Caden tapped the mouse with his slender fingers. ¡°Too beats. ¡°Either the deal is off, or we go with thirty.¡±

    "I never agreed to change the agreement!"

    ¡°I have the evidence, and your opinion doesn''t matter much here.¡± Caden looked at her calmly. ¡°Miss Bet, if you want to y hardball, I can make it a lot harder for you.¡±

    Alice froze.

    He was threatening her again.

    She hated how powerless she felt in front of him, and even more, how tempting the evidence was.

    Sighing in defeat, she muttered, ¡°Eleven times.¡±

    Caden''s smile widened.

    "You''re being stingy." She leaned back and added,

    "Twenty-nine times."

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 147

    Chapter 147:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia felt her knees buckle at the number. ¡°Caden, you shameless bastard!¡± she blurred out, her voice filled with frustration and disbelief.

    Caden, unfazed by her outburst,ughed softly. For someone her age, he thought, her behavior was downright childish.

    He leaned backzily in his chair, rubbing his chin as if deep in thought. ¡°What an insult. You must be very angry. Hmm, how about twenty-eight times then?¡±

    Alice''s eyes narrowed, her stubbornness hardening her resolve. "Eleven times," she replied, her tone firm.

    ¡°Is that your final offer?¡± Caden mocked, his lips curling into a mischievous grin. ¡°If you insult me ??a few more times, I might considering down.¡±

    "So, are we okay with eleven times?"

    He clicked his tongue in disappointment and shook his head slightly. ¡°Did I say I was going to listen to you?¡± His gaze sharpened and he began to calcte. ¡°Let¡¯s see, twenty-eight times less your period equals an average of two times a day.¡±

    Alice was speechless, unable to process his absurd reasoning.

    Caden, however, seemed to enjoy her frustration. He leaned closer to her, his voice dripping with yful menace. ¡°So, do we do it once in the morning and once at night, or both at night? Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m flexible.¡±

    Alice couldn''t take it anymore.

    ¡°Okay!¡± He finally gave in, unable to muster the energy to continue fighting. ¡°Twelve times, okay?¡±

    Caden, amused by her attempt at negotiation, stopped ying with her. ¡°Fifteen times, plus three meals a day.¡±

    Alice''s murderous re could have set him on fire. "You add five times as much and expect me to cook for you? Not in your dreams!"

    "Okay. I won''t force you if you don''t want to cook."

    Caden shrugged, offering a petnt alternative. ¡°Okay, no cooking then. But that still means five times as much in bed.¡±

    Alice struggled to find words, but eventually settled for a resigned sigh.

    "Caden, aren''t you afraid I''ll cut you if you push me too hard?"

    He looked at her, amusement dancing in her eyes. ¡°Well, the knives at home aren''t sharp enough for that. You''ll probably need a chainsaw. ¡°They sell them at the hardware store downstairs, but it¡¯s closed now.¡±

    Alice looked at him, her lips pursed in a mixture of fury and helplessness.

    It was absolutely impossible.

    He was about to copse, he knew perfectly well that he was going to lose that ridiculous negotiation.

    But swallow your pride? No way.

    ¡°I swore you would never taste my food again,¡± he began.

    Caden raised an eyebrow, his smile deepening. ¡°So, five more times in bed?¡±

    His silence stretched on, heavy with tension.

    Finally, Alice let out a long, defeated sigh and reluctantly refused.

    Caden, satisfied, amended his little ¡°agreement.¡± Alicia''s hands hovered over the keyboard, clenching tightly as she fought the urge to scream.

    Caden looked at her and his expression softened slightly.

    "I want you to apologize," she demanded, her voice low but firm.

    I wanted him to at least show some remorse for speaking out of turn.

    But Caden wasn''t about to give in that easily. He pushed her hand away, refusing her request with cold indifference. ¡°I don''t expect you to forgive me. This agreement says we''ll have sex, and we will. Afterward, we can fight again.¡±

    Alice''s heart sank.

    She wasn''t about to let him go, but deep down she knew there was no winning against him. Still, she pressed the keyboard, refusing to let him type.

    His eyes darkened as he looked at her. ¡°Alicia,¡± he said coldly, his earlier joviality evaporating, ¡°this is non-negotiable.¡±

    Her gaze met his and she saw that the cunning of before was gone, reced by something far more ruthless.

    He was like a cold-blooded snake; his very presence sent shivers down her spine.

    Alice pulled her hand away, her eyes burning with anger. ¡°Before the agreement is over, if either of us makes a mistake, there will be consequences.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Caden didn''t seem to care at all. "And what consequences would those be?"

    She bit out each word with a sharpness that matched her gaze. ¡°A public apology posted on the Inte, chemical castration, and a ten billion dor payment to the other party.¡±

    Hearing this, Caden''s expression finally faltered.

    Chemical castration?

    A sudden chill ran down her spine, and although she would never admit it, she felt a phantom pain, an uneasiness creeping under her skin.

    Five days had already passed in this month.

    Excluding the days of her period, and considering they had already been together once, that left the unfortunate reality of an average of once a day for the rest of the month.

    Alicia tried to avoid him at every turn, looking for excuses and evasions, but Caden¡­

    He was in no hurry.

    After all, she could only evade it for so long.

    The next night, her phone rang with a call from Caden. She hesitated, but eventually answered, still simmering with anger she hadn''t yet let go. ¡°What do you want?¡± he asked, his voice sour.

    Caden¡¯s tone was cold and matter-of-fact. ¡°Don''t you want what Randolph gave me?¡±

    His irritation was immediately reced by curiosity.

    "Of course I want it."

    ?Thene to my office.

    She felt relieved, at least he wasn''t calling her back to the apartment.

    I have wasted no time and hurried over.

    When Alice arrived, she ran into Hank, who was leaving work. A wide smile lit up his face.

    "Mr. Ward is in his office," he said cheerfully.

    Alice couldn''t help but smile back. "What''s got you in such a good mood?"

    Hank chuckled and his smile widened. ¡°I got off work early today. It''s a rare treat. ¡°I¡¯m meeting an old friend for dinner.¡±

    Alicia gave him a thumbs-up in congrattions, remembering how eerily quiet it was when she set foot inside the building: no employees, no bustling activity.

    It was still early, but the ce was deserted. He couldn''t help but send her early departure.

    But her smile disappeared as soon as she entered Caden''s office.

    The sound of running water greeted her, meaning Caden was in the shower.

    A sinking feeling spread through her chest; This was not a simple business meeting. She had hoped to avoid any torment by meeting him here, but she quickly realized thating to the office had been her n all along.

    I lured her into the bathroom to take a shower. After that, his true intentions came to light, evident in the wicked glint in his eyes.

    Therge, empty office floor was surrounded by ss windows that looked out over the city, hidden from prying eyes.

    Alicia found herself pressed against the cold ss, her fingers digging into Caden''s neck for support as her breathing grew ragged and uneven.

    Her lips, swollen from his incessant kisses, pressed desperately against his wet shoulders, trying to muffle the sounds of her surrender.

    She feltpletely destroyed by him: his touch had changed.

    His skill had grown sharper, more intense, as if he had honed it for this very moment. His hands, his lips¡­ they knew exactly how to undo her.

    When she finally finished, Alice''s nails showed evidence of her struggle.

    Blood streaked Caden''s broad back, chest, and neck: his feeble attempts to push him away had be traces of his surrender.

    Reality hit her as she caught her breath and panic gripped her chest: this would be her life, her reality, for the rest of the month.

    Tears filled her eyes and thest of her strength copsed. ¡°I''ll cook¡­ I''ll cook, okay? Just cancel those five times, Caden, please¡­¡± She sobbed, her voice shaking.

    Caden took her tear-stained face in his hands, his lips brushing her wet cheeks. I have kissed her softly, tasting her tears.

    He let out a chuckle, teasing her as he swallowed her sadness.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 148

    Chapter 148:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice fell asleep on the bed in the dimly lit living room.

    Caden, on the other hand, was still fully awake, despite the passion they had just felt.

    Her body vibrated with a feeling of fullness, satisfaction running through her veins.

    He pulled out the sh drive Randolph had passed him earlier, and until now Caden hadn''t bothered to look at his contents.

    He had intended to watch it with Alicia, but she had grown tired of it faster than expected.

    A wry smile yed across his lips. In fact, he had made sure of it. Exhausting her had been part of his n: a clever way to keep hercent, perhaps even to convince her to cook for him.

    Caden plugged in the USB and clicked on the audio file, and the next second a humming sound came out of the speakers.

    The crackling sound came unmistakably from a secret recording, untouched and raw.

    Caden''s nonchnt demeanor changed as the recorded conversation filled the room. At first, it seemed like just another piece of incriminating evidence, something banal in its criminality. But as the recording continued, a deep crease formed between his brows.

    His gaze shifted to the closed door of the living room, where Alice was sleeping peacefully.

    He grabbed the volume, turned it down to barely a whisper, and read in to catch every word. The recording wasn''t long - less than five minutes - but every second was packed with damning detail.

    He went back three years, to the tragic ne crash.

    There were no survivors, the headlines said, and everyone believed it had been a terrible ident. Except it wasn''t.

    Joshua''s name appeared on the recording; he had been one of the orchestrators behind it all.

    Caden clenched his jaw, the weight of the revtion hitting him hard. Although he had long since distanced himself from the Yates family, their dirty deeds had never truly been beyond his reach.

    They reaped what they sowed, and he had no intention of being dragged into theirs again.

    And more importantly, Alicia''s parents had died in that ident three years ago.

    His thoughts raced as he quickly checked off the details.

    Although there was no direct evidence linking Joshua to the deaths of Alicia''s parents, the pieces were starting to fit together all too well.

    Caden pressed his lips into a thin, tight line, his face shadowed by the harsh overhead light.

    The stark light was oppressive, creating stark contrasts in his expression and amplifying the mounting tension beneath his cold exterior.

    Without thinking twice, I picked up the phone and dialed an anonymous number.

    "Do it for me. I want answers within a day."

    When the call ended, Caden put the sh drive in the safe and locked it.

    Two hourster, Alice woke up, her mouth dry and her body aching in familiar ces.

    Every sexual encounter with Caden left her groin and legs throbbing with pain, a difort she had unfortunately grown ustomed to. Wincing slightly, she slid out of the bed, her steps slow and cautious.

    The sky was already dark.

    In the dim office, only two wallmps remained lit, their soft glow casting long, indistinct shadows that danced across the room.

    By the window, Caden sat in silent contemtion, a half-finished ss of wine in his hand.

    Alice felt her eyes fix on him, studying the stray locks of hair that had fallen over his forehead. His shirt, now slightly wrinkled, had several buttons undone, revealing the hard ns of his chest.

    Faint red scratches and bite marks marred her skin, evidence of their former passion.

    The deeper the marks, the deeper Caden had prated inside her.

    She leaned against the wall, biting her lip as memories from a few hours ago flooded her mind.

    The same ufortable wave of shame washed over her.

    How could she remain so inexperienced, so hopelessly sensitive to his touch? No matter how many times it happened, she never seemed to harden.

    Seeming to sense her presence, Caden turned his head toward her, his dark eyes meeting hers with the same unreadable intensity.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    ¡°You''re awake,¡± he murmured softly.

    Alice swallowed her difort, trying to hide the awkwardness by pretending it hadn''t happened. "So... where''s what you were going to give me?" she asked stiffly.

    ¡°The sh drive?¡± Caden replied indifferently. ¡°It''s damaged. ¡°I¡¯ll bring it to you the day after tomorrow.¡±

    He sent a quick message on his phone before getting up from his seat.

    His sudden movement made her pulse quicken involuntarily, a sh of fear flickering through her as he moved closer. ¡°Don''t tell me you don''t n on giving it to me,¡± she stammered, more nervous than defiant.

    ¡°With your attitude, do you think I would lie to you?¡± Caden, ever calm, filled his ss with warm water and handed it over. ¡°idents happen. How about this? If you don''t have it by the day after tomorrow, feel free to burn mypany to the ground.¡±

    She frowned, speechless.

    He was not a ruthless monster capable of such destruction.

    Reluctantly, he epted the ss, as he was thirsty.

    He took a long drink, almost emptying the ss in one gulp. ¡°How did you know I was thirsty?¡± he asked, his voice softer now.

    Caden smiled slightly, leaning closer as his words slipped smoothly from his lips. ¡°Don''t you remember how wet you were earlier?¡±

    Heat rushed to her cheeks, her face flushing. She closed her mouth, too embarrassed to make a sound.

    As the warm water settled on her stomach, it caused a small rumble, making her realize how hungry she was.

    Caden barely blinked. ¡°Food will be here soon,¡± he announced tly.

    Alice put down her ss with a sharp clink. ¡°You can eat alone. Just looking at you has taken away my appetite.¡±

    He smiled slyly. ¡°Really? That''s a shame. ¡°I was just about to tell you something about Joshua¡¯spany.¡±

    At this, his cold demeanor instantly cracked, and he couldn''t help but ask, "Why, what happened?"

    ¡°There is a problem,¡± he replied, letting a deliberate pause hang in the air. ¡°You have run out of liquidity.¡±

    Alice''s lips curved into a slow, almost wicked smile. Karma hadn''t been wasted any time.

    "How are you taking it?" he asked, in an amused tone.

    Caden sank casually into his chair, crossing his legs as if he had all the time in the world.

    "I''m starving," he saidzily, "and I''m too tired to talk. Let''s eat first and then we''ll talk."

    Alice stared at him, fighting the urge to roll her eyes.

    Did he really want to y like that?

    Sighing, she dropped into the chair across from him.

    ¡°Do I suddenly seem appealing to you now?¡± Caden joked, arching an eyebrow.

    She was silent for a moment and then said, "Sure, whatever you say."

    The arrival of the food broke the tension. The elegant, tightly sealed containers still gave off tempting aromas that filled the room. Despite herself, Alice involuntarily swallowed and picked up her cutlery.

    She sank her teeth into it, and without even taking a bite, Caden leaned forward slightly and told her everything she wanted to hear.

    Alicia¡¯s eyes sparkled with interest and the corners of her lips lifted slightly. ¡°So, if Joshua wants to keep his little empire from crumbling, he''s going to have to swallow his pride and ask for help¡­ wherever he can find it. Right?¡±

    Caden nodded, watching her closely.

    Something in his changing moods sparked in him a sh of unexpected sympathy.

    "Do you feel better now?"

    Alice, unable to hide the sparkle in her eyes, was clearly no longer in a bad mood.

    She picked up a piece of chicken, struggling to hide her growing smile. ¡°I guess.¡±

    He leaned towards her with a knowing smile. ¡°Do you want to feel even better?¡±

    She blinked, piqued by curiosity. ¡°You''re nning to make your move now, aren''t you?¡±

    Caden hesitated, thoughtful.

    It was tempting, very tempting. A couple of well-ced moves and Joshua would be cornered. But ending things now would also cut short their little agreement.

    At this, his cold demeanor instantly cracked, and he couldn''t help but ask, "Why, what happened?"

    "There is a problem," he replied, leaving a deliberate pause in the air. "You have run out of liquidity."

    Alice''s lips curved into a slow, almost wicked smile. Karma hadn''t been wasted any time.

    "How are you taking it?" he asked, in an amused tone.

    Caden sank casually into his chair, crossing his legs as if he had all the time in the world.

    "I''m starving," he saidzily, "and I''m too tired to talk. Let''s eat first and then we''ll talk."

    Alice stared at him, fighting the urge to roll her eyes.

    Did he really want to y like that?

    Sighing, she dropped into the chair across from him.

 Chapter 149

    Chapter 149:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    She leaned forward instinctively, her lips glistening softly in the dim light, a subtle sheen that made them even more appetizing. To Caden, they were far more tempting than the food in front of him.

    His gaze lingered on them for a moment.

    Alice noticed.

    His expression hardened, though he tried to hide it. He silently ced the half-eaten chicken wing on his te.

    Caden blinked, momentarily speechless. He could do this, he could show more care, especially since she was still recovering from their earlier intimacy. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in your chicken wing,¡± he said, his voice low. ¡°I''m interested in your lips.¡±

    Alice was speechless.

    His insinuation did not go unnoticed.

    She fought the urge to roll her eyes, silentlyining to herself. Hadn''t they kissed enough before?

    Why was he still so obsessed with her?N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    What was the problem with the lips?

    With a quick, deliberate movement, he snatched away the chicken wing she had just handed over.

    Caden raised his eyebrows, once again taken back by her unapologetic behavior.

    But instead of teasing her further, he got the conversation back on track. ¡°I''m taking you to a banquet at the end of this month. Start preparing now.¡±

    Alice was curious. ¡°What''s the reason?¡±

    "To make you feel better."

    His eyes lit up in intrigue. ¡°And how do you n to do that? ¡°When is the banquet?¡±

    Caden opened his mouth as if to respond, then reconsidered, his words withdrawn as quickly as they hade. ¡°I''ll let you know when the timees. Just so you know, it will be before the end of the month.¡±

    Alice''s lips curved down in disappointment.

    "That''s still a long way off!"

    He shrugged, a mocking glint in his eyes. ¡°If you can''t wait, count the days thinking of me.¡±

    Her heart skipped a beat at his audacity.

    ¡°You''re a shameless flirt, you know that?¡± He paused and asked with a smile, ¡°When I go with you, will I be your date?¡±

    "You overthink things."

    ¡°Fine,¡± she murmured, her shoulders slumping. ¡°I have no desire to make our rtionship public.¡±

    A subtle smile yed on Caden''s lips as they both returned to their food, finishing everyst bite infortable silence.

    Alicia looked at Caden''s spotless te and wiped the corner of her lips. ¡°So, do you like the food here?¡± Her voice was casual, but she couldn''t help but notice how much he had eaten. It seemed like he had quite the appetite.

    Caden''s expression remained indifferent as he replied, "Sure."

    It wasn''t that he had fallen in love with the food, it was just the first time he had ordered there. Yet somehow, he had finished it without realizing it.

    The moment hung between them, and Alice knew the kiss was inevitable. There was no point in running away, so she took the initiative to stand on her tips.

    As always, whenever she made the first move, Caden scrutinized her, as if trying to gauge her intentions. When he didn''t do anything, Alicia took it upon herself to close the gap, gently pressing her lips against his, leaning her body against his.

    She was determined to set the pace this time, and to her surprise, her technique had improved.

    It didn''t take long for her to notice that he was responding, that his pulse was quickening under her fingers.

    But soon the tension was too much and she pushed him back, catching her breath. ¡°Is that enough?¡±

    Caden wasn''t finished. Wrapping his arm firmly around her waist, he pulled her into his space. His voice was low, the slight purr of barely concealed desire. ¡°The dumbest but most effective way to improve your kissing is to trace letters with your tongue in someone¡¯s mouth.¡±

    Alice had heard of this method before, but had always found it too embarrassing to try.

    She licked her lips nervously, choosing silence rather than admitting anything.

    Caden smiled at her hesitation, leaning in until his breath brushed her ear. ¡°Want me to show you?¡± he whispered in an amused voice.

    She squirmed slightly under his intense gaze. ¡°What is there to learn?¡±

    She looked up to meet his dark, intense eyes. ¡°You could apologize properly.¡±

    I have raised an eyebrow. ¡°Do you really need an apology? Wasn¡¯t what I said before enough?¡±

    Alicia knew that his indirect way of making her feel better was a kind of apology, but her pride demanded more, a special concession just for her.

    ¡°Yes,¡± he murmured, his voice softer, almost vulnerable. ¡°I need it.¡±

    Her uncertainty only added to the allure, and Caden''s eyes darkened with something deeper.

    ¡°Those words,¡± he said, his voice now edged with warmth, ¡°are best saved for the bedroom.¡±

    Alicia''s cheeks flushed instantly, but before she could react, Caden pulled her into his arms, capturing her lips once again in a kiss that was anything but gentle. It was like a spell, a kiss that grew more intoxicating with each passing second, making her head spin.

    I didn''t want it to stop.

    I wanted more.

    Her mind went nk as her body melted against his, his touch awakening a burning desire within her.

    But Caden wasn''t satisfied yet. His fingers slid lower, brushing her waist until he heard the sound he was looking for. Alicia continued to dodge.

    Without realizing it, her body was brushing against his, fueling the tension between them and further fueling their desire.

    He clenched his jaw, holding back as much as he could, but when the need overwhelmed him, he scooped her up without a second thought, carrying her into the living room.

    Only then did Alicee to her senses, her eyes wide with horror.

    ¡°No,¡± she gasped, her voice breaking. ¡°We¡¯ve already done it today.¡±

    Caden stopped dead in his tracks, his words cutting through the haze.

    He knew he could persuade her if he wanted to, but her rules were set in stone and he had to abide by them, no matter how tempting it was to break them.

    Patience, he reminded himself. The best prey is always worth the wait.

    With a frustrated sigh, he gave her hip a hard squeeze before dropping her to the ground.

    Her legs gave way, betraying her.

    She wanted to slip away, to escape the attraction between them. But Caden wasn''t ready to let her go just yet. His muscles tensed and he moved back toward her, longing for another kiss. Alicia quickly turned her head away, denying him.

    ¡°When you make me feel better,¡± she began, a yful glint in her eyes, ¡°then you can kiss me.¡±

    His eyes narrowed and a smile yed at the corner of his lips. ¡°Do you really think I can wait that long?¡±

    "If I can do it, then you can too," she challenged, her voice firm despite the heat between them.

    Their bodies pressed together, the air was thick with desire.

    Alicia''s throat was dry and her pulse was racing, but she stood on her ground and refused to give in.

    He had it in his hands and they both knew it.

    Caden couldn''t resist, not when she yed like this.

    His chest tightened with an unfamiliar sensation, one he couldn''t name.

    With a slow exhale, he released her, cooling himself. ¡°Tomorrow will be a new day,¡± he warned. ¡°Then you won''t have a choice.¡±

    Alice, however, stood firm. ¡°I always have a choice. My lips, my rules. ¡°If I don¡¯t want to, I won¡¯t kiss you.¡±

    Caden''s gaze fell on her swollen lips, and a low chuckle escaped him. It was impossible to resist her.

    Later that night, Alicia made ns to stay with Monica, and Caden casually offered to take her.

    But Alice shook her head. ¡°Monica knows your car. ¡°If you take me back sote, it will be suspicious.¡±

    Caden paused, a strange feeling washing over him.

    For a brief moment, he almost felt like an adulterer.

    Just as Alicia was about to suggest taking a cab, Caden shrugged and said, ¡°We''ll take another car. ¡°Pick one from the garage.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 150

    Chapter 150:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia realized that she had greatly underestimated Caden''s wealth.

    Standing amidst a sea of ??luxury cars, his expression was one of pure amazement: it seemed like an endless tunnel of extravagance.

    This spectacle was even more amazing than any luxury car exhibition I had ever seen.

    Caden, arms crossed, watched her as she repeatedly turned her head in wonder.

    Iughed lightly. ¡°What? You don¡¯t like any of these?¡±

    Alice looked at him, perplexed. ¡°Are these cars real or just for show?¡±

    ¡°Half real, I guess,¡± Caden joked. ¡°Most are secondhand.¡±

    Alice was skeptical.

    With his unique personality, it seemed unlikely that he would settle for second-hand cars.

    Despite the impressive range, all the cars were ck.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Beyond the make and model, nothing really stood out.

    She felt disinterested in them.

    "Do you have anything else?" I have asked.

    Caden raised an eyebrow, amused by her uneasiness.

    Normally, he would have dismissed such a demand, but he was in a good mood and decided to oblige. ¡°There are a few more cars in the garage at home.¡±

    "That seems like too much trouble," Alice muttered, resigning herself to choosing a license te she liked instead.

    However, as he headed to the end of the collection, he saw a striking motorcycle that caught his eye.

    His excitement was evident. ¡°Caden! I want this one.¡±

    Caden looked at her and then frowned slightly.

    "You''re a little too mature to be riding around town in that, don''t you think?"

    His interest usually leaned towards more mature and stable types of vehicles.

    He barely remembered who had given him that motorcycle.

    It was a new model, born from a coboration with a motorcycle brand, and had been gathering dust in his garage since its arrival.

    He hadn''t shown much interest in her.

    Alicia, unfazed, reached out to touch the bike. ¡°I''m keeping it. ¡°I rode one in college and it was incredibly cool.¡±

    Caden could see that she was truly delighted with her.

    She looked as delighted as a child in a candy store.

    He gave in, shrugged, took off his jacket and came over. His build was reminiscent of an international male model, especially his strong, slim legs. Once on the bike, I have mastered it like an experienced rider.

    Alicia held on tightly to her clothes, her legs swinging freely as her feet couldn''t touch the ground. Caden put on his helmet and noticed Alicia struggling with the safety buckle.

    He turned to help her with the buckle.

    Just then, Alice saw the helmet disy light up, like the glowing eyes of a panther at night.

    He smiled. ¡°How cool.¡±

    Caden responded with a chuckle.

    He rified timidly: "I meant the helmet."

    Knowing that she admired him greatly, Caden simply smiled and revved the engine.

    Alicia hugged him securely.

    Caden had said this was a ride for young thrill-seekers. Once he got going, however, he drove it as aggressively as a race car, cutting through traffic with precision.

    At first Aliceughed, but after several idents, all she could do was scream.

    The journey was so intense that it seemed like his soul was struggling to keep up with his body.

    They weren''t far from Monica''s house, but Caden drove around the overpass several more times. It waste in the day when he finally slowed down.

    "Do you want to go for another ride next time?" he asked the woman clinging to him.

    Alicia, her arms tight around her waist and her voice shaking, managed to say, "Yes."

    Caden let out a loudugh.

    As they approached Monica''s house, Caden slowed his pace.

    Exhausted and sleepy, Alice took off her helmet and leaned on her back.

    Suddenly, an animal crossed his path, heading straight for his front wheel. Caden immediately braked, narrowly avoiding an ident.

    Alice snapped back to alert, confused.

    "What just happened?"

    Caden looked into the distance.

    They had nearly run over a scruffy old dog, who was now trembling as he approached the bike, pawing at the steering wheel.

    Alice caught her breath as she saw a tiny puppy lying on the ground, barely alive. ¡°She''s trying to get us to help her baby,¡± she murmured.

    Caden''s expression soured.

    ¡°Leave it,¡± he said, ready to leave.

    However, Alice couldn''t leave him there and got off the bike.

    She was not one to shy away from getting dirty and immediately picked up the puppy to check on him. The puppy, who was probably only a month old and was starving, instinctively started sucking on her thumb.

    Caden looked away, feeling sick at the scene. The mother dog had passed away just after Alicia picked up the pup.

    Alicia, heartbroken, looked at Caden pleadingly.

    ?Caden, we have to¡­?

    Caden cut her off abruptly. ¡°No way.¡±

    Alice paused, surprised.

    Realizing that he was not going to help, she said, "Then I''ll take care of it myself."

    He wrapped the shivering pup in his helmet.

    ¡°Look, Caden, it fits perfectly.¡±

    Noticing his determination, Caden asked, ¡°And where do you n to store it?¡±

    "At first I''ll leave it with Monica, and when I have my own house, I''ll take it there," he exined.

    Caden frowned deeper. ¡°Are you not going to stay in my house anymore?¡±

    "Why should I stay there?" Alice replied, puzzled by his tone.

    Caden replied curtly, ¡°For convenience.¡±

    Alice was momentarily speechless, remembering that, until their recent argument, she had been temporarily staying at her house.

    I have pondered your question.

    "If I decide to keep the puppy, will you let me keep it?"

    Caden was speechless, not knowing what to answer.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 151

    Chapter 151:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia stood still, holding her helmet and staring intently at Caden.

    She fought her habit of being neat. "I''ll find someone to adopt him," she dered.

    Alice replied firmly: "I want to keep it."

    Caden slowed slightly. ¡°I¡¯ll contact the best pet store in Warrington to make sure he¡¯s well taken care of, okay?¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Alice insisted: "I want to keep it for myself."

    Caden''s expression turned stern. ¡°Is that really necessary?¡±

    Alice, determined, replied: "I can rent a ce outside. They won''t bother you."

    Caden was silent for a moment before coldly ordering, ¡°Get in.¡±

    Alice''s face lit up and she quickly got on the motorcycle.

    She noticed that Caden had agreed to keep the puppy. Smiling, she said, ¡°His teeth are so soft, and it feels soothing when he nibbles on your fingers. Wanna try?¡±

    Caden was shocked and cursed under his breath.

    "Get away from me."

    They then visited a nearby pet hospital to get the puppy vinated and dewormed, and also picked up puppy form and a number of dog supplies.

    Alicia loaded the supplies onto Caden''s motorcycle.

    ¡°Take this to the apartment first. ¡°I promised Monica I would spend time with her today, so I have to go.¡±

    Caden looked deeply upset.

    The pup, now fed and content, was fast asleep.

    Back in the apartment, Caden pulled out the pink pillow Alicia had chosen and frowned.

    He ced the puppy on top of him and casually checked his sex.

    He was a male.

    A pink pillow for a male dog?

    He thought he should at least check to see if the puppy wasfortable with him.

    After taking care of these tasks, Caden washed and sanitized his hands thoroughly.

    By the time I finished, it was well into the evening. He wasn''t ready for bed, though, and sat down at his desk to catch up on some pending work. His grandmother Ciara called out to him.

    I picked it up immediately. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Grandma?¡±

    Ciara looked tired. ¡°I''ve already slept eleven. Why aren¡¯t you resting yet?¡±

    Caden let out a silent sigh of relief.

    "I''m working," I muttered.

    ¡°Eleven thirty?¡± Ciara exhaled deeply. ¡°Spend more time with thedies, Caden.¡±

    Caden massaged his temples.

    In fact, I had spent a considerable amount of time with Alicia today.

    Ciara, restless and unable to sleep, was talkative tonight.

    The topic soon changed to her future spouse.

    "Come back after Christmas. I want to introduce you to someone. You don''t have to get married, but try to start a rtionship, okay?"

    ¡°I¡¯ll be too busy next year,¡± Caden replied.

    "You''re always busy. What do you do all day?"

    Caden looked at the pillow nearby.

    He quickly came up with an excuse. ¡°I have a dog to take care of now.¡±

    Ciara was surprised. ¡°A dog? ¡°You don¡¯t like pets.¡±

    Caden wasn''t sure what had prompted his agreement to Alicia''s request earlier.

    "Maybe I''m not feeling well," I suggested.

    Ciara worried. ¡°Sick again? ¡°You¡¯re too fragile for your age.¡±

    I paused briefly, not wanting to prolong the conversation and annoy Ciara further. ¡°How many people are you taking with you to Warrington?¡±

    "None. They don''t know Warrington. I might have to hire bodyguards."

    "Okay, I''ll take care of it personally."

    When Alice entered Monica''s house, she greeted her with a mocking smile. "Is that handsome biker the guy you''ve been secretly dating?"

    Alice cleared her throat awkwardly.

    "No, I don''t know him."

    "But what brought you here?" Monica raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Sure, I called a rental car service,¡± Alicia lied smoothly. ¡°He''s just a wealthy young man exploring how normal people live,¡± she added. Monica let the matter drop.

    ¡°Sure, I know you''re shy. Just let me know when you decide to go public.¡± Monica then added thoughtfully, ¡°Even without seeing his face, I could tell he¡¯s well endowed.¡± She smiled knowingly. ¡°He reminds me of Caden.¡±

    Alicia was left speechless by thement.

    Monica joked: "Why didn''t you kiss her goodbye before you left?"

    Alicia felt a tickle on her lips. "I''m going to take a shower, Monica," she replied, quickly leaving the room.

    Once in the bathroom, Alicia remembered that she had already showered in Caden''s office that same day.

    However, to avoid Monica''s skeptical gaze, he decided to shower again.

    Dressed in the revealing nightwear Monica had bought her, Alicia returned with her cheeks tinted red.

    Monica, lying on the bed with her chin resting on her hand, looked at her yfully. ¡°Look at that slim waist! Any man would be tempted,¡± she joked.

    Alicia giggled and yfully threw herself onto the bed, wrestling with Monica.

    Monica delighted in the contact.

    Although they had often shared a bed in the past, physical contact was rare. Alice expected him to tickle her, but he didn''t.

    Pausing, he grabbed Monica''s hand and asked seriously, "Do you want to look under my dress?"

    Monica''s smile widened mischievously. "Do you want me to?"

    Alicia acknowledged, she needed to confirm something.

    Monica indulged her for a while before removing her hand. ¡°How soft. ¡°Can I touch your ass too?¡±

    Alice declined and slid under the nket.

    Memories of today''s events in Caden''s office flooded her mind, puzzling her as to why Monica''s touch left her unfazed, yet Caden''s presence was overwhelmingly moving.

    She bit her lip, feeling trapped by her emotions. Monica, watching her, sneered, ¡°Are you thinking about another man while you''re in my bed?¡±

    Alice''s face turned to a deeper red and she buried herself under the nket.

    "No," he muttered under his breath.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 152

    Chapter 152:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Recently, the weather in Warrington had turned quite cold with significant precipitation. Caden, concerned for Ciara''sfort, suggested that she postpone her visit until the weather improved.

    Ciara always trusted Caden''s judgment in such matters. Over the phone, he warned her, ¡°It''s getting colder. Wrap up warm. You seem to be always wrapped up in work. Are you taking care of yourself? Are you eating well?¡±

    Sitting on the edge of the tub, Caden assured her as he checked the water temperature, ¡°Don''t worry. ¡°Everything is under control.¡±

    Curious about the background noise, Ciara asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m about to take a bath,¡± Caden replied, looking toward the door.

    Ciara observed, ¡°It¡¯s still daylight. Isn¡¯t it too early to take a bath?¡± Caden just smiled silently.

    "Grandma, I have to go now," she ended the call, wrapped a towel around her waist and headed back to the bedroom.

    The bed was untidy but cozy, with Alice resting in the center of it.

    The nket around her waist barely concealed the intimate marks that adorned her legs and back. Caden''s eyes lingered on those red reminders of their passion.

    His touch wasn''t rough, but Alicia''s sensitive skin bore the marks of their encounters, marks that faded and then reappeared.

    These marks served as silent affirmations of their intense connection.

    ¡°Are you still catching your breath?¡± Caden teased, his voice yful as he held her close, his chest pressing against her back. ¡°Bath time.¡±

    Alice, her cheeks still glowing with warmth, buried her face in the mattress and bit her lip.

    "Let''s rest a little longer. You go ahead," he murmured, his voice hoarse with exhaustion.

    Caden acknowledged her exhaustion, but opted to carry her into the tub, determined not to let her overexert herself.

    As they settled into the tub, Alicia''s phone began to ring. Recognizing the tone, Caden handed her the phone without looking at it.

    The caller ID disyed a woman''s name. Alicia, recognizing the name, stood up abruptly, causing water to ssh over them both. Caden, soaked but attentive, watched her intently, waiting for her exnation.

    Alicia greeted warmly, ¡°Hello,¡± as Caden joined her in the tub.

    Water cascaded over the edge, soaking the ground.

    Alicia spoke firmly into the phone. ¡°Two o''clock, okay? Okay. I''ll be there on time. Thanks.¡± After hanging up, she found herself wrapped in Caden''s embrace.

    ¡°Was this an interview?¡± Caden asked.

    Smiling widely, Alicia replied, ¡°Yes, for a position as a music teacher at Los Academy. Mr. Hopkins rmended me to the headmaster, who seemed quite impressed.¡± As they settled into the cramped space of the tub, Caden couldn''t help but share her happiness, his own smile mirroring hers.

    ¡°The Academy, huh? Lots of rich kids there. Think you can handle the noise?¡±

    Aliceughed. ¡°The director offered me a good sry, so a little noise is a small price to pay.¡±

    Caden yfully sshed water at him.

    "And what is the sry?"

    ¡°Twenty-five thousand dors before taxes,¡± Alice said, leaning toward him wearily.

    ¡°I am delighted,¡± she continued. ¡°I have not worked for a while, and I need to save a significant amount to open my art gallery.¡±Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Caden half-jokingly, half-seriously, frowned. ¡°Really? ¡°You could easily sweet-talk me with a little ttery.¡±

    Alice''s answer was gentle but firm. "I''d rather not depend on a man."

    Overwhelmed by her presence and softened by her touch, Caden found her irresistibly attractive.

    His hands moved underwater, pulling her closer.

    Alicia resisted, her strength was no match for his.

    Water erupted around her as she protested, ¡°Caden, that''s enough! ¡°We¡¯ve reached our limit for today.¡±

    His gaze intensified, the impulse undeniable.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this the perfect way to celebrate your new job?¡± he coaxed, the tension between them sizzling in the humid air.

    Alice repeatedly said no, biting her lip in protest as she struggled to free herself.

    Worried about hurting her, Caden offered apromise. ¡°This one counts for tomorrow.¡±

    Alice paused, then countered firmly: ¡°You broke the rules, so you must be punished. This should negate the next three times.¡±

    Cadenughed, incredulous at her audacity. ¡°You''re incredibly greedy.¡±

    "If you don''t agree, let me go," Alice demanded, unwavering in her stance.

    Caden, using his cunning, targeted her weak points, but Alicia stubbornly resisted, gritting her teeth and refusing to give in to his advances.

    Unable to convince her, Caden finally capitted.

    ¡°Okay,¡± he reluctantly agreed and leaned in to kiss her, but she turned her face away, rejecting the gesture.

    At that moment, the puppy, alerted by the noise, ran into the bathroom.

    Startled, Alice sshed into the water.

    ¡°Why didn''t you close the door?¡± she said to Caden. The puppy, mistaking her sshing for y, wagged her tail excitedly and ran in circles around the tub.

    Caden, disgusted by the intrusion, waved dismissively at the pup. ¡°Lucky, out.¡±

    Alice, catching the name, looked up sharply. ¡°What did you just call him?¡±

    Caden, looking at her and then at the slight swell of her abdomen, replied with a soft chuckle, ¡°Lucky. Isn¡¯t that a pretty name?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 153

    Chapter 153:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    "Idiot!"

    Caden wasn''t sure if she was angry at his rudeness or at him using her nickname for the pup. Either way, her voice sounded oddly sweet to him.

    The water sshed more violently in the bathtub.

    Alice''s sense of shame hadpletely disappeared. Her emotions took over, and her body trembled as soft sobs escaped her.

    Caden relished these moments. Watching her cry made her seem helpless as she clung to him tightly, desperate for any sense of stability.

    It gave her the satisfaction of knowing that he was the only one she could trust.

    The puppy noticed Alice''s tears and sensed that something was wrong. He stopped his yful movements, tilting his head in confusion as he watched her.

    From time to time, Alice caught his innocent and curious gaze.

    Her face turned red and she cursed Caden under her breath.

    Caden freed one hand and gestured for the pup toe closer.

    Although he had only been in his new home for a week, the puppy was surprisingly obedient. He snuggled into her fingers.

    Caden gently covered her eyes. ¡°Mom is a little shy. Don¡¯t stare at her.¡±

    After that day, everything went smoothly. Alicia''s skills were undeniable and, with Caden''s support, everything went swimmingly.

    In his spare time, he used to bring gifts when he visited Harley in the hospital.

    Harley''s recovery from surgery was going well, and Alicia spared no expense. She made sure Harley received the best care, from living conditions to medication.

    Gina would stop by from time to time, feeling guilty every time she saw the cupboards full of supplements.

    "I haven''t contributed much. You shouldn''t spend all this," Gina said.

    Alice also felt a pang of guilt.

    ¡°Were you thinking of quitting before you agreed to help me?¡± I have asked.

    Ginaughed at the idea. ¡°No, I¡¯ve always been Lilliana¡¯s punching bag. She made it clear that if I left, I''d never find another job as an assistant. With Harley¡¯s medical bills piling up, I couldn¡¯t afford to walk away from a job like that.¡±

    When Alice heard the term "punching bag" and thought of Lilliana''s attitude, she realized that Gina must have toughened up a lot.

    Alice felt a pang of sympathy for her.

    ¡°When Harley is discharged, you won''t have to work as hard anymore,¡± Alice said quietly. ¡°When this is all over, the Green family won''t bother you and you''ll be able to find a job that makes you truly happy.¡±

    Gina looked at her with a hint of envy.

    Alice felt sorry for her.

    It was clear that Alicia''s life was in a much better ce now.

    ¡°Miss Bet, my situation is not your responsibility. You don''t need to feel sorry for me. I''m helping you because I want to. Besides, you saved Harley''s life. Everything I¡¯ve done for you is nothingpared to that,¡± Gina said with a soft smile.

    Alice felt a lump form in her throat as emotion welled up inside her.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Alice said softly. She then offered moreforting words that seemed to ease Gina''s heart.

    ¡°I understand, Mrs. Bet,¡± Gina replied with a warm smile. It was then that she noticed the shopping bag lying next to Alicia.

    He was able to recognize the logo.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    It was from a home goods store that she frequently visited to purchase Lilliana''s personal items.

    A tag hung from the bag, revealing that it contained a pair of men''s pajamas in size triple XL.

    Gina smiled knowingly. ¡°Miss Bet, you should go home. Don¡¯t keep your family waiting.¡±

    Alice followed her gaze to the bag and quickly turned red, feeling a little embarrassed.

    She hadn''t bought the pajamas specifically for Caden. He had casually mentioned that he needed new onesst time, so she grabbed a pair while she was shopping for other things today.

    "Okay, I''m leaving now. Take care of yourself."

    ¡°I will,¡± Gina replied.

    In order not to attract attention, Gina did not apany her. Alicia had not gone very far when she crossed paths with Joshua and Lilliana.

    Lilliana was wearing sunsses and looked irritated. On the other hand, Joshua had a nk expression and hostility was reflected in his eyes.

    Joshua stopped abruptly when he saw Alicia. Even behind her sunsses, Lilliana''s resentment was evident.

    Too much had happened between themtely.

    Lilliana couldn''t contain her temper and said, "Joshua, what a coincidence. We actually ran into your ex-wife at the hospital."

    Joshua didn''t seem fazed.

    "You said it yourself. She''s my ex-wife. She doesn''t mean anything to me anymore."

    He squeezed Lilliana''s hand tightly. "Let''s go."

    Alice kept her mouth shut. She couldn''t wait to get away from them.

    But Lilliana wasn''t finished. She read over and hissed, "Alice, you''re an orphan. So you''re not here visiting family. Are you the one dying of cancer?"

    Alice''s gaze drifted to Lilliana''s swollen belly.

    Alice calmly replied, ¡°You''re pregnant. Try to be kind, if not for yourself, then for your baby.¡±

    Lilliana rubbed her belly and took a step closer.

    Alice looked at her.

    Lilliana¡¯s cocky attitude mirrored Joshua¡¯s perfectly. ¡°I underestimated you, Alicia,¡± Lilliana said. ¡°Who would have thought you would end up with Caden?¡±

    With the Yates family facing trouble, the Green family had been dragged into the mess. They were now under investigation for reasons they could not exin.

    Everything was spiraling into chaos.

    Lilliana knew it was Alicia who had instigated Caden to act, and the thought made her want to destroy Alicia.

    Alicia was nothing more than a discarded woman. How had she managed to get Caden involved?

    Alicia kept herposure. ¡°I am much more capable than you think.¡±

    Lilliana scoffed. ¡°Really? That''s hrious. ¡°A woman who uses her body to climb the stairs really thinks she¡¯s something special.¡± She covered her mouth,ughing mockingly.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 154

    Chapter 154:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    The floor was almost empty, with few patients or staff passing through.

    With no one around, Lilliana''s insults grew louder.

    ?Women like you are nothing more than toys for men. They throw you away once they''ve had their fun. "And you really think you matter?"

    Alice remained indifferent to his insults.

    "So, Ms. Green, in your opinion, whenever there''s a man involved, it''s the woman who loses. When Joshua cheated on me during our marriage, did he see you as just a tool to satisfy his needs?"

    Lilliana''s expression darkened.

    "Do you really think you''re in the same league as me?"

    Alice burst outughing.

    Her eyes shifted to Joshua.

    Alice said slowly, ¡°Your fianc¨¦ must be something special for you to be his mistress and get pregnant while he was still married to another woman. But what about Caden?¡±

    He paused briefly before continuing confidently. ¡°Caden¡¯s capabilities eclipse Joshua¡¯s in every way. So now that I¡¯m with him, tell me, who really benefits here?¡±

    Lilliana scoffed.

    ¡°You''re so naive. Do you really think you and Caden are together? He''ll get tired of you in no time. Just wait, he''ll throw you out like garbage.¡±

    Alice shrugged. ¡°Even if it''s just for a week, I''d be better off. ¡°I¡¯m not the one making the effort.¡±

    Lilliana''sposure began to crack.

    Alicia smiled as she met Lilliana''s gaze. "But what about you, Miss Green? After two years with Joshua, how much have you earned?"

    Lilliana was speechless.

    Alice feigned regret. ¡°Oh, I almost forgot. In your world, women exist only to serve men. I should ask Mr. Yates instead.¡±

    He turned to Joshua, whose face was darkened with anger.

    ¡°In terms of bedroom skills, I''m nowhere near your level. You''ve impregnated the daughter of the Green family, and she''s willing to give you hundreds of millions. Tell me, who else in all of Warrington has talent like you?¡±

    Joshua''s fury increased.

    Alicia hadn''t directly called him an opportunist, but every word hit the mark.

    He clenched his fists and red at her in pure rage. Despite his death re, Alice didn''t flinch.

    "Mr. Yates, you should think of the future. A man''s charm does notst forever, and good looks cannot be relied upon for long," she said.

    That was enough to push Joshua over the edge.

    He took a step forward, closing the distance between them. Alicia didn''t move, staring nkly.

    Joshua red at the face he once knew so well, but now found unfamiliar and infuriating. ¡°You¡¯ll regret your decisions, Alicia.¡±

    Alice gave a littleugh. ¡°Regret? There is no greater regret than marrying you.¡±

    Joshua''s eyes burned with fury.

    Alice''s face showed clearly that her marriage had been nothing but a source of shame to her.

    The sound of a nurse''s cart echoed down the hall, breaking the tension of the narrow corridor.

    Lilliana, ever mindful of her reputation, quickly put her sunsses back on and forced herself to appear calm.

    Alice turned around and walked away.

    Joshua watched her go, struggling to breathe as anger took hold within him.

    Every fiber of his being was filled with anger.

    Or maybe what he felt was regret and anguish. There were all kinds of mixed emotions inside him.

    Lilliana''s anger was clear as she gritted her teeth. ¡°When Caden leaves her, I¡¯ll make sure she suffers.¡±

    Joshua slowly clenched his fists, feeling his frustration growing even more.

    Regaining hisposure, Joshua put his arm around Lilliana''s shoulders. ¡°Let''s go. ¡°We should get back.¡±

    As they turned to leave, Gina emerged from the break room.

    Joshua stopped when he saw her. ¡°Gina, is that you?¡±

    Gina felt a sudden jolt of surprise, and the ss in her hand trembled for a moment.

    He calmed down and quickly adopted a calm demeanor. ¡°Miss Green, Mr. Yates, what do you bring you here?¡± he asked, keeping his tone as neutral as possible.

    Joshua briefly thought about Alicia, who had just left. For some reason, he couldn''t get the connection between Gina and Alicia out of his mind, although he didn''t know why.

    Lilliana wasn''t feeling well. "Her doctor has a meeting on this floor, so we thought we''d stop by," Joshua exined.

    "Harley has a brain tumor, right?"

    Gina agreed. ¡°Yes, Harley has a brain tumor,¡± she said, concern visible on her face.

    "How are you?" Joshua asked.

    Gina squeezed her ss tightly, a serious expression crossing her face. ¡°Okay. Thanks for asking.¡±

    Lilliana''s impatience boiled over and she insisted, "We have to go now! Why do you ask?"Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Joshua decided to end the conversation and walked away with Lilliana by his side.

    His mind drifted off into thought, lost in his own worries. Noticing his distraction, Lilliana''s irritation grew. "Are you really enchanted with every woman you meet now?"

    Joshua puts aside Lilliana''s pettiness and focused on Harley''s situation.

    I discovered that Harley had already had surgery.

    "Gina earns $20,000 a month, but her expenses are considerable. How can she afford Harley''s surgery?"

    Joshua''s question immediately made Lilliana nervous.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I have asked.

    Then a thought crossed his mind regarding Alice.

    ¡°Are you suggesting that¡­¡± Lilliana¡¯s confusion deepened. ¡°Alice was here for Gina?¡±

    I remembered that Alice had indeede in the direction of Harley''s living room.

    Joshua didn''t see the connection.

    ¡°I found it strange. ¡°They are strangers, and yet, suddenly, they know each other.¡± I had always been a suspicious person, and I intended to find out more.

    ¡°Gina is your assistant, so I need to look into this.¡±

    However, this was not the only thing he had in mind. I have nned to keep a close eye on all of Alice''s future actions.

    .

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 Chapter 155

    Chapter 155:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Joshua quickly began investigating Gina''s background. He discovered that the funds for Harley''s operation hade from an anonymous benefactor.

    However, he was unable to find any relevant information. This result was different from what he had expected and left him frustrated.

    Noting his seriousness, Lilliana coldlymented, ¡°It seems you be especially meticulous when Alicia is involved. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you cared so much about her.¡±

    Joshua put down the phone.

    For everyone''s sake, he knew he had to convince her of his patience and kindness, no matter how exhausted he felt.

    "With everything going on right now, how could I possibly focus on anything else? I just want to get through this difficult time with you."

    Lilliana looked at him, disappointment evident in her eyes.

    ¡°You only appreciate my worth when you''re in trouble,¡± he sneered. ¡°Didn¡¯t you consider the consequences when you were sneaking around with Alicia behind my back?¡±

    When Lilliana discovered Alicia was staying at the Yates mansion, fury coursed through her veins. Although Joshua managed to calm her downter, the situation continued to gnaw at her.

    As he held her, Joshua said reassuringly, ¡°Alicia jumped on me. When I didn''t respond, she turned to Caden. You know that, right?¡±

    Lilliana pushed his hand away forcefully. ¡°Do you think I''m a child?¡±

    How could Alice stay at the Yates mansion for so long without Joshua''s permission?All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    Lilliana had always recognized theplexity of Joshua''s character.

    She admired his intelligence and his ruthless ambition, but she couldn''t ept it when it was directed against her.

    ¡°From now on, we must sleep in separate rooms,¡± he announced. ¡°You can be with whoever you want. ¡°I won¡¯t mind.¡±

    Hearing this, Joshua felt a sh of hope.

    He hugged her tightly. ¡°You''re pregnant. How can I let you sleep alone? I''d be so worried. Honey, I love you, and only you.¡±

    Lilliana remained impassive at his words.

    "Joshua, if you really love me, prove it to me. Do you understand?"

    Joshua tried to reassure her.

    "Once the crisis at mypany is resolved, I will spend every moment with you, I promise."

    "SW?" Lilliana looked at him coldly. ¡°Don''t you know what frustrates me the most?¡±

    Joshua paused, contemting his question.

    I knew the answer all too well.

    After a moment of struggling, he gently caressed her cheek.

    "Tell me, what do you think should happen to Alice?"

    Lilliana''s expression began to soften.

    She stood on tiptoe and whispered a few words in his ear.

    His pupils dted slightly and he responded with a smile.

    "It''s a simple solution. When I seed, I''ll leave it in your hands."

    Imagining that scenario, Lilliana felt a surge of triumph, which instantly lifted her spirits.

    She said, ¡°When I feel better, I will ask my father for money. If you want to solve your problems quickly, you better keep me happy. Understand?¡±

    Joshua scoffed inwardly.

    What right did she have to threaten him?

    He remained silent, preferring to focus his gaze on the lower abdomen.

    The Green family was very fond of Lilliana, and they would no doubt be even more protective of the child she was carrying.

    It seemed that more drastic measures would have to be taken.

    Joshua subtly added medication to Lilliana''s regr supplements and before long, his n took effect. She ended up hospitalized with a threatened miscarriage.

    The Green family was plunged into chaos.

    Everyone was quick to express their concern.

    Lilliana was terrified, crying inconsbly, while Joshua stayed by her side, trying tofort her.

    Cedric''s anxiety was evident on his face.

    I have pulled Joshua aside to speak privately.

    Before Cedric could speak, Joshua quickly took the me.

    ¡°Cedric, this is all my fault. ¡°Lilliana has been running around because of me, and her worrying almost caused me to have a miscarriage.¡±

    Cedric furrowed his eyebrows in response.

    Unable to contain his anger, Cedric reprimanded Joshua harshly.

    Joshua epted the reprimand withoutint. ¡°Cedric, if it helps, you can hit me to relieve your frustration.¡±

    Cedric wanted nothing more than to hit Joshua, but he recognized the deep love Lilliana felt for him and knew that such an action would only cause her anguish.

    Given the circumstances, Cedric had no choice but to ask, ¡°How much do you need?¡±

    A spark of satisfaction flickered in Joshua''s eyes. "Cedric, I''ll figure it out on my own. I don''t want your money," he replied.

    Cedric scoffed, ¡°Stop joking. Tell me what you need.¡±

    Joshua replied, ¡°If you could give me a billion dors, that would be perfect.¡±

    Cedric''s expression changed.

    In the past, he would have had no problem providing that amount of money, buttely, Caden had put him in a bind.

    Forget about a billion dors; I doubted he even had $300 million.

    "I can offer you a maximum of 100 million dors," he said firmly, making it clear that there would be no negotiation. "The rest you will have to manage on your own."

    Joshua was speechless.

    After all his efforts, he had only raised $100 million.

    But the journey was long and he was in no hurry. He said respectfully, ¡°Thank you, Cedric.¡±

    Now that he had secured some funding from the Green family, it was time for the Yates family to step up.

    Hearing the full story, Jerald reacted dramatically. He quickly picked up the phone to call Caden.

    ¡°Good for you, Caden! Joshua is your brother! How could you betray him like that?¡± Jerald scolded angrily. ¡°You better give him his money back right now or you''ll regret it!¡±

    .

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 Chapter 156

    Chapter 156:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden was at home, absorbed in work when Jerald''s call came.

    Alicia was lying on the couch next to him, preparing for her lessons. When she heard Jerald''s voice, she discreetly moved to the balcony to give Caden some privacy.

    The balcony door was soundproof, ensuring that they would not disturb each other.

    Alice settled back, hoping to concentrate on her preparations.

    However, it wasn''t long before his notes became disorganized and chaotic.

    His thoughts kept returning to the room.

    Unable to resist the temptation, he took a look inside.

    Although she couldn''t hear the conversation, Alicia could see Caden''s expression quite clearly.

    His lips moved asionally, indicating that he was responding with some words.

    For the most part, his expression remained unchanged. However, after spending so much time with him, I could sense his displeasure.

    It was clear that Jerald''s words were especially harsh. Alicia was well acquainted with Jerald''s temperament. No matter how sessful Caden became, he always remained the unappreciated son in Jerald''s eyes. True to form, Jerald was not content with scolding Caden, but resorted to physical violence. He hit Caden so hard that it seemed like he didn''t care if he caused serious harm.

    Alicia absentmindedly flipped through her book, but her attention returned to the room when she noticed that Caden had hung up the phone.

    He seemed as calm as ever and quickly returned to his work.

    Alice touched her nose, opened the door and entered the room.

    Uncertain of Caden''s mood, she refrained from asking him directly and instead sought herself with various tasks.

    I fiddled with a vase for a moment.

    Then he looked at the bookshelf and nced at its contents.

    Then I filled a ss with water.

    Caden remained deeply focused on his work, not even looking up.

    Alice watched him in silence. She supposed it was nothing serious; if it was, he would have lost his temper by now.

    One moment.

    Why were you worried about his mood?

    You shouldn''t care.

    Feeling like an intruder, she began cutting fruit.

    After taking a bite, he walked out and leaned against the wall to take a look at the desk, only to find that Caden had disappeared.

    Alice felt puzzled. Where could he have gone?

    Just then, she felt a presence behind her.

    ¡°What are you looking for?¡± Caden''s deep voice echoed.

    She turned around, clearly displeased. ¡°Can¡¯t you make some noise when you walk?¡±

    ¡°Am I walking too quietly, or are you just too distracted to notice?¡± Caden asked nonchntly as he picked up a piece of fruit and popped it into his mouth. ¡°Why are you sneaking around?¡±

    "I''m not lurking," Alice replied.

    Caden savored the sweet taste of mango as he picked Alicia up and ced her on hisp at his desk, inviting her to feed him.

    Alice had grown ustomed to his ways, so she offered him piece after piece.

    When Caden joined an audio conference, his mouth quickly filled with fruit.

    Before he could chew, Alice shoved another piece into her mouth, treating it like it was a factory assembly line.

    Keeping his demeanor deadpan, Cadenmented, ¡°Aren''t you just going to shove the whole te in my mouth?¡±

    Alice was speechless.

    When she noticed that her chin was stained with mango juice from her hasty feeding, she realized that she was feeding him too fast and decided to grab a piece for herself.

    Caden had his hands full, so Alicia grabbed a tissue and wiped the juice off his chin.

    Caden cocked his head.

    Alice blinked and reminded him, ¡°There¡¯s juice on the corner of your mouth.¡±

    Caden turned off the microphone and looked at her. ¡°You don''t need a tissue. Just use your mouth.¡±

    Alice felt a blush creep into her cheeks.

    Although she initially refused, Caden put his arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

    "Why not? Are you worried that your tongue might identally get in my mouth?"

    ¡°Of course not! Do you think Ick self-control?¡± Alice replied immediately.

    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Caden replied.

    "It''s good you should know that," Alice replied.

    ¡°You really have no self-control. Sometimes I don''t even have to lift a finger. Just one look at you and you get nervous,¡± Caden mocked.

    Alice felt her cheeks heat up.

    I whispered, ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    Caden gave her a smile.

    Determined to prove that she was not that kind of person, Alice acted quickly.

    She leaned over to him and licked the juice from the corner of his lips.

    Caden stopped mocking and turned up the volume of the meeting.

    Alice was puzzled when she heard someone speaking.

    "When did the meeting start?"

    Caden looked at her and replied, ¡°It started when I brought you here.¡±

    Alice instinctively covered her mouth.

    "Have you heard everything we said before?" she asked, looking him straight in her eyes.

    Caden chuckled, hiding the fact that he had muted his microphone. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Feeling mortified, Alice tried to escape.

    Caden didn''t let her go, though. I have ced her between the desk and his chest.

    "Keep feeding me. There''s still fruit on the te."

    Unable to resist, Alice yfully punched him and whispered, ¡°Let me go!¡±

    Caden replied, "If you don''t feed me, I''ll have you right here."

    Alice was speechless.

    I couldn''t believe he would make such a bold statement in front of his employees.

    Still, I knew he was capable of doing such extravagant things.

    Reluctantly, she agreed.

    As Caden ate, she turned the microphone back on in front of her.

    Alice was once again speechless.

    With a determined expression, she shoved arge piece of fruit into her mouth.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    Caden growled, pausing momentarily to stop himself from choking.

    Hearing the noise, someone asked worriedly, "Mr. Ward, are you okay?"

    .

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 Chapter 157

    Chapter 157:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden finished chewing the fruit and affirmed firmly. "Forks. Continue.¡±

    Alicia remained a silent observer for the rest of the meeting.

    Chain operated with mechanical precision. His thoughts flowed seamlessly into his speech. I have identified each problem with ease and immediately proposed solutions. Someone with such a keen intellect and skill naturally attracted attention.

    Caden embodied this quality more than most.

    Alicia was attracted to him without realizing it. Caden was familiar with the way people looked at him.

    However, having Alicia around in that heated environment tested his resolve and, despite his usual self-discipline, he began to fail.

    He bent his head and spoke into her ear. ¡°Be careful with me, Mrs. Bet. ¡°I¡¯m getting hard.¡±

    Alice stood still for a moment, then looked down without thinking.

    Her cheeks flushed as she looked up again.

    Caden understood the effect it had on him. He ended the meeting early to avoid losing control.

    Alice finally rxed, taking a deep breath. ¡°I didn''t know you were so sensitive. ¡°All I did was look at you.¡±

    Desire sparkled in Caden''s eyes. ¡°Think about it. ¡°How long has it been since west slept together?¡±Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Alice thought for a moment.

    He began to count on his fingers.

    Last time, he broke the rules, so theirst encounter counted as three.

    Yesterday he had been too busy and hadn''te home, so including today, only five days had passed.

    ¡°It''s only been five days,¡± she replied.

    Caden''s smile widened. ¡°Five days may not seem like much, but once you''ve experienced it, everything changes. ¡°Try going five days without something your body craves.¡±

    Alicia raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious. ¡°Are you that desperate? Before we were together, did you indulge yourself every night?¡±

    Caden''s jaw tightened slightly.

    His urge to have her right then almost got the better of him, but he remembered hismitmentster that day. He pushed his frustration aside.

    ¡°It''s the weekend. I''ve ordered a dress for you. ¡°It will arrive soon and you will wear it for the banquet.¡±

    Alice gave him a slight nod.

    "Was it expensive?"

    Caden looked her straight in his eyes.

    "I''m not like Joshua. When ites to you, I don''t hold back. Money is not an issue."

    The mention of Joshua stung, and Alicia''s smile faded.

    "I don''t want you to be like him. But I still want you to have what he has."

    Caden didn''t notice right away and scoffed.

    "What does he have that I don''t? A clueless mother, a psychotic father, and an impulsive fianc¨¦e?"

    Alice looked into his eyes.

    "Your father doesn''t hit you for no reason," he said calmly.

    Caden froze for a moment.

    Alice''s calm expression made him reconsider his answer, but he kept hisposure.

    Alice felt a tightness in her chest.

    "I''m not pitying you. I just don''t understand why you let Jerald treat you like that."

    Caden had reasons to defend himself. Why was he putting up with this?

    ¡°I have my reasons. Jerald is still useful to me, and his insults don''t affect me,¡± Caden said calmly.

    "They don''t affect you at all?" Alice asked.

    Caden didn''t answer, just staring at her hard.

    Seeing that he seemed nervous, Alice said, "Never mind. Forget I said anything."

    Caden''s grip tightened as he spoke in a cold tone.

    "Knowing that I share his blood makes me sick."

    Alice felt a sharp pain in her chest.

    She couldn''t understand the depth of Caden''s ns or the secrets he was keeping.

    I didn''t know what horrors he had faced growing up. It must have been full of suffering and loss.

    His father had never cared for him, and his mother passed away when he was still vulnerable.

    How could it not leave a mark on him?

    How could I not crave affection?

    In a low voice, he said, ¡°When I fell into the pool in the¡­¡±

    .

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 Chapter 158

    Chapter 158:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia felt her heart stop for a fraction of a second.

    She wanted to move, to get away, but her body refused to listen, frozen in ce as if some invisible force held her captive.

    Caden''s face was mere inches from hers, his breath hot against her skin and his chiseled features so perfect they seemed almost unreal. The mischievous glint in her deep eyes washed over her like an unstoppable tide, leaving her breathless.

    Her breathing became shallow, each inhtion slow and deliberate as her chest rose and fell against his. She wasn''t sure whose heart was pounding, his or hers.

    Alice parted her lips, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°Is there anyone who doesn''t like you?¡±

    The words seemed to catch Caden off guard.

    Only then did she notice his ears, which were flushed bright red. With a mocking arch of her brow, she asked, ¡°So, do you admit it?¡±

    Trying to suppress the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her, she replied with a defiant smile, ¡°Hard not to, considering your¡­ impressive skills in bed.¡±

    For a brief second, Caden seemed at a loss for what to say.

    His lips curved into a bemused smile. ¡°Is that all you like about me?¡±

    Her eyshes fluttered as she tried to regain herposure, her voice regaining its edge. ¡°What else is there to like? Your bad temper, or that sharp tongue of yours?¡±

    Caden scoffed, ¡°Who said my skills couldn''tpare to a teenager¡¯s?¡±

    Alice gave him a serious look. ¡°You must have worked really hard to keep up with me. Well done. ¡°I think I like you even more now.¡±

    Annoyed by her brazenment, Caden pped her on the butt.

    The sound was sharp, echoing in the silent room, and he felt the soft give of her skin beneath his palm.

    Feeling a little remorseful, she rubbed the spot she had just hit, although it was anything butforting. Alice flinched and arched her back to avoid the jab. ¡°See? You can''t stand a little teasing. ¡°How embarrassing.¡±

    He had raised his voice, inadvertently drawing the pup''s attention.

    The puppy shifted on his short legs, his tail wagging impatiently.

    Alicia took the opportunity to yfully shout, ¡°Cade, help!¡±

    Caden lowered his voice, his tone dangerous. ¡°Cade?¡± I snapped.

    Without warning, he quickly flipped her over onto her knees and pulled down her baggy lounge pants until the soft curve of her buttocks were exposed.

    With a satisfied smile, she gave him another p, this time even louder.

    Alice screamed, ¡°Caden, you moron! That hurts!¡±

    At his feet, the tiny pup, Cade, grew up and lunged, his tiny teeth sinking into the hem of Caden''s pants.

    Despite Cade''s "ferocious" attack, Caden barely flinched, never taking his eyes off Alicia''s figure. Her voice, deep and mocking, felt a chill down his spine. "When did you name the little bastard?"

    Alicia, her cheeks flushed from both irritation and the effort of blocking her wandering hand, covered her behind defensively. ¡°I named him a long time ago. ¡°He¡¯s always been Cade to me.¡±

    Caden''s busy schedule usually kept him distant, leaving early in the morning and returningte at night, barely catching a glimpse of the lively pup.

    Unbeknownst to him, Alice had been happily calling the dog ¡°Cade¡± behind his back.

    ¡°Change Lucky¡¯s name,¡± Caden demanded, the mirth in his tone fading into something darker. ¡°Or I¡¯ll give you a real reason to cry today.¡±

    Alicia''s eyes, watery with pain, blinked defiantly. "No. ¡°His name is Cade!¡±

    Caden paused, his hand resting firmly on her tender skin, the warmth of her body seeing into his palm.

    He could feel the heat radiating off of her, a clear indication of how much his earlier blow had hurt.

    Sighing, he changed tactics. ¡°You''re strong enough to withstand a spanking, right? If not, that''s fine. ¡°I¡¯ll punish that troublemaker instead.¡±

    As expected, Alice''s reaction was immediate.

    She turned around, eyes shining with unshed tears, ring at him. ¡°Why didn''t you say so before?! Cade can take a beating better than I can!¡±

    For a moment, Caden was speechless.

    Before he could react, Alice broke free from his grip, quickly pulling up her pants with a huff.

    Then she grabbed Cade and ran out of the room, leaving him alone.

    He didn''t bother to chase after her. Instead, he nced at his watch, turned off hisptop, and headed into the living room.

    As he rubbed his hands together, he enjoyed the scent of Alicia''s floral body lotion on his palms. ¡°What''s for dinner?¡±

    From across the room, Alicia poured milk into Cade''s bowl with a satisfied smile, her tone mischievous as she replied, "Celery with meat."

    Caden fell silent, wondering if she was pulling his leg. Unfortunately, she wasn''t joking.

    Sure enough, when he sat down at the table, three dishes greeted him.

    One was a celery sd, the second a beef sd, and the third, the dreaded celery with beef, her least favorite dish.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    He stared at his fork for an eternity, unable to take the first bite.

    Alice''s mocking voice cuts through the silence. "You don''t like it? Don''t worry. I can always make a soup with celery and beef, of course."

    Caden pressed his lips into a thin line, eyes narrowing slightly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just have some bread,¡± he said, his voice t, as if all food had lost its appeal.

    As he turned to leave, his gaze fell on the soft cushion on Alice''s chair.

    ¡°Does it hurt that much? ¡°I didn¡¯t even try very hard.¡± Alice''s expression hardened, but she didn''t say anything, her hands busy clearing the tes from the table. She didn''t even bother to look at him.

    ¡°Let the maid do it,¡± Caden addedzily.

    "Eat here."

    "So that?"

    ¡°My tie.¡± He tilted his chin toward the couch. ¡°Bring it here and tie it for me.¡±

    Alicia red at him, a sh of annoyance in her eyes. ¡°You get her,¡± she snapped, clearly fed up.

    Unfazed, Caden shifted his attention to the small pup resting nearby. ¡°Lucky, go get my tie.¡±

    Alicia frowned, frustrated. ¡°I told you, his name is Cade!¡±

    Obviously, the insufferable man was trying to irritate her on purpose.

    Bracing a hand against the furniture, Caden watched her, his expression amused. ¡°Are you crazy?¡± His voice was a mocking purr. ¡°Why aren''t you wearing your tie? Maybe you can strangle me with it.¡±

    His jaw tightened and he let out a frustrated sigh through his nose.

    He thought to himself, "The sooner this is over, the sooner I''ll be rid of him."

    With a sigh of resignation, she picked up the tie and stood in front of him, her fingers working carefully to knot the fabric around his neck.

    The tie was in ce in the blink of an eye.

    Before she could back away, however, Caden''s hand wandered over, caressing the curve of her ass. His tone softened, no longer yful. ¡°Does it really hurt that much?¡±

    Alice stiffened, her heart giving a little lust at the sudden change in her mood. The unexpected tenderness caught her off guard.

    ¡°I just¡­ I mean, I''m fine,¡± she stammered, clearing her throat as she pulled her hand away from him. ¡°As long as you don''t touch it, it doesn''t hurt.¡± But Caden refused to pull away.

    In any case, his hand stayed, gently rubbing her bottom as if tofort her.

    Alice bit her lip, shifting her weight closer to him. ¡°I¡¯m fine now,¡± she added quietly, hoping he¡¯d get the hint.

    His eyes darkened and locked onto hers with a new intensity. Without warning, his hand slipped beneath her clothes, warm fingertips brushing against her skin.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be busy this afternoon,¡± he murmured in a deep, almost intimate voice. ¡°I might be backte tonight, so you''d better not fall asleep. ¡°Wait for me.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 159

    Chapter 159:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice didn''t give her a direct answer.

    He pushed it away, turned on his heel and walked away.

    Even with her quick steps and calm face, Caden could see everything from his height, including the way her ears turned red. Her true feelings weren''t hidden at all.

    He smiled, smoothed the wrinkles out of his shirt from his touch, and walked out of the room.

    When Alice returned to the living room, her heart was still beating hard. She couldn''t calm down, no matter how much she waited.

    Something seemed different.

    However, I couldn''t figure out when the change had started.

    Shortly after Caden left, the clothes arrived.

    Alice was surprised.

    It wasn''t just one dress; it was a whole collection of clothes, bags, jewelry and more. It seemed like every season was included.

    As the closet filled with clothes, Alicia called out to Caden. ¡°Why did you suddenly buy me all this?¡±

    "They''re gifts from business partners. Rather than letting them sit in thepany warehouse, I thought you might find them useful."

    Alice didn''t know what to answer.

    His exnation made sense, but something still seemed strange to him.

    Still, his intentions seemed good.

    With that in mind, Alice said, "I can''t let you spend everything. I''ll take care of the rest."

    Caden paused before replying, ¡°Make sure we have condoms. ¡°We always seem to run out of them.¡±

    Alice was speechless again.

    It was the weekend and I had a self-defense ss scheduled.

    There had been a lot of new studentstely, so the studio organized a group meal after ss. Alicia thought about it for a while and agreed to join.

    The coach noticed his brief hesitation and asked curiously, ¡°Do you have ns for tonight?¡±

    Alice looked surprised and quickly shook her head. ¡°No, I don''t have anything nned.¡±

    The coach smiled. ¡°I thought you had an appointment. Don''t worry, these meetings happen often. If you¡¯re busy today, you cane next time.¡±

    Alice smiled back, her face graceful. ¡°No, I just have a puppy at home. ¡°I¡¯m a little worried, so I¡¯ll have to leave soon after dinner.¡±

    For some reason, a wave of guilt washed over her after saying this, and she lowered her head, straightening her clothes.

    The coach raised an eyebrow. ¡°Do you live alone?¡±

    "Yeah.

    "You''re so pretty. Are you really not seeing anyone?" the coach asked.

    Alicia shook her head. ¡°No, I just got divorced and I¡¯m not looking for a partner right now.¡±

    The coach was surprised.

    Had he been divorced?

    That day, winter had officially begun, bringing with it a light rain and a chill in the air.

    As the dinner progressed, the atmosphere became more lively. Alicia looked at the time and saw that it was already after nine, but the meeting showed no signs of ending. For some reason, she began to think about Caden.

    I have never stayed out past ten.

    Should you leave early?

    If I was home, I would have sent you a message already.

    The absence of any messages meant that he had not returned yet. Alice shook her head, trying to push the thought away.

    Why was I so worried about something so normal?

    At ten o''clock, dinner was finally over.

    Even though Caden hadn''t sent her any messages, she decided to go home anyway.

    He realized he was acting strange.

    On the way back, a voice kept insisting in his mind. ¡°He''s not home yet. If he was, he''d be calling you non-stop, telling you toe back.¡±

    Caden had always been impatient. He approached everything with intensity and determination.

    Waiting was not his style.

    Since there was no message from him, it was clear that he had not returned home yet. Alice didn''t feel the need to hurry. However, as she entered the elevator, time seemed to pass quickly.

    The elevator seemed unbearably slow today.

    Finally, he reached his door and unlocked it with his fingerprint.

    When she opened it slightly, only Cade came out to greet her.

    Alicia stood still for a few seconds, ncing around the empty living room. It was clear that Caden wasn''t home.

    She pulled herself together, bent down, and gently stroked Cade''s head.

    ¡°You must be hungry.¡± She picked him up and went inside. ¡°Sorry I''mte. ¡°Dinner took longer than expected.¡±

    After serving Cade some milk, Alicia realized that her clothes had gotten wet from the rain.

    The cold worried her, and she didn''t want to risk getting sick, so she headed straight for the shower.

    When the clock struck ten thirty, Caden still hadn''t sent a single message. Restless at home, she grabbed herptop and decided to go out.

    It was a holiday and the rain left the streets almost empty.

    He headed to the library, chose a quiet spot, put on his headphones, and concentrated on studying.

    For more than an hour she waspletely absorbed in her work.

    Her notes filled the page and she went through them patiently. But as she looked back, she realized that almost half of her notes were wrong.

    Frustration takes over and almost turns into anger. Unable to contain herself, she grabs her phone and texts Caden. ¡°I''m going to bed!¡±

    As soon as he hit send, it froze.

    The message carried more emotion than intended and felt oddly out of ce.

    At that moment, Caden had just finished dinner. A customer shook his hand and said, ¡°Mr. Ward, I look forward to our coboration.¡±Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Caden smiled kindly.

    "I think the same," he said.

    While Hank went to get the car, Caden pulled out his phone.

    He saw Alice''s angry message, looked at the time, and smiled to himself.

    It waste, but hadn''t he already told her he''d be backte? Couldn''t he have waited a little longer?

    ording to normal rules, I should have replied, ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon.¡±

    However, he was amused by Alice''s frustration.

    So she texted him: ¡°Go to sleep. ¡°I¡¯m not going out tonight.¡± She got no reply.

    Still, he could easily imagine her angry expression.

    A quietugh escaped him.

    The smile faded almost instantly.

    Still, Hank noticed and quietly clicked his tongue. He pretended not to see and walked over with the umbre for Caden.

    Once they were both in the car, Hank couldn''t resist teasing him. "You seem pretty happy, Mr. Ward. I guess today''s project went well."

    Caden calmly replied, ¡°Don''t you like making money?¡±

    .

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    .

 Chapter 160

    Chapter 160:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Hank muttered to himself, ¡°Yeah, right. Keep pretending. You''ve never been this excited about money before. ¡°You obviously have a certain woman in mind.¡±

    I started the car and spoke more seriously. ¡°Mr. Ward, I just heard that Mr. Yates has made a new move. He has acquired a painting and sold it to an art dealer in rrind for $200 million. The deposit was made today.¡±

    ¡°Painting? Which one?¡± Caden asked.

    ¡°The details are secret, so no one knows for now. But there is something fishy. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t be so secret.¡± Hank added: ¡°I¡¯ve been in touch with the buyer. Would you like to meet them?¡±

    Caden paused to think and looked at his watch. ¡°Okay.¡±

    Hank noticed the slight dy in his response and asked, "Mr. Ward, is something wrong at home?"

    ¡°It''s a minor matter. Nothing to worry about,¡± Caden replied. It was hard to tell what he was thinking.

    Hank slipped and said, ¡°It''ste. Mrs. Bet is probably asleep already.¡±

    Caden gave him a sharp look.

    Hank knew something about Alicia, but he wasn''t supposed to know they were living together.

    ¡°You seem to know quite a bit,¡± Caden noted.

    Hank shook. ¡°I''ve never been snooping around in your life, Mr. Ward. I may be curious, but I''ve always followed your orders. ¡°I never crossed the line.¡±

    ¡°So how did you find out?¡± Caden asked.

    Hank rubbed his nose. ¡°Isn''t it obvious? You smell like Miss Bet.¡±

    Caden didn''t know how to respond to that.

    He rarely smoked and rarely wore cologne. Hank had spent enough time around him to notice that something had changed.

    The smell wasn''t cologne. It was the lingering fragrance of fabric softener on his clothes.

    It was the same one that Alice used.

    From that fact alone, it was easy to deduce that they lived together.

    Hank felt really pleased. ¡°Mr. Ward, you¡¯ve been chasing Mr. Yates for Miss Bet, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    Caden lowered his head and spoke in an indifferent tone. ¡°It''s not thatplicated.¡±

    Hank understood the situation better now, so he didn''t ask any more questions.

    Caden''s intimidating presence made the dealer quickly confess under pressure.

    ¡°Did you get the painting?¡± Caden asked.

    The buyer shook his head. ¡°Mr. Yates is being very cautious. He only showed me a photo and said I could pick it up as soon as I paid in full.¡±

    Caden narrowed his eyes. ¡°What painting are we talking about?¡±

    ?From Mia nd. "She lived as an expatriate in rrind before her death."

    Caden thought about this.

    The name sounded familiar, but he couldn''t immediately remember who it was.

    Caden turned his gaze to Hank.

    Hank understood what he wanted and went to investigate further with the image of the painting.

    The buyer, aware of Caden''s motives, chose not to challenge him. "Mr. Ward, I did not know that the painting had been obtained illegally. If I had known, I would not have coborated with Mr. Yates."

    Caden replied indifferently, ¡°You have plenty of business opportunities. Losing this one won''t hurt you. ¡°I¡¯ll cover the penalty for you.¡±

    As they drove away, Hank made a significant discovery. His expression revealed his mixed feelings. ¡°Mrs. nd, Mrs. Bet''s mother, gained fame as a phnthropist and as an acimed artist abroad. After her untimely death, few remembered her, and this painting is the only one that survives attributed to her.¡±

    Caden''s gaze intensified.

    "How did your painting end up in Joshua''s hands?"

    Hank looked unsure. ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward, please allow me some time to investigate further.¡±

    Caden looked away toward the window.

    I have remembered Donna vividly.

    The first time he noticed her was at school, when Alicia gracefully held Donna''s hand as they walked home.

    Having just lost his own mother, the scene struck him painfully.

    However, Donna''s love for Alicia was undeniable. The painting had probably been gifted to Alicia and now, with Joshua in a bind, she had set her sights on it. Investigating the details would take time. Delegating the task to Hank, Caden waited patiently.

    Soon, Hank was driving with careful attention.

    "Arrange to have someone buy the painting anonymously," Caden instructed.

    Hank was surprised. ¡°Isn¡¯t that essentially just handing money to Mr. Yates?¡±

    ¡°Let him take it. It¡¯s only two hundred million dors,¡± Caden replied nonchntly.

    ¡°So why did we bothering to the art dealer? Wasn¡¯t it unnecessary?¡± Hank inquired.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

    Caden gave him a chilling look.

    Hank was confused. Had I misunderstood something? He didn''t think so.

    Their original purpose ining here tonight was to interfere in the transaction, making sure Joshua didn''t benefit. So why were they now proceeding to transfer the funds?

    Hank paused, suddenly understanding the situation.

    "I understand, Mr. Ward. You''re buying the painting for Miss Bet."

    Caden remained stoic. ¡°I am aware of Mia¡¯s esteemed reputation. Her artworks are very valuable, so this is a good investment.¡±

    Hank blurted out, ¡°Mr. Ward, are we in financial trouble?¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Caden replied sharply. ¡°You''re asking if we''re running out of funds, right? Well, if so, maybe you should reconsider yourpensation.¡±

    Hank was speechless.

    It was clear that Caden was back to being a pain.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 161

    Chapter 161:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Hank no longer dared to challenge his fate.

    The idea of ??losing his sry worried him deeply.

    Caden leaned against the window with his eyes closed.

    As the car approached his apartment building, he hit a pothole. The sudden jolt made him open his eyes. At that moment, he saw a familiar figure standing by the window of the second-floor library.

    I have focused on the figure.

    "Stop the car here," he ordered.

    Hank stopped and said, ¡°Mr. Ward, it''s raining. ¡°Can I give you a ride to the garage?¡±

    Caden continued to watch the figure in silence.

    At first, he felt a slight sense of recognition, but as he looked further, he confirmed that the figure was indeed Alice.

    Hank looked where Caden was looking.

    From that distance, the figure was a little indistinct, but he could make out that it was a woman.

    When she shifted slightly, revealing part of her face, Hank recognized her instantly. ¡°Miss Bet!¡± I have eximed.

    Caden then opened the car door. ¡°Drive back,¡± he ordered.

    Caden remained calm and reserved, showing no outward signs of excitement.

    It was like he was preparing for a tedious business meeting instead of going to meet a woman. In a way, I approached it like a project.

    And this project was worth billions.

    Hank tried to suppress augh, but couldn''t resist teasing him. "Mr. Ward, there''s no hurry. Mrs. Bet isn''t going anywhere. Take an umbre so you don''t get soaked." I have offered the umbre to him with a smile.

    Caden, however, responded with a kick.

    Meanwhile, Alice felt a surge of energy, as if a second wind had hit her.

    The more she studied, the more excited she became.

    At first, Caden''s message had distracted her. But before long, she found herselfpletely immersed in her studies, absorbing a wealth of new information.

    She was so focused that she didn''t notice someone had approached her.

    Caden stood by her side for a while. As she still didn''t recognize him, he pulled up a chair and sat down.

    She had her headphones on,pletely absorbed in the trantion of a short passage.

    It wasn''t until she picked up another book that she realized Caden was sitting next to her.

    Startled, she briefly wondered if she was imagining things.

    "When did you arrive?" I have asked.

    Caden stared at her.

    He expected her to be angry, but instead she looked dazed, her expression soft and rxed. She reminded him of a kitten that had just woken up.

    She was effortlessly charming, and her beauty was undeniable.

    Caden spoke calmly. ¡°I just got here.¡±

    She hadn''t looked at the time, but she knew that not much time had passed. Alicia took off her headphones, and Caden casually took them off, putting them on.

    ¡°What are you listening to?¡± I have asked.

    A clear foreign ent sounded through the headphones. Alice preferred to use audio exnations to learn more effectively.

    Having spent time abroad, thenguage came naturally to her, so she simply handed the headphones back. ¡°Didn''t you just be a music teacher? Why are you now working to be a trantor?¡±

    Alicia gathered her books. ¡°I''ve missed thest two years, so I''m trying to catch up. Teaching music is temporary. ¡°I chose it because it¡¯s stable, but I want to expand my opportunities.¡±

    Caden agreed and offered a rarepliment. ¡°That''s a smart move.¡±

    He respected people''s choices, especially those who aimed higher.

    Alice stood up with her books in her hand. ¡°I thought you weren''ting back tonight.¡±

    "I said I wasn''ting back yesterday. It''s past midnight now, so technically, it''s a new day."

    Alice didn''t know what to answer.

    He always had a way with words.

    Caden narrowed his eyes as he watched her walk away. ¡°Aren¡¯t you d to see me?¡±

    Without turning around, Alice walked over to the bookshelf. ¡°I see you every day. It¡¯s not a question of whether I¡¯m d to see you or not.¡±

    His tone sounded like he still held a grudge, but he kept hisposure.

    Caden followed her as she began to select books. Most of them were textbooks, and she grabbed whatever seemed useful. Before long, her arms were full.

    The books were heavy, and the weight strained her thin arms. Without a word, Caden took them from her, surprised by how much they weighed. ¡°You''re pretty strong.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been training a bittely,¡± Alicia replied. Caden was aware of her self-defense training, but hadn''t given it much thought.

    ¡°With your build, no matter how much you train, it won''t make much difference. Think of it as a way to keep fit,¡± he said, subtly mocking her thinness.

    Alice rolled her eyes and threw a book at him.

    Taking advantage of the moment when he grabbed it, she elbowed him.

    Caden shifted slightly, dodging her movement effortlessly.

    Seemingly unfazed, Cadenmented, ¡°So young and already so restless. Haven''t you heard? ¡°Tough advice is like good medicine.¡±All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    Alice didn''t expect him to react so quickly and let out a loud sigh of frustration.

    yfully, he asked, ¡°Why don''t you teach me, then?¡± How do I hit quickly and urately?¡±

    Caden replied, ¡°Using us as an example?¡±

    "Exactly."

    ¡°That won''t work. My size and my skills give me aplete advantage over you. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t stand a chance.¡±

    Alice fell silent again.

    Could I be more arrogant?

    I have continued to insist. ¡°What if someone your size moves slower?¡±

    Caden looked at her passionately.

    ¡°Use seduction,¡± I murmured.

    Alice was speechless.

    Caden looked around and then pointed to a corner of the bookshelf.

    ¡°See that spot over there? There are no cameras covering it. If you really want to learn, shoot when I''m not paying attention. ¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 162

    Chapter 162:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice fell silent, knowing she couldn''t win the argument.

    He went ahead to get a copy of each book he wanted, then pped his hands when he was done. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s enough.¡±

    The books were quite heavy, so I picked up a few to lighten his load.

    There was only one member of staff serving the entire store, a young girl, who was now standing behind the counter. Alice gave her an apologetic smile. ¡°I''m sorry.¡± As she was the only customer left, Alice assumed the girl had been waiting for her to make her purchase before closing.

    The young woman understood. ¡°Don''t worry,¡± she said with a smile. ¡°We''re open 24 hours a day. Even if you weren¡¯t here, I would still be working until the next shift came.¡±

    He tallied up Alicia''s purchases, and when it was time to pay, Caden pulled out his card and handed it to her. Alicia stepped back, not protesting. Normally she preferred to pay herself, but she also understood that men often liked to pick up the tab to show off their generosity.

    This time, she decided to let Caden have his way.

    While the young woman wrapped the books, Alicia took out her phone and transferred the total expenses to Caden''s ount.

    Caden could only look at the notification from his bank with a mixture of helplessness and resignation.

    Just then, they heard the sound of footstepsing up the stairs.

    Before they saw the neer, they spotted arge bouquet of red roses. The man holding them had an anxious expression as he approached the counter.

    "What are you doing here?" the young woman asked in surprise.

    It was clear that it was her boyfriend, who hade to bring her a nice gift.

    It seemed like he had just realized that there were still customers in the store. He cast an embarrassed nce at Caden and Alicia, then read over to whisper to his girlfriend, ¡°I just got off work. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry I missed your special day, sweetheart.¡±

    The young girl smiled, her cheeks tinged with pink. ¡°It''s okay.¡± She proceeded to wrap up the rest of Alice''s books with the greatest haste.

    Alice felt something warm spread through her chest as she looked at that disy of young, innocent love.

    She had been married once before, but she couldn''t remember experiencing anything like it. Witnessing such pure and sincere love brought tears to her eyes.

    Caden, on the other hand, didn''t flinch. He turned to Alicia with a frown. "What special day are you talking about?"

    Was there a couple''s party in November that he didn''t know about?

    Alice thought for a moment. ¡°Maybe he meant a special day for the two of them.¡±

    ¡°Are flowers really necessary?¡± Caden asked, raising an eyebrow.

    Alice smiled. There really wasn''t a romantic bone in this man''s body. "It''s a nice surprise, and a very sweet gesture."

    ¡°A bit of an exaggeration, if you ask me,¡± Caden muttered.

    Alice almost mocked him.

    She couldn''t help but wonder how he used to treat his previous girlfriends.

    From what he knew so far, he was betting he spent most of his time with them in bed. I doubted he ever did anything romantic. At most, he probably had his assistant buy gifts for his partners.

    They gathered up their books and went downstairs. ¡°How old were you when you experienced your first love?¡± Alice wondered.

    "I''ve never dated anyone," Caden replied tly.

    Alice gaped. ¡°Never? Really? Come on, I don''t believe it.¡±

    Caden did not give further details.

    ¡°Oh, that''s true!¡± Alice eximed, as if a light bulb had gone off in her head. ¡°You can''t possibly have the patience to keep up an affair. The most you can probably manage is an adventure here and there.¡±

    Caden turned to her with a frown. Why was she so talkative today?

    He paused at the door, his eyes fixed on the rain that had begun to fall. ¡°Do I look like a yboy to you?¡±

    Alice looked at him up and down shamelessly. ¡°Man, you look like the spokesperson for the entire yboy poption.¡±

    Caden pressed his lips into a thin line, regretting the words that he had just escaped.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    ¡°When was your first time?¡± Alice whispered, her voice persistent. ¡°Was it in high school, or were you already in college?¡±

    Instead of answering, Caden countered her question with one of his own. ¡°When was yours?¡±

    Alice leaned back, her expression neutral. She didn''t answer.

    But something about his behavior surprised her, and her eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Was that your first time that night at the cinema?¡±

    Caden ignored her, uninterested in continuing this endless line of questioning. He opened his umbre and stepped out into the rain.

    Alice ran after him, protecting her head with both hands. ¡°No way! Was this really your first time?¡±

    Caden narrowed his eyes. Unable to contain himself any longer, he turned to her and snapped, ¡°Is that even possible? Who do you take me for? ¡°I¡¯m not like you, who remained a virgin for your two years of marriage.¡±

    Alice''s eyes dulled slightly. "You''re getting personal, Mr. Ward. Don''t you think that''s a little inappropriate?"

    They only had one umbre between them, and Alice wasn''t about to get soaked. Despite her irritation, she moved closer to Caden.

    Without missing a beat, Caden reached out with his hand holding the umbre and pulled her into a hug. Alicia let out a small cry of surprise.

    "What, are you being shy now? This isn''t the first time I''ve held you in my arms."

    He gently pushed her hand so that they were both under the umbre. ¡°You shouldn''t get wet.¡±

    Caden pulled her closer. ¡°A little rain won¡¯t hurt me.¡±

    "But my books will get wet!"

    Caden snorted in response.

    The bookstore was not far from the apartment, so their trip did not take long.

    The two of them walked down the street, one tall, the other short, their figures soon disappearing from sight.

    The night wind was cool and cutting.

    Not far away, a car was parked under a sycamore tree. Joshua held a cigarette between his fingers, letting it smolder without taking a drag. His gaze was fixed in the direction Caden and Alicia had gone, and his eyes lingered long after they were out of sight.

    Until then, Joshua had always thought that Caden''s interest in Alicia was superficial, something fleeting and insignificant. He was sure that it would fade away in a few days.

    But after seeing them leave the bookstore,ughing and joking with each other¡­

    It was clear they were serious.

    Joshua''s lips curved into a grimace.

    He still remembered the day Alice had confessed her love for him. She had been so shy, so innocent. He had always believed that his feelings for him were deep and true.

    Now, it was painfully clear that he had been wrong.

    It hadn''t even been that long since her divorce and she was already looking at another man, letting herself fall into his arms.

    A muscle in Joshua''s jaw twitched. Frustrated, he brought the cigarette to his lips, only to realize it had already burned out.

    He gritted his teeth and threw it out the window. Rage took hold of him,ing out of nowhere and spiraling out of his control. He pounded the steering wheel with his fists and could barely suppress a scream of rage.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 163

    Chapter 163:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden finished his shower and walked out, noticing Alicia busy in the kitchen.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked,ing up behind her.

    Alice didn''t look up as she replied, "I know it''ste, but I suddenly felt like havingsagna."

    Most of the preparation was already done.

    Seeing her like this lifted Caden''s spirits.

    "Why are you going to all this trouble? We could just order takeout."

    ¡°It''ste, and it''s cold outside. Most people are probably already asleep. No one would want to be woken up to makesagna,¡± Alice replied.

    Caden chuckled.

    I knew there were plenty of ces that delivered at any time for the right price.

    However, I appreciated that Alice wanted to do it herself.

    I have leaned a little closer to her.

    "When did you get the ingredients for this?"

    Alice felt his warm breath on her skin and shifted slightly, feeling a little ufortable. ¡°This afternoon.

    Earlier that day, after cooling down from their argument, I remembered how Jerald had scolded Caden, and how he hadn''t eaten much afterwards.

    Feeling guilty, she decided to do him something. She thoughtsagna would be the easiest option.

    Caden watched her closely, realizing that she had made thesagna for his sake.

    As she skillfully moved her hands over the ingredients, something stirred inside him. The urge to help her grew stronger, and he couldn''t resist.

    After washing his hands, he joined her in the kitchen and helped her finish thesagna.

    He cut the tomatoes with surprising speed and precision, quickly bing his trusted helper.

    ¡°Have you done this before?¡± Alice asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Caden replied,pletely focused on the task at hand.

    Alice raised an eyebrow. ¡°How did you get so good?¡±

    "I''m quick to record things."

    As thesagna was removed from the oven, the rich aroma filled the room, its warmth driving back the chill of the winter night.

    When they finished eating, Caden leaned closer to him, taking advantage of the proximity of the table to prolong the moment with Alicia.

    They soon lose themselves in each other.

    They used one condom after another. Caden felt satisfied and leaned towards her, biting her ear lightly. ¡°That was great. I feel revitalized.¡±

    Alicia pressed her hand over her mouth, her cheeks burning as she avoided his gaze.

    Caden looked at her, his gaze intense, filled with an overwhelming intensity. ¡°Do you have something to say?¡±All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    Alice felt herself sinking under the weight of her gaze.

    ¡°Caden,¡± she murmured breathlessly. ¡°Cum fast.¡±

    His voice dropped to a whisper, barely audible. Caden feigned ignorance. ¡°What do you mean fast?¡±

    Alice''s words faltered as tension rose within her. ¡°No¡­ I meant¡­¡± But before she could finish, a soft moan slipped past her lips.

    Time blurred as the night stretched on, shrouded in darkness.

    Afterwards, Alice took a shower andy weakly in Caden''s arms,pletely exhausted.

    The room fell silent and Caden gently yed with a lock of her hair.

    Alice felt so sleepy that her thoughts began to wander.

    "Caden," I murmured.

    "Forks?" he asked, pressing his chest against hers.

    "I''m happy," she whispered.

    Caden paused, his arms still around her waist, before replying, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Alice frowned, her eyes still closed. ¡°You should say the same. It¡¯s rude not to.¡±

    ¡°No one taught me any manners,¡± Caden replied, feeling the warmth of her breath on his skin, brushing her hair softly against his.

    He pushed her hair back, again and again.

    "Are you really not going to say it back? Caden, I even made yousagna!" Aliciamented.

    Her voice was soft and childlike, heavy with sleep. Her words trailed off as tiredness took hold.

    Caden smiled at the childish tone in his voice. ¡°Why is it so important that you hear me tell it?¡±

    Alice spoke with clear frustration. ¡°I want to hear you say it. But you refuse to say it. You''re an idiot. ¡°This is the first winter we¡¯ve spent together.¡±

    This time next year, they may no longer be together.

    Caden''s expression was hidden in the darkness. ¡°I guess you¡¯re right.¡±

    Alice waited for him to continue, but he remained silent.

    "It doesn''t matter," she murmured. "It doesn''t matter anymore." Then she fell asleep.

    A weekter, the painting arrived.

    Following Caden''s instructions, he was delivered to the apartment.

    That afternoon, I came home to find the painting still wrapped, tucked away in a corner.

    He took off his coat and saw Alice on the sofa, drawing. ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious to see what it is?¡± I have asked her.

    Alice looked up. ¡°It''s your package. ¡°I can¡¯t open it without asking you.¡±

    Caden was silent for a moment before grabbing a utility knife to open the package.

    Alice came over and asked, "Is this for me?"

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be?¡± Caden replied.

    Alice paused before replying, ¡°You always say that buying presents is such a pain. Why would you bother buying something like that for me?¡± Despite her skepticism, there was hope in her voice.

    I have examined the package, trying to understand it. ¡°What is it?¡±

    Caden didn''t answer immediately. "You''ll see soon enough."

    When she opened the package, Alice saw the painting and was speechless.

    Emotions overwhelmed her: gratitude, surprise, shock, and sadness all mixed together.

    It took him a few seconds to regain hisposure.

    "How did you end up with my mother''s painting?" he asked in a trembling voice.

    Caden watched her closely, watching for her reaction.

    ¡°Joshua sold it to me,¡± he replied.

    ¡°I specifically remember putting this painting in a safe ce. How did you manage to get hold of it?¡± Alice asked. The confusion on her face was evident.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 164

    Chapter 164:

    ? ? ? ? ?Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    Caden narrowed his eyes. ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Alicia had already realized what had happened. Joshua must have taken the painting from the safe without her permission.

    "Just when I thought I couldn''t sink any lower," he muttered, his expression grim.

    The idea that Joshua, the second son of the Yates family, would resort to theft was repugnant to her. This painting had belonged to Alice long before her marriage. After her parents died, she had kept it in a safe bank. The only other person who knew its location was Joshua.

    Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°Only you can open that safe. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t have been able to get in without your permission.¡±

    Alice bit her lip. ¡°He might have figured out my password.¡±

    Caden frowned. ¡°What kind of password would be so easy for him to guess?¡±

    Alice looked away, unable to answer. She cradled the painting in her hands, inspecting it for any signs of damage.

    Caden decided not to push it any further.

    Alice ran her fingers over the painting, imagining her mother creating each brushstroke. The image filled her mind as if she could see it happening before her eyes.

    She looked at Caden, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and warmth.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said quietly.

    Caden smiled at her.

    Spending the money was worth it just to see her smile like that.

    He looked thoughtfully at the painting and asked, "Would you rather disy it here or put it back in the safe?"

    Alice hesitated for a moment. ¡°Is it all right if I hang it here?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Caden replied.

    Relieved, she began looking for an empty wall to hang it on.

    Caden added, ¡°This ce looks safer than a bank, right?¡±

    ¡°True,¡± Alice agreed with a smile. As she hung up the picture she asked, ¡°How much did you spend on it?¡±

    Caden bluntly replied, ¡°Two hundred million dors. ¡°You owe me that, and you¡¯ll pay me back in bed.¡±

    Alice''s expression changed several times. Her face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and sadness.

    "This painting belongs to me. Joshua sold it, which makes him a thief. I will make sure he returns everyst cent to you," she dered confidently.

    Caden said yfully, ¡°Miss Bet, you are stunning. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see you get your revenge.¡±

    Alice felt a surge of shyness at hispliment. ¡°Oh, stop it!¡±

    After hanging the picture, Caden stepped back, standing on the floor.

    ¡°From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Caden,¡± Alicia said as she helped him down.

    Caden looked at her in the eyes and asked, ¡°Is that all I get in return?¡±

    Alice felt the heat rise to her cheeks. She moved quickly towards him, standing on her tips to press her lips against his.

    She stared into his eyes, her own filled with tears. For a moment she wanted to ask him why he was so kind to her.

    His affection enveloped her like sunshine on a cold day, but she felt that Caden''s kindness was intentional. She couldn''t shake the feeling that it wasn''t entirely genuine. This only deepened her confusion. What could be the reason behind this?

    Her thoughts swirled, and she pushed the matter aside, feeling nervous. She focused her attention on other tasks.

    Caden smiled at her, staying silent, wanting to preserve the moment.

    As they admired the apartment¡¯s new paint, Caden suggested, ¡°Since we¡¯re renovating, why not update some other things, too?¡±

    Alice frowned. ¡°What renovations? ¡°We just hung a painting.¡±

    "True, but that still counts."

    For a moment she was speechless. Since it was her t, she assumed she was free to make any changes she wanted. She agreed. ¡°It''s up to you. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of the expenses.¡±

    Caden had a knowing look on his face. ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious to know what I¡¯m going to change?¡±

    Alice was about to say that she didn''t care, but as soon as she looked into her eyes, a feeling of unease washed over her.

    He hesitated for a moment before asking, ¡°What do you n to change?¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°I can''t say that right now.¡±

    He was speechless. So why bring it up?

    With the apartment undergoing renovations, Alicia decided to stay with Monica while Caden opted to stay at the office. Since they spent the nights apart, they had few opportunities to see each other. She focused on her sses and studies, and the time flew by.

    From time to time I have heard some gossip.

    Joshua had been busy preparing for hispany''s IPO, running around managing various projects. The exhaustion was evident on his face every time he was photographed. On the other hand, Caden''s news was getting a lot of attention. Hispany hadunched new technology products and established a partnership with another leading group. In the photos, he radiated confidence without the need for retouching.

    The contrast between the two was striking.

    Alicia looked at Caden''s face and instinctively smiled. Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching.

    It was Monica.

    Alice quickly closed the page.

    Monica noticed his reaction. ¡°What are you hiding?¡± ¡°Were you watching something inappropriate?¡±

    Alicia cleared her throat. ¡°I was looking at male models.¡±

    Monica leaned closer, curious. ¡°Who? I want to see, too.¡±

    Alicia was speechless as she casually browsed through the pages. The articles about Joshua caught her attention.

    Monica lost interest in male models andmented: ¡°He has finally hit rock bottom, just as we expected. Do you think Lilliana will marry him? ¡°I bet their wedding will be called off.¡±

    Alicia replied: ¡°Joshua will not let this end like this. ¡°He will make sure that hispany goes public as nned.¡±

    "How can you do that?"

    "He''ll figure it out. He always manages to find a way."

    Given Caden''s rising profile, Alicia realized Joshua would stop at nothing to revive hispany. He could lose to anyone, but not to Caden.

    It would be intriguing to see who he was searching for in his despair.

    However, nothing would really change. In the end, she would fall into Caden''s trap.

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 Chapter 165

    Chapter 165:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Monica blinked curiously, her expression clearly showing confusion. ¡°Alice, howe you don''t seem worried at all?¡±

    Alice replied without hesitation: "What is there to worry about?"

    ¡°You mentioned that Joshua always finds a way. I''ve been thinking about it and you''re right. He seems to always be one step ahead, and he probably has some backup n. Does that mean everything we¡¯ve done so far wille to nothing?¡±

    Alice smiled. ¡°But I¡¯ve almost gathered all the evidence I need. Even if I make it public, it won''t change anything. ¡°I¡¯ll still bring him down.¡±

    Seeing how calm and collected Alicia was, Monica felt her own anxiety ease.

    Unable to resist, Monicaplimented her. ¡°You''ve changed a lottely. You¡¯re much more serene and assertive.¡±

    Alice felt a little nervous, with a hint of shyness. ¡°Is it because of him?¡± Monica asked curiously.

    Alicia was shocked. She immediately knew who Monica was referring to. She parted her lips, ready to exin, but the words seemed tangled in her thoughts.

    How was I going to introduce Caden?

    Their rtionship was strictly contractual. As soon as Joshua fell, their rtionship would be over. ¡°Maybe,¡± Alice replied, her uncertainty palpable.

    Lately he had found calm.

    Caden was undoubtedly the reason for this new sense of security.

    The evidence she had seemed gathered trivial in the face of the influence of these formidable yers. If Joshua decided to escte the situation, she could be in serious trouble. However, with Caden as her steady support, the situation felt totally transformed.

    Monica smiled at her, deciding not to try further. As long as Alicia was happy, nothing else really mattered.

    The day Caden was due to return, I contacted Alicia in advance.

    ¡°Are you avable tonight?¡± she texted him.

    Alice, who had just finished her ss, began to gather her belongings and replied, ¡°Of course.¡±

    Caden replied, ¡°I¡¯ll bending at eight tonight. Be at the apartment when I get there.¡±

    Alicia stared at the screen for a moment, took a deep breath, and turned off the phone.

    She thought the music teacher sitting next to her could see the screen, but fortunately he was too engrossed in the conversation to notice anything amiss. Alice responded here and there, although her thoughts were already elsewhere.

    Caden had been out of town for several days on a business trip. The time apart had stretched out long enough that she was sure she was in for a sleepless night.

    When they reached the school gate, the music teacher greeted Alice enthusiastically. ¡°Goodbye, Miss Bet. ¡°I have to pick up a birthday present for my husband.¡±

    Alice smiled and waved back.

    A thought crossed her mind: should she be nning something for Caden too? He had supported her in many ways since they started working together. Cooking was starting to feel repetitive, and she couldn''t contribute much to her work. She bit her lips, her thoughts wandering.

    She struggled to think of something Caden would truly appreciate. After what seemed like an eternity, an idea finally urred to her, and her face lit up.

    This is perfect!

    Once Caden got off the ne, he looked at his phone.

    There was an unread message from Alice: ¡°I¡¯ve nned something special for you.¡±

    Her imagination began to wander, wondering what he was up to. He had told her clearly earlier to wait in the apartment. Now I mentioned a surprise.

    What else could it mean?

    His thoughts spiraled, leading him to vivid assumptions about what might be waiting for him. He imagined Alicia stepping out of her usualfort zone, dressed in something he always admired, her delicate figure enhancing the allure in his mind¡­ A wave of anticipation hit him, catching him off guard. With the bustle of the airport around him, he had to restrain himself from giving anything away. He smoothed his trench coat, hiding his thoughts, and called out to Hank, ¡°Get me a bottle of water.¡±

    With suitcase in hand, he sent a message to Alice: ¡°I justnded. Where are you?¡±

    His response was almost immediate: ¡°Exit A.¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow and narrowed his eyes, slightly surprised. ¡°You''re that far ahead?¡± he replied, half in disbelief. His mind was already brimming with tantalizing visions.

    Meanwhile, standing at the exit, Alice looked at her message with a confused look on her face, unsure of what she was expecting. Although she had nned a surprise, it was nothing particrly daring.

    "Come quickly. It''s very cold out here," Alice wrote, waiting impatiently.

    Caden shoved his phone into his pocket and started toward the exit. When Hank returned with the water, he stood there, confused, looking around. Where had Caden disappeared to?

    Outside, the area was packed, filled with peopleing and going, creating a constant hum of activity. Caden''s eyes scanned the crowd, but Alicia was nowhere to be found in the sea of ??faces. Despite the crowd, Caden''s tall stature and imposing presence made him easily stand out.

    Alice saw him almost immediately. She ran up to him, shouting, "Sir!"

    Hearing her voice, his heart gave a sudden jolt. He turned to her and saw her approaching. She was wearing two neat braids, a long ck cotton coat, and her face partially hidden behind a mask. With yful energy, she raised a cardboard sign in the air.

    ¡°Sir, are you looking for amodation?¡± he asked with a smile under his mask.

    ¡°Our cozy family-run inn is just a ten-minute walk from here. For just five hundred dors a night, you can enjoy everything included, such as rxing massages and even a games room.¡±

    Caden stood there, speechless.

    He locked eyes with hers, those bright eyes that shone behind the mask, holding her gaze for much longer than he intended as he tried to process what was happening.

    This was his big surprise.

    A role-ying game. His big idea for a surprise was¡­ a role-ying game.

    What the hell¡­ role-ying game?Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    Caden''s anticipation quickly faded.

    Just as he opened his mouth to say something, Hank appeared, running. ¡°Mr. Ward.¡±

    Hank looked at Alicia but didn''t recognize her, mistaking her for someone trying to get publicity. He politely waved her off. "We''re not interested. We''re not interested.

    Alice stood firm, unfazed. ¡°Two people get fifty percent off!¡±

    Hank stood still, clearly shocked.

    Hank''s eyes locked with Alicia''s for a brief second, and then it hit him.

    Without missing a beat, he nced at Caden and then took a wise step back, taking the suitcase from his hands.

    Caden stood still, staring nkly at Alicia. ¡°Do you have any romantic themed rooms? I¡¯ll book one of those.¡±

    Alice blinked, momentarily stunned, unable to find the words.

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 Chapter 166

    Chapter 166:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Hank''s jaw dropped. Had Caden really said that? I never imagined Caden could be so blunt.

    Alice was equally surprised. She stared for a few seconds before stammering, ¡°Well¡­¡±

    At that point, Caden lost his patience and walked away. Alicia ran after him. ¡°We have rooms! ¡°All kinds of rooms.¡±

    She didn''t dare raise her voice with so many people around, staying close to Caden and almost colliding with him.

    Once they left the airport, Caden finally slowed down, and Alicia almost ran into him. She frowned at the billboard and said, ¡°Keep that thing away from me.¡±

    Alice sighed at her irritability. ¡°I just made this. It¡¯s new.¡±

    ¡°New doesn''t always mean clean,¡± he replied.

    Hisment left her speechless.

    Noticing her rolling her eyes, he said, ¡°What are you stalling for? You wanted me to book a room, so guide me.¡±

    "Don''t you recognize me?" asked Alice, with confusion in her eyes.

    ¡°No, I don''t know who you are,¡± Caden replied.

    This left Alice stupefied.

    ¡°Who the hell are you kidding, Caden?¡± he has muttered to himself.

    She knew that if he didn''t really know who she was, he wouldn''t bemitting to her at all.

    But she didn''t want to pretend anymore; the cold was biting and she just wanted to go home. She took off her mask and exhaled deeply. "It''s me, Alicia. Let''s get in the car and talk."

    Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°The inn is only a ten-minute walk away. Why do we need a car?¡±

    Once again, Alice fell silent.

    He rubbed his frozen hands together and shoved them into his pockets, frowning at the biting cold.

    Caden noticed her difort.

    She turned to Hank, who stood nearby, eager to catch every word.

    ¡°Take the car,¡± Caden ordered.

    Hank hesitated, not wanting to miss anything. ¡°I thought we were walking,¡± he said.

    Caden narrowed his eyes. ¡°If you prefer, I''ll drive and you can walk back on your own.¡±

    Realizing he was tempting fate, Hank fell silent and headed off to find the car.

    Caden tried to offer his coat to Alicia, but before he could, she had already hurried away.

    When she returned, she was carrying a bouquet of fresh, light green flowers.

    The flowers looked vibrant and beautiful.

    She approached Caden in a quiet corner and handed them to him with a smile. ¡°Wee back,¡± she said.

    He was surprised by the sudden gesture and instinctively epted the flowers. He remained silent for a few moments.

    ¡°Are these for me?¡± I have asked.

    Alicia looked around and noticed that several people were already watching Caden.

    With his striking appearance, he attracted attention wherever he went.

    Worried that she would be recognized, Alice quickly put her mask back on. ¡°Let¡¯s continue this conversation in the car,¡± she suggested.

    Once inside the car, Caden sets the flowers aside.

    He turned to her, staring at her.

    Alice rubbed her hands vigorously against the cold, but the redness of her nose betrayed the persistent chill. She asked, ¡°So, do you feel warm andfortable now?¡±

    Caden sensed something was wrong.

    I already had an idea of ??what was going on.

    Despite that, I clung to a shred of hope.

    He asked, ¡°Is this the surprise you have prepared for me?¡±

    Alice lookedpletely innocent.

    ¡°Yes, I came to pick you up,¡± he replied. He pointed at the bouquet of flowers. ¡°Don''t you like them?¡±

    Caden didn''t know what to say.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    He pinched the bridge of his nose, exasperated.

    Seeing his reaction, Alice said, "I dressed like that to avoid being recognized."

    Caden tried to hide his anger. ¡°You call picking me up a surprise?¡±

    Alice stared at him, blinking in confusion.

    ¡°You have everything but love. After working hard for days, wouldn¡¯t you want someone to wee you home?¡± I have asked.

    Again he was speechless.

    He pursed his lips and replied, ¡°I¡¯ve been dealing with family issues, but that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m lonely or desperate for affection.¡±

    Alice didn''t know what to answer.

    Caden realized she might not understand his point of view. He softened his tone and added, ¡°There¡¯s still time to n a real surprise.¡±

    However, Alice didn''t see it that way.

    He pointed at the flowers. ¡°I¡¯ve already spent the money.¡±

    Caden looked and said, ¡°Hank, these flowers are yours.¡±

    Alice couldn''t believe it. Her jaw dropped in disbelief.

    ¡°Caden is so infuriating!¡± she thought.

    He turned to look out the window, muttering under his breath, ¡°Fine, forget about surprises.¡±

    Caden saw her out of the corner of his eye. From where he was sitting, he could see part of her face. She looked so indifferent at that moment.

    However, his aloof attitude didn''t bother him; Instead, he found her braided pigtails rather intriguing. He knew she didn''t do them for him.

    Still, it was nice to look at them.

    Throughout the journey, Alice kept her hands in her pockets.

    I have preferred to remain silent.

    Caden didn''t try to talk to her; he immersed himself in his work.

    He listened intently, his eyes fixed on theptop screen. Suddenly, his expression darkened. I have closed theptop and put it aside.

    Lost in his thoughts, he identally bumped into Alice. She clicked her tongue in annoyance, her face showing clear impatience.

    Caden fell silent, just staring at her sternly.

    Then he closed his eyes and told Hank, ¡°Tomorrow morning, fire the new project managers. ¡°Rece them.¡±

    Hank agreed. ¡°Understood, Mr. Ward.¡±

    Alice looked away.

    He had previously listened to everything that theptop touched. He realized that the new productcked innovation and would probably fail in the domestic market. He also knew that Caden was not happy with the employees'' revised ns, which exined his bad mood.

    ¡°Domestic and international tastes are not the same. Here people respond more to emotional appeal. You should skip traditional methods and focus on attracting the younger generation,¡± Alicia said.

    Caden replied, "And how much money do young people have?"

    ¡°They may not be rich, but if you lower your prices and ept smaller profits, you can still seed,¡± she argued. ¡°It''s called small profits, but quick returns. Have you forgotten how things work here after spending so many years abroad?¡±

    Caden stared at her, his expression unreadable.

    Profits no longer mattered to him.

    Leaning towards her, he said, ¡°Are you trying to start an argument? With that attitude, you''re just asking for trouble.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 167

    Chapter 167:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice stared at him. ¡°What if I told you that''s exactly what I want? What would you do about it?¡±

    Caden''s stern expression softened at her challenge, and he joked, ¡°If you''re not in a hurry, we can wait until we get home. But if you are, I can get you a room at a hotel nearby.¡±

    Alice was speechless. Unable to contain herself, she silently cursed him. He only thinks about sex!

    Caden, purposely misinterpreting her reaction, smirked. ¡°You can''t wait, can you? Should I ask Hank to pull over? ¡°I¡¯ve never experienced that in a car.¡±

    Alicia''s cheeks flushed and she leaned over to cover her mouth. She was aware of his uninhibited nature in private, but his brazen boldness in front of Hank was shocking. He might be indifferent to his own reputation, but she sure cared about his!

    Taking advantage of the moment, Caden pulled her closer. She tried to break free.

    ¡°Don''t move,¡± he said, holding her effortlessly. She closed her eyes. ¡°Let me rest for a while.¡±

    He rested his chin on her head and exhaled slowly. ¡°I¡¯m a little sleepy.¡± His voice was deep and husky, betraying his exhaustion.

    Alicia''s resolve melted and she stopped struggling. She shifted to be a morefortable support for him to read on.

    Cadenughed.

    Confused, she buried her face in his chest, her eyshes fluttering against his neck. ¡°Why are youughing?¡±

    The sensation of his eyshes tickling hers warmed her heart. She hugged him tighter. ¡°Iugh at your nonsense. I''m just tired, not helpless. What did you expect? Did you want me to liepletely on top of you? Considering your size, are you sure you can handle it?¡±

    Alice hesitated before saying, ¡°I just¡­¡±

    All she wanted was for him to be morefortable. She hadn''t considered whether she could physically hold him. Feeling too shy to say so, she quickly changed the subject. ¡°Go to sleep.¡±

    With traffic at a standstill, it would be at least another hour before they reached home. Caden pulled her onto hisp, snuggled his face into her neck, and breathed deeply, savoring her scent. For a moment, he feltpletely enchanted.

    Despite his exhaustion, he was usually alert and rarely slept deeply. But now, it was as if he had taken a sedative. He fell asleep almost immediately, his breathing bing steady and regr. Alice listened to his breathing and, without thinking, began to gently stroke his hair.

    She didn''t know why she feltpelled to touch him. But when she realized what she was doing, she became nervous and quickly withdrew her hand. She consciously avoided touching him any further or even looking at him, and instead looked out the window.

    Hank noticed that Caden had fallen asleep. It was the first time he had seen Caden so rxed, asleep in the car with a woman cradled in his arms. He felt a mixture of relief and concern.

    "Mr. Ward has been away on business for three days straight," Hank said quietly. "He''s only managed to get two or three hours of sleep each day, and even then, he was easily disturbed by any noise."

    Alice was stunned. In a low voice she asked, "Was he really that worried?"

    "The foundation here is not as solid as it is abroad," Hank continued, "and it''s not just the workload. There are other problems weighing him down as well."

    He left it vague, and Alice realized that it was best not to inquire further.

    They finally reached the apartment''s garage. Hank quietly got out of the car without disturbing Caden. As sleep eluded her, Alicia opened herptop to address a persistent product issue.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Although he had little experience, his ability to learn quickly was evident. After analyzing several practical cases, he formted a new strategy based on his knowledge.

    Once the task waspleted, Alice sent it.

    The buzzing of his phone woke Caden from his sleep. Wide-eyed, he stared silently at the woman he held in his arms.

    Feeling responsible, Alice asked quietly, "Did I wake you?" Her voice had a soft tone.

    Caden always found that tone interesting. He turned his attention back to theptop screen.

    All the department heads had responded affirmatively: "Of course, Mr. Ward."

    She gave him a sharp look and smiled. ¡°Not even Hank would dare touch my things without permission. You are very bold.¡±

    Alice quickly rified, ¡°I didn''t look any further, I promise. I just wanted to help out a little. You recovered my mother¡¯s painting for me, and this is the only way I can think of to repay you¡­¡±

    Caden¡¯s eyes sparkled yfully. ¡°So how should I credit this n when I present it tomorrow?¡±

    Alice blinked, surprised for a moment.

    Caden gently grabbed the back of her neck, bringing his face closer to hers. ¡°Should I present this as my partner¡¯s work, or my girlfriend¡¯s?¡±

    Alice''s eyshes fluttered in surprise. "You''re not fully awake yet, are you?" Girlfriend? What girlfriend?

    His heart thundered in his ears.

    I was very nervous.

    Sensing her urge to escape, Caden''s yfulness intensified. I have enjoyed the moment.

    ¡°What part?¡± I have joked.

    He slid his hand down, opening her coat and firmly grasping her slender waist through the soft jersey.

    I have leaned closer to her.

    "Me, hear here?"

    Alice''s face immediately flushed. She shudded slightly.

    Her body reacted instinctively to his presence.

    Terrified by the desire in his eyes, Alice suggested, ¡°If you''re not going back to sleep, let''s go upstairs. YO¡­"

    Her words were cut off by Caden''s kiss.

    His intense kiss overwhelmed her senses.

    Quickly, he found himselfpletely vulnerable.

    Yet despite the rush of emotions, Alice remained aware of her surroundings. She gently pushed him away, warning him, ¡°Someone might see us.¡±

    ¡°There are no vacant spots near us. No one wille here,¡± Caden reassured her. ¡°Just eleven, okay?¡±

    .

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    .

 Chapter 168

    Chapter 168:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice didn''t dare to refuse him.

    After a passionate session of sex, he held her in his arms, rocking her tightly as he carried her upstairs. The apartment had beenpletely renovated, but Alicia had not returned for some time.

    As they entered the room, her gaze drifted to the newly installed floor-to-ceiling mirror in the living room. Still dazed and confused by the intimacy, she blinked in confusion.

    ?Why is there a mirror there?

    There were already a lot of mirrors in the wardrobe, so this one looked unnecessarilyrge and out of ce.

    Instead of exining it to her, he led her to the mirror.

    After all, actions spoke louder than words.

    Although he had already satisfied his desires before, he was not finished.

    Now he felt even more excited than before.

    The atmosphere between them became strained, the room throbbing with an unspoken hunger.

    He picked up a bottle of red wine and poured himself into a ss. He took a slow sip and let it coat his throat before letting the rest fall over her skin, the cool liquid falling over her like a waterfall of silk.

    Alicia gasped and a shiver ran down her spine.

    ¡°Too cold?¡± he purred, his voice thick with desire. His lips brushed her corbone as he licked the wine from her skin, a sensation that sent sparks flying through her.

    Alice shook her head, breathless.

    ¡°No¡­just tickling,¡± she whispered.

    The sensation of the wine running down her neck,bined with his heated kisses, was almost too much to bear. Soon her knees buckled and she could barely stand.

    She wanted to pull away, but her body was begging for more. Her heart was beating to the rhythm of each caress.

    He made sure that not a single drop of wine was wasted, and her body was left glistening.

    ¡°Do you like the mirror?¡± Caden asked her, his voice full of mischief, as he watched her give herself over to the moment. Alicia remained silent, her lips parted but not saying a word.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    I couldn''t answer, not like that.

    ¡°I like it,¡± he murmured, a yful glint in his eyes. ¡°It reflects everything¡­ so clearly.¡±

    Alicia was more than frustrated, her nerves frayed by the whirlwind of sensations.

    Without a word, Caden effortlessly picked her up and carried her straight to the bedroom.

    His breath was warm against her ear as he whispered, ¡°I have many more surprises for you, and I will show them all to you, one by one.¡±

    In the bathroom, the sink had been lowered to the perfect height so she could sitfortably while he stepped in. A sturdy grab bar had also been installed in the shower.

    After what seemed like an eternity in the steamy bathroom, Alice copsed onto the bed,pletely exhausted. Opening her eyes, her heart sank at the sight above her.

    "Caden, you pervert!" she eximed, burying her face in the pillow.

    There was another mirror, this time on the ceiling. Heat flooded her cheeks and she closed her eyes, unable to face reality.

    Caden, however, seemed fascinated, his smile growing ever wider.

    He wasn''t done with her yet, far from it.

    There was something about her that drove him crazy, that pushed him to heights he had never explored before.

    In fact, things in bed got so intense that they inadvertently activated the smart bed''s security system.

    An rm sounded and a bright red beam of infrared light passed over them.

    ¡°Warning: Potential danger detected,¡± the AI ????system said in a mechanical voice. ¡°Mr. Ward, do you need me to call the authorities?¡±

    Alice stifled a giggle, barely managing to maintain herposure.

    Even Caden couldn''t help but let out a low chuckle. He wanted to stifle it, but he refused to pull away from Alicia''s soft, warm body.

    ¡°Shut up,¡± he ordered, trying to hold on to what little dignity he had left. ¡°Don''t you dare say another word.¡±

    "Mr. Ward, your voice sounds strained. Do you need help?"

    Grumbling, Caden muttered, ¡°What a useless system¡­ Don''t you see? ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ having fun.¡±

    The AI ??paused, as if processing his statement, before replying, ¡°I''m sorry, Mr. Ward. ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±

    Caden was speechless, his frustration mounting as Alicia''s giggles turned intoughter. Her soft, smooth legs slid around her waist as she copsed onto the mattress, gasping for air.

    He grabbed her ankles quickly, giving her a yful p on the buttocks. ¡°What are youughing at? And who said you could let go?¡±

    "Mr. Ward, please rify what you mean by ''let go,''" the ever-helpful system chimed in again.

    Caden groaned, shaking his head in disbelief.

    Alice was in a mess, gasping for air between uncontroble giggles: ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m dying¡­¡±

    The AI ??system, picking up on the trigger words, responds in its usual mechanical tone: ¡°Understood. Initiating emergency call.¡±

    Unable to contain herself, Alice burst outughing again, the sound of which grated on Caden''s nerves.

    Already nervous, he red at her before taking matters into his own hands. With a snap of his fingers, he manually shut down the system.

    The next moment, the room fell into a tense silence. ¡°Finally,¡± he muttered in a deep voice, breaking the silence as he regained his focus. ¡°I¡¯ll have someone take it down tomorrow.¡±

    That same night, while Alicia was falling asleep, Caden looked at his phone and saw that he had two missed calls.

    The familiar number made his jaw clench, instantly cooling the embers of desire that had been burning within him just moments ago.

    He went out and dialed the number again.

    ¡°Uncle ke,¡± he greeted.

    On the other end of the line, ke Langstaff''s voice was firm and serious, straight to the point. "The Moss family is willing to negotiate with us."

    Caden wasn''t surprised. He leaned against the railing, his eyes scanning the silent night.

    ¡°What were your conditions?¡± he asked, his tone calm and collected.

    ¡°No conditions. They just asked when you would be avable toe to Devarlton and meet them,¡± ke replied. After a pause, he added, ¡°Remember Ynda?¡±

    Caden frowned. The name brought back a distant memory.

    He reyed it in his mind until a sh of recognition hit him. ¡°Ynda Moss? ¡°The youngest daughter?¡± I have murmured.

    ¡°Exactly. You met her once when you were five. There was some joke about marrying her back then.¡±

    Caden felt a lump in his throat. Absentmindedly, he lit one of the scented candles nearby, the one Alicia had made.

    Her familiar, soothing scent filled the air, subtle and calming, like her presence. She had grown ustomed to falling asleep to that scent.

    ¡°We were kids,¡± he said, his voiceced with indifference. ¡°That joke means nothing now.¡±

    ke''s tone became more measured. "Maybe for you. But her father, Dorian Moss, has always liked you. He''s been getting close to Ciara."

    Caden twirled the lighter in his hand, his eyes distant. ¡°I respect a man¡¯s preferences, but I don¡¯t like men.¡±

    ke sighed in exasperation. ¡°Come on, be serious. ¡°He wants you as his son-inw.¡±

    A ghost of a smile touched Caden''s lips. ¡°I don''t like women either.¡±

    His patience wearing thin, ke got to the point. ¡°What if the deal is on the condition that you marry Ynda?¡±

    .

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 Chapter 169

    Chapter 169:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    The room fell into a brief silence. Caden pursed his lips before answering, ¡°Did he really say that?¡±

    ¡°When I was with Ciara, I heard him subtly ask about your love life. ¡°He even mentioned waiting for Ynda to finish her studies before bringing up the subject with you.¡± As rtives of the bride, they wouldn''t be too deferential. It would only tarnish their image.

    Caden seemed to think about it for a moment before falling silently again.

    ke wasn''t opposed to the idea. "Ciara feels the same way. You and Ynda can discuss whether you want to have kids or not. If things don''t work out, you can go your separate ways. Just remember what''s most important."

    It was Caden who had initially sought a deal with the Moss family. Being in a weaker negotiating position, he was forced to make some concessions.

    ¡°Are you seeing someone?¡± ke asked, sensing Caden''s hesitation.

    Caden replied slowly, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then it''s okay. It¡¯s no sacrifice for you,¡± ke replied.

    Caden hesitated for a moment before saying, ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± His tone was indifferent. ¡°Get some rest. ¡°I¡¯m going to bed.¡±

    After ending the call, Caden slowly closed his eyes, tapping the armrest of the couch, his brows furrowed in thought. Why had things taken such a sudden turn?

    At nine in the morning, Alice finally got out of bed. Caden was in the dining room talking on the phone, with breakfast already on the table. Aching and weak, Alice moved slowly, leaning on the table.

    Caden held the phone in one hand and wrapped his other arm around her.

    Despite her caution, Alice''s pain made her shudder and, frustrated, she hit him.

    ¡°Instead of pretending to be nice, why don''t you just castrate yourself?¡± he murmured, his voice rough and soft, without any hint of threat.

    On the other end of the line, Ciara interrupted her conversation, clearly bewildered. ¡°Brat, is there a woman in there with you?¡±

    Caden popped a donut into Alicia''s mouth. ¡°Yes, my personal assistant,¡± she replied nonchntly.

    Alicia, donut in mouth, red at Caden. Caden, deep in thought, showed her the name on his phone. It was his grandmother.

    Alice froze.

    Ciara''s voice came over the phone again: "Isn''t Hank your personal assistant?"

    ¡°She¡¯s my executive assistant,¡± Caden corrected her.

    ¡°I was under the impression you didn''t employ women on staff,¡± Ciara said, curious.

    Lies often needed more words to weave, and Caden nced at Alicia before replying dismissively, ¡°She insisted so much that I had to give in.¡± Alicia was speechless.

    Ciara wasn''t convinced. "I''ve seen women harass you before. Without your interest, would she dare to go too far? And what did she mean by ''emascte'' you? Why would she say that?"

    Caden rubbed the bridge of his nose, trying to hide his growing frustration. ¡°She''s a little crazy. ¡°I¡¯m letting her go today.¡±

    Alice, outraged, tried to kick him, but her leg was too weak. She couldn''t even lift it. Instead, she identally kicked the chair leg with her little toe and almost fainted from the pain.

    Ciara sensed the oddity of their interaction. Confidently, she said, ¡°You have a girlfriend.¡±

    Caden remained calm. ¡°If that were true, you''d be the first to know.¡±

    Ciara trusted her instincts and wasn''t ready to let the matter drop. After ending the call, she turned to the maid beside her. ¡°If she''s just a secretary, why would Caden put up with her nagging? ¡°He must be spoiling her.¡±

    The maid smiled and suggested, ¡°Why don''t you ask Hank?¡±

    Ciara scoffed: ¡°They¡¯re too close. ¡°Hank won¡¯t spill the beans.¡±

    She said, determined: "Book me a ne ticket. I''m going to Warrington right now."

    The maid helped her up. ¡°If Caden is really seeing someone, do you think he should marry her?¡±

    ¡°Definitely, if he¡¯s fond of her,¡± Ciara replied, her tone resolved.

    ¡°And the Moss family, then?¡± the maid asked, reminding her. ¡°They sent a representative yesterday. It won¡¯t be easy to dismiss them.¡±

    Ciara frowned. ¡°I don''t like Ynda. She''s not right for Caden. ¡°I don¡¯t want this marriage, but from what ke mentioned, Caden needs the support of the Moss family.¡±

    Caden was proud and stubborn. His only weak point was histe mother. His resolve often wavered when it came to anything rted to her.

    Ciara''s gaze turned dark.

    The maid sighed. ¡°It''s hard to see Caden so determined. ¡°It really saddens me.¡± Tears welled up in Ciara''s eyes as she spoke, deeply sympathizing with Caden''s situation.

    Before leaving, Caden put on his coat, and Alicia helped him choose a tie.

    Caden watched her agree, remembering Ciara''s earlier question.

    Ciara had asked him what his position would be if Ynda wanted to marry him. He had responded with indifference. To him, marriage was just another bargaining chip. As long as Ynda felt she wasn''t losing out, he didn''t care.

    But at that moment, as he stood in the little wardrobe and looked at Alice, an impulse came over him.

    "Alicia, would you consider getting married again?"

    Alice looked up, her eyes bright and soft, meeting her almost serene gaze.

    "No," she replied, her voice firm.

    Caden had expected this response. Alicia showed little interest in the subject and did not borate. Instead, she patted him gently on the thigh.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    With a worried expression, he asked, ¡°It''s getting colder today. Are your pants thick enough? Maybe you should wear some long underwear.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 170

    Chapter 170:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden was momentarily speechless.

    He looked at her and asked, ¡°What are those?¡±

    Alice turned to a drawer, rummaging through it before pulling out a pair of ck pants.

    ¡°These,¡± he said, holding them up. ¡°I bought themst week. It''s going to snow soon, and it''s freezing cold. You¡¯re often outdoors, and I figured you wouldn¡¯t want any lingering cold-induced aches and pains.¡±

    Caden examined the pants, a look of disgust spreading across his face.

    I have started to walk away. ¡°Thanks, but no. ¡°I¡¯m not going to freeze.¡±

    Alice gently took his arm. ¡°Age is not on your side, and style won''t keep you warm. These are light. They don''t bulk up. You look like you¡¯re wearing nothing, but they¡¯re incredibly warm.¡±

    Caden stepped back. ¡°I can''t use these. Get rid of them.¡±

    Suddenly, she pointed to the pup outside. ¡°Why not repurpose them into a pair of warm belly bands for him?¡±

    Alice replied with a smile: ¡°He already has his clothes. ¡°You have to put on yours.¡±

    He insisted: ¡°Try them on. Don¡¯t be so stubborn.¡±

    Caden stood his ground, refusing to put them on. Noticing his look of disdain, Alicia said, ¡°I¡¯ve already taken the tags off, so they¡¯re not returnable. I can''t just leave them unused, can I? They cost several thousand dors each.¡±

    Caden shrugged dismissively. ¡°Do what you want with them.¡±

    Alice thought for a moment and then followed. ¡°What if you give them to Hank? ¡°He¡¯s always outside, so he must be cold.¡±

    Caden paused but remained unimpressed. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t wear them.¡±

    "How do you know? Hank isn''t as picky as you are."

    "He has a lot of hair on his legs. They would itch him."

    Alice was silent. After a pause she suggested: ''Then let us give them to Mr. Hopkins.''

    Caden shrugged again. ¡°Gerry doesn¡¯t want secondhand goods.¡±

    "They''ve never been worn," Alice replied with a smile.

    ¡°Once the tags are removed, they are considered secondhand,¡± Caden insisted, his brow furrowing. ¡°And really, who would appreciate long johns as a gift?¡±

    She replied, ¡°Not everyone is as fussy as you. Do you think they¡¯re going to wear them over their pants or something?¡±

    Alice was determined to find a new owner for the long johns. She figured that if Hank and Gerry didn''t want them, she woulde up with another n.

    She went to grab a bag to pack them. ¡°I actually bought two pairs: one for Hank and one for Mr. Hopkins. If you¡¯re free today, you could deliver them.¡±

    Caden was momentarily speechless. He couldn''t understand why Alicia was so persistent. He also couldn''t understand why it bothered her so much. If he wanted to hand them over, why would he care?

    Just as Alicia was about to pack the pants, Caden snatched them away.

    I have frowned. ¡°I¡¯ll check its quality first.¡±

    Alice''s lips twitched slightly. What was going through her head? She was so unpredictable.

    Without warning, Caden pulled his boxers on in front of her. His long legs and well-defined muscles filled them out perfectly, but the fit wasn''t quite right in the crotch. The fabric ripped under the strain of his physique, unable to contain its dimensions.

    Alice, familiar with the sight, couldn''t help but marvel. "What have you eaten to grow like this? It''s like you''ve mutated."

    Caden, clearly amused, scoffed, ¡°You didn''t seem to care about enjoying yourself.¡±

    Alicia was speechless, rubbing her chin in thought as her gaze lingered on him. Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°Can you see clearly? Do you need me to take them off so you can see better?¡±

    She replied with a mocking smile: "Why don''t you be a hitman? If you put a gun in your pants, the bodyguards would never find it."

    For a moment, Caden was speechless. He knew that one day he would have to find a way to silence her.

    He also had removed a bit of hair on his legs, and this was his first experience with long johns. They soon began to itch. Restlessly, he shifted in his office chair, trying to getfortable.

    Caden''s behavior kept everyone at a distance.

    When Hank walked in, he noticed Caden frowning and adjusting his tie. Caden was clearly frustrated.

    Hank was puzzled. ¡°Mr. Ward, are you getting overheated?¡±

    Caden replied briskly, ¡°Open the window. I need some fresh air.¡±

    Hank hesitated, ncing at the weather outside. ¡°It''s raining and it''s pretty cold. Maybe I should turn down the air conditioning.¡±

    Caden''s chest rose with a slight intake of breath. ¡°I''m not warm. ¡°I feel restricted,¡± he said impatiently. ¡°Just open the window.¡±

    Recognizing Caden''s firm tone, Hank reluctantlyplied. Caden''s office was on a high floor, and the wind blew in as soon as the window opened.

    Turning to Caden, Hank asked worriedly, ¡°Mr. Ward, what makes you feel restricted? ¡°Is it your clothes?¡±

    Caden struggled to find an exnation. He stayed silent, his frustration mounting.

    Switching to business matters, Hank continued, ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward, we have to leave at ten to meet Mr. Wade from the art show.¡±

    Mr. Wade was the anonymous buyer of Joshua''s painting. The exhibition was imminent, and Joshua would be there to finalize the contract and the remaining payment of $150 million.

    Caden attacked and grabbed his coat. ¡°Let''s go.¡±

    As they exited the building, the strong wind and rain hit them. Despite the short walk, the cold was biting. Hank held an umbre over Caden to protect him from the rain and wind.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    However, Caden wasn''t bothered by the cold.

    She pushed the umbre away. ¡°Don''t worry about me. ¡°I¡¯m not cold.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 171

    Chapter 171:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    As Hank settled into the car, he grumbled, "Warrington is colder than anywhere I''ve ever been."

    In other cities, winters were filled with endless snowstorms. The snow piled up so high that when someone ventured outside, their shoes disappeared beneath it.

    But in Warrington it was different.

    Elsewhere, the cold was dry and bearable, but here, sleet soaked everything, leaving a damp chill that chilled to the bone.

    Caden wiped raindrops from his coat and stared out the window, his expression distant. ¡°I don''t find anything attractive about this city,¡± he said. ¡°Not the people, not the weather.¡±

    If it weren''t for histe mother, he would never havee back here.

    Hank chuckled. ¡°That''s a little unfair. Isn¡¯t Mrs. Bet quite nice?¡±

    A hint of softness appeared in Caden''s eyes, but he quickly frowned, a thought crossing his mind. ¡°She¡¯s quite demanding,¡± I muttered.

    Hank noticed that although Caden''s expression remained stern, there was a hint of indulgence in his tone. Although Cadenined about Alicia, it was clear that he tolerated her and listened to her.

    Hank couldn''t help but chuckle. ¡°Isn''t that nice? She challenges you and scolds you, but she also stirs up your emotions and makes you happy. It¡¯s better than burying yourself in work all the time.¡±

    ¡°Who says I''m happy?¡± Caden replied.

    ¡°You''re not?¡± Hank pressed. ¡°Yesterday, when Mrs. Bet came to pick you up at the airport, you must have known she wasing. You were excited from the moment you stepped onto the ne. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you so excited about a business trip.¡±

    Caden had no answer.

    His excitement had not been because Alice wasing to meet him; in fact, he had only been expecting a surprise.

    But he refused to admit it, so he kept his gaze fixed on the window.

    Suddenly, Caden remembered something important. He pulled out his phone and called Alicia.

    "What''s wrong?" asked Alice.

    ¡°I got a new bed. Has it been installed yet?¡± Caden asked.

    ¡°The workmen have just arrived and are putting it up now,¡± Alice replied. ¡°How are the long underwear? Are theyfortable? The workmen''s hands are red from the cold. Is it very cold today?¡±

    Caden furrowed his eyebrows. ¡°No,¡± he replied.

    "Really? So it''s not cold, or are you warm because of your long underwear?" Alice persisted.

    Caden closed his eyes, unsure of how to respond. Having nothing else to say, I decided to end the call.

    Hank couldn''t resist asking, "Didn''t you just change the bed in your apartment? Did it break after just one night?"

    Caden red at him. ¡°Did you pick that bed?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Hank replied. ¡°I thought about choosing one of ourpany''s products, but I figured you''d get bored with it. So I picked one with the best reviews on the market for you to try.¡±

    Caden replied coldly, ¡°Among all the people I know, your taste is the worst.¡±

    Hank was speechless.

    He was amazed at the idea of ??a brand new bed breaking down after just one night. Could things have been that intense between them? If so, Alicia must have been quite remarkable. The bed didn''t survive, but she did. She really did seem like the perfect match for Mr. Ward.

    After finishing their meeting with Mr. Wade, it was already noon. Caden and Hank decided to record a quick bite to eat at a nearby restaurant.

    Before they started eating, Caden arranged for extra food to be delivered to the apartment.

    Hank nced at him with a sly smile. ¡°That¡¯s very thoughtful of you, Mr. Ward,¡± hemented.

    Caden didn''t bother to respond.

    Alicia had cooked for him countless times, but today she was simply sending him takeout. It wasn''t the most considerate gesture. Plus, the food at this ce wasn''t as good as Alicia''s.

    Later, the sky filled with clouds.

    Surprisingly, the jewelry advertisement on the huge screen became even more captivating. Caden found himself looking at it several more times. Inside the ss cases were exquisite pieces of jewelry on disy: pink diamond nes, jade pendants, and sparkling diamond rings.

    Under the bright lights, each piece seemed to tempt passersby. Caden looked at the prices, which ranged from $80,000 to $5 million. To him, these amounts were not particrly high. He believed that anything worth his attention had to be priced at least $10 million. So, to him, Joshua had barely bought anything of real value for Alicia during their two years of marriage. A simple ring worth a few hundred dors was practically worthless.

    ¡°Bag up all the bestsellers over a hundred thousand dors,¡± Caden ordered, handing his card to the store clerk, making no attempt to hide his wealth.

    The shop assistant was momentarily stunned, but her enthusiasm soon took hold of her and she was eager to fulfill her request.

    The delivery boxes piled up outside the apartment, forming a small mountain. Alicia wasn''t home to receive them; she was in the studio attending her self-defense ss.

    After finishing his work, Caden headed to the studio and found her engaged in a sparring match. He did not announce his presence, choosing instead to watch silently from the sidelines. His opponent was a man a head taller than her, with suspicious eyes that made him seem untrustworthy. They exchanged formal bows, and Alicia immediately threw a punch.

    Despite her thinness, Alice quickly mastered her techniques and urately attacked her opponent''s weak points. In no time, she had taken control of the fight. With a decisive final blow, the man copsed to the ground, groaning in pain.

    Shocked by the result, Alice rushed to him. ¡°I''m sorry, did I hurt you?¡± she asked.

    Just as the words were out of her mouth, the man lunged at her and choked her.

    Unable to break free, Alice was helpless, struggling in vain against her attacker. As her face paled, the others realized the danger and quickly pulled the man away from her.

    Alice staggered to her feet, moving to one side as she coughed, her eyes red from the effort. After catching her breath, she put a hand to her chest, lost in thought. Something was clearly bothering her.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Caden raised his hand and knocked on the window. Alicia looked up and met her gaze. He immediately noticed the redness in her eyes.

    She was surprised to see him.

    ¡°Caden?¡± she asked, her voice soft.

    .

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 Chapter 172

    Chapter 172:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    This was Caden''s first visit here. Their rtionship wasn''t public, so they rarely appeared together outside. But with the study almost deserted at this hour, Alicia feltfortable and led him into the living room.

    Alicia took some time to freshen up and change her clothes. Meanwhile, Caden sat silently, deep in thought.

    When Alice reappeared, her mood seemed dull and apathetic. She didn''t rush to leave. Instead, she joined Caden and drank from the same ss of water he had just used.

    Noticing his low mood, Caden asked, ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Have you lost a match really taken all your energy?¡±

    Alicia shook her head. ¡°It''s not about winning or losing.¡± She hadn''t nned to share it, but Caden''s question stirred a feeling of injustice in her. ¡°Why did he cheat on me?¡±

    Caden kept hisposure. ¡°What he did was wrong, but consider it a lesson. You haven¡¯t really lost anything.¡±

    Alice frowned. ¡°You''re not my teacher. Why are you reading me?¡±

    ¡°So what should I say?¡± Caden replied, his tone even. ¡°Would you rather Ifort you?¡±

    Alice was silent. Now that would be strange.

    Offering advice was typical of Caden, but this time, it felt different.

    Alice took another sip of water, then remembered an earlier incident. ¡°Did you notice when he was choking me?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Caden replied, his expression unreadable.

    Alicia''s fear was still palpable. ¡°It felt like he had something on me. His grip was so strong. ¡°If no one had intervened, he could have seriously hurt me.¡± She tried to sound nonchnt, but the fear still lingered in her voice.

    Caden is an idiot. He didn''te to help. How heartless, she thought, frustration simmering inside her.

    She could feel the intensity of Caden''s gaze, which was putting her under considerable pressure. Unable to contain her frustration, she red at him. ¡°You wish I was dead, didn''t you?¡±

    Caden replied, ¡°You''re tough as nails. I doubt you¡¯ll go down easily.¡±

    He had been slow to intervene because he wanted to see if Alice could escape the dam on her own. When he realized that she couldn''t, he was about to intervene, but the others got there first.

    Alicia pursed her lips in annoyance. She was visibly upset by hisments. Feeling hurt and disappointed, she no longer wanted to be around him and stood up to leave. Caden held out his hand and pulled her along.

    "A chokehold isn''t unbeatable. Let me show you how to escape from it."

    Alicia, however, was not in the mood. ¡°I¡¯ll have my coach teach me another time.¡±

    ¡°She can''t teach you what I can.¡± Caden pulled her to her feet. ¡°Try to strangle me and I¡¯ll prove it to you.¡±

    Alice nced at him, then, with a sigh, she stood up and put her arms around his neck.

    Caden looked at her. ¡°Is your touch so gentle because you seek instruction, or are you trying to seduce me?¡±

    Alice frowned. Then she tightened her grip on her arms slightly.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Caden was 6''2¡å, almost 6''3¡å with shoes on, and had a sturdy build. Although Alicia wasn''t particrly short, the disparity in their sizes was obvious. To effectively suffocate him, she looked more like a sloth clinging to a tree.

    Feeling exhausted from the training session and in a bad mood, Alice jumped impulsively, wrapping her legs around her waist.

    Caden was momentarily speechless. He grabbed her by the hips and said coldly, ¡°Is this your technique for handling attackers?¡±

    Alicia bowed her head and rested it on her shoulder. ¡°Caden, I don''t want to learn.¡± Not now.

    Caden remained silent, neither urging nor criticizing her. Instead, he asionally caressed the small of her back. His fingers were nimble, teasing a tingling sensation around her waist.

    She squirmed. ¡°You¡­¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow, hisugh light. ¡°Does a simple touch make youugh out loud?¡±

    Alice defended herself sharply. ¡°Who? Me? Certainly not.¡±

    Caden felt a stir inside him too. I have leaned over and kissed her.

    Alicia surrendered to the kiss.

    They rarely held back with each other. Their attraction was undeniable, and their youthful energy made them quickly turn on each other. But Alice was too exhausted at the moment. She fell in with little resistance.

    Caden meant to tease her, but as their kisses deepened, he too became lost in the moment. He said huskily, ¡°Let¡¯s go home and try out the new bed.¡±

    Alice''s cheeks flushed. She bit her lip and hid her face in his neck.

    ¡°I thought you wanted to stay here,¡± she whispered.

    Caden replied, ¡°I don''t always follow impulses.¡±

    Alice quickly added: ¡°But yesterday in the car¡­¡±

    Cadenughed softly. ¡°Okay, sometimes I just can¡¯t resist.¡±

    Alice burst outughing. Her spirits lifted.

    Caden gently set her down. ¡°Go to the car and wait for me. ¡°I need to go to the bathroom.¡±

    "OK."

    In the adjacent men''s locker room, the man who had previously attacked Alicia was in the process of removing her clothes when he heard the door open. I have turned around to find an unfamiliar face.

    ¡°Who are you? ¡°A new apprentice?¡± I have asked.

    Caden stood firm, emanating a formidable aura.

    .

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    .

 Chapter 173

    Chapter 173:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden said, ¡°Yeah, I''m new around here. ¡°I heard you¡¯re pretty skilled, so I wanted to check it out.¡± The man immediately picked up on the hostile undertones in Caden''s voice. He recognized that Caden was no ordinary contender, and if a confrontation did ur, it was unclear who would emerge unscathed.

    Deciding to calm the situation, the man quickly got dressed. ¡°I''m tied up right now, and today''s session is over. Maybe another time.¡±

    Just as he was about to leave, Caden blocked his way. His piercing gaze locked on him. ¡°Did Alicia do something to upset you?¡±

    The man shudded slightly. He replied defiantly: ¡°No, we are on good terms.¡±

    Caden''s expression turned sarcastic. "So why the harsh treatment of her?"

    The man hesitated. Despite his fear of Caden, he refused to back down. ¡°Why does she have to get all the attention? She''s new here, and she''s already outshining everyone. I didn''t mean to hurt her today. ¡°I just wanted to teach her a little lesson to keep a lower profile.¡±

    Cadenughed. ¡°And who appointed you to teach him a lesson?¡±

    He began to roll up his sleeves, the tension in the room palpable.

    The man''s eyes widened in fear. ¡°What are you nning to do?¡±

    Caden replied, ¡°It''s been a while since I''ve had a proper workout. You look like a perfect opponent to practice against.¡± After washing his hands, Caden noticed Alicia standing outside, looking puzzled.

    He frowned briefly, then wiped his hands nonchntly. ¡°Didn¡¯t I ask you to wait in the car?¡±

    Alicia had heard the altercation. The realization that Caden had defended her stirred mixed emotions in her, feelings she hadn''t fully processed yet.

    After a moment of silence, she approached him. ¡°Well¡­ is he okay?¡±

    Caden looked at his reddened knuckles, his expression distant. ¡°I bullied you, and you care about him?¡±

    Alice instinctively blurted out, ¡°I''m not worried about him. I''m worried that there might be repercussions. What if there are consequences?¡±

    Caden''s features softened slightly. ¡°It''s okay. His injuries are minor. ¡°I¡¯ve already called an ambnce.¡±

    Alice breathed a sigh of relief.

    Shortly after, medical personnel arrived to take the man away.

    Alice took one look at the scene and was stunned.

    ¡°Fuck! You call that a minor?¡± she burst out, her voice rising in rm before she controlled herself and lowered it, giving Caden a stern look. ¡°His face was covered in blood. You call that ¡®minor¡¯?¡±

    Caden put his arm around her as they climbed into the car. ¡°She''s still breathing, right?¡± he said nonchntly.

    Alicia couldn''t help butugh. She realized that Caden had everything under control. Despite her rough treatment of the man, there was nothing she could change. Deep down, she felt satisfied.

    As they settled into the car, Caden shifted his gaze to him. ¡°Did you just swear?¡±

    Alice blinked. ¡°So what if I have?¡±

    ¡°Impressive,¡± Imented, with a slight smile of satisfaction. I have rarely heard her use suchnguage. ¡°She swears again.¡±

    Without hesitation, and in a yful tone, Alice said, "Caden, you stupid asshole."

    Caden was momentarily speechless.

    Alice sat on hisp then, gently applying some ointment to his knuckles. Her punches had been powerful, and her skin had cracked, but she barely noticed the damage.

    Caden felt no pain, but Alicia insisted on tending to his wounds. I have allowed it.

    When she finished applying the ointment, Alice said, ¡°That''s it. Now go drive.¡±

    When she tried to slide off hisp, Caden grabbed her hips and pulled her back. ¡°Do you feel sympathy for me? Are you not angry anymore?¡±

    Alice replied awkwardly, ¡°You defended me. It¡¯s natural for me to be worried.¡±

    Caden smiled.

    Silently, he let go of her.

    He walked over to the driver''s seat, while Alice looked at him anxiously. "Are you sure you can drive with that hand?" she asked.

    Caden replied with a smirk, ¡°I could drive with one hand tied behind my back.¡±

    She was speechless.

    After the disturbing incident at the studio, Alicia couldn''t stand to stay there anymore. Caden arranged private sessions for her with a trainer.

    As she got out of the elevator, Alice thought about what was left in her kitchen. ¡°We''re out of food. How about some pasta with tomato sauce for dinner?¡±

    Caden simply agreed.

    Entering her apartment, Alicia was surprised to find the room filled with jewelry boxes. Caden casually tossed her jacket.

    "It''s almost Christmas. These are gifts from clients. They would just gather dust in the warehouse, so I thought you might like to pick out something to wear," he said.

    Alice felt doubtful. She looked inside one of the boxes. Even the least expensive item was valued at over $100,000.

    During her two years of marriage to Joshua, she had lived frugally. The opulence before her seemed excessive. She sighed and said, ¡°This could be worth all my savings. Your clients are truly extravagant.¡±

    Caden replied, ¡°I only work with those who are not ashamed to show off their wealth.¡±

    Aliceughed softly and then carefully put the jewels away in the wardrobe.

    Later that night, Caden hugged her from behind, cing soft kisses along her neck.

    Alice''s eyes sparkled with moisture and tenderness as she savored the moment, looking at him dreamily.

    Caden''s heart skipped a beat.

    I was really fond of him.

    It seemed like he couldn''t hide anything from her, right?

    Her emotions emerged, leaving soft marks on her skin. The phone beside Alicia vibrated.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    He wanted to ignore the call, but he answered without realizing it.

    Realizing it was Hank, Caden quickly covered his mouth.

    However, in her panic, she bit his hand.

    Hank, oblivious to themotion, continued, "Mr. Ward, Mrs. Ward has arrived in Warrington."

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 Chapter 174

    Chapter 174:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    This time, Caden and Alicia only made out once. Afterward, I leaned back against the headboard and dialed Ciara''s number. Meanwhile, Alicia silently picked up the phone and started to leave. Caden noticed her movement and looked up.

    After a few brief words with Ciara, he ended the call and asked, ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°Get out,¡± Alice whispered, nodding subtly toward her phone. ¡°Be careful, or your grandmother might hear you.¡±

    Caden''s expression was unreadable as I watched her. ¡°She''s in Warrington. That call this morning probably piqued her curiosity,¡± he muttered, throwing his arms out in frustration. ¡°I''ve already hung up. No need to be so stealthy. Eat here.¡±

    Alice hesitated, theny down beside him.

    Nervous, she asked, ¡°Is Ciaraing?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Caden reassured her. ¡°He''s curious, but he knows he should keep his distance.¡±

    Alice snuggled into the nket, findingfort at her side. ¡°Why does he care so much if you have a girlfriend? ¡°A guy like you must have a lot of admirers.¡±

    He gently touched her cheek. ¡°She''s looking forward to me getting married.¡±

    Alice was surprised, but as her back was turned she couldn''t see his expression. After a long pause she finally said, "That makes sense. He''s getting older; it''s about time he had a great-grandson."

    Caden looked at Alicia and noticed her closed eyes. She looked sleepy, but her long eyshes fluttered from time to time, giving away that she was still awake. He smiled and asked, ¡°How much would you give as a wedding present if I got married?¡±

    Without opening her eyes, Alice answered, "Two hundred dors."

    ¡°Only two hundred?¡± Caden scoffed. ¡°How about thirteen hundred? That¡¯s the rate for my first night¡¯s stay.¡±

    Alice''s eyes flew open and she nudged him. Then, looking serious, she said: "If you get married, I won''t go. It wouldn''t be proper."

    ¡°Are you embarrassed?¡± he asked with a mocking smile.

    She covered her face with the nket, her voice muffled. ¡°I''m going to sleep.¡±

    Cadenughed softly, turned off the light, andy down beside her, holding her in his arms. For a moment, silence enveloped them. Then Alice gently pulled his arm away.

    ¡°Do you have someone to marry?¡± she asked quietly.

    "My family has arranged someone, but I haven''t met her yet," he repliedzily.

    ¡°So you have it,¡± she murmured, realization dawning on her. Sensing her uneasiness, Caden added, ¡°I¡¯m only getting married when our coboration is over.¡±

    But Alice felt a tightness in her chest, the weight of her situation pressing down on her.

    ¡°You should have told me before,¡± she whispered. Throwing back the nket, she sat up and began adjusting her clothes, her back to him.

    Caden''s expression darkened, a rare sh of anger crossing his features. ¡°Didn''t I tell you? ¡°Nothing is final yet.¡±

    Alice pressed her lips together, struggling with her emotions. She decided silence was best and stood up to leave.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Caden asked, his voice deepening.

    ¡°I''m going to sleep in the guest room,¡± she replied, her voice firm despite the turmoil inside her.

    ¡°Trying to avoid any awkwardness?¡± His tone turned icy. ¡°Or do you think you¡¯re somehow interfering with my engagement?¡±

    Surprised by his frankness, Alice paused. ¡°I''m not that influential. It''s just that the new bed makes it difficult for me to sleep. ¡°I¡¯d be morefortable in the guest room.¡±

    Caden''s expression darkened further, his eyes narrowing. He knew hismitment made her uneasy, even if she refused to admit it.

    "I haven''t made anymitments," he said coldly. "You don''t have to be so tense."

    Alice''s body tense. She knew he wasn''t serious about marriage, but it still made her ufortable. She silently stepped back.

    ¡°Have you forgotten our agreement?¡± Caden''s voice was sharp.

    Alice replied firmly, "The agreement does not stipte that we share a bed."

    Her words hit him hard, leaving him momentarily speechless. He cursed himself inwardly for bringing up the topic of the agreement at a time like this.

    Alicia opened the door and left, her steps light and her heart still uneasy. She knew full well that her rtionship with Caden was strictly contractual. Yet, in the stillness of the night, memories of their shared moments lingered in her mind. Were they really just partners?N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Before she coulde up with an answer, another thought came to her: Alice, you two will part ways eventually. He is free to be with whomever he wants. Why do you let this bother you?

    Determined not to let it affect her mood, she decided to let the matter rest.

    She knew that dealing with Caden was like handling a spring: treat him well and things would go well; challenge him and he would make things difficult. So she decided to act as if nothing had been said the night before.

    The next morning, she made breakfast as usual. Caden poured himself a ss of water and took a quick look at the table. Nothing seemed different.

    "Make me an omelette," he demanded, taking a sip, his face expressionless.

    Alice stood up straight, standing firm. ¡°Isn''t what I''ve done enough?¡±

    "I''m not in the mood for this," he replied curtly.

    "I don''t have time. I have ns. Eat what''s here or skip it," Alice said.

    Caden''s gaze narrowed. ¡°Mr. Wade is having an art exhibition tomorrow. Have you been invited?¡±

    Alice paused. Was he threatening her again? Anger red up inside her. ¡°It''s just an invitation. Do you think it''s exclusive to you? ¡°I don¡¯t need you to take me.¡±

    Caden scoffed. ¡°And who else will take you?¡±

    She stared at him, unfazed. ¡°That''s none of your business.¡±

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 Chapter 175

    Chapter 175:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia sat down at the table and began to eat her breakfast. Caden, with a serious expression, pulled up a chair and joined her.

    As she picked up the fork, Alice pped her hand away. ¡°Do you think you can just eat? If you¡¯re hungry, make yourself something.¡±

    Caden was momentarily speechless. It was the first time anyone had shown him such contempt. His pride was too great to swallow.

    He leaned back, arms crossed, and stared at her. ¡°Joshua may not be able to get his hands on that two hundred million dors, but he''ll surely find other ways to fund his business. Do you want me to ask you for money?¡±

    Alice stopped chewing. The offer was tempting. She looked at him closely. ¡°I have some funds, but would you really grow before me?¡±

    ¡°I have my ways,¡± Caden replied, his brief words carrying weight.

    She was confident Caden could handle it. Imagining Joshua pleading amused her, dissolving her irritation.

    She slid her te towards him. ¡°Go ahead. Eat.¡±

    Caden didn''t move. ¡°No, thanks. ¡°I need my omelet.¡±

    Ever flexible, Alicia stood up. ¡°I¡¯ll get it ready now.¡± A smile yed on Caden''s lips. ¡°But you said you were short on time?¡±

    ¡°Wait,¡± Alicia replied, quickly getting to work. Meanwhile, Caden calmly sipped his coffee and wolfed down his sandwich.

    When Alice came back with the omelette, she found the table empty. She looked around in confusion. ¡°You didn''t want omelette?¡±

    "I''ve changed my mind."

    Caden used a napkin to wipe his mouth and left the room.

    Alicia clenched her jaw. ¡°You asked for an omelette, I make it for you, and now you refuse to eat it? What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±

    As Caden put on his coat, he nonchntly replied, ¡°Our agreement never specified that I had to have an omelet for breakfast.¡±

    Alice''s frustration reached its peak. "Caden, you idiot!"

    He just smiled. ¡°I''m always a jerk.¡±

    Turning to the tail-wagging pup, I called out. ¡°Eat here. Won¡¯t youe with me?¡±

    Still angry, Alice protested. ¡°Why does the puppy have to fire you? ¡°You can¡¯t give him orders.¡±

    ¡°Do you need my help or not?¡± Caden replied coldly.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Alice was speechless. She moved quickly, grabbing the puppy. ¡°Go away!¡± she snapped.

    Caden, who had been in a bad mood all night, felt his spirits lift as he watched her leave.

    Once Ciara arrived in Warrington, she settled in quietly, making sure not to disturb Caden. Caden made time to visit her and hired maids and a chauffeur to drive her around.

    "I''ll get you a bodyguard in the next few days," he added, removing the blood pressure monitor, checking the readings - all normal - and handing it to the maid standing nearby.

    Ciara watched him closely. ¡°You seem to like the local cuisine.¡±

    Caden could tell she was digging for information, but he preferred not to reveal anything about Alicia, not wanting to give Ciara false hope.

    "I have some work to do, so I''m leaving now," he said. "I''ll be busy tomorrow, but I''ll visit you the day after tomorrow."

    Ciara hesitated, then spoke: ¡°Ynda got in touch with me. She¡¯s aware that I¡¯m in Warrington long-term and wants to look after me.¡±

    Caden deadpanned, ¡°That¡¯s your business. Handle it as you see fit.¡±

    ¡°But she''sing for you,¡± Ciara said dryly. ¡°Naturally, I want your opinion. Who will it be? The woman you¡¯re currently with or her?¡±

    ¡°It''s your decision,¡± Caden replied, his voice indifferent.

    Ciara smiled knowingly. ¡°So, there''s someone else here with you.¡±

    Caden paused briefly. Then, raising an eyebrow, he asked, ¡°When have I ever implied that?¡±

    "You didn''t give me a straight answer when I asked you to choose. It''s obvious you feel guilty," Ciara said.

    "You misunderstood me."

    Caden stood up and instructed the maid, ¡°Let her rest for a bit and then take her to enjoy the music. Make sure she keeps herself busy.¡±

    Ciara was speechless.

    Walking down the stairs, Caden got into his car and asked Hank, ¡°Has Alicia contacted you?¡±

    Hank looked confused. ¡°Why would Mrs. Bet contact me?¡±

    Caden remained silent.

    They had not spoken since their disagreement earlier in the day, and with morning approaching, he wondered if she had secured the invitation. Mr. Wade did not know her, and the guests were notable figures. Who could she turn to for help?

    Then Hank recalled, ¡°We tried the proposal that Ms. Bet presented the other day, and the response has been quite favorable. ¡°We are just waiting for her approval to begin mass production andunch.¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°He certainly has a knack for this.¡±

    Hank nodded with a smile, saying, ¡°Miss Bet really does have a gift.¡±

    When Alice was in school, everyone understood her abilities.

    That night, when Caden returned to the apartment, he found Alicia busy in the study. At first, he didn''t bother her, but as midnight approached and she hadn''t yet retired to bed, his concern got the better of him and he knocked on the study door.

    Alice quickly covered the papers on her desk and looked up, her eyes red and tired. "Forks?"

    Caden stood at the door. ¡°Eleven a day. It¡¯s about time.¡±

    Alice replied coldly: "I''m on my period."

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Caden walked in. ¡°Let¡¯s go check it out.¡±

    Quickly Alice said, ¡°Maybe we could do it twice tomorrow instead?¡±

    "No."

    ¡°Howe you can do it twice a day, but I can''t put it off?¡± Alice replied. ¡°If you''re feeling uneasy, why don''t you go for a walk? Or, if that¡¯s not enough, I can arrange a home delivery service.¡±

    Caden was speechless. His expression hardened and without another word, he abruptly left the room.

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 Chapter 176

    Chapter 176:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice shrugged and went back to her work.

    It wasn''t until after three in the morning that she finally finished her choruses. Feelingpletely exhausted, she could barely keep her eyes open. She took a quick shower and went straight to bed.

    The next morning, she was awakened by strange noises. Still groggy, she pulled the nket over her head, hoping to fall back asleep. Just as she was drifting off to sleep, somethingnded on her chest.

    She groaned and threw the nket aside in frustration. ¡°Caden, what''s going on?¡±

    Opening her eyes, she saw Caden standing in the doorway with a nonchnt expression. For a moment, she was shocked. Then she saw the real culprit on the bed: Cade, the dog, sitting there with innocent eyes and his tongue hanging out.

    With a sigh, she picked him up and held him close, hoping to get some more sleep.

    However, Caden''s voice brought her out of her reverie. "I just pooped."

    His words woke Alicia up. Cade jumped at her without warning, eagerly licking her face. He trotted around her several times before sitting directly on her face.

    Alicia stood there, too stunned to speak. After washing her face, she walked out of the bathroom, her irritation with Caden growing.

    He seemedpletely indifferent, having as if nothing strange had happened.

    "Why did you let him into my room so early? Are you trying to ruin my day?" she asked.

    Caden sat back in his chair, unconcerned with his work. ¡°I had nothing to do with it. ¡°He came into your room on his own.¡±

    "Do you expect me to believe that I have opened the door alone?"

    "Yes. He''s actually pretty good at it."

    Once again, Alice was speechless.

    He was searching with frustration, unable to find an outlet for his anger. After a long silence, he finally burst out: ¡°You are incredibly childish!¡±

    Caden looked at her coldly. ¡°You''re just grumpy because you didn''t get the invitation, aren''t you?¡±

    Alice calmed down and replied: "That''s none of your business."

    ¡°Fine,¡± Caden said, assuming she was just being stubborn. ¡°If you don''t make it and decide you need my help, I''ll be avable until noon. After that, even if you ask me, nothing will change.¡±

    Alice scoffed. ¡°Don''t expect me to ask you.¡±

    "As you wish," he replied.

    Determined, Alicia invited Monica to apany her to the art exhibition. She had already chosen a dress for Monica and nned to pick it up at the boutique and deliver it to her.

    After changing into her own dress, she left the apartment. Only when she heard the door close did Caden look up. I have noticed the untouched breakfast table. She was already gone.

    His expression turned cold and he couldn''t concentrate on his work anymore. He threw the documents aside. The papers fell on Cade, the dog resting at his feet, causing him to howl.

    Caden frowned at the dog. ¡°You''re in the way.¡± Cade felt hurt and wanted to beforted, but he hesitated to snuggle up against Caden''s leg.

    Instead, he paced around the living room, looking for Alice.

    Caden kept a stern expression. ¡°Eat here,¡± he ordered.

    Cade felt scared and refused to move. He curled up on the pink pillow and lowered his head.

    Caden frowned. I have noticed that Cade, despite being a small dog, had quite a bit of character. The dog reminded him of Alice.

    Caden wondered if he had identally hurt Caden. I have called out to him several times without receiving a response and decided to approach him.

    Just as Caden bent down to check on Cade, the door flew open. He looked up and met Alicia''s eyes.

    As soon as Alice entered, Cade''s ears prickled up. He lunged at her, wrapping his arms around her legs and letting out soft whimpers. Alice picked him up and gently stroked his fur. Sensing her distress, she turned to Caden. ¡°Did you do something to Cade?¡± she asked.

    Cade whimpered again, as ifining of mistreatment.

    Caden remained expressionless. ¡°You picked a bad time toe back. ¡°I was about to strangle him,¡± he said.

    Alicia stared at him in disbelief. Gripping Cade closer, she red at Caden. ¡°That''s the most twisted thing you''ve ever said,¡± she grew up. She headed into the bedroom, grabbed a few belongings, and headed for the door.

    Caden watched her go. ¡°If you need my help, just let me know. There¡¯s no point in wasting time,¡± he said.

    She ignored hisment, thinking how absurd it was. ¡°If youy a finger on Cade, you''ll regret it,¡± she warned him.

    Caden looked at the dog. ¡°Once you''re gone, I can''t promise what might happen to him,¡± he replied.

    Anger red in Alice''s eyes. Realizing she couldn''t win either an argument or a physical confrontation, Alice decided topletely ignore Caden and walked out of the apartment with Cade in her arms. As she left, she shouted loudly, "And you can''t wear the long johns I bought you!"

    Caden stood there, momentarily speechless.

    Alicia decided to temporarily leave Cade at a pet store, intending to pick him up after running her errands that afternoon.

    When Monica received the dress, she was ecstatic and immediately tried it on.

    ¡°Where''s your dress?¡± Monica asked anxiously, her eyes shining with excitement. ¡°Alicia, try yours on. ¡°I¡¯ll even do your makeup.¡±

    "I have important matters to attend to today. My appearance is not a priority," Alice replied.

    ¡°But it''s absolutely important!¡± Monica said seriously. ¡°Today you finally face Joshua. ¡°You should look impressive and make him realize what he¡¯s lost.¡± Her words made Alicia pause.

    Yes, today was the day to put an end to everything. Once it was over, her agreement with Caden would alsoe to an end.

    These were two significant events worth celebrating.

    By the time Alicia came out of her thoughts, Monica was already leading her towards the bedroom.

    He looked at himself in the mirror.

    There was no joy in his expression. He saw only his own indifference.

    The dress was intricate and difficult to manage. Alice struggled with it for quite a while.

    Just as he was about to zip up his pants, his phone range. It was Caden.

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    .All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 177

    Chapter 177:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice''s heart skipped a beat.

    She took a deep breath before picking up Caden''s call. ¡°What?¡± she muttered weakly.

    Caden''s voice came through clearly. ¡°Where are you?¡±

    Alice was in a hurry. ¡°I''m changing. If you need to say something, go ahead.¡±

    Caden''s expression soured at the mention of her ''changing clothes''.

    Just then, Monica entered the room.

    Alicia quickly hid her phone under the nket.

    Monica sensed the tension and whispered, ¡°Bad timing?¡±

    Alice shook her head. ¡°What do you need?¡±

    ¡°I noticed you¡¯ve been here for a while,¡± Monica said quietly. ¡°I thought I¡¯d check on you.¡±

    Monica saw Alicia struggling with her dress and walked over to help her.

    Thinking the call had been disconnected, Alice copsed onto the bed. ¡°I''m exhausted. ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep until three in the morning and I got up at seven.¡±

    Monica realized what she had kept Alicia awake and gave her an understanding smile.

    The strapless dress allowed Monica to gently massage Alicia''s shoulders.

    Alice sighed in relief. ¡°Yes, right there. I feel wonderful¡­ Oh, take it easy,¡± she whispered.

    Her nonsense caused the call to end identally. Exhausted, Alicey down on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

    Monica noticed her expression. ¡°Do you look down, Alicia?¡±

    Alice shook her head.

    "Why would I be? I''m about to be free."

    Monica leaned on her hand, watching Alicia. ¡°You seemed more cheerful a few days ago.¡±

    "I''m happy, only inside," Alice replied. Feeling self-conscious under Monica''s gaze, she looked away.

    ¡°Do you and your partner have any problems? Have you had an argument?¡± Monica asked, trying to understand.

    Aliceughed lightly. ¡°Why should we argue?¡±

    Their rtionship had been strained for years. Both had often fantasized about strangling the other. With a heavy sigh, Alice quickly stood up. ¡°Come on, it''s time to go.¡±

    At one o''clock, Caden''s car arrived at the entrance of the art exhibition. Mr. Wade stepped forward to wee him.

    Speaking in a low voice, Mr. Wade said, ¡°I have a meeting with Joshuater. I will take care of everything as you instructed, Mr. Ward. There is no need to worry.¡±

    Caden nodded indifferently. He stepped out of the car, his presence imposing and authoritative.

    Surveying the scene, Mr. Wade asked, "Mr. Ward, where''s your date?"

    Caden''s expression turned grim. ¡°She''s gone, they found her in someone else''s bed.¡±

    Mr. Wade stood there bewildered, not knowing what to say.

    Hank said, ¡°Thank you for your concern, Mr. Wade. Mr. Ward isn¡¯t feeling particrly jovial today, so it¡¯s best not to bring up the subject of women.¡±

    Hank made a sign for silence.

    Mr. Wade agreed. ¡°Understood.¡±

    As Caden was about to get in, Gerry''s car pulled up. Gerry looked out of the window. ¡°Caden.¡±

    Caden turned to him. As Gerry walked out, Caden''s eyes caught sight of Alicia. She was wearing the custom-made dress he had arranged for her, and she looked more stunning than he had imagined. The cool breeze yed with her long curls, adding to her allure.

    Alicia smiled, her demeanor effortlessly making her the center of attention at the event.

    Caden let out a smile.

    It turned out that it was Gerry she hade with. Arm in arm with Monica, Alice walked over to Gerry.

    Caden stood with a dignified and striking stature. He seemedpletely indifferent.

    Alice avoided his gaze. After greeting Mr. Wade, she went inside.

    Caden also ignored his presence.

    They passed each other as if they were strangers. Gerry, always casual, said, ¡°Why are you two acting like enemies? ¡°You¡¯re adults, but you act like children.¡± They walked inside.

    Caden watched Alicia as she walked away. The dress he had tailored to fit her waist perfectly, and her movements were graceful and serene. A pang of irritation washed over him.

    Calmly, she picked up a ss of wine. Gerry, always eager for gossip, picked up a ss and clinked it against Caden''s. ¡°So, about Joshua¡­¡±

    Caden''s expression soured and he set the ss back down.

    Gerry looked confused. ¡°What''s wrong?¡±

    Caden replied coldly, ¡°You touched it. ¡°I won¡¯t drink it now.¡±

    Gerry stood there stunned for a moment, his eyes wide. ¡°What''s wrong with you, Caden? Do you think everything I¡¯ve touched is too disgusting for you?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Caden replied, his voice firm.

    Gerry couldn''t believe him, but he soon realized the reason for his bad mood.

    ¡°Is your problem that I brought Alice to the exhibition?¡± Gerry clicked his tongue and scolded, ¡°Really,peting with a woman is not a good image for a man.¡±

    Caden grabbed another ss of wine and drank it quickly. Then he asked, ¡°Do you find Alicia attractive?¡±

    Gerry looked thoughtfully at Alice. ¡°She''s pretty, but no, not really. ¡°We know each other too well.¡±

    Gerry was puzzled. ¡°Why are you asking that all of a sudden?¡±

    Caden swallowed, his Adam''s apple bobbing slightly. ¡°No particr reason.¡±

    Gerry was skeptical. ¡°You don''t think I brought Alice because we''re tied up, do you?¡±Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

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 Chapter 178

    Chapter 178:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Gerry chuckled. ¡°You know, Alicia came to see me yesterday. She wanted to go to the art show but she didn''t have an invitation. She asked if I could help her. It wasn¡¯t too much trouble, so I said yes.¡±

    Caden picked up his wine ss and downed it in one gulp. ¡°Did I ask for yourment? You¡¯re a chatterbox,¡± he replied.

    With a helpless shrug, Gerry replied, ¡°Alice shows more grace than you do. What was a small favor to me meant a lot to her. ¡°She even stayed up all nightposing a theme song for my next movie to thank me.¡±

    Caden''s demeanor changed slightly.

    I remembered the night before when I had passed the studio. Alicia was there, surrounded by sheets of handwritten paper, her eyes red and tired. He had assumed she was preparing lessons, but she was actually writing a song for Gerry.

    Gerry sighed: ¡°When I saw her today, her eyes were bloodshot. ¡°She must have spent the night awake.¡±

    Caden swirled his ss thoughtfully. ¡°When did she meet you?¡± I have asked.

    ¡°We had lunch together around noon,¡± Gerry replied. ¡°He even introduced me to his friend Monica.¡±

    Caden pressed his lips together. Earlier, when his call with Alicia had abruptly ended, he had heard faint background noises and suspected she was with another man. Seeing Gerry now, a fleeting doubt crossed his mind, but he was quickly dismissed. He was certain that nothing romantic would happen between Gerry and Alicia.

    ¡°Honestly, you should stop doing things difficult for her,¡± Gerry said, nudging Caden. ¡°I''m actually thinking about hiring her. ¡°I don¡¯t want her to get into trouble with me because of your attitude.¡±

    Caden replied coldly, ¡°I¡¯ve never made things difficult for him.¡±

    ¡°Stop denying it,¡± Gerry replied, his eyes narrowing. ¡°The tension between you two before was so thick you could cut it with a knife. ¡°You looked like you wanted to kill each other.¡±

    Caden was silent for a moment before quickly changing the subject. ¡°So, when is your movieing out?¡±

    ¡°After Christmas,¡± Gerry replied. ¡°Thest one did well, but¡­¡±

    The profits were not great after all the expenses.

    ¡°I¡¯ll finance half of the new movie,¡± Caden offered nonchntly, swirling his drink.

    Gerry, surprised by the offer, looked at him suspiciously. ¡°Why? What are you up to?¡±

    "What could he possibly want with you?" Caden replied sharply.

    ¡°You tell me. ¡°We¡¯ve been friends for years,¡± Gerry said, taking a step back, half joking. ¡°There''s no such thing as a free lunch. What''s wrong with you? Are you in love with me or something?¡±

    ¡°I have a crush on your mother,¡± Caden replied sarcastically.

    ¡°Damn!¡± Gerry eximed,ughing despite himself. ¡°So that¡¯s your real agenda?¡± Caden rolled his eyes and put down his ss. ¡°Forget it. The offer¡¯s not on the table.¡±

    Gerry quickly changed his tone. ¡°Wait, there''s no need to rush. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t turn down something for free.¡±

    Since entering the industry, Gerry had quickly risen to fame,rgely thanks to the support of his family. Their help had been invaluable in the early days, but it always weighed on him. Caden knew that Gerry had always wanted to achieve something important on his own, to provide himself beyond the help of his family.

    "When it''s a sess, we''ll share the profits," Gerry suggested with a smile.

    ¡°I know a lost cause when I see one,¡± Cadenmented dryly.

    After a moment''s pause, Gerry returned to the pressing question. "Why are you suddenly so eager to support me?"

    Caden shrugged nonchntly. ¡°I have more money than I know what to do with.¡±

    Gerry stared at him, mouth agape and speechless.

    Meanwhile, Alice was captivated by a famous painting in the art gallery. The grandeur of the work made her feel insignificant; everything around her seemed surreal. She had inherited her mother''s artistic talent, but had rarely explored it.

    Her father had forbidden her to pursue art, which led to frequent arguments between her parents. Despite her exceptional talent, evident from a very young age, her mother feared she would encounter difficulties and encouraged her to hide it.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Over the years, her mother had protected her in every way possible.

    As Alice gazed at the vibrant disy of flowers in bloom, she couldn''t resist reaching out to touch them, and her eyes filled with tears.

    The stunning beauty of the flowers was ephemeral, like their mother.

    Lost in her thoughts, a tear escaped her.

    At that moment, I felt a presence.

    She wiped her tears away and turned to look at the person. ¡°Hello, Mrs. Bet?¡± The person smiled warmly. ¡°What a nice surprise. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you here.¡± Alicia felt a flush of ttery as she greeted the man.

    "Hello."

    He gave her a business card and introduced himself.

    Noticing that it was rted to art, his eyes lit up.

    ¡°I had the pleasure of seeing you at the premiere of Mr. Hopkins¡¯ film. You really stood out,¡± he said, his tone conveying genuine admiration. ¡°You seem especially interested in art. If you ever need anything, please don''t hesitate to contact me.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Alice replied humbly, carefully putting the business card into her purse.

    After a moment''s hesitation, he asked: "You must have seen a lot of harshments about me on the Inte. Why did you contact me?"

    The man seemed puzzled by his doubts. ¡°Keyboard warriors are losers behind a screen. What about you? You have talent, and true sess takes time and effort. ¡°I can see it in you.¡± A bittersweet feeling washed over him, and he smiled gently.

    Decided to add him on WhatsApp.

    The manmented: ¡°It is rare to find someone as sessful as you at twenty-four and still remain so humble.¡±

    Alice joked, "How should it be, then?"

    He made a subtle gesture towards Caden, who was standing not far away.

    Despite his prestigious status and the many people vying for his attention, Caden wore a perpetually cold expression.

    Gerry remarked, disgusted, "So what if he acts like a big shot? At twenty-five, he''s already CEO of Blizzard Group. He''s earned the right to a little arrogance."

    Alice was momentarily speechless.

    Shortly after, she noticed Caden staring at her. Turning to the man, she said goodbye and lowered her head to write down his name on WhatsApp. Just as she finished, a shadow loomed over her screen.

    ¡°Pretty busy, aren''t you? Do you like older men?¡± she asked in a mocking tone.

    Alicia looked up and saw Caden before her, who had approached unnoticed.

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 Chapter 179

    Chapter 179:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia put her phone back in her bag, her face disfigured. ¡°Keeping your mouth shut won¡¯t kill you.¡±

    Caden shrugged. ¡°If you were that interested, you should have mentioned it earlier. ¡°I know a lot of great guys who would be perfect for you.¡±

    Alice remained silent. Just listening to him was suffocating. She felt incredibly ufortable around him.

    With a firm decision, he turned around and walked away.

    Monica rushed over and took Alice by the arm. ¡°I know some friends of my father''s who might be helpful. Come with me to meet them. Maybe they can help you with the opening of your gallery.¡±

    Alice''s face lit up in a smile.

    Mr. Wade approached Caden and murmured, "Mr. Ward, Mr. Yates has arrived."

    Caden nodded, swirling his wine. ¡°Proceed as nned.¡±

    "Understood."

    Joshua entered the art exhibition with Lilliana. He struck up a business conversation with Mr. Wade, while Lilliana strolled around outside. As a member of the Green family, she stood out from the crowd.

    When she saw Alice talking to some people, Lilliana came over to tease her. ¡°What''s wrong with you? Has your father abandoned you? You look desperate.¡±

    Alice was about to attack, but stopped when she noticed Lilliana''s bulge. She decided to bite her tongue, after all, the baby was innocent.

    ¡°Miss Green, hello. How are you?¡± Alice asked. ¡°I see you''re pregnant. It hasn''t been long, has it? Do you think it will affect the wedding ns?¡±

    He had struck a chord.

    Lilliana looked at her coldly. ¡°Don''t worry. I''m sure you''ll be invited to the wedding. ¡°It will be a spectacle.¡±

    Alicia''s smile didn''t falter. "I wouldn''t miss it for the world. After all, it''s my ex-husband''s second attempt." She looked at Lilliana''s bump. "Is the baby''s first month celebration going to coincide with the wedding?"

    Lilliana snapped, her patience exhausted. ¡°My personal life is none of your business.¡±

    "I don''t care, I''m just curious. It''s a good thing to have two happy asions at once," said Alice with a harmless smile.

    A friend of Lilliana''s stepped forward, pointing usingly at Alice. ''Enough of your sarcasm! You''re only jealous because Mr. Yates is going to marry Lilliana. If you can''t keep a man, it''s your fault. It''s always the unloved woman they call a mistress.''

    He tried to hit Alicia, but Monica quickly pped his hand away.

    ¡°Mistress? Who said mistress?¡± Monica said aloud. ¡°No one has ever called Lilliana mistress.¡±

    Lilliana¡¯s friend¡¯s expression changed ufortably. ¡°I was trying to say¡­¡±

    "Of course, of course. Isn''t it true that Joshua was unfaithful during his marriage and got Lilliana pregnant before ending his first marriage? It''s public knowledge. Let''s not dwell on it," Monica added bluntly.

    Lilliana''s friend was speechless and quickly turned to Lilliana. "Lilliana, I didn''t mean it like that..."

    The nearby onlookers began to whisper more intensely. Lilliana''s expression darkened and she shot her friend a fierce look before storming off.

    Monica stood up with her hands on her hips. ¡°You think she can act so superior when she¡¯s the one causing the trouble? ¡°Ridiculous.¡±

    Alicia reassured Monica with a gentle pat on the back. ¡°Calm down. There¡¯s no need to be so upset.¡±

    After calming Monica down, Alicia''s thoughts turned to Caden. How long would it take him to confront Joshua?

    In the meeting room, Joshua was deep in negotiations with Mr. Wade. The deal would be finalized that very day, and once the contract was signed, the money would be transferred.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with quickly,¡± Joshua urged sinctly. ¡°Understand my situation.¡±

    Mr. Wade kept hisposure. ¡°Mr. Yates, I regret to inform you that I am unable to transfer the funds.¡±

    Joshua frowned, confused. ¡°What do you mean?¡± He struggled to control his anger. ¡°I gave you the painting, and now you refuse to pay?¡±

    Mr Wade borated on the matter. ¡°Just today, the police have contacted me. They have expressed their concern¡­¡±

    Mr Wade continued: ¡°Police have raised questions about the ownership of the painting you sold. ¡°It appears it is not registered in your name.¡±

    Joshua''s gaze intensified. "How could it not be mine if it was in my possession?"

    "The police investigated and determined that the painting actually belongs to your ex-wife, Alicia."

    "It was indeed hers, but it was included in ourmon property. She didn''t take anything when she left," Joshua replied.

    "So why did you report it?" Mr. Wade asked.

    "She ims that she owned the painting before our marriage, and that it has no rtion to me."

    Mr. Wade confronted him, frustration clear in his voice. ¡°Mr. Yates, this is not right. This amounts to theft. I was going to pay $200 million and now I am at risk of being sued. What have I done to deserve this from you?¡±

    Joshua struggled to breathe as the weight of the situation hit him. He had suspected Alicia would eventually find out about the sale, but he hadn''t anticipated her doing so quickly. With Mr. Wade and the police on his side, it was clear Caden had had something to do with it.

    His finances were already tight, and thistest problem had pushed him over the edge. He lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply, trying to calm himself.

    Mr. Wade realized that Joshua was cornered. ¡°Mr. Yates, I understand that you are in a difficult situation. How much do you need?¡±

    Joshua looked defeated. ¡°Why? Can you help?¡±

    Mr. Wade agreed. ¡°Absolutely. You''re just facing a temporary setback. Once yourpany goes public, you''ll recover. ¡°I¡¯d rather remain on good terms.¡±

    Joshua stubbed out his cigarette. ¡°I need more than $3 billion. Can you provide it for me?¡±

    ¡°Personally, no, but I know someone who might,¡± Mr. Wade said, picking up his phone. ¡°I¡¯ll get him on the phone right away.¡±

    .

    .All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    .

 Chapter 180

    Chapter 180:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Mr. Wade called Caden to inform him of the situation.

    When Caden answered, Mr. Wade, carefully avoiding names, simply said, ¡°It''s done. When are youing?¡±

    Caden replied in a t tone, ¡°Tell him to wait.¡± Without another word, he ended the call.

    At this moment, Caden was sitting in the banquet hall. Four people were gathered around a table, including him. Alicia was drinking non-stop, finishing one ss after another, while Caden remained expressionless. Gerry and Monica, who had just met, were chatting non-stop.

    Their chatter continued on and on, leaving Alicia unable to join in. Feeling distracted, she nced at Caden from time to time. She wondered what time it was and how many drinks he had already consumed. Why hadn''t they started talking about the important matters?

    Impatiently, I kicked Caden under the table.

    Caden looked up. ¡°What was that kick for?¡± I have asked.

    Alice''s lips moved slightly. She thought to herself: ''I''ve kicked you because I can''t say it out loud. ''Why would you announce it like that?''

    Just as she expected, Gerry leaned over to her. ¡°What''s wrong now?¡± I have asked.

    Alice touched her nose. ¡°I had a cramp in my leg. I couldn¡¯t help it,¡± she said, trying to divert attention.

    ¡°What a cramp,¡± Caden said coldly. ¡°You ended up kicking me.¡±

    "It''s a condition where I aim unpredictably. How unlucky you are to be sitting there!" Alice responded with a smile.

    Gerry chuckled, amused by their jokes.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Realizing they were arguing again, she decided to liven things up. She nudged Caden and said, ¡°I don''t buy that excuse. Let¡¯s switch seats, Caden.¡±

    Caden looked at him, understanding Gerry''s intention. However, he stood up and changed seats.

    Alicia didn''t dare to broach the subject with Caden directly, so she turned to her phone and typed a message.

    "Is Joshua here yet?" she wrote.

    Caden''s phone vibrated on the table in front of him. Knowing it was from Alicia, he ignored it and casually swirled the drink in his ss.

    Frustrated by his indifference, Alice gritted her teeth.

    Determined to get an answer, she sent another message.

    "The art exhibition is almost over. Are you going to take care of business today or not?"

    Caden realized how aggressively he was typing. It looked like he was going to punch through the screen.

    He raised an eyebrow, but then closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair.

    Alicia, exasperated, could not contain herself any longer. She began bombarding him with a string of angry emojis.

    Caden''s phone buzzed incessantly. With each vibration, it moves closer to the edge of the table. Gerry stared, bewildered.

    ¡°Caden, someone is trying to contact you. Aren¡¯t you going to answer?¡± I have asked.

    Caden remained motionless. ¡°Don''t bother. That phone is cursed.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Gerry replied, bewildered. ¡°How can a phone be cursed?¡±

    As Alice continued to shower him with angry emojis, he suddenly realized how childish he was being. I turned off the screen, frustrated.

    Unable to contain himself, he kicked Caden under the table again, this time harder.

    The sound was loud enough for the two people standing next to him to hear, but neither of them said a word.

    Caden opened his eyes and looked at her. ¡°What''s wrong now? Another sudden tremor in your leg?¡±

    Alice replied coldly, ¡°Yes. ¡°My leg seems to act up whenever I¡¯m around hateful people.¡±

    Without saying anything, Caden stood up and walked away from the table.

    A few momentster, her phone buzzed with a new message.

    ¡°See you outside,¡± Caden¡¯s message read.

    Alice bit into the straw, gritting her teeth in frustration. She stubbornly refused to answer, debating whether she should leave.

    Secondster, another message appeared: ¡°You have two minutes. This is yourst chance.¡±

    She stared at the screen, momentarily speechless. Letting out a sigh, she pushed her chair aside and headed for the door to the private room.

    Caden leaned against the wall, looking at his watch. ¡°You really can''t stand losing, can you? ¡°You showed up at exactly one minute and fifty-nine seconds.¡±

    Alice skipped the pleasantries and leaned toward him, whispering, ¡°Where¡¯s Joshua?¡±

    ¡°Mr. ¡°Wade is waiting for my word,¡± Caden replied.

    Alice understood the gravity of the situation. The oue depends entirely on his actions.

    He clenched his fists, frustration bubbling inside him.

    ¡°Our agreement clearly states that you cannot threaten me,¡± he said, his voice firm.

    Caden calmly replied, ¡°If that deal means so much to you, why are you stuck in this endless loop with me?¡±

    This time, Alice was speechless. Not wanting him to read her thoughts, she turned away, feeling a blush of embarrassment creep up her neck.

    "I never agreed with the marriage my family arranged," Caden continued.

    Alice remained silent.

    Impatient with her silence, Caden added, ¡°Give me a quick kiss and we''ll go. Eat here.¡±

    Alice frowned at him. ¡°Is now really the time for that?¡±

    Caden didn''t answer. Instead, he just looked at her with a stern expression.

    With a sigh, Alice walked over, put her arms around her neck, and bit her lips.

    Caden took a deep breath, but just as he was about to pull her closer, his phone range. It was Mr. Wade, calling to discuss an urgent matter.

    Caden decided to put off dealing with her for the moment and focused on business first.

    They left the room separately, Caden leading the way and Alicia following closely behind.

    Meanwhile, in another room, Joshua was growing more and more impatient.

    He stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, his expression grim. ¡°Mr. Wade, if you don''t intend to lend me the money, just say so. There¡¯s no need to y games with me,¡± Joshua said.

    Mr. Wade felt cold sweat forming on his palms. He was relying on Caden for support, but with Caden still absent, he began to worry that Caden might be messing with him. He knew that offending Joshua could bring serious consequences.

    Just as Joshua was about to leave, the door suddenly opened.

    Joshua looked up, frozen in ce.

    Standing in the doorway were Caden and Alicia, side by side, making a strikingly handsome couple. The sight was so dazzling that it was like a direct blow to Joshua''s senses. The anger he had been suppressing instantly emerged forth. He let out a bitterugh.

    "What is this supposed to mean? Are you nning to make your rtionship with my ex-wife public?"

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 Chapter 181

    Chapter 181:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden stared at Joshua with an unreadable smile. ¡°Mr. Yates, your problems can¡¯t be too bad if you still feel inclined to notice women,¡± hemented.

    After speaking, Caden entered the room with long, determined steps. Mr. Wade immediately stood up and pulled a chair out for him. He then cast a sideways nce at Alicia. She lifted the hem of her dress as she entered the room and sat down on the chair. Mr. Wade was momentarily taken back, nced at her once more before turning around and leaving the room with a meaningful look.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    Joshua had been watching the whole scene and said sarcastically, ¡°Well done, Alicia. ¡°You¡¯ve managed to win over a man like Caden.¡±

    Alice understood exactly what he meant. ¡°You are giving me too much credit. Mr. Ward is helping me out of kindness,¡± she replied. She smiled and added: ¡°When you are with Miss Green you are so low and obsequious. In that respect Mr. Ward could neverpare with you.¡±

    Caden narrowed his eyes. Who was he attacking with thatment?

    Joshua slowly clenched his fists. He didn''t really believe Alicia could win Caden over, but now he seemed to care. Even if it was nothing more than a fleeting romance, the connection between Alicia and Caden fueled Joshua''s fury.

    The more Joshua contemted the situation, the angrier he became. They had barely entered the room and he already felt an overwhelming urge to leave. He pushed back his chair and stood up abruptly.

    Caden watched Joshua''s sudden movement and asked, "What''s wrong? Have you decided you don''t want me to lend you the money after all?"

    His pride wounded, Joshua replied, ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡±

    Just as he was about to leave, Alice intervened: ¡°Why the rush? If you are not interested in the loan, perhaps we can talk about the painting.¡±

    Joshua knew he had done something wrong, but he showed no sign of guilt. ¡°When you married me, didn''t you say that everything you owned was mine? You loved me so much then. Naturally, I thought it belonged to me.¡±

    Alice couldn''t believe his shamelessness. Even at this point, I have dared to bring up the past. "Promises are just words. Nowadays, I prefer to handle matters legally," he replied coldly.

    Joshua wasn''t going to let a small loss turn into a bigger one. "Mr. Wade has the painting. You should ask him for it."

    "What about the deposit? When do you n to return it?" Alice asked sharply.

    The deposit in question amounted to fifty million dors. In the past, an amount like fifty million would have meant nothing to Joshua. However, his situation had changed.

    Caden had orchestrated the bank to impose strict controls on Joshua''s ounts, allowing only withdrawals. That fifty million was long gone.

    Joshua''s expression hardened. ¡°I will transfer the funds back to the original ount before the end of the day,¡± he dered.

    Alice pressed her lips together tightly.

    Without wasting a second, Caden coldly interjected, ¡°That''s too long. You have ten minutes.¡±

    Joshua noticed that Alicia was hesitant.

    He said, ¡°Let¡¯s get one thing straight, Caden. The painting belongs to Alice. What authority do you have here?¡±

    Caden''s lips curved into a subtle smile, but his eyes remained cold, a hint of danger lurking in them.

    Sensing Caden''s growing impatience, Alicia looked at him and said, "Caden is handling the painting now. He makes all the decisions."

    Hearing that, Caden rxed slightly.

    Alicia grabbed Caden''s wrist firmly and looked at her watch. ¡°Your ten minutes start now,¡± she announced.

    Joshua stood there, momentarily speechless. He knew full well that he couldn''te up with the money in such a short time.

    Driven by pride, Joshua feltpelled to try to repay the money on time, despite his empty pockets. I picked up the phone and started making urgent calls. As the minutes passed, his brow furrowed.

    Caden, for his part, tapped his fingers on the table, seemingly unfazed.

    "If it''s too much pressure, don''t bother. Just say so and I''ll lend you whatever amount you need," he said with a smile.

    Joshua gritted his teeth. ¡°You bribed Randolph and schemed with Mr. Wade to get me, all because you wanted to see me humiliated, didn''t you? I''ll give you your deposit back, Caden. Even if it doesn''t hit your ount in ten minutes, there''s nothing you can do about it. Resorting to such petty tactics to get me to bless? You underestimate me.¡±

    Caden''s smile widened, though his eyes remained cold. ¡°Oh? And what methods would you consider sophisticated?¡± He continued in a measured tone, ¡°Perhaps you mean the funds Alicia poured into your startup, or perhaps those illicit dealings you¡¯ve been orchestrating behind the scenes?¡±

    Joshua frowned. ¡°What are you implying?¡± he asked, his voice tense.

    Caden stared at him. ¡°I mean the actions you have taken,¡± he replied, his tone heavy with meaning.

    A tense expression crossed Joshua''s face. ¡°You im that Alicia invested money in me. Do you have any proof to prove it?¡±

    ¡°Randolph is essentially under my control now,¡± Caden said with a confident smile. ¡°Where do you think the evidence lies? Of course, that alone isn''t enough to bring down someone like you. But don''t worry, I have plenty more up my sleeve. Shall I list the taxes you evaded during your startup years, the funds you embezzled, and the officials you bribed?¡±

    With every word Caden said, Joshua''s expression darkened.

    He had never realized how deeply Caden had dug into his affairs, uncovering secrets he believed were well hidden. How had Caden managed to conduct such an extensive investigation in such a short time?

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 Chapter 182

    Chapter 182:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Joshua stood there stunned, unable to think clearly as he took in the weight of the situation.

    With a livid expression, he asked, "What exactly do you want?"

    Caden casually crossed his legs and replied, ¡°I''m your elder brother, I''m here to help you. However, three billion dors is a significant sum. Your sincerity needs confirmation.¡±

    Joshua then realized that Caden had orchestrated this as an insult. And his goal was to humiliate him in front of Alicia.

    Unable to retaliate or escape, Joshua felt trapped.

    Caden had overwhelming evidence against him, and Joshua was not prepared for the confrontation.

    With a smirk, Caden said, "Can''t you swallow your pride? Why don''t you ask the Yates or the Green family for help?"

    The words struck a nerve. Joshua had once believed they would help him, but when he needed them most, they had disappeared.

    Rooted to the spot, fury in his eyes, Joshua stood helpless, feeling reduced to nothing more than a joke.

    Impatiently, Caden dered, ¡°It''s gettingte. ¡°I¡¯ll call the police to take care of you.¡±

    This was the ultimatum.

    Joshua clenched his fists so hard his knuckles cracked. Straining, he roared, ¡°Caden, what do you want from me?¡±

    Caden''s grimace widened. ¡°Do you need me to lend you money?¡±

    Joshua''s teeth ground together, almost to the point of breaking. He was cornered, left with two terrible choices: endure Caden''s insults or face imprisonment.

    Actually, I had no choice.

    The bitter taste of blood filled her mouth as she forced out the word, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Caden''s smile turned icy. ¡°Alicia has the funds. If you need money, ask her.¡±

    Alice raised her eyes.

    She expected to feel ufortable seeing Joshua like this, but instead a feeling of satisfaction washed over her.

    He had been maniptive and relentless, pursuing her even after their divorce. Now, atst, she was facing the consequences.

    ¡°Three billion dors is non-trivial sum, Mr. Yates. Now that you have dared to ask for it, can you really pay it back?¡± Alice asked icily.

    Joshua could hardly believe he had fallen so low in Alicia''s eyes.

    Trying tough, he asked, "Are you pleased to see me like this?"

    Alice gave a small, indifferent smile. ¡°Not really.

    Despite feeling defeated, Joshua''s pride persisted. "You despise me for my betrayal, but you can''t hide that you still care about me. You once loved me, remember?"

    Alice replied indifferently: "My displeasure arises from the loss it would be to me if I lent you that money so easily. Mr. Yates, have you ever been pped?"

    Joshua was stunned.

    ¡°Do it yourself,¡± Alice ordered harshly. ¡°p yourself until I am satisfied. Then I will consider lending you the money.¡±

    Joshua''s eyes filled with rage.

    "Is this why you''ve been sided with Caden, to humiliate me?" He bellowed, "Alice, remember who stood by you when you were down!"

    ¡°Sure, I remember your sweet talk,¡± Alice replied. ¡°And I haven''t forgotten your antics on our anniversary, your involvement in my cyberbullying, and more. Shall we go over the details?¡±

    Joshua sneered disdainfully.

    He ignored her ws and sneered, ¡°The deeper the love, the deeper the hate, Alice. Is this your way of showing your frustration at being unable to make me love you?¡±

    Alice felt a wave of revulsion.

    She was about to stand up, fist clenched, but Caden held her back and gestured for someone toe over. ¡°Just a few ps. If you can¡¯t, I¡¯ll have someone else do it,¡± he told Joshua.

    Caden''s bodyguards walked in, walked straight up to Joshua, and pped him hard.

    Joshua, overwhelmed by humiliation and rage, attempted to resist. However, he was quickly subdued, outnumbered and outmaneuvered.

    Caden watched the scene with indifference.

    Then he coldly said to Alice: "You decide the number of ps."

    The ps echoed throughout the room, each one systematically knocking down Joshua''s pride.

    Subdued, Alicia lowered her head and instinctively grabbed onto Caden''s arm.

    Caden looked at her, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Are you embarrassed?¡±

    Before Alice could answer, the door was flung open.

    Lilliana, visibly pregnant, entered with authority. ¡°Stop immediately this!¡±

    Although she was alone, her condition and imposing presence forced the bodyguards to stop.

    Blood was streaming from Joshua''s mouth as he stood defiantly, clinging to his remaining dignity.

    Lilliana rushed to his side, her eyes filled with tears of concern. ¡°Joshua, are you okay?¡±

    Alice, who had gotten what she was looking for, lost interest in the scene unfolding before her.

    She casually tugged on Caden''s arm. ¡°We should get going.¡±

    Caden, his gaze fixed on his hand, responded by tenderly stroking his fingers.

    Then he asked, ¡°Now that you have spoken, when will you send the money?¡±

    With a smirk, Alice looked at Joshua, who lookedpletely devastated.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    ¡°Did I promise to lend it?¡± she mused, affecting a thoughtful expression. ¡°Oh, yes, I suppose so.¡± With a shrug, she added, ¡°I''ve reconsidered. ¡°I¡¯m not going to lend the money after all.¡±

    He turned around and walked briskly out.

    Joshua watched her go, his intense gaze filled with unspoken fury.

    Caden hesitated a moment before stepping in front of Alicia, positioning himself so that Joshua couldn''t see her as she walked away.

    .

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 Chapter 183

    Chapter 183:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia decided not to lend Joshua any money. Furthermore, the evidence Caden had mentioned would soon be public. Joshua faced public humiliation and the threat of losing everything.

    That was exactly what he deserved.

    Alicia stood in a quiet corner, collecting her thoughts. Caden looked at her, with a coldugh. ¡°Are you scared or do you feel sorry for him?¡±

    Alice snapped out of her thoughts. ¡°Would I have gone that far if I felt sorry for him? I¡¯m not crazy, am I?¡± She rolled her eyes in exasperation.

    Although things seemed to be calming down, Lilliana''s sudden appearance made Alicia uneasy. Over the past two years, Joshua had be deeply involved in the Green family. Lilliana, in love with him and pregnant with his child, was unlikely to let him go easily.

    Alice''s expression turned serious. "This is going to be hard, a long road..."

    Caden, sensing her concern, replied, ¡°It''s my business now. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry.¡± He reassured her, his tone firm.

    Alicia wasn''t the only one who hadints against Joshua. Caden also had unfinished business with him.

    Alice was momentarily surprised, but then she understood what he meant. Their mutual need for revenge no longer united them.

    Suddenly, the atmosphere around him felt charged, and his first instinct was to flee. ¡°Now that everything is settled, I think we should end this.¡±

    Caden stared at her.

    She looked down. ¡°If it helps, thank you.¡±

    Without saying a word, Caden gently took her chin in his hand, forcing her to look into his eyes.

    Alice''s eyshes fluttered.

    He turned his face away. ¡°Why are you squeezing me? ¡°It hurts.¡±

    ¡°Did I push too hard?¡± Caden asked. ¡°What have you done to make you feel so guilty?¡±

    Alice stood still, almost as if she wanted to make a point. ¡°I''m not guilty. Let me go or they might see us.¡±

    Caden''s eyes turned cold. ¡°Am I making you ufortable? Why are you so worried about being seen?¡±

    Alice was momentarily stunned. ¡°Hasn¡¯t it always been like this between us?¡±

    They had always kept their rtionship a secret. Their agreement wasing to an end. They would part ways cleanly, pretending nothing had ever happened.

    Wasn''t it the best?

    Caden paused before slowly releasing her. ¡°That''s right.¡± He touched the new bite mark on his lip and said nonchntly, ¡°What would I do if someone got the wrong idea? How would I ever get married?¡±

    Alicia was silent for a moment. She hesitated before answering, ¡°It won¡¯tst long.¡± It was then that Caden understood the reason for his downcast expression.

    He smiled with satisfaction. ¡°What now? You used me, and now you want to leave me?¡±

    Alice felt a wave of unease. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°We agreed to follow the contract, right?¡±

    ¡°It''s over,¡± Caden said lightly. ¡°So what''s next?¡±

    Alice felt a lump in her throat. His tone was indifferent, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. This wasn''t affection; it was more like he was teasing a pet. She cleared her head.

    There is no ¡°what now¡±. ¡°We stick to the n.¡±

    Caden scoffed. ¡°You can really let him go that easily?¡±

    Her heart sank. She nodded stiffly.

    "There are so many other opportunities out there. Why hold on to what''s not right?"

    With those words, he took a deep breath and walked away without looking back.

    Caden stood where he was, a smile tinged with contempt.

    Alice walked into the hall and identally bumped into Monica.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    ¡°Have you seen Joshua?¡± Monica asked, her voice full of emotion. ¡°His face was all marked up with ps, and he scurried away with Lilliana as if he were embarrassed. What a sight! Who did that to him?¡±

    Alicia blinked, about to confess. However, Monica quickly added, ¡°It was Caden, right?¡±

    Alice did not correct her. ¡°How did you guess?¡±

    ¡°Who else would have the courage to do something like that? Joshua is afraid of trouble, but Lilliana isn''t. Yet she was silent just now. Who else in this room has that much influence besides Caden?¡±

    Alice couldn''t help but smile. She looked up and saw Caden. Mr. Wade was leading him and Gerry into a room, with a group of people carrying snacks and drinks following behind them. Alice looked away, lost in thought.

    I have read on Monica. ¡°Monica, can I stay at your house tonight? I¡¯ll cook for us, okay?¡±

    Monica noticed her tiredness. ¡°You look really tired. Don''t worry about cooking. ¡°Let¡¯s go out and eat something delicious.¡±

    Alice said, ¡°But I would like to cook for you.¡±

    Monica raised an eyebrow, puzzled. ¡°Haven''t you always disliked cooking?¡±

    Alice was silent. She used to hate it because she had been so concerned with pleasing Joshua, who was fussy and preferred expensive foods. Her efforts were often wasted.

    But in the past few months, cooking for Caden had been different. He was easy-going and appreciated everything she did. He always cleaned his te. She even started to feel like she was a good cook.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go out to eat,¡± said Alice, trying to sound more cheerful. ¡°I have a lot to share with you.¡±

    By the time the art exhibition was over, most of the attendees had left. Alicia was ready to go.

    The door to the room where Caden and the others were having drinks was open. I could hear the lively chatter, including Gerry''s enthusiastic voice.

    "I finally got my chance!" she cried. "Now you have to go up and kiss whoeveres first, it doesn''t matter who!"

    Hearing this, Alice and Monica froze.

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 Chapter 184

    Chapter 184:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Monica instinctively looked down at her feet. Realizing she was unintentionally leading, she quickly backed away, not wanting to kiss the stranger in the room. However, this meant Alicia would be next.

    Unable to watch her friend potentially suffer, Monica stepped forward again.

    Alice noticed her action and looked a little puzzled. ¡°Let''s run,¡± Alice suggested.

    ¡°It makes sense,¡± Monica agreed.

    As they prepared to flee, Hank stepped outside to investigate the noise. Surprised to find Alicia and Monica outside, he whispered, ¡°Mrs. Bet, what a surprise! Mr. Ward lost a game and now owes a passerby a kiss. Could you help us?¡± His voice was low, making sure the noise of the private room muffled his words.

    Alice, with a subtle movement of her mouth, made a sign for silence. ¡°Go on. You didn¡¯t see us,¡± she insisted, making light of the frivolity.

    Monica remained silent this time, her curiosity piqued by the scene unfolding.

    In her brief moment of hesitation, Caden appeared. Alicia''s gaze instinctively met his.

    Clearly intoxicated, his face was flushed and his eyes unfocused. He approached her, handed her a wad of cash with precision, and suddenly kissed her.

    Surprised, Alicia was slow to react. When she tried to resist, Caden''s kiss deepened.

    Heart racing, she reached out to strike him, but Caden was faster. He grabbed her hand, pinning her down, and pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist and securing her neck.

    Hank watched, stunned by the scene. His eyes widened in disbelief.

    Monica, equally stunned, stepped back and began recording what happened on her phone.

    In an internal conflict, Monica thought she should intervene and confront Caden for taking advantage of Alicia. However, her body froze, unable to act.

    Caden was undeniably skilled at kissing, making the whole experience undeniably exciting.

    Once the kiss ended, Caden gently caressed Alicia''s lips, clearly wanting more. He chuckled lightly. ¡°Thanks for humoring me. And sorry for the inconvenience.¡±

    Alice stood there stunned, her lips tingling and her head spinning, unable to find her voice.

    Caden came back in, nonchntly suggesting, ¡°Let¡¯s keep drinking.¡±

    Alicia, still in a state of shock, stared at the significant amount of money she held in her hand.

    ¡°Thanks for humoring me? ¡°Sorry for the inconvenience?¡± She wondered if he would even recognize her.

    Gerry had assumed Caden woulde back out, so he hadn''t looked. Noticing Caden¡¯s noticeably red lips, he eximed in surprise, ¡°You actually kissed someone? Who?¡±

    Feeling encouraged, Caden poured himself another drink. ¡°Did you miss it?¡±

    Gerry pped his forehead in frustration. ¡°Fuck! I missed it! Who was it? Tell me!¡±

    Cadenughed. ¡°You always miss the best parts,¡± he joked.

    Gerry gaped, curious to know more. But since Caden remained silent, no one else dared to ask.

    Gerry decided to leave to investigate further. However, he quickly returned, visibly shaking.

    ¡°Cliff is here!¡± she whispered urgently. ¡°Quick! Find me a ce to hide!¡±

    Caden acted quickly, guiding Gerry to hide under the table.

    Just then, a stern-looking man walked in. He looked like Gerry, but they seemed much more formidable.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    Caden greeted him with a smile. ¡°Mr. Hopkins.¡±

    Gerry''s brother, Cliff Hopkins, approached with a stern look, demanding: "Mr. Ward, where''s Gerry?"

    Caden kicked the table sharply, instantly revealing Gerry''s hiding ce.

    "Right there," he dered.

    Gerry''s jaw dropped. He hadn''t anticipated Caden''s betrayal. After pausing to gather his thoughts, he reluctantly left. His appearance did little to soften Cliff''s approach, however.

    Normally bold and fearless, Gerry was unusually intimidated by Cliff, who had just returned from military service.

    Straightening up, Gerry replied, ¡°I was just having a drink. What¡¯s that to you?¡±

    Cliff''s voice, deep and authoritative, boomed. "Will you leave voluntarily, or do I have to force you out?"

    Gerry tried to maintain his dignity. ¡°I''m almost done here. ¡°I know when it¡¯s time to go.¡±

    Without hesitation, Cliff grabbed him by the ear and pulled him.

    ¡°Hey! That hurts!¡± Gerry hesitated, pleading as he was dragged away. ¡°Cliff, it hurts! Stop it, Cliff!¡±

    Meanwhile, the secret surrounding Alicia''s situation with Caden had be impossible to keep. She finally revealed everything to Monica.

    Monica was surprised.

    ¡°I¡¯ve considered many scenarios, even suspected Gerry once, but never Caden. Is he treating you well?¡± Alicia just agreed.

    "He is an excellent coborator."

    ¡°Just a business partner?¡± Monica pressed, remembering the recent look of shyness and joy on Alicia''s face¡ªemotions she''d never witnessed on her before. ¡°You don''t have any feelings for him?¡±

    .

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 Chapter 185

    Chapter 185:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia wasn''t sure how to answer Monica''s question. She hesitated for a moment before shaking her head.

    Monica wasn''t convinced, but Alicia knew she had to be careful, especially after the recent problems with Joshua.

    After dinner at Monica''s house, Alicia left. She picked up Cade from the pet store and returned to Caden''s apartment.

    The ce was empty. Alice didn''t ask about Caden''s whereabouts. She fed Cade, tidied up his sleeping area, and then went into the study to do some work.

    The art exhibition incident sparked a flurry of debate on the Inte, but the topic quickly faded away. It was likely suppressed by the Green family. Jerald probably had something to do with it, as he did not want Joshua''s actions to tarnish his family''s reputation.

    After such an event, both families would step in to help Joshua. Alicia felt a brief moment of anxiety. But then, she remembered that Caden had assured her that he would take care of everything. Her tension eased and she let out a sigh.

    She carefully prepared for her ss the next day. She had a ss to teach tomorrow and nned to go to bed early. However, the bed felt strangely empty with Caden gone for the night.

    So she went to the couch with her nket. Cade snuggled up next to her.

    As she was falling asleep, Alice heard a faint rustling sound. She reached out to stroke Cade, but touched something cold. What was it?

    Alice opened her eyes, bewildered, only to see a dark figure looming over her.

    A familiar scent immediately enveloped her. He expertly parted her lips, seducing her as their tongues danced together.

    Alicia was now fully alert. She Caden pushed her head back, her breathing quickening as she stared at him in disbelief.

    Noticing his bewildered expression, Caden asked hoarsely, ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Don¡¯t you recognize me?¡±

    Alice stammered, ¡°I thought¡­ I was dreaming. ¡°I thought Cade had be human.¡±

    Caden was momentarily speechless.

    He gently turned her over, positioning her so that she was now lying on top of him.

    ¡°Is that why you reacted so passionately?¡± Caden slid his hand under his pajamas, a smirk evident. ¡°Quit the pervert, Miss Bet.¡±

    Alice was shocked. His touch was cold, and she instinctively pulled away, scolding, ¡°You kissed me while I was sleeping! ¡°You¡¯re the pervert.¡±

    Caden kissed her again, this time briefly, before beginning to pull down her pajama pants.

    Alice tried to get away.

    Caden held his legs firmly. ¡°You resist? Have you forgotten the two favors you owe me?¡±

    Alice stopped resisting. In the heat of the moment, she muttered, ¡°Didn''t you recognize me during the game of Truth or Dare today?¡±

    Caden loved her tearful eyes and blushing face. That was exactly why he had wanted to tease her. ¡°How did you know I was ying Truth or Dare?¡±

    Alice was stunned. Just as she suspected!

    Caden moved in slowly. ¡°I remember kissing a stranger. ¡°I was too tipsy to see clearly, but I remember how soft her lips were and how sweet her breath was.¡± I have kissed her once more.

    After a moment, he paused and said, ¡°Very simr to yours.¡±

    Noticing the yful glint in her eyes, Alice realized she had been tricked.

    He gave him a yful punch, but couldn''t help butugh.

    Caden teased her further by pinching her waist. ¡°Have your kissing skills improved since ourst lesson?¡±Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    Alice tried to resist, but his yful touch only made herugh harder.

    Caden encouraged her with a smile, ¡°Come on. Spell a word with your tongue in my mouth.¡±

    Alice, momentarily speechless, thought she was making a fool of herself. Nevertheless, she obeyed, bowing her head with effort as she traced three letters inside her mouth.

    Her eyes sparkled with charm and a touch of mischief.

    "What did I spell?"

    Caden swallowed. ¡°Dad.¡±

    Alice was stunned.

    Caden smirked and said, ¡°I thought you didn''t like role-ying games. You seem to prefer it subtle.¡±

    Alice''s face turned red. "I wrote ''dog''! Dog! Not ''dad''!"

    Caden raised an eyebrow. ¡°Really? You can''t tell the difference between ''dog'' and ''dad''? How did you even graduate?¡±

    Alice was speechless.

    They made love twice, leaving Alicepletely exhausted. Afterwards, shey exhausted in Caden''s embrace, too tired to move.

    Despite his fatigue, his mind remained alert. ¡°What is happening with Joshua now?¡±

    Caden''s voice was still deep and seductive. ¡°It''s over.¡±

    Alice replied calmly, ¡°Then I suppose our deal is over.¡±

    Caden replied slowly, ¡°The task ispleted, but the contractsts for a year.¡±

    Alicia was shocked. ¡°How can you use that as a loophole? Joshua was our target! ¡°I only figured it would take a year.¡±

    "Joshua was your target, not mine."

    Alice was surprised.

    Caden looked into her eyes, his expression a mix of sincerity and mockery. ¡°You are.¡±

    Alice''s ears were ringing.

    She felt as if her heart was going to jump out of her throat. ¡°You¡­¡± She tried to calm her emotions, and finally whispered, ¡°When did you start falling in love with me?¡±

    Caden was caught off guard.

    She touched her cheek. ¡°So, it turns out I¡¯m pretty irresistible.¡±

    Caden was speechless.

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 Chapter 186

    Chapter 186:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden was silent for a moment before abruptly switching on the light. The room suddenly brightened, causing Alicia to squint and shield her face.

    ¡°Why did you suddenly turn on the light?¡± she asked.

    ¡°To see the face of a narcissist,¡± Caden replied mockingly.

    Alice lowered her hand, ready to respond, but stopped when she noticed the bite marks and sweat on his chest. She quickly covered them with the nket.

    "How can I be a narcissist? You''ve admitted it, haven''t you?" I have challenged.

    Caden hesitated, choosing his words carefully so as not to hurt his feelings.

    Alice exhaled deeply. ¡°Since you are so fond of me, perhaps I should stay with you. ¡°I could afford to give you twenty thousand dors a month.¡±

    Caden gave him a cold look. ¡°With my looks, I could be the richest man in the world in three days. And you¡¯re offering me $20,000 a month?¡± I have sneered.

    Alice rolled her eyes at his response, realizing that she had taken her joke seriously. ¡°Forget about the agreement,¡± she said, dismissing the previous topic. ¡°It''s almost Christmas. It¡¯s bad luck to even talk about ending things.¡±

    During an intimate moment, Caden whispered in her ear, ¡°We''ll talk about this after Christmas.¡±

    Alice was speechless.

    After they freshened up and went to bed, Alicia snuggled into Caden''s arms, quickly falling asleep.

    ¡°Why did you choose to sleep on the couch tonight?¡± he asked softly.

    Yawning, she replied, ¡°I couldn''t sleep. ¡°I¡¯m still getting used to the new bed.¡±

    Caden looked at her sleepy face and a warm smile appeared on his lips.

    "Is it because of the bed, or are you just not used to me not being here?" she asked sweetly.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    Alice remained silent, snuggling deeper into the covers, only her pink ears peeking out.

    Caden loved her reaction and pulled her close. She soon fell fast asleep.

    He chuckled softly as he looked at her face, illuminated by the soft light of the bedsidemp. Alicia looked like a work of art. Its features were delicate and aesthetically pleasing. Caden lost track of time, admiring her, until his phone buzzed, breaking the moment of peace.

    I turned around and checked the notification. It was a WhatsApp friend request.

    "Caden, I''m Ynda."

    Freed from the restrictions of their agreement, Caden''s approach to their intimate moments had unexpectedly softened.

    As Christmas approached, both were swamped with work, as all sectors were in full swing. Alicia managed her time meticulously, sacrificing hours of sleep to fit it all in.

    One day, Hank brought him a little robot.

    "Mrs. Bet, based on your ideas, we have developed this model. It is already gaining poprity in the market. Please try it," I suggested.

    Alice was pleasantly surprised. Was she that lucky?

    I have excitedly activated the robot. Immediately, a face appeared on the wall screen, smiling warmly at him.

    ?Hello, I''m K-bot. I''m at your service.?

    Started for a moment, Alice turned to Hank. ¡°Should I speak to him directly?¡±

    Hank agreed. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s designed to respond to your voicemands.¡±

    Alicia, who had only seen this type of technology in movies, was totally impressed. She couldn''t help but admire Caden''s ingenuity.

    Hank smiled proudly. ¡°This is just the beginning. Mr. Ward¡¯s goal is to develop a robot that perfectly imitates human behavior.¡±

    Puzzled, Alice cocked her head. ¡°Completely imitate human behavior?¡±

    ¡°Yes, absolutely,¡± Hank said.

    Alice instinctively remarked, "Society would not tolerate it."

    "If Mr. Ward managed to create it, he''d probably keep it for himself," she mused, letting her imagination run wild.

    ¡°Keep it for yourself?¡± she murmured, deep in thought. ¡°Could Caden be harboring unrequited love? Is that why he¡¯s making a replica?¡±

    Hank quickly reassured her, ¡°No, you¡¯re the only one for him.¡±

    Feeling a little embarrassed, Alice replied, "No need to exaggerate."

    When his duties called, Hank excused himself and left.

    Alicia spent some time with the robot, impressed by its capabilities but also recognizing some areas for improvement, which she noted down to share with Caden.

    Their schedules had been so packed that their encounters were limited to brief evening meetings, and even then, intimacy was rushed. Alicia felt as though she hadn''t seen him for real in ages.

    After gathering her thoughts, she decided to head straight to the Blizzard Group. Familiar with the location and having direct ess thanks to Caden, she was spared the need to register.

    He had not informed him of his arrival.

    Stepping out of the elevator, she saw Hank escorting a strikingly dressed woman in a stylish miniskirt into Caden''s office.

    Alice stood frozen, struck by the woman''s confident, seductive presence.

    .

    .

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 Chapter 187

    Chapter 187:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice felt like she had picked the worst possible time toe in.

    It was the first time she saw Caden with another woman. What did their agreement say again? They wouldn''t meddle in each other''s personal lives. Their business was over, and they weren''t in a rtionship.

    So, she wasn''t supposed to get involved, right?

    Alice tried to calm down as she looked for a ce to sit.

    Despite this, she kept ncing around the office. She couldn''t help but wonder what was going on inside. The more she thought about it, the more ufortable she felt.

    At the office, Hank led the woman to Caden''s desk. ¡°Mr. ¡°Ward, you¡¯re here.¡±

    Caden looked up and frowned.

    "I asked for a bodyguard. What the hell is this?"

    Although her tone was harsh, the woman remained unfazed and indifferent. She was undeniably beautiful, but she had an intimidating presence.

    Hank leaned in close and whispered, ¡°I felt the same way when I first met her, but¡­¡± He cleared his throat, lowering his voice even further. ¡°She''s bigger in size than you.¡±

    Caden was taken back. He looked back at the woman before asking, ¡°A man?¡±

    Hank shook his head. ¡°No, I meant his muscle mass.¡±

    Caden was speechless.

    Hank urged the woman to show her abilities. She took off her coat, revealing muscles that could rival those of any bodybuilding champion. She looked like a female bodybuilder in in clothes.

    His appearance was surprisingly different with the coat on than without it.

    Caden''s demeanor softened. ¡°Please put your coat on.¡±

    He looked at his file, pausing briefly on his name.

    "Jasmine."

    Jasmine replied, ¡°Yes, Mr. Ward.¡± Caden paused briefly. ¡°Very well.¡±

    Her name, her face, and her physique seemed to belong to three different people. However, none of that mattered. The priority was her ability to protect Ciara. After Caden''s approval, Hank escorted Jasmine out.

    Ciara was residing at the Joy Mansion, and Jasmine would begin her duties the next day, providing round-the-clock security for Ciara except during her sleeping hours.

    As they walked outside, Jasmine quickly noticed Alicia. Alicia was sitting quietly, her long hair flowing gently and her striking profile capturing attention. Hank also noticed Alicia following Jasmine''s gaze and was briefly taken back.

    Jasmine said, ¡°I¡¯ll go myself. ¡°You can tell Mr. Ward that he has a guest.¡±

    Hank had initially intended to ignore Alicia, since Caden hadn''t openly acknowledged her, and he''d preferred Jasmine to remain ignorant of any connection between Caden and Alicia. However, judging by Jasmine''s expression, he sensed that she might already know more than he thought.

    ¡°Do you know her?¡± Hank asked.

    Jasmine replied, ¡°I know who it is.¡±

    "Part of a bodyguard''s role is to recognize any important person."

    Hank looked impressed. ¡°Come in.¡± Mr. Ward is waiting,¡± Jasmine said before walking away.

    Instead of warning Caden, Hank went straight to Alicia.

    "Miss Bet, Mr. Ward is avable now. I can take you to see him."

    Alice was taken back. ¡°Already?¡±

    Hank looked confused. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Alicia scratched her forehead before saying, ¡°I saw you escort a woman inside. Did Caden finish things that quickly?¡±

    Hank''s face suddenly changed. "You''ve misunderstood. She''s a bodyguard that Mr. Ward hired for Mrs. Ward. There''s nothing personal between her and Mr. Ward."

    He felt embossed.

    He was grateful that Alicia had brought it up; a misunderstanding could have caused bigger problems. If Caden lost control, he would be the one to face the consequences.

    After leading Alicia into the office, Hank quickly left.

    Alicia watched Caden. His demeanor at the office waspletely different from his demeanor at home. Here, he was all business, stiffer even than his suit.

    Noticing her presence, Caden continued signing documents without stopping and asking bluntly, ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    Alice ced the notes she had prepared on her table and exined the reason for her presence.

    Caden nced at the notes and quickly made a decision. ¡°I will improve a batch of products and release them as a limited edition.¡±

    Alice internally agreed. The improved version would likely sell for a higher price, and the customization would add emotional value for consumers. But then she remembered to ask, ¡°Shouldn''t you discuss this n with the others?¡±

    ¡°It''s not expensive,¡± Caden replied.

    Alice agreed. She had forgotten how much money she had.

    Seeing Caden immersed in his work, Alicia did not want to interrupt any longer. She started to leave.

    Caden looked up. ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    Alice replied, ¡°It''s still early. ¡°I¡¯m going to the mall to pick up some things.¡±

    He paused for a moment, then began gathering his things. ¡°Wait for me.¡±

    Alice looked confused. ¡°Are you leaving work now? Isn¡¯t it a little early?¡±

    Caden smirked. ¡°What good would it do to you if I worked myself to death?¡±N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Alice was momentarily speechless. Then she said boldly, ¡°Quite a lot, especially since you¡¯ve included me in your will.¡±

    This time, Caden was speechless.

    He turned off the lights in the office and went out with her.

    Alice asked, ¡°Are you sure you want toe with me? Aren¡¯t you worried about your family seeing us together?¡±

    "My grandmother respects my privacy. She won''t interfere as long as I don''t introduce anyone as my girlfriend publicly."

    Alicia felt a pang of envy. Ciara was as kind as her own mother.

    He asked, ¡°Is Ciara nning to stay here permanently?¡±

    "It depends on your mood."

    "Then you''ll havepany for Christmas." Alice could not hide her satisfaction.

    Caden looked at her. ¡°You''re wee toe.¡±

    Alice was taken back, feeling a little shy.

    Then Caden added, "That way I won''t have to hire an extra cook."

    Alice was speechless.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 188

    Chapter 188:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia needed to buy some basic necessities.

    She asked, ¡°Hank mentioned that the new product is selling fast. Can I get a bonus?¡±

    Caden replied, ¡°Ten percent of the profits.¡±

    Surprised, she eximed: "That much?"

    Caden remained unfazed. ¡°It''s pocket change.¡±

    She declined the offer. ¡°I don''t need the money. Let me shop in peace tonight.¡±

    He thought she might splurge on something extravagant. He generously gave her a card.

    "Buy whatever you want."

    Immediately, she began filling the cart with various pink and white bedding sets, pajamas, socks, slippers and more.

    He was speechless.

    When she saw ace towel, she couldn''t help but remark, "Do you want two of these hidden things?"

    "One for you and one for me," Alice replied.

    He stood there bewildered, knowing he would never use such an item.

    After finishing their shopping, they went to the checkout. Alice impulsively grabbed a pair of red socks and added two pairs of matching socks.

    She looked up to see Caden''s reaction, but instead caught a suspicious nce from a stranger.

    The area was crowded and chaotic.

    She noticed a man in a baseball cap quickly slipping through the crowd and instinctively tugged on Caden''s sleeve.

    "I think they''re following us," he whispered.

    Caden put his arms around her waist and looked around.

    "Don''t worry. After Joshua''s terrible experience, it''s understandable that he''s seeking revenge, but his partners don''t have the capacity to harm us," he reassured her.

    Alice felt a wave of relief.

    Suddenly, Caden asked, ¡°Who''s your emergency contact?¡±

    "Contact?"

    Alice''s gaze darkened.

    "It used to be my dad''s, but after he passed away, I programmed it to speed dial the police."

    Caden picked up his phone and programmed his number into it.

    "Contact me immediately if anything happens. I''m faster than the police."

    A wave of bitterness washed over Alice, her eyes shining. ¡°Okay.

    Back home, Alice wasted no time in vigorously redecorating.

    It buzzed around the room, living up the dingy furniture like a busy little hamster.

    Caden, sipping a ss of water, joked, ¡°Were you always this active with Joshua?¡±

    Alice shook her head. ¡°He never liked messing with his stuff, so I just cleaned and cooked.¡±

    ¡°I don''t like it either. Why do you think it¡¯s okay to touch mine?¡± Caden challenged.

    Alicia, holding a pile of disposable items, gave him a look. ¡°If it bothers you, you can sleep with Cade.¡±

    Caden was speechless.

    After finishing her chores outside, Alice headed to the bedroom.

    ¡°Hurry up and help me change the bedclothes!¡± she shouted.

    The thought of the pink,ce-trimmed bedding set made Caden uneasy, but he couldn''t resist and followed her into the bedroom.

    The bright pink was stark, but the sight of Alice lying in it was irresistibly captivating.

    Desire overwhelmed Caden.

    Then she removed the damp bedclothes and washed them. Alice''s eyes, tinged red with fatigue, conveyed her exhaustion.

    Aware of the ominous presence of the Yates family, his thoughts turned to Gina.

    The next night she visited the hospital to see Gina. With Harley about to be discharged, Alice handed Gina some money.

    "Leave Warrington immediately. Find a small town where you and Harley can live out your lives without worry. And don''te back," he ordered firmly.

    Gina caught up on thetest news.

    The Yates family was in chaos.

    Every time Caden brought his misconduct to light, the Yates and Green families attempted to suppress the information.

    However, they continued to face significant setbacks.

    ¡°Joshua has fallen, but the Green family remains unharmed. If they trace things back to you, you could be in danger,¡± Alicia warned, quicklyforting Gina. ¡°Don''t worry, though. Their influence is limited to Warrington. You and Harley will be safe elsewhere.¡±

    Gina expressed her deep gratitude.

    "Thank you, Miss Bet."

    Alice smiled in response. ¡°It''s nothing. ¡°I should thank you for your bravery.¡±

    Gina held her hand firmly. ¡°If you ever need anything,e to me. No matter the distance, I¡¯ll be there.¡± Alicia felt a surge of warmth at Gina''s gesture.

    Harley''s discharge from hospital was carried out discreetly.

    Joshua, overwhelmed by recent events, had not kept an eye on Gina. When I realized, a week had already passed.

    After that hectic week, Joshua finally found some time to rest.

    Physically and mentally exhausted, he sought medical attention.

    Unfortunately, the results of his blood tests raised concerns. ¡°Have you ever used any psychotropic substances?¡± the doctor asked curiously. Joshua replied: ¡°No.¡±

    I was too worried to take medication, let alone psychotropic drugs.

    The doctor then pointed out an unusual finding. ¡°There are traces of a peculiar drug in her system, normally used to control heat in cattle.¡± Joshua found the revtion absurd.

    Reflecting on her past strange reactions while living at the Yates mansion - in particr her inexplicable nausea during intimate moments with Lilliana - she became suspicious.

    His attitude tightened. ¡°Investigate this substance. Find its source and report to me immediately.¡± He has emphasized his urgency by cing a check on the desk.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 189

    Chapter 189:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Deep down, Joshua understood the reality of the situation. Alicia was the only one capable of aplishing such feats. Despite the sacrifices she had made for him in the past, she had enough principles to end things if she was pushed too far, even if it meant walking away penniless.

    Besides, she wasn''t stupid.

    Joshua recognized that his previous patience and tolerance was not due to fear, but to love.

    However, when he stopped to reflect, a new thought struck him.

    Maybe it wasn''t love after all.

    Maybe he was just settling a debt.

    Otherwise, why would he conspire against him, cornering him?

    With these thoughts, Joshua slowly clenched his fists.

    While driving back, a call from Lilliana interrupted his thoughts.

    She sounded irritated. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you back yet?¡±

    At a red light, he replied nonchntly: ¡°I just got out of the hospital. ¡°I¡¯m on my way.¡±

    ¡°The new maid is a mess. She''s driving me crazy. Get back here and take care of this,¡± Lilliana demanded impatiently.

    Joshua, ignoring her, opted to light a cigarette.

    A deep breath caused him to cough violently; he felt his chest split open.

    "Aren''t you going to ask about my visit to the hospital?" I have challenged.

    "You''re back now, right? If you haven''t been admitted, you should be fine," Lilliana replied.

    Joshua mocked herck of empathy.

    He knew her too well: she was helpful when it came to important matters, but shecked personal warmth.

    What did you expect?

    Upon returning to the Green residence, Joshua barely had a moment to rest before Lilliana began giving him orders.

    The tasks he gave him were insignificant, but he¡­

    Joshua perceived Lilliana''s demands as degrading.

    Feeling ill, but standing firm, he replied hoarsely: ¡°I am not feeling well. Let someone else take care of you.¡±

    Lilliana, lying on the sofa and looking through photos, was clearly upset. ¡°Is it really that hard to go get a ss of water?¡±

    "I don''t want to," Joshua replied curtly.

    Lilliana got angry. ¡°What do you mean, Joshua? Didn¡¯t you use to serve me water when you were trying to flirt with me?¡±

    ¡°Things have changed, okay?¡± Joshua said, gritting his teeth. ¡°Back then, I treated you with love. Now, you see me as a servant, demanding water as if I owe it to you.¡±

    ¡°You deserved it!¡± Lilliana replied.

    She stood up abruptly, throwing the photos at him. ¡°Look what you¡¯ve done!¡± she used angrily. ¡°You invited Alicia to Yates Mansion because you still had unfinished business with her, giving her opportunities. ¡°Would you be in this mess if it weren¡¯t for that?¡±N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Joshua looked at the photos spread out before him.

    Each one, taken by a private investigator, captured Caden and Alicia together, clearly close.

    Alicia''s expressions, ranging from anger to yfulness, were vividly captured. She seemed genuinely happy, a stark contrast to Joshua, whose face had turned ghostly pale.

    ¡°Does it hurt to see this? Do you regret it now?¡± Lilliana mocked. ¡°Your ex-wife and the man you regret have joined forces to bring you down. How does it feel?¡±

    In a fit of rage, Joshua stomped on the photographs, his eyes boiling.

    Lilliana insisted: ¡°I warned you from the beginning to discuss things with Alicia, but you didn''t listen. ¡°Now look at the consequences.¡±

    Joshua clenched his fists and looked at her. ¡°Am I not suffering enough for you? Why are you saying all this now?¡±

    Lilliana scoffed. ¡°You can''t stand it, can you? Did you ever think about my feelings while you were with Alicia? And I''m pregnant with you.¡±

    Throwing caution to the wind, Joshua retorts, ¡°I was unfaithful to my wife with you. What did you expect? Even if it hadn''t been Alice, there would have been someone else. Are you resentful of all the women I¡¯ve been with?¡±

    Lilliana''s expression twisted with a mix of anger and humiliation.

    Ovee by rage, she grabbed a pillow and threw it at him.

    "How dare you talk to me like that! Remember who supports you now."

    Joshua shrugged dismissively and said, ¡°Then let your family stop supporting me. Let them watch me fail.¡±

    ¡°Do you think I won''t?¡± Lilliana replied.

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± she challenged. Joshua''s gaze then fell on her lower belly. ¡°I won''t be the one who suffers the most.¡±

    Then he stormed up the stairs, mming the door.

    Lilliana watched him go, her expression cold. She could no longer hold back her tears. She burst into sobs, realizing the true weight of the situation. He would not be the one to suffer the most.

    She reproached herself for her naivety in getting involved with him and, what was worse, getting pregnant out of wedlock.

    His resolve hardened. He knew that if he continued to defy, he would lose all respect.

    When Cedric arrived, he found her still crying. After hearing the whole order, he was furious and heartbroken.

    ¡°Now it''s up to us, and yet he dares to treat you like this? Does he think I¡¯m easily manipted?¡±

    Cedric smoked, his face red with anger, as he prepared to face Joshua.

    Knowing her father''s temper, Lilliana quickly intervened. "Dad, please don''t do this. Caden has been putting pressure on him and it''s understandable that he would be angry. He hasn''t hurt me directly."

    Cedric was visibly upset. ¡°Why do you keep defending him?¡± I have demanded.

    ¡°What other choice do I have?¡± Lilliana cried. ¡°I''m due in a few months. Do you want me to face this alone and be the butt of ridicule?¡±

    Despite her disputes with Joshua, Lilliana''s feelings for him persisted, prompting her to defend him.

    Cedric, who had only one son, was furious at first, but knew he had to give in for Lilliana''s sake.

    His anger was palpable, but Lilliana tried to calm him down.

    ¡°Joshua''s situation is temporary. He still has the support of the Yates family. Once he has inherits, he will have the resources to counter Caden¡¯s moves.¡±

    Cedric was still worried.

    ¡°Caden is well prepared. In just a few months, he has gathered important evidence against Joshua. It seems like a carefully nned strategy for a long time. Don¡¯t underestimate him,¡± he warned.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 190

    Chapter 190:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    ¡°If Caden is really so powerful and influential, why would he even bother toe back and fight for his share of the Yates family inheritance?¡± Lilliana retorts.

    ¡°Well, what if the Ward family is actually more powerful than we think?¡± Cedric replied.

    ¡°Like I said, why would he bother? If that¡¯s the case, wouldn¡¯t it make more sense for him to stay with the Ward family and enjoy his current glory?¡± Lilliana snorted. ¡°It even seems like he''s spent a fortune just to deal with Joshua this time. What¡¯s so special about Alicia? Why is Caden doing so much for her?¡±

    Just then, a phone call interrupted their conversation.

    He was Lilliana''s former agent.

    ¡°Lilliana!¡± a female voice shouted as soon as the call connected. ¡°Something big just happened. The ounts we used to attack Alicia on social media have been suspended and we can''t contact the people using them. Word is someone has taken over.¡±

    Lilliana frowned. ¡°Do you have any idea who that is?¡±

    ¡°I''m afraid not,¡± the agent replied anxiously. ¡°We''re still looking into it. Considering the stir we caused on various online tforms, we''re sure to get sued as soon as we''re discovered. Also, someone posted recordings of your encounters with Joshua in various hotels, all while he was still married to Alicia. A lot ofizens are already calling you his mistress. ¡°They¡¯re making a lot of noise as we speak.¡±

    Lilliana was furious.

    It had to be Alicia again, it couldn''t be anyone else! That bitch had gone for Joshua first, and now she wasing for Lilliana. Alicia was trying to ruin them one by one, that scheming bitch!

    Realizing the gravity of the situation, Cedric was even more furious than Lilliana. ¡°What the hell have you done to that woman?¡± I demanded in a thunderous voice.

    Lilliana hung up and threw the phone aside in anger. ¡°That bitch, Alicia, she deserved it! I just put her in her ce; that''s what she deserves! How was I supposed to know that everything was going to blow up one day?¡±

    He turned to his father and quickly changed his tone. ¡°You have to help me, Dad!¡±

    Cedric let out a heavy sigh. There was so much going on at once. He was overwhelmed.

    It took him a while to finally speak, and when he did, his tone was stern. ¡°I''ll help you, but you have to promise me that once this whole mess is settled, you''ll quit the entertainment industry and behave, once and for all. Are we on the same page?¡±

    Lilliana asserted vigorously, willing to agree to anything to fix the mess, as her father had called it.

    Cedric stomped away, still smoking. Lilliana left shortly after seeing Joshua. Despite their differences, it was clear that this matter needed an immediate solution.

    ¡°It doesn''t matter how much money we have, Joshua. We can''t afford a scandal of this magnitude. ¡°We have to close this before it gets worse.¡± Lilliana''s eyes sparkled with mischief as she spoke. ¡°We''ll have to get rid of Alicia for good. ¡°We can¡¯t waste any more time.¡±

    Countless cigarette butts littered the ground at Joshua''s feet. He exhaled another puff of smoke and his face twisted into an expression of pure, unbridled hatred. ¡°I know what I have to do.¡±

    Meanwhile, Caden had just arrived at the Joy Mansion. He had promised Ciara that he would meet her for dinner that evening. As he was pulling out of the garage, his phone buzzed.

    "I have news about the suspect, Mr. Ward. It was all orchestrated by Jerald."

    Caden brushed the snow off his shoulders and his lips curved into a sneer.

    So the person trying to take him out was his own father. He wasn''t surprised, nor did he care much. "There''s no need to keep an eye on him. He won''t cause any real trouble."

    "Understood, Mr. Ward."

    Caden gave a few more instructions before hanging up.

    The mansion was brightly lit, and Ciara sat gracefully in her chair, dignified and elegant, yet exuding a warmth that made the room feel inviting. When she saw Caden enter the foyer alone, she shifted into her seat.

    ¡°Why are you alone?¡± he asked calmly.

    Caden took off his coat and handed it to a waiting servant. ¡°I ended up workingte, so I told Hank to go home first.¡±

    Ciara gave him a dry look. The young man was bing more talkativetely, and more cunning as well. But since Caden wasn''t willing to talk about his love life, she decided to let it go. Worried that he was hungry, she quickly ordered the kitchen staff to serve dinner.

    She had brought a trusted maid from her hometown, a woman with divine culinary skills. Each dish was tailored to Caden''s tastes.

    However, Caden found the food mediocre. The soupcked vor and the stir-fry dishes were undercooked.

    ¡°Have you had a checkup recently?¡± Ciara asked suddenly. ¡°How about the results?¡±

    Caden realized that he hadn''t thought about his routine checkups for a while. Since he started living with Alicia, his illness hadn''t been on his mind much. On the other hand, Ciara was constantly worried about him.

    Seeing that Caden hadn''t brought home a woman like she expected, Ciara thought the least she could do was ease her mind.

    "I''ll go get a check-up tomorrow," he said.

    ¡°Make sure you send me the results,¡± Ciara replied, not missing a beat. ¡°I¡¯d like to take a look at them myself.¡±

    "OK."

    They tie in silence for a while. When Ciara realized that Caden wasn''t going to volunteer any information, she decided to poke him.

    "Have you heard from Ynda? She mentioned she''sing to Warrington in a few days."

    ¡°Warrington is so cold this time of year,¡± Caden replied nomittally. ¡°What''s your hurry?¡±

    Ciara¡¯s eyes narrowed meaningfully. ¡°Are you saying that because you''re worried about her, or is it because you don''t want her toe at all?¡±

    Caden put a piece of fish on his te without saying anything. Ciara waited for an answer, but he didn''t even acknowledge her question.

    And Caden wasn''t going to do that. He''d onlye to the Moss family for help in the first ce because Dorian Moss, the family patriarch, had once been involved in a secret project.

    Despite its initial sess, the project was shut down and forcibly erased because it threatened to disrupt the social order as the world knew it.

    However, Caden desperately needed the knowledge and experience that had been invested in thepany. After years of searching, he has finally located Dorian, the only surviving member of the original team. With no other options, Caden had no choice but to propose a deal to the Moss family.

    They stated that they did not want anything in return and offered their help without hesitation.

    So Caden was surprised when Dorian refused to meet in person. Instead, Dorian sent Ynda, a woman he had trained for over a decade.

    "Ynda is smarter than me and wants to explore the world. I trust my daughter to you, Caden. Take good care of her," Dorian had said.

    .

    .Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    .

 Chapter 191

    Chapter 191:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    The Moss family, while not extravagant, wielded considerable influence, a fact of which Caden was well aware. The Ward family was at the head, and the Moss family was not far behind. Furthermore, the older members of both families had shared a strong friendship for many years.

    Since Caden had initially sought their help, the Moss family''s proposal could not be easily rejected without causing offense. Rejecting it would be seen as a slight.

    Breaking the silence, Ciara asked, ¡°You are aware that Ynda has had feelings for you since she was young, right?¡±

    Caden replied indifferently, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Well, now you are,¡± Ciara added.

    ¡°That¡¯s not particrly good news,¡± Caden replied dryly.

    Ciara agreed. She had never liked Ynda, finding her moody and high maintenance. While Ynda was certainly intelligent, she was also delicate and overly spoiled by her father, Dorian, who indulged her every whim. If Ynda joined the Ward family, Ciara knew what the oue would be: she would have to be treated like royalty.

    Ciara sighed. ¡°In any case, I would prefer a cheerful and optimistic granddaughter-inw.¡±

    Caden replied, ¡°I see marriage as a business.¡±

    This irritated Ciara slightly, but then she remembered the long illness that had gued her for years. She held back her frustration. ¡°Don''t you have any feelings for the woman you''re currently dating?¡±

    Caden looked down, his expression unreadable. ¡°If I had feelings for her, I would have introduced you to her already.¡±

    He hadn''t brought her, which meant, in Caden''s eyes, that he had no feelings for her. Ciara''s heart sank.

    ¡°Do what you think is best,¡± he said softly. ¡°Ynda likes you, and you need her support. Maybe you¡¯ll develop feelings for her after you get married.¡±

    Caden felt nothing. He looked at the n with the same indifference he had towards his routine work.

    ¡°You''re right. If you¡¯re eager to have a great-grandchild, I could have her undergo IVF to have a child,¡± Caden suggested, trying to reassure Ciara.

    Ciara shook her head. ¡°Ynda¡¯s health isn¡¯t very good. ¡°We should talk about itter.¡±

    Although she longed to have a great-grandchild, she did not want to jeopardize Ynda''s well-being.

    After a while, Ciara asked, ¡°Does this mean you¡¯ve epted the Moss family¡¯s proposal?¡±

    Caden didn''t give a direct answer. "I''ll pick up Ynda in a few days."

    Ciara felt a pang in her heart.

    I sighed. ¡°You always set the bar too high for yourself.¡±

    Cadenughed lightly. ¡°High levels? Or am I just exploiting the situation?¡±

    Ciara noticed that his smile didn''t reach his eyes. In his twenties, Caden was used to making bold, decisive decisions for his ambitions. But at that moment, Ciara saw a sh of hesitation.

    Could it be that he had feelings for the woman he was seeing? Maybe he did, but he hadn''t recognized them yet.

    Ciara decided to act, considering she was already in Warrington and wanted to make the most of her visit. After dinner, Caden stayed briefly before leaving.

    As the maid cleared away the tes, she sighed and remarked, "Mr. Ward hardly ate anything."

    This distressed Ciara, who scolded herself. ¡°I won''t bring this up at the dinner table again.¡±

    Caden then returned to hispany and spent hours reviewing the details of a project.

    Leaders in any field often seemed to have a natural talent, and Dorian''s abilities were remarkable: he was a true talent, irreceable.

    Caden closed his eyes briefly, thoughtful.

    When he returned to the apartment, Alice had already fallen asleep from exhaustion. However, her sleep was not deep. As soon as he got into bed, she rolled over and curled up in her arms.

    ¡°Caden?¡± she murmured sleepily.

    Caden whispered, "Yes."

    In the dim light, I noticed the slight shadows under his eyes. Lately, he had been pushing himself hard, treating his body like a machine and working tirelessly.

    ¡°What do you need?¡± Caden asked softly. ¡°Are you missing something?¡±

    Alice''s eyes remained closed.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    "I need a lot," he murmured softly, but left it vague.

    There was silence between them.

    Caden, no longer in the mood to talk, settled down to sleep. Alicia''s back was pressed against his chest, their skin touching. I have heard the soft growl of her stomach.

    He barely opened his eyes. After a moment, he asked, ¡°Did you skip dinner?¡±

    Caden had never been hungry before, but his question made him aware of his hunger.

    It waste, and he didn''t want to disturb her, so he casually said, "Let''s go to sleep."

    Alice, however, remained alert. Her stomach grew again, this time louder.

    She nudged him with her hip. ¡°Then move a little. ¡°Your stomach is making too much noise.¡±

    Caden stood still. Instead, he yfully slid his hand under her pajamas.

    ¡°I can''t help it,¡± he joked. ¡°Maybe we could find another way to distract you if it¡¯s bothering you.¡±

    Alice shudded at the thought of his energy. She tried to push him away, but he persisted.

    Her cheeks blushed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make you something to eat,¡± he said, pulling his hand away. ¡°Then we can sleep. Okay?¡±

    Her voice softened without her meaning to.

    Caden''s throat worked visibly, his eyes darkening with desire.

    "Now it''s not just my stomach that''s hungry," he said.

    In a hoarse voice, Caden muttered, ¡°I¡¯m hungry here, too.¡±

    His hand wandered south.

    Alice''s cheeks flushed with heat as she ran into the kitchen, feelingpletely overwhelmed.

    .

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    .

 Chapter 192

    Chapter 192:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    She quickly prepared a te of pasta, which Caden greedily devoured.

    The evening then took a more intimate turn. This time, Caden was gentle, taking his time.

    Alice experienced intense pleasure, more than once. Exhausted, she curled up in Caden''s arms and quickly fell asleep.

    The next morning, a noise woke her up.

    Opening her eyes, she saw Caden, fully clothed, with his back to her, standing tall and straight. It was an impressive sight.

    Alice watched him for a moment before instinctively rubbing her waist, expecting the usual pain, but to her surprise, she felt much better today.

    She murmured in confusion. They had been passionate for hours the night before, and she had sumbed to sleep from sheer exhaustion. Why wasn''t she tired?

    As Caden buckled up and turned to see her clutching the nket and staring at him, he asked, ¡°What are you looking at?¡±

    She replied, meeting his gaze: ¡°Nothing. ¡°I feel unexpectedly revitalized.¡±

    She stood up from the bed, straight and confident. Caden looked at her questioningly. ¡°Revitalized for what exactly?¡±

    ¡°I feel invincible,¡± Alice dered proudly, her energy palpable. ¡°I''ve never recovered so quickly. No matter the intensity, I seem to wake up energized after a good night''s rest,¡± she boasted,ughing with delight.

    She exuded the aura of a heroine ready to conquer the world.

    Caden was momentarily speechless.

    Then he nodded at the bedside table. ¡°You''re overthinking it. ¡°You¡¯re not tired simply because I applied some ointment to youst night.¡±

    Alice looked at the bottle of ointment, puzzled.

    He picked it up and looked at it, noticing that one of thebels caught his eye.

    The ingredients of the ointment were particrly rare, which exined its powerful effect.

    "When did you apply this?" Alice asked, genuinely puzzled.

    ¡°You were fast asleep,¡± Caden replied as he buttoned up his shirt. ¡°Come here, help me with my tie,¡± he requested.

    Alice had be very skilled at tying ties.

    For a brief moment, their interaction felt warm and effortless, almost as if they were a couple long ustomed to each other''spany.

    Caden looked at her and casually mentioned, ¡°I have to pick out an outfit to meet up with a friend in a few days. Can you help me?¡±

    Alicia looked up and her dark eyes met his. ¡°What style are you thinking of?¡±

    "I''m going to catch up with an old friend. It''s up to you," he said.

    "Okay," she agreed.

    Caden smiled. ¡°You¡¯re being very cooperative.¡±

    Alice felt a strange sensation at herment. Her eyes did not reflect any real gratitude.

    She continued: ¡°Don''t wait up for me for dinner tonight. Organize something for yourself.¡±

    She instinctively asked, ¡°Where will you be?¡±

    Caden, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, joked, ¡°Are you watching me now?¡±

    Alice paused, feeling ufortable, and then replied, ¡°I¡¯m not the one watching.¡±

    Realizing that she had gotten off to ate start to the day, Alice quickly got ready before heading out.

    Caden, rxed as he prepared for his review, paused as he saw several drafts on a cab. I have picked them up to take a closer look.

    They were sketches for a gallery.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Is Alicia nning to open a gallery soon?¡± he wondered, putting the papers away in his notebook, thoughtful.

    After her appointment, she received a call from Hank regarding an urgentpany matter.

    Caught up in the demands of work, Caden forgot to give Ciara a medical report and stuffed it in a drawer.

    Later, Alicia had lunch with Monica.

    Ever since Monica had found out about Alicia and Caden''s rtionship, she was full of questions.

    Alice patiently answered each one of them.

    "You responded like an AI, answering everything I ask you," Monica joked, amused by Alicia''spliance.

    This reminded Alice of a task she still had toplete.

    "I have to visit Caden''spanyter. There is a new product I am working on that is not finished yet," he exined.

    Monica narrowed her eyes yfully. ¡°Really? Are you sure it¡¯s not a date?¡±

    Alicia shook her head. ¡°It''s strictly professional. He has rewarded me, and I see it as work.¡±

    Given Caden''s generosity, Alice feltpelled to reciprocate in some way.

    Changing the subject, Monica joked: ¡°What is your sex life like?¡±

    Alice blushed, concentrating on her food. ¡°Good.¡±

    Monica smiled, teasing even more. ¡°It must be amazing, huh?¡±

    .

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 Chapter 193

    Chapter 193:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia lowered her head slightly, murmuring, ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± In bed, Caden was the epitome of a gentleman¡ªintense but considerate, always ensuring herfort.

    She was really impressed.

    Monica noticed him blushing andughing. ¡°If he¡¯s so attentive in bed, he must have feelings for you.¡±

    Alicia was surprised and quickly shook her head. Their rtionship had never entered into the romantic realm, it was strictly physical.

    "Why else would I continue supporting you?" Monica asked.

    "We have an agreement," Alice replied.

    ¡°But Joshua is no longer in the picture,¡± Monica pointed out. ¡°Remember how Caden kissed you drunk? ¡°I doubt he sees you as just a business partner,¡± Monica challenged.

    Alice felt insecure.

    Was Monica right?

    Did Caden have deeper feelings for her?

    Monica became more animated. ¡°I can''t stand this. ¡°I need to find a handsome guy to live up my evening.¡±

    Alice agreed. ¡°Try to find someone with experience but who is still a virgin,¡± she suggested.

    ¡°Forget it. Finding a virgin these days is harder than finding an alien,¡± Monica sighed.

    After dinner, they went shopping. Shortly after, Monica''s phone rang with a call from theb.

    "Have you taken out any medicine? Someone is making things difficult for me."

    Monica stepped away and whispered, "I''ll be right back to exin everything to you."Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Alice expressed her concern. ¡°Is everything okay?¡±

    Trying not to rm Alice, Monica downyed the situation. ¡°It''s just a small problem with my coursework. ¡°My professor is expecting me.¡±

    The exnation worked well, and Alice suspected that nothing was wrong.

    Alicia pulled out her phone. ¡°I¡¯ll call you a taxi.¡±

    After Monica left, Alice decided to visit Caden''spany. As she turned to leave, she noticed a man''s scarf in a shop window.

    The simple design and elegant color of the scarf immediately made her think of Caden, who rarely wore a scarf despite the cold Warrington winters.

    On impulse, she bought the scarf.

    Upon arriving at thepany, Alicia found Caden busy in a meeting.

    Hank approached her with a cheerful air. ¡°Miss Bet, are you here to dine with Mr. Ward?¡±

    Alice smiled, shaking her head. ¡°No, I came for something else.¡±

    ¡°The product details are on Mr. Ward''s desk. He''ll be busy for a while. ¡°Why don¡¯t you wait there?¡± Hank suggested.

    Alice agreed.

    Aware of the sensitivity of the information, she asked, ¡°Is it okay if I use Caden¡¯sputer?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Hank replied without hesitation, as the investment in product development was primarily for Alicia.

    Calmly, Alice entered the office to ess the product file.

    He sat down and began to make several adjustments.

    Half an hour passed quickly.

    Alicia looked towards the door, but there was still no sign of Caden.

    Holding the scarf, she allowed herself to smile, thinking about giving it to him. They rarely exchanged gifts despite their numerous intimate moments.

    Surprisingly, she felt more nervous about this gesture than any of their previous encounters.

    Determined to give him a subtle surprise, she decided to hide the handkerchief in a ce where he could easily find it. She opened a drawer to ce it inside, but her attention was caught by a documentbeled ¡°Health Report.¡±

    Driven by curiosity, she couldn''t resist picking it up to read it.

    The report detailed Caden''s health, stating that he was in good condition and his illness was under control.

    Flipping through the pages, she read about the specific nature of her illness, her treatment program, and the extensive medical advice provided.

    Her expression hardened as she took in the information. She had never heard of such an unusual illness, which exined certain aspects of his behavior that had puzzled her.

    The report also mentioned that Caden had stopped taking his medication months ago, which coincided with improvements during the times they had been intimate.

    Realizing that the dates coincided with their meetings, he felt a chill.

    She realized that Caden''s methodical rtionship with her, the sudden business opportunities, and his persistent attention were not mere coincidences, but were motivated by her health needs.

    She was the involuntary solution to his medical problem, nothing more.

    A deep sense of betrayal washed over her. She carefully put the report back into the drawer, her heart sinking at the realization. A deep sadness washed over her, as if her heart had been pierced, leaving a cold emptiness.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 194

    Chapter 194:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    She stood still, overwhelmed. As memories of the past few months with Caden flooded back, her anguish grew.

    She tried to calm herself, dismissing it as something unimportant. So what if he had hidden agendas? She had hers too.

    He sought her out physically because it highlighted his need for medication, while she relied on his help to manage Joshua.

    But¡­All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    Throughout their intimate time together, he had been nothing but kind to her. Could he really be devoid of any real affection? Not even a little?

    Alice struggled to shake off the bitterness that was gathering in her heart.

    How absurd. How could someone like Caden easily develop feelings for her? He didn''t like her, did he?

    His closeness was only to avoid medication.

    With a sarcastic smile, she took several deep breaths. She felt relieved that she had discovered the truth before her feelings grew too much.

    Their arrangement wasing to an end, and parting ways after sorting everything out seemed manageable. However, breaking the routine of being constantly together could prove to be quite a challenge.

    Shortly after, Caden concluded his meeting and walked in. He closed the door and asked in his usual tone, ¡°Have you taken a look at the product file?¡±

    By then, Alice had regained herposure.

    He approved and passed it to her to check.

    Caden nced briefly at the file, then noticed the handkerchief on the desk.

    ¡°Is this for me?¡± She recognized the brand as a man''s and examined it casually. ¡°You are very generous.¡± Alice studied his handsome features.

    ¡°I''m not as generous as you,¡± she replied, with a warm smile but cold eyes.

    Caden didn''t look at her. Instead, he handed her the scarf back. ¡°Put it on me. Let¡¯s see if it fits.¡±

    Alice took the scarf and was silent for a moment. Finally, she stood on tiptoe to help him.

    Their proximity inevitably led to physical contact.

    Breathing in her scent, he pulled her close and kissed her easily.

    She tense momentarily, her thoughts wandering during the kiss.

    Caden let go of her, his gaze intense. ¡°What''s going on?¡±

    Alicia felt upset. Having discovered her secret, she struggled to maintain the same level of intimacy with Caden as before. The words were about toe out of her mouth. She looked down.

    Abruptly, he confessed, ¡°Caden, I went through your drawer without asking.¡±

    He didn''t seem affected. "You don''t need my permission."

    ¡°I found your medical records,¡± she blurred out. ¡°I know about your illness.¡±

    Caden''s expression became more serious. He had always intended to hide his illness. Their physical chemistry had been remarkable, and she was the only one who had such an effect on him. Truth be told, it confused him and was somewhat embarrassing.

    Now that she knew, she no longer bothered to hide it. "SW? What are you trying to say?¡±

    Alice respected his sincerity. At the same time, she acknowledged that her suspicions had been correct.

    He asked, ¡°Will you continue working with me?¡±

    Caden was not naive. Alicia had always been transparent with her emotions, and he was aware of how she felt about him. However, he felt that those feelings were insignificant.

    ¡°I n to continue, but I won''t force you,¡± Caden replied matter-of-factly.

    Alice remained silent, her lips pursed. Now that the secret was out, he was direct. ¡°If it''s okay with you, we can carry on as usual. ¡°I will satisfy your needs without conditions.¡±

    Alice suddenly felt like a stranger.

    Then, he realized his mistake. His previous kindness and attention had been nothing more than a facade for his motives.

    The tough Caden before her was her true self. Instinctively, she refused. "No. I don''t want that. Isn¡¯t this like being kept by you?¡±

    Caden burst outughing.

    ¡°So what do you want?¡± he asked, his toneden with sarcasm. ¡°A degree?¡±

    She opened her mouth to respond, but he cut her off. ¡°That won''t happen. Be realistic.¡±

    His ruthless words stabbed Alice''s heart. She felt hurt and ashamed. The atmosphere between them turned cold and bitter.

    ¡°You''re thinking too much. I''ve had a title before. It doesn¡¯t mean much,¡± Caden said, unfazed.

    "So what''s bothering you?" he added, his voice growing increasingly distant.

    Alice clenched her fists, standing her ground. ¡°Am I worried? Didn¡¯t I just say I don¡¯t want to continue this with you?¡±

    Caden found his reaction amusing. He studied her closely, watching her emotions grow more turbulent by the second.

    Unable to bear the tension, Alice turned away.

    He spoke bluntly: ¡°You like me and you enjoy our time together. Why make thingsplicated for yourself?¡±

    Alice felt a sharp pang in her chest. She struggled to maintain herposure.

    ¡°I recognize your abilities, but to say that I like you? That¡¯s going too far,¡± he replied firmly. ¡°Don''t overestimate yourself.¡±

    Caden scoffed, his patience thinning. ¡°You''re so stubborn.¡±

    He sensed that she was not being truthful, and that irritated him. His tone became even sharper. ¡°You''ve already been hurt once with Joshua. Why are you still so naive? Wouldn¡¯t we be better off with a no-strings-attached arrangement?¡±

    Alicia fluttered her eyshes as she looked at him, a mix of frustration and sadness in her eyes.

    He had made it clear: their rtionship could only be casual. A deeper rtionship was not possible.

    Her eyes filled with tears, but her expression was firm.

    ¡°Enjoying being intimate with you doesn''t mean I like you. Understand that,¡± Alicia rified, her voice firm. ¡°This is purely physical. If I want intimacy, it doesn''t have to be with you. There are plenty of others who could take your ce.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 195

    Chapter 195:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden smirked. His eyes glittered with mockery, causing her pain. With all the cards on the table and their argument reaching its climax, Alicia dered with determination, ¡°There is no need to discuss this any further. ¡°This ends today.¡±

    Caden''s expression stiffened for a moment. His facepletely fell.

    ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± he asked impatiently.

    Alice braced herself. ¡°What is there to consider? You''ve said the same thing over and over again. What exactly do you expect me to say? Are you considering letting me go?¡±

    Caden scoffed again. ¡°You know damn well who has trouble letting me go,¡± he replied, his patience wearing thin. ¡°Stop being so dramatic. ¡°I¡¯m done.¡±

    Alice remained equally resolute. ¡°I didn''t ask you to enjoy my drama. ¡°You can proceed as you wish with our agreement.¡±

    Realizing that Caden wasn''t going to hold on to her, she added nonchntly, "If you think this association has been a burden, just let me know. I''ll take care of it."

    With those words, she grabbed her bag, opened the door and walked out.

    He didn''t make a scene, but when he left, the office fell eerily quiet. It seemed almost lifeless.

    Caden felt his anger rising uncontrobly. He was at his limit.

    But he was not one to express his frustration in fits of anger. Instead, he sat back down, trying to concentrate, and began to go through the paperwork as usual.

    A few momentster, Hank knocked on the door and entered the room with a bewildered expression.

    "Mr. Ward, what happened to Miss Bet? She refused to let me get her a driver."

    Caden''s expression remained cold. ¡°Just ignore her.¡±

    Hank hesitated, sensing that something was wrong. Had they had a disagreement?

    The room felt heavier, and as darkness settled in, rain began to fall.

    Aware of Caden''s mood, Hank ventured to suggest, "It''s getting dark and it''s starting to rain. Mr. Ward, maybe you should take Miss Bet home. What do you think?"

    Caden lost his temper. ¡°Why? She''s an adult. ¡°Do you think she can¡¯t find her way?¡±

    Hank, intimidated, was too nervous to react. ¡°I apologize, Mr. Ward. It was out of line for me to suggest that.¡±

    "Go away now."

    Hank quickly closed the door behind him.

    Caden had nned to work longer, but he found that he couldn''t concentrate. I turned off theputer and decided to take the medical report to the Joy mansion.

    Ciara was enjoying some music when he arrived. Caden didn''t interrupt her, but instead ced the medical report in front of her.

    Ciara immediately sensed that something was wrong. ¡°What''s wrong?¡±

    Caden kept a neutral expression. ¡°Nothing. ¡°Just some work stuff.¡±

    Seeing that he was reluctant to say more, Ciara didn''t press further. She started to nce over the report. Everything seemed to be in order for her.

    His only wish was for her to continue to enjoy good health.

    When Ciara learned that Caden would be eating there, she asked the kitchen staff to prepare some extra dishes.

    He turned around and saw that it had disappeared.

    Finally, she found him on the terrace. Caden stood out against the sky, a tall figure shrouded in night, with faint trails of smoke swirling around him.

    Ciara walked over to him. ¡°Why are you smoking? ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t smoke.¡±

    Caden crushed the cigarette under his foot, waving his hand to clear the smoke. ¡°Stay away from me when I smoke,¡± he replied, avoiding her question.

    Ciara watched him closely. ¡°You don''t usually do this¡­¡±

    Caden frowned. ¡°Stop worrying about me.¡±

    Ciara replied: ¡°If you don''t want me to worry, then don''t make it so obvious. Your feelings are written all over your face. I can¡¯t ignore it.¡±

    After stating her point of view, she smiled, somewhat pleased. ¡°That girl really affects you, huh?¡±

    Caden''s expression grew even colder. He turned and walked away, not wanting to stay in Ciara''s presence any longer. Everything she did or said seemed to irritate him.

    But no one irritated him as much as Alice. Just thinking about her made him furious, although he didn''t understand why.

    She had feelings for him and refused to leave him, but he always resisted her. She was stubborn, determined, very stubborn. He fantasized about locking her up and forcing her into submission until she was too exhausted to argue.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    It waste, after dinner, and he had no intention of going out. I have decided to stay the night.

    Ciara had a room ready for him, with everything he needed.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see if you can sleep alone tonight,¡± Ciara teased. ¡°You''re not afraid of the dark, are you, my dear grandson?¡±

    Caden was momentarily speechless.

    He replied curtly: "I''m not afraid of the dark. It''s the constant chatter that I can''t stand. There''s no talking after nine. It''s irritating."

    Ciaraughed softly and then hummed a tune as she walked away to tend to her flowers.

    Caden settled back on the couch to watch TV. He was distracted, his mind wandering, barely paying attention to what was on the screen.

    Then, his phone, which he had carelessly thrown aside, began to vibrate.

    It was Gerry, sounding excited. ¡°Come out here and have a drink, Caden!¡±

    Caden wasn''t sorry. "I''ve stopped drinking."

    ¡°Sure,¡± Gerry replied, his voice full of amusement. ¡°I''m texting you the address. Come with us. It¡¯ll be fun.¡±

    The loud music ying in the background on Gerry''s side was overwhelming.

    Then a soft female voice was heard. ¡°Alice! Wait for me!¡±

    Caden frowned.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 196

    Chapter 196:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    "Alice?"

    Caden was pretty sure he heard right. What was she doing here? When Gerry asked him again about joining them, Caden finally relented. ¡°I¡¯ll be there soon.¡±

    He didn''t have much with him, just a jacket, and he moved quickly.

    Ciara, already knowing the answer, asked curtly, "Are you going to bed so early?" Caden chose not to answer.

    But Ciara insisted: ¡°You''re going the wrong way. Your room is inside. Why are you heading towards the door?¡±

    He replied briefly: "I''m going to bed early." Then I closed the door behind him and left.

    The music in the bar was deafening.

    Alicia was holed up in a booth, her attention fixed on her phone. Every now and then, she checked to make sure Monica was safe as she danced among the crowd.

    Gerry, aware that Alicia did not drink alcohol, filled a ss with c and brought it to her.

    Alice agreed. ¡°Thank you. Don''t worry about me, Mr. Hopkins. ¡°I¡¯m fine on my own.¡±

    Gerry nced at his phone screen. ¡°Still busy with work?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Alice replied, ¡°I was just bored and looking for something to do.¡±

    "But you''ve been going through this for a while. Do you have something in mind?" Gerry asked.

    Alice remained silent.

    I have turned off the phone.

    It was impossible to concentrate on her studies or having fun. The hours passed, but her recent argument with Caden kept reying in her mind.

    It bothered her that he saw her only as a sexual partner, and Alicia didn''t understand why it bothered him so much. Would she have agreed if Caden had suggested they go out? She felt torn. Meanwhile, Gerry, oblivious to her tension, ate contentedly.

    Suddenly, he stood up and waved. ¡°Caden, eat here!¡± Alice jumped.

    I have looked up.

    Caden, dressed in a ck shirt with his jacket slung over his arm, moved through the noisy crowd. His tall frame and striking features stood out under the vibrant lights of the bar, adding an almost maic aura to his presence.

    He headed straight to his table.

    Alicia quickly turned her head, leaning back in her seat, not wanting him to notice her.

    But Gerry''s excitement ruined her attempt to remain inconspicuous. She turned to Caden and said, "I was going to drink alone, but then I saw Alicia. I thought it would be more fun with more people, so I invited you."

    Caden didn''t recognize Alicia at all. He sat down and focused on something else, acting as if she didn''t exist.

    Gerry asked, ¡°Aren''t you going to say hello to her?¡±

    Caden replied coldly, ¡°No.¡±

    Alice was momentarily taken back.

    Gerry clicked his tongue, looking between them. ¡°What''s the problem between you two? Does it really have to be like this?¡± He opened a bottle and took a swig, while Caden joined him, his gaze elsewhere.

    As Caden drank, his eyes briefly met Alicia''s.

    Gerry, sensing the awkward tension, tried to lighten the mood by leaning towards Alice. ¡°Want to y somethingter?¡±

    Alice looked up and said, ¡°No, you have fun yourself.¡±

    Gerry put his hand on the phone. ¡°You''re here. Forget about studying. You don''te to a bar often. Let me show you a game.¡±

    Then he pulled his wrist towards Caden.

    Alicia tensed, unsure of how to decline Gerry''s insistence.

    Caden looked at their joined hands, his expression still neutral, his face revealing no emotion.

    Neither of them made eye contact.

    The tension was palpable.

    Gerry kept talking non-stop, and Alice barely understood any of the rules he was exining.

    ¡°Got it?¡± Gerry asked excitedly. ¡°Use this strategy to beat Caden. Keep your ss full.¡±

    Alicia forced a smile, although she was disinterested. ¡°I''ll pass. ¡°I don¡¯t really feel like it.¡±

    ¡°Don''t worry. ¡°I¡¯ll teach you some tricks to win,¡± Gerry insisted. Alice was momentarily speechless. Could he be any louder?

    Fortunately, Monica returned soon, to Alicia''s relief.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    He asked her for help in a low voice. ¡°Monica, I want to go.¡±

    Monica, slightly drunk and cheerful, asked loudly, "Do you want to go?" Alice winced. Monica was so loud!

    Of course, Monica''s question caught Gerry''s attention.

    "Why so soon? Caden just got here."

    That was exactly the reason why Alice wanted to leave.

    She kept her thoughts to herself, though, not wanting to make the situation worse with Caden. By now, she had given up on arguing with him.

    Monica didn''t want her to leave. Even though the alcohol slowed down her responses, she was strong and held on to Alicia tightly.

    Seeing Monica like this, Alicia feltpelled to stay and watch her.

    The bar was full of bold and attractive women, and soon a few of them approached Gerry.

    One particrly bold woman sat down right next to Caden and asked if she could have a drink with him.

    Caden didn''t push her away. He casually lowered his ss to hers.

    Taking advantage of the moment, the woman leaned closer, almost pressing her curvaceous body against his, and tried to start a conversation.

    "Hey, do you have a girlfriend?"

    Caden didn''t push her away or invite her closer. He simply replied, ¡°Do you really want to know? You¡¯re already in my arms, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    The woman giggled.

    It wasn''t just his handsome looks that made him attractive; it was his charismatic aura, tinged with a hint of danger, that truly captivated her. The woman moved even closer to Caden, almost pressing herself against him, and took his drink. ¡°Let me try this,¡± she said, her voice low.

    After leaving a suggestive lipstick mark on the rim, she handed the ss back to him.

    "It''s not that good," hemented cheekily. "I''d rather taste the drink from your lips."

    Alicia kept her gaze down, avoiding looking at them, but she couldn''t block out their voices. Was Caden quiet because she was kissing her? Were they kissing now?

    Just thinking about it made Alice''s throat tighten.

    .

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    .

 Chapter 197

    Chapter 197:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice clenched her fists tightly, remaining silent.

    Monica was visibly shaken by Caden''s behavior. She leaned over to Alicia and whispered, "What is Caden doing? Everything seemed fine earlier today, and now he''s with a stranger. What happened?"

    Alice quietly replied, "You can do what you like."

    Monica felt uneasy. ¡°Did you break up? ¡°Did you have a fight?¡±

    ¡°We were never really together,¡± Alicia exined. Worried that Monica would make a scene, she gently took her hand and whispered, ¡°Ignore him, Monica.¡±

    Monica noticed the loneliness in Alicia''s eyes and began to understand the situation. She couldn''t help but feel angry. Caden, quick to move on, had done so right in front of Alicia!

    Given Caden''s high status and vtile temper, Monica knew she couldn''t confront him directly. However, she feltpelled to support Alicia and help her vent her frustration.

    Monica signaled for some malepanions to approach.

    Surprised, Alice stared as the men approached. ¡°Monica, what are you doing?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just having a little fun,¡± Monica replied. Then she announced loudly, ¡°Mr. Ward has a beauty by his side and I''m very envious of her. ¡°I want to enjoy my time with a couple of malepanions.¡±

    The woman with Caden looked up at Monica. She had been flirting with him, thinking she might kiss him. But seeing the clear disdain in her eyes, she froze, too shocked to act. Still, she didn''t dare leave, clinging awkwardly to him.

    Monica did make a scene.

    She chose two malepanions: one a tall, muscr man, and the other a 1.8-meter-tall young athlete. Gerryughed. ¡°What a party, choosing two at once.¡±

    Monica replied: "I''m not that hungry. One is for Alicia."

    Alice was shocked. She looked up, puzzled. Then she stood still.

    Meanwhile, Caden nced over, previously indifferent. He subtly sized up the two malepanions before turning his attention back to Alicia. Despite her surprise, Alicia didn''t object.

    The malepanion was quite adept, engaging Alice in charming conversation and offering her drinks and fruit. Alice sat up straight, epting what was offered, although she found it difficult to feelfortable with the situation. Noticing her difort, thepanion joked, ¡°Is this your first visit here, youngdy?¡±

    His voice was reassuring and his feigned affection convincing. He looked at Alice as if he were deeply in love with her, his gaze seductive and intense.

    Alice shook her head. ¡°No, but it¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve done it.¡±

    ¡°So I''m the first,¡± thepanion replied with a wink. ¡°May I have the honor of yourpany tonight?¡±N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Just as Alice was about to decline, she noticed Caden watching her from a distance. He leaned back casually, his expression cold and somewhat menacing.

    Alice remembered the peculiar sensations she had when she was intimate with him. He seemed to be the only one who affected her in this way. Was it because it was her only experience? What if she was with someone else? Would she feel equally adrift if she were intimate with someone else?

    Alicia had never considered it. Considering that Caden saw her as just a casual fling and openly flirted with others, why would she remain faithful?

    So she didn''t dismiss thepanion''s offer. Instead, she replied, ¡°Sure. ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to seeing what you can do.¡± Caden caught her eptance.

    He scoffed, unpressed, and his face hardened even further.

    Gerry, looking to add some spice to the evening, said to his date: "If you''re going out with her, remember the expenses. Charge them to me and sort it out with your bosster."

    Thepanion smiled. ¡°Don''t worry. For such lovelypany tonight, I won''t ask for anything.¡±

    Alicia smiled faintly. The mood had been light and yful, but Caden''sment soon broke the spell. I have cynically remarked, "Nothing free is ever good."

    The smile on the malepanion''s face faltered, tension filling the air. Gerry clicked his tongue and asked, ¡°Are you drunk? Why attack a young man for no reason?¡±

    Caden remained impassive. "No. ¡°I¡¯m just stating the facts.¡±

    Gerry replied: ¡°Keep drinking. Alicia is showing interest in someone. Don¡¯t spoil it.¡±

    Caden''sment seemed to have spurred the malepanion''s pride, making him more determined to impress Alicia. Although Alicia hadn''t been drinking, the alcohol on the malepanion''s breath made her head spin.

    He moved his hand to her abs, slightly damp from the liquor. ¡°Feel it,¡± he encouraged her softly. ¡°Do you like it?¡±

    Alicia looked down, her fingers slowly running over his body and finally resting on the belt of his pants. She touched him lightly, her fingers stopping near a more intimate spot.

    Thepanion, who had been flirtatious and self-assured, suddenly felt overwhelmed by her touch. He began to lose hisposure and, despite the crowd surrounding them, he could not help showing his excitement.

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 Chapter 198

    Chapter 198:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice, now quite experienced, remained calm and collected. She blinked at the spectacle before her.

    The malepanion, unable to contain himself, blushed and leaned towards her. ¡°Miss, would you like to inspect it first?¡± he asked, taking her hand and guiding it towards his crotch. Alicia gently removed her hand, smiling coldly. ¡°I''ve already seen what I needed. Very impressive,¡± he replied.

    The malepanion licked his lips and sat up, gesturing for Alice to touch his abs as he tried to maintain hisposure.

    Caden watched from a distance, his expression cold and unreadable. As a man, he recognized the tricks the escort was trying, and it irritated him even more.

    The male escort was growing impatient. After all, resisting Alicia''s charms was no easy task. She only had to be present; her beauty was enough to arouse desire in any man.

    Caden angrily mmed his ss on the table.

    Gerry, startled by the sudden movement, asked, ¡°Caden, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Caden kept his gaze fixed on Alicia and replied in a cold voice, "Pour me a drink."

    His tone was sharp, catching Gerry off guard. Why was Caden so intimidating? Was he about to do something reckless?

    Caden looked furious, but didn''t say anything else. Gerry quickly poured him a drink.

    Meanwhile, Alice and her malepanion remained unfazed. She unchntly enjoyed the fruit he offered her, her dear calm despite the tension in the air.

    Soon after, Monica reached her limit. She was drunk and wanted to leave. The young man who was with her enthusiastically offered to take her home.

    Alicia, who knew that Monica usually bragged but was actually shy, politely declined the offer.

    As they were leaving the bar, the Flynn family''s driver stopped. He took Monica from Alicia and expressed his gratitude. Alicia smiled politely in return.

    Monica leaned her head against the car window, looking at the male passenger with a regretful expression. Her thoughts seemed confused. ¡°Alice, I already paid. You should have fun with him too,¡± she said.

    Alice, shocked, was speechless.

    Monica narrowed her eyes and held up two fingers. ¡°Just two!¡± Monica shouted. ¡°That''s more than Caden has ever¡­¡±

    Alicia, horrified, quickly approached and covered Monica''s mouth with her hand. She quickly pushed Monica into the car and told the driver to roll up the window.

    Curious, Gerry asked, ¡°More of what?¡±

    Alicia, under Caden''s intense scrutiny, managed an awkward smile. ¡°I don''t know. ¡°She talks nonsense when she¡¯s drunk.¡±

    Gerry understood and epted, sensing the awkwardness.

    It waste and getting cold. Gerry, ready to go home, asked Caden, "Shall we go back together?"

    Caden kept his eyes fixed on Alicia, his expression unreadable. Without any emotion, he replied, ¡°Go ahead. ¡°I¡¯m going to have a cigarette.¡±

    Gerry didn''t think much about it and headed towards his car.

    Alice looked around, realizing that the malepanion was missing.

    Caden flicked his lighter and lit a cigarette. ¡°He''s in the car outside, waiting for you.¡±

    Alicia looked at him. It was the first time she had seen Caden smoke. Surprisingly, it made him seem even more attractive and mysterious than she expected. His effortless coolness seemed to captivate women with ease.

    She replied indifferently, ¡°Okay.¡± Her voice had a distant tone.

    As she started to walk away, Caden narrowed his eyes and chased after her, ¡°Hooking up with someone randomly when you''re angry isn''t a sensible way to deal with it.¡±

    Alice stopped dead.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    Her eyes met his, which had a mocking glint. She added, "Besides, its size isn''t particrly impressive."

    Alice took a deep breath and, with a smile, replied: "You''re overthinking it. I didn''t spend the money tonight to let off steam, but because I''m tired of the same old routine and I fancy something different. "

    Caden''s gaze remained fixed on her. The dim glow from his cigarette cast a sinister light in his dark eyes, making them look even more menacing.

    Was she tired of him?

    Good. I hope your night is memorable.

    Alice answered calmly: "You too."

    Just as she turned to leave, he grabbed her wrist. Confused, she turned to him, but before she could react, he pulled her close and pressed his lips against hers roughly.

    It wasn''t a kiss. It was more of a bite.

    Every pull and every squeeze was filled with a fierce aggression, as if he intended to dominate her, overwhelm her.

    Alice''s eyes shot open. As usual, resistance was futile. He held her firmly, and his relentless exploration of her mouth showed no signs of stopping.

    The subtle taste of tobo lingered on his tongue, dulling his senses like an anesthetic. His mind went nk in an instant.

    Then a sharp pain shot through his lips.

    Caden loosened his grip a little and separated them enough for their breaths to mingle with more heat. The pain on her lips lingered, and she felt a hint of blood.

    She stared at him, her anger evident.

    Caden, looking at his now frost-covered lips, quickly licked the blood away.

    Alice found his behavior unbearable. The pain deepened in his chest. ¡°Caden, what the hell do you want?¡±

    Caden loosened his grip.

    ¡°Just a kiss. What¡¯s the problem?¡± His eyes burned with intense desire, but his voice remained casual. ¡°Go ahead. Your date shouldn¡¯t have to wait.¡±

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 Chapter 199

    Chapter 199:Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    ? ? ? ? ?

    A wave of anger washed over Alice, tempting her to unleash a torrent of curses.

    He caught himself and insteadnded a hard p across Caden''s face.

    Immediately, Caden''s features darkened and his expression turned stormy.

    She was breathing heavily. ¡°Is this your way of letting off steam? It actually feels quite liberating!¡±

    Caden raised his head and looked at her coldly. Blood stained his thin lips, giving him a vampiric appearance.

    The disturbing sight immediately cooled Alice''s anger, recing it with a hint of fear.

    He recoiled slightly as he noticed the red mark on her pale cheek. Since he had already hit her, he no longer feared the consequences. Swallowing, he said, ¡°If you''re angry, hit me back or call the police. It¡¯s all the same to me.¡±

    Caden looked away, looking past her.

    Alice turned and saw Gerry in his car, leaning out of the window with his eyes wide, staring in disbelief.

    It was clear to her that Gerry had witnessed everything. Determined to leave Caden to his confusion, she straightened her attitude, bowed her head, and walked away.

    He headed towards the car where the male passenger was waiting. Gerry jumped out of the car and confronted Caden.

    ¡°Fuck! ¡°Caden, what are you doing?¡± she eximed, looking at the marks on Caden''s face.

    Caden responded with an icy look.

    He then lit another cigarette and headed toward his car.

    Surprised, Gerry followed him. ¡°You forced Alicia to kiss you and she retaliated? Is that your style? How long have you been together? Do you really have feelings for her? She''s your ex-sister-inw! How could you¡­? You two were always at odds, weren''t you? Damn, Caden. I misjudged you. You seem so respectable, but you¡¯re just like those dominating CEOs in romance novels!¡±

    Caden mmed the car door shut.

    Gerry followed him inside and started to talk, but Caden interrupted him, throwing cigarette ash at him.

    Gerry quickly spat it out.

    Caden, taking a deep drag on his cigarette, coldly ordered, ¡°Shut up and call a driver.¡±

    Gerry reluctantly settled back, looking back at Alicia as she climbed into the escort car.

    Then he looked at Caden, who was staring in the same direction, his expression stern and intense. Caden was still smoking, the smoke curling in the air around him.

    Gerry had never seen this side of him.

    Cautiously, Gerry ventured, ¡°Do you have real feelings for Alicia?¡±

    Caden, his voice hoarse, replied, ¡°Not exactly.¡±

    Gerry was silent.

    I have recalled the previous events. He could have beenpletely fooled by Caden''s calm demeanor.

    Gerry knew Caden wasn''t one to obsess over anyone, and yet there seemed to be something about Alicia. Caden just watched as the escort led her away.

    ¡°You don''t care at all? Didn''t you see who she left with? ¡°This doesn¡¯t seem like you, Caden.¡±

    Caden smiled with satisfaction.

    I was sure that nothing would happen between Alicia and thepanion tonight.

    Losing interest in the conversation, he pulled out his phone to arrange his own trip.

    Gerry, still intrigued, pressed for more details. ¡°How did things start between you two?¡±

    Caden turned off the phone and closed his eyes, showing his annoyance. ¡°Enough, stop bothering me.¡±

    Unfazed, Gerry persisted: ¡°Was that the woman you were with at the club a few months ago? Damn, you kissed her in front of me while I was drunk. That''s something. And your health? Are you better now? I can''t figure it out. How did it start? I never saw the possibility of a real connection. Tell me, how did it all start?¡±

    Caden''s voice was cold. "Shut up."

    Alicia couldn''t do anything tonight for a specific reason: it was the first day of her period.

    She had brought the malepanion along simply to make a point to Caden.

    After calming down, he realized how foolish his actions must have seemed.

    Why argue with him?

    He was only interested in her physically and did not care about her feelings. I have treated her with indifference, unconcerned about herpanions or her actions.

    However, the presence of thepanion had been beneficial. He had arranged a hotel for her, provided her with hot water and taken care of everything, greatly alleviating her situation.

    Alicia realized she couldn''t go back to Caden''s apartment anymore, so she secured the hotel room for a month and started looking into long-term rental options. The escort made sure she wasfortable in bed, attentive to her needs.

    She expressed her gratitude and paid him.

    "You can go now. Thanks for today," he said.

    The escort hesitated, aware of his connection to Caden but reluctant to leave. ¡°Why don''t I stay a little longer? You seem unwell.¡±

    Alice held her stomach, feeling the difort. Indeed, the pain of her period was intense, aggravated by the consumption of fruit and wine.

    "I''m fine. It''ste and you should go," he insisted.

    He understood the message after she repeated it to him, and he got up to leave.

    Just then, there was a knock at the door.

    Assuming it was room service, thepanion opened the door, only to be met with a punch that hit him in the eye. The loud impact instantly rmed Alice.

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 Chapter 200

    Chapter 200:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    The male escort was hit in the eye, temporarily blinded, and rendered helpless. He quickly copsed to the ground.

    Alice grabbed a nearby object and sprang into action.

    The attacker had underestimated her, attacking half-heartedly. He was not prepared for her quick and powerful response. In the midst of her distraction, she smashed a vase over her head.

    Blood immediately gushed from the wound.

    The man stiffened, his eyes empty, and fell to the ground under Alice''s intense gaze.

    Out of breath, Alice quickly called the police and knelt down to assess herpanion''s condition.

    Fortunately, his injuries were minor.

    The police and an ambnce arrived at the same time, taking the assant and his bodyguard to the hospital, while Alicia headed to the police station.

    In the back of the police car, Alicia watched the assant on the stretcher, her mind reeling from shock. She wasn''t surprised by the altercation, considering her previous entanglements with Joshua and Lilliana. Lately, Caden had managed to maintain stability, allowing her a semnce of peace.

    Her recent concern for Caden had made her forget the potential dangers.

    Silently pondering, Alicia realized that without Caden''s coach''s self-defense training, she might not have been able to protect herself so effectively tonight.

    She could have been seriously injured.

    At the police station, Alicia cooperated fully and gave a frank statement.

    "Don''t worry, Miss Bet. We are investigating thoroughly. Your order will not be in vain," the officer reassured her.

    This unexpected kindness caught Alice off guard.

    She did not feel deserving of such courtesy from an agent, but she responded with a gesture of gratitude.

    After finishing his statement, the officer informed him: ¡°Your family has been notified. Please sign here and you may leave.¡±

    Confused, Alice replied, ¡°My family?¡±

    Knowing that Monica was incapacitated, he wondered who they had contacted.

    The agent rified: ¡°Mr. Ward. I have vouched for you during yourst visit here. ¡°We remember him clearly.¡±

    Alice remained silent, now understanding the origin of the polite treatment: it was because of Caden.

    He thanked the officer and then called Caden out of the interrogation room.

    His response was distant. ¡°You gave up sooner than I expected.¡±

    Alice tensed, her lips pressed together.

    "I just wanted to rify that the police misinterpreted our rtionship and that''s why they contacted you. You don''t need toe. I can handle it myself."

    A brief pause followed.

    Caden''s voice came again. "I''m outside the station. You''ll see me when you get out."

    As she ended the call, Alice looked up at the reflective ss and put her hand to her side.

    The events had left her uneasy and in a state of shock.

    His stomach churned ufortably.

    Hisplexion was ashen.

    She massaged her face vigorously, trying to revive her pale features and gather strength.

    Turning his head, he caught the sergeant talking in a low voice.

    The sergeant''s face looked worried.

    Noticing Alice''s gaze, he waved the other person away and approached her.

    "Did the suspect confess?" Alice asked.

    "The hospital has certified him as mentally ill. We cannot proceed with charges," the sergeant said.

    Alice''s expression darkened with frustration.

    Aware of the influence of the Yates and Green families, she understood the limits of police intervention. Needing a break, she asked: "Could you show me the back door?"

    The sergeant, puzzled, asked, "Aren''t you expecting Mr. Ward?"

    "He''s busy," she replied curtly and headed for the exit.

    As he stepped outside, he saw a familiar car nearby, its hazard lights on. His surprise was obvious.

    Wasn''t it supposed to be in front?

    How did it arrive so quickly?

    Caden, sitting casually with one hand on the wheel, stared emotionlessly out the rolled-down window. ¡°Get in,¡± he ordered, making it clear that it was not a suggestion.

    Alice ignored him and walked away.

    Cadenmented, ¡°I cane out and take you if I need to.¡±

    This left her momentarily speechless.

    Caden got out of the car and picked her up.

    She made a face of resistance.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    He leaned toward her, his voice deep and resonant. ¡°Your lips are pale with pain, and yet you resist?¡±

    Alice felt her strength fading.

    Her hands fell limp and Caden helped her into the car seat.

    Realizing that escape was futile, he chose to remain silent and approach the situation calmly.

    The interior of the car was already warm, which provided somefort.

    Without thinking, he began to warm his frozen fingers.

    Caden, with the same expression, took off his coat and offered it to her.

    She rejected him.

    His tone was icy as he presented her with an ultimatum. ¡°Put it on or I''ll get you. Decide.¡±

    Alice was left speechless.

    It seemed like he was behaving irrationally again.

    Arguing seemed pointless.

    She silently grabbed her coat and was about to wrap it around herself when Caden pulled her into his embrace.

    Worried that any sudden movement couldplicate things, she blurred out: "I''m on my period. It could be a mess."

    Caden''s response was unwavering.

    "I know."

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 Chapter 201

    Chapter 201:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice was surprised.

    Caden pulled her closer, their bodies fitting perfectly.

    ¡°How did you know?¡± she asked, leaning on his shoulders. The space was small, their faces almost touching.

    Caden tilted his head slightly.

    ¡°I remember your time of the month,¡± he said bluntly.

    Alice was speechless.

    Caden''sugh was low and steady. ¡°Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t have let her go with you.¡±

    She was puzzled. ¡°Why would that be something you would remember?¡±

    She thought it was an unimportant detail, especially since their rtionship was casual. Most men don''t even remember their partner''s cycles.

    How did he remember his own?

    Caden saw her look of surprise and exined, ¡°It''s simple. Since we agreed to see each other regrly, I wrote down the days we couldn''t. ¡°Those days were difficult for me, and they have stayed in my memory.¡±

    Alice''s lips trembled slightly.

    She knew she shouldn''t expect kindness from him. When her nerves calmed, she pressed her lips together firmly.

    Caden gently lifted his chin with his fingers, smirking. ¡°What? Did you think I remembered because I cared?¡±

    Feeling both embarrassed and angry, Alice muttered a curse.

    She tried to pull away, but Caden held her firmly and kissed her, reopening the scab on her lip.

    Blood began to flow out, causing sharp pain.

    Alice moaned from the intense pain.

    Caden, softening momentarily, loosened his grip, although his tone remained icy. ¡°Remember this pain. ¡°Avoid it next time.¡±All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    ¡°You''re asking for trouble in the future,¡± Caden said, his voice cold.

    "How can I look for trouble?" Alice replied defiantly.

    "What do you think?" I have replied.

    Caden then pulled out a packet of wet wipes and began to clean his hands. She tried to pull her hands away, but Caden held them firmly, leaving red marks on her pale skin. I have cleaned each finger carefully, focusing on the ones that had touched the malepanion.

    Alice flinched at the abruptness. Through gritted teeth, she asked, "What are you doing?"

    ¡°They¡¯re dirty,¡± Caden replied dryly.

    Alice was silent for a moment before blurting out, ¡°Why do you care about my hands?¡± I didn''t touch you. ¡°Let me go, Caden.¡±

    Caden seemed indifferent to her protests, continuing to clean each finger until he was satisfied. Then, his attention turned to her lips.

    "Did he kiss you after leaving the bar?" she asked.

    Alice, irritated, retort: ??"So what if he did? You swallowed every trace of him, didn''t you?"

    Caden''s gaze grew even more intense. ¡°Answer me. Did he kiss you?¡±

    "It''s none of your business!" said Alice, every word deliberate.

    Caden held his face tightly, his eyes burning with anger. It was the first time Alicia had seen him so angry, and the intensity left her confused. Was he jealous? Why would he be? He had always said he had no feelings for her.

    Alice tried to turn her head away, refusing to look at him, but he persisted, undaunted. Tears sprang to Alice''s eyes, her gaze intense but silent.

    For a brief moment, Caden''s expression softened.

    He let go of her, his voice demanding, ¡°He didn''t touch you, did he?¡± The urgency in his tone was unmistakable.

    Tears began to spill down Alice''s cheeks.

    Caden¡¯s expression softened slightly with concern. ¡°Since when are you so sensitive to pain? ¡°I haven¡¯t been this harsh.¡±

    I have searched her face, looking for any sign of injury. But as he came closer, her vulnerability turned to defiance. She grabbed a handful of his hair and, in a fit of fury, bit his face.

    His teeth sank into his skin with all the resentment and frustration he had bottled up. Caden let out a sharp cry of pain.

    Alice let go, her breath ragged, but a feeling of satisfaction flooded through her. ¡°We''re even now.¡±

    He had bitten her lip and she had retaliated by biting his face. They were both hurt, a strange bnce of pain.

    Caden stared at her, a mixture of defiance and dissatisfaction on his face. But then, to Alicia''s surprise, he seemed to forget his difortpletely.

    Heughed softly, his gaze fixed on her slightly swollen lips.

    ¡°That mouth of yours,¡± he whispered, his voice hoarse and provocative. ¡°What do I feed it to shut it up? ¡°Tell me.¡±

    Alice, used to her taunts, imagined several responses, none of which she vocalized. She stood her ground, her eyes shing a warning. ¡°Try anything and I¡¯ll bite her off.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see about thatter,¡± Caden replied, unfazed and almost anticipating.

    He let go of her and started the car.

    Alicia gritted her teeth, preparing for whatever wasing next. As they drove, she mentally mapped out her escape strategies. But when they reached the apartment building, Caden pulled a bag out of the trunk and extracted a dark object.

    He handed it to her in a neutral voice. ¡°Put this on your lower abdomen. It will relieve your cramps.¡±

    Alice looked at him, puzzled. ¡°What is this?¡±

    "A thermos with hot water," he exined simply.

    Alice, puzzled, examined the object closely. Her emotions were mixed as she stared back at it.

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 Chapter 202

    Chapter 202:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alicia had just slipped the thermos under her clothes when Caden lifted her out of the car.

    As they entered the apartment, Cade excitedly pounced, weaving between Caden''s legs. Caden nudged him gently, but despite falling, Cade''s excitement did not wane. He continued to follow them, barking excitedly.

    Alicia looked at Cade with a pang of guilt. She turned to Caden and asked, ¡°Have you fed him today?¡±

    As he led her to the bedroom, Caden replied, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Alice frowned worriedly.

    ¡°It''s very simple. Just canned food and milk,¡± Caden replied dismissively.

    A hint of sarcasm crept into her voice as she added, "Why didn''t you think of him when you left with that malepanion?"

    Alice remained silent at hisment. She decided not to intervene further, stood up, clutching her stomach, and prepared to leave.

    Caden, clearly upset, asked, ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    "To feed him," she replied.

    Caden sighed deeply and pulled her onto the bed. ¡°I¡¯ve already fed her.¡±

    At that moment, Cade came running in, jumped onto the bed, and snuggled up next to Alicia. His tail was wagging impatiently and he was breathing heavily, clearly seeking affection.

    Alice''s heart softened and she began to caress him gently, her frustration disappearing as she felt the warmth of his presence.

    Caden briefly left, but soon returned with hot water and a painkiller.

    Alice took the ss, still perplexed. ¡°So you can be considered.¡±

    Caden''s face remained expressionless as he replied, "Only when I realize it''s necessary."

    Alice thought of her father. So ustomed to being served by maids, he could hardly do anything for himself except work.

    Alicia took a sip of the warm water, feeling its soothing warmth spread down her throat and ease her stomach cramps.

    "I''ve met many men who arepletely dependent on maids," she said.

    Caden replied nonchntly, ¡°It''s not that they''re incapable. ¡°They just choose not to.¡±

    Alice, who had been spoiled by her mother and knew Joshua''s duplicity, was not easily impressed by a simple ss of water. Their problems required more than superficial fixes. They needed a serious conversation.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Exhausted, Alicey in bed, drifting in and out of consciousness.

    It waste when Caden finished his work and entered the room. Heively instinct pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her.

    ¡°Have you changed your mind?¡± I have asked.

    Alice opened her eyes and whispered, "No."

    Caden, not surprised by her response, continued, ¡°You have seen my medical report and you understand my condition. Only you have the power to affect me. Don¡¯t you see the unique opportunity that is before you?¡±

    Alice replied dryly: "If you were me, would you ept my use of you as a physical remedy?"

    Caden''s retort was sharp. He sneered, "If I were you, I''d bepletely in control."

    Alice rolled her eyes as she looked away. I have remained silent.

    The differences in thought between men and women were very marked. Sometimes, no words could bridge the gap.

    Caden snuggled his face into her neck, breathing slowly. ¡°Are you sure you won''tmit to me until we''re officially together?¡±

    Alice''s heart fluttered. She wasn''t sure of her true feelings for Caden. That was the root of her confusion.

    She questioned him: "Why do you resistmitment?"

    As Caden stroked her, he paused momentarily. His mind flooded with memories of his parents, who had once loved each other deeply, forming a perfect family. Then his father''s mistress arrived, with a child in tow, born the same year as him.

    Her mother, overwhelmed by the revtion, suffered a miscarriage and died during the operation. Everything beautiful fell apart that night. It had all been a facade.

    Jerald had been unfaithful since the first year of their marriage, keeping Shelia as his mistress for seven years. Love, Caden reflected, was absurdly cheap.

    As these bitter memories surfaced, his tone grew colder. ¡°You are looking for love, and I respect that. But to me, marriage is nothing more than a bargaining chip for business negotiations. ¡°I can¡¯t offer you that.¡±

    Alice''s smile faded, tinged with sadness. ¡°A bargaining chip¡­ Then, you¡¯ll choose someone else.¡± She hesitated before asking, ¡°If I were to ept, what would our rtionship be like until you get married?¡±

    Caden looked at her deeply, his hand gently caressing her face. ¡°Your situation, right after you left me, shows that both the Yates and Green families are keeping a close eye on you. Doesn¡¯t that scare you?¡±

    Alice''s voice softened, almost unsure. "Are you suggesting I''ll always be under your protection?"

    ¡°You could be,¡± Caden replied without hesitation.

    Alicia''s breath caught. "Do you see me as your mistress?" she stammered. "Caden, have you not learned from your family''s fall? Do you want me to be another Shelia or Lilliana?"

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 Chapter 203

    Chapter 203:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice''s stubbornness exceeded Caden''s expectations. I have scoffed. ¡°You can''t even guarantee your own safety, and yet you worry about trivial things.¡±

    ¡°If I can''t live, so be it,¡± Alice replied, her voice hoarse as she gripped the nket tightly. ¡°What¡¯s the point of living if I¡¯m always under someone¡¯s control?¡±

    She turned away, unable to stop the tears that burned her cheeks and fell onto her arm. Embarrassed, she pushed him away.

    Caden made no move to touch her again, and a heavy silence settled between them.

    After a pause, he broke the silence coldly. ¡°Alice, your feelings are too cheap. What do you see in me?¡±

    Alice¡¯splexion paled. ¡°Perhaps,¡± she whispered, contemting her constant emotional turmoil even after a disastrous marriage. She hade to believe that if anything went wrong, it was not the ingredients that were to me, but the cooks.

    In this day and age, wearing your heart on your sleeve was a fool''s errand.

    ¡°Caden, if you expect me to depend on you, prove that you can handle me,¡± she said tly. ¡°If not, it''s better that we go our separate ways.¡±

    ¡°If I really tried, could you handle it?¡± Caden snapped.

    ¡°You''re just looking for a partner in bed,¡± she replied. ¡°You have no feelings for me. What''s the point of all this talk? Do you even care if I can''t stand it?¡±

    Caden''s expression darkened, storm clouds gathering in his eyes.

    Losing patience, he threw aside the nket and got out of bed. ¡°You''re nning on opening a gallery, aren''t you? I''ve arranged for someone to set it up. As soon as the paperwork is ready, talk to Gerry.¡±

    Alice felt a lump in her throat as she heard his icy tone.

    "No."

    "Like it or not, it''s now up to you to manage it. I''ve reaped the benefits these past few months, and that''s yourpensation," he dered, standing tall.

    His silhouette merged with the light, leaving behind a chilling impression.

    "When you go away tomorrow, don''t forget your stupid dog," he added coldly. Alice froze.

    He had made his position clear. They were about to be strangers.

    His mention of the gallery seemed to erase all traces of their recent history, leaving no room for reconciliation.

    Alicia tensed slightly as she heard the door close behind him. She paused topose herself and picked up the phone to call the movers. Shortly after, she began packing her belongings.

    In the living room, Caden sat smoking. I watched her silently, her expression unreadable. He made no move to intervene.

    Alicia had only been here a few months. Her days had been filled with shared meals and intimacy, but she had very little to show for her time here. After packing, including some of Cade''s things, all of his belongings barely filled a suitcase.

    Despite feeling weak, Alice pulled herself together, determined not to show any vulnerability. Her hands shook as she prepared to leave with her suitcase.

    Caden noticed her struggle to maintain herposure, and it only fueled her irritation. He took a deep drag on his cigarette, the smoke rasping in his throat.

    "Would it really be so bad to stay one more night?" I have asked.

    Alice turned her back and felt a wave of resentment. ¡°I don''t want to get in the way.¡±

    The removal men arrived downstairs in no time. The driver called impatiently: "Why aren''t you downstairs yet? It''s freezing cold."

    "Just a moment, I''ll be right there," Alice replied in a low voice.

    When the driver realized it was a woman, his tone softened. ¡°Do you need help with your things?¡±

    "No, there''s no need," Alice replied.

    Cradling Cade in one arm and holding her suitcase in the other, she left the apartment.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    Caden forcefully stubbed out his cigarette, extinguishing the ember.

    The cigarette went out, but the emotional turmoil inside him only intensified.

    Alicia understood Caden well. She knew he meant business tonight. He wasn''t one to beg or plead. She had tolerated the situation for a while before reaching her breaking point. Resolved, Alicia decided to cut all ties with him. The hotel she had initially booked seemed unsafe, so she decided to change to another one. Lying in bed, thoughts of Caden invaded her mind.

    Her heart ached, her nose tingled, and silent tears ran down her face. Joshua, who had been a part of her life for years, brought her feelings of gratitude and guilt, but they paled inparison to the pain Caden had caused her. Thinking about Caden was like an endless downpour, chilling his heart relentlessly. Shey awake all night.

    When the rm clock rang at dawn, Alice mechanically turned it off and got up to get ready for the day. She had slept badly and her stomach hurt, but she couldn''t miss work.

    As she walked out of the bathroom, her phone rang unexpectedly: it was Caden.

    Hesitantly, he answered but remained silent.

    Caden spoke casually. ¡°You left something in the closet.¡±

    Leaning weakly on the table, Alice listened as he reminded her of the clothes, jewelry, and handbags she had bought, none of which she had used.

    "I haven''t opened any. Do with them what you want."

    "I''ll get rid of everything," he said coldly, his voice sending a chill down his spine.

    He ended the call abruptly.

    Clutching her phone, Alicia was overwhelmed by memories of shopping with Caden, feeling a numb sense of loss.

    Lost in her thoughts, she regained herposure and took a painkiller to ease her difort.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 204

    Chapter 204:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Alice was relieved that her physical condition remained good, as her menstrual pains quickly disappeared. She gathered her strength and continued teaching her students with dedication for the next few days. At the same time, she was busy preparing the Christmas y.

    The school had high expectations and Alice worked hard, often rehearsing with her students untilte. That afternoon, after herst student had left with her parents, Alice decided to stay in the empty piano room, ying a piece just for herself.

    The melodious tones of the piano seemed to gnaw at his heart, like a beast. In the end, he only felt emptiness.

    When the music ended, she sat quietly, deep in thought. That''s when Monica called her.

    Alice took several deep breaths to calm herself. ¡°Alice, it¡¯s veryte,¡± Monica said quietly. ¡°I''m at the school gate. Come out!¡±

    Alice looked at the clock and saw that it was already after ten. The Warrington winter was bitterly cold.

    Seeing Monica, Alice took her hands and smiled. ¡°Well? Do you feel warmer now?¡±

    Monica''s hands were cold from waiting outside. Sheughed when Alicia warmed them. "I was so worried about you."

    Alice felt confused. ¡°What have I done?¡±

    Monica stared at her.

    Within a few days, Alicia had visibly lost weight. At first nce, she didn''t seem to have changed, but her intense dedication in the ssroom hinted at an underlying problem. Monica could see that Alicia had truly fallen in love with Caden.

    ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll treat you to something delicious,¡± Monica suggested, linking arms with her. ¡°I bought a car! I covered it in glitter film and even embedded pink diamonds in the license te. ¡°You¡¯re the first one to ride with me as a passenger.¡±

    Alicia took one look at the car and couldn''t help but praise its stunning appearance.

    That night, Monica kept the conversation going non-stop. She didn''t stop talking the whole time. Alicia sensed that Monica might be hiding something, so she yed along as best she could. However, secrets can''t be kept forever.

    As they ate dinner, the restaurant screen was showing the news. Earlier that day, Caden had returned to the city and had been seen at the airport with a young woman. The camera hadn''t captured the woman''s face, but her bearing denoted wealth and status. She was close to Caden, veryfortable.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    The series of photos focused on them. Caden held her hand as they walked down the steps and then dragged her to the car. Their closeness was undeniable. Although the photos were blurry due to them being candid shots, this blurriness somehow made them seem even more intimate.

    Alicia looked away and continued eating, pretending she hadn''t noticed anything. Monica watched her with concern.

    "Alice, are you okay?"

    Alicia reassured her: ¡°Caden and I were never serious. We were just using each other. That was there. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Monica, who had never experienced a romantic rtionship, was unsure how tofort Alicia. She pulled out a card and gave it to her.

    ¡°This is all the money I''ve saved, plus some help from my father. Use it to start your business,¡± Monica firmly insisted. ¡°I know you''ve been focused on thistely. ¡°You can¡¯t say no to me.¡±

    Alicia epted the card, her eyes filled with tears. Caden had selected the ideal location in Warrington, had prepared all the paperwork, and had even arranged for her to get clients and investors. But she had rejected it all. She was determined to build something from scratch.

    The initial phase of setting up a business would be difficult, but Alice was determined to face any obstacles. She didn''t want to drag Monica into this. "I''ll pay you back as soon as possible," she promised.

    Monica was not happy about that. ¡°Don''t worry about paying me. ¡°If I need money, I¡¯ll ask my family.¡±

    It was quitete when Monica finally dropped Alicia off at the hotel.

    ¡°Make sure you call me if you need anything,¡± Monica reminded her. ¡°I¡¯m avable at any time these days.¡±

    Alice agreed. ¡°Have a good trip.¡±

    Outside the hotel, a figure lurked in the shadows, making a phone call.

    "Mr. Yates, she''s on high alert. I can''t get near her at all."

    Meanwhile, Joshua was on the phone, watching the live news. The news about Caden was in the headlines.

    Joshua smiled with satisfaction. ¡°Why the rush? Give it time.¡±

    With Caden involved with someone new, Alicia was now on the back burner. How long could she fend for herself? Rushing her death would only ruin the fun.

    Joshua ordered, ¡°Leave her alone for now. ¡°Wait for my signal.¡±

    Shortly after ending the call, Lilliana came in.

    He sneered, ¡°Did you hear?¡±

    Joshua, reclining in his chair, was enjoying a massage. He looked refreshed.

    "I''ve done some research on that woman. She''s from the Moss family, an excellent match for Caden. This isn''t a casual affair."

    Lilliana sneered. ¡°Alice was nothing more than a brief flight for a few months. I must have overestimated her. So that''s her point of view! How dare she be so arrogant before?¡±

    Lilliana grew impatient. ¡°Can we act now?¡±

    Joshua''s gaze remained inscrutable.

    "There is someone else who deserves to die more than her," he said coldly.

    ¡°Who?¡± Lilliana asked, intrigued.

    ¡°Monica,¡± Joshua replied, his tone icy. ¡°The drug Alicia used on me was given to me by her.¡±

    Hearing this, Lilliana''s smile turned evil.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 205

    Chapter 205:

    ? ? ? ? ?

    Caden''s new rtionship was thetest buzz in town. Although he and Alicia had kept their rtionship low-key, it had be an open secret among their social circle. Now, with Alicia appearing vulnerable, those who had had issues with her before were quick to jump at the opportunity, eager for gossip.

    Mrs. Reyes was particrly eager to get involved. After enduring the humiliation at the Gray family event, Mrs. Reyes was noticeably tense. usations from around the world had only increased her embarrassment. With Alicia now in a vulnerable position, Mrs. Reyes didn''t hesitate to run into the school and stir up trouble.

    Instead of confronting Alicia directly, Mrs. Reyes went to the principal''s office. At a prestigious private school, maintaining a good reputation was essential.

    After much thought, the director decided to talk to Alicia.

    ¡°Miss Bet, Gerry has spoken very highly of you. With your contacts, I believe you will easily secure another position. ¡°You have been exceptional these past few months and, as an apology, we are prepared to offer you a generouspensation package.¡±

    Alicia stood in front of the principal''s desk, prepared for this moment ever since her breakup with Caden. The principal''s seriousness was an unexpected relief. She agreed.

    "To avoid any disruption to the school, I will voluntarily resign."

    The director was startled. ¡°Don''t you feel mistreated?¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Alice smiled, her eyes shining. ¡°I appreciate your recognition. Regardless, I hope we can remain friends. Perhaps we could have dinner tonight?¡±

    The headmaster was not prepared for such a friendly reaction. His favorable opinion of Alice,bined with his feeling of guilt, made it difficult to decline her invitation. He even began to think of a suitable gift for her.

    After their conversation, Alice did not stay.

    Alice said goodbye to her students, making sure there was no confusion, and then left the school.

    At the door, Mrs. Reyes was chatting with several parents. Although herments were not overtly harsh, they were loaded with sarcasm toward Alicia. The parents, familiar with Mrs. Reyes'' pretensions, quickly realized and dismissed her withughter.

    As Alice emerged with her belongings, the gathered crowd, now aware of her presence, could no longer maintain their act and quickly dispersed.

    Mrs. Reyes, holding Ted''s hand, looked pleased with herself. "Well, Mrs. Bet, aren''t you lucky? You can stop working for peanuts now. Actually, I need a maid. Are you interested?"

    Alicia stopped abruptly, her eyes meeting Ted''s for a fleeting moment. Ted, still haunted by theirst encounter, shivered under her gaze and cowered behind Mrs. Reyes.

    Mrs. Reyes, annoyed, pulled Ted forward, insisting that he does not show fear.

    Alicia smiled and said, ¡°I remember that Ted isn''t enrolled in any sses here. What brings you two to school?¡±

    Unwilling to admit that she was there to make fun of Alicia, Mrs. Reyes quickly made up an excuse. ¡°I¡¯m here to sign you up for some sses.¡±

    Alicia replied with a calm smile: ¡°You havee at just the right time. I have recently obtained my swimming instructor qualification. ¡°I could give you private lessons.¡±

    She knelt down, looking at Ted with a warm expression. ¡°Would you like to have some fun in the water, darling?¡±

    The mention of water triggered a memory of a past traumatic experience in Ted, and he immediately began to cry loudly. Mrs. Reyes, surprised by his intense fear, rushed tofort him. Ted clung tightly to her, his sobs growing louder.

    Alicia, watching silently, suddenly pointed at Ted''s bottom. "Mrs. Reyes," she said, feeling surprised. "Ted peed himself!"

    He then gged down a security guard. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but it looks like someone¡¯s had a bit of a mishap here.¡±

    Mrs. Reyes''s face flushed with embarrassment.

    Mrs. Reyes blushed with embarrassment as she rushed to cover Ted, snapping at Alicia, ¡°Shut up!¡± Alicia stepped aside to give the security guard space. Humiliated, Mrs. Reyes checked Ted for signs of wetness but found none.

    Stunned at the realization that she had been tricked, she turned around to face Alice, only to find that Alice had already slipped away.

    After Alicia''s resignation, the school quickly notified Gerry. He had just finished a meal at Joy Mansion and immediately headed to see Caden.

    ¡°Caden, there''s something I need to discuss with you¡­¡± As he opened the door, he was surprised by the presence of a woman and stopped talking abruptly.

    In the bedroom, Caden was rxing on the couch, engrossed in a business newspaper, while Ynda, dressed in a loose sweater, stood beside him, offering him fruit. Although their interaction was not overtly affectionate, Ynda''s gaze toward Caden was unmistakeably suggestive, especially since they were alone, creating a subtly intimate atmosphere.

    Gerry cleared his throat. ¡°Sorry, I seem to have arrived at an inopportune time.¡±

    Caden looked up, his expression impassive, and declined Ynda''s offer of fruit. "You''re not bothering me at all. Come in."

    Noticing Caden¡¯s polite refusal, Ynda¡¯s expression softened slightly. She ced the fruit tray on the floor and said in a gentle tone, ¡°It seems you two have some business to discuss. ¡°I¡¯ll go spend some time with Ciara.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Caden replied.

    Once Ynda left, Gerry approached Caden.

    ¡°What''s going on with Ynda? She came back days ago, and yet nothing has progressed. You haven''t even talked about the rumors circting on the Inte. Are you kidding her?¡±

    Caden, in his usual neutral tone, replied, ¡°What did you want to talk about?¡±

    Gerry raised an eyebrow. ¡°It''s about Alice. Does that pique your interest?¡±

    .Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    .

    .

 Chapter 206

    ?Chapter 206:

    Caden''s face showed little emotion, but Gerry could sense his irritation.

    ¡°No,¡± Caden replied curtly.

    Gerry, enjoying Caden''s difort, continued to provoke him.

    He detailed Alicia''s recent problems, exaggerating them to make her seem particrly unfortunate.

    ¡°He¡¯s alienated a lot of people.

    I doubt he¡¯llst the whole year,¡± he mused, tapping his chin.

    ¡°What a tragedy for someone so promising.

    ¡±

    Caden remained stoic, his attention still focused on the newspaper, not responding.

    "People die every day.

    Why should we mourn them?" he said, his tone devoid of emotion.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have any sympathy for her?¡± Gerry jabbed, watching Caden intently.

    "I don''t have time for this," Caden dismissed.

    ¡°What if something happened to him? Would you intervene?¡± Gerry asked, smiling knowingly.

    ¡°No,¡± Caden replied quickly and without emotion.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t even hesitate,¡± Gerry observed in disbelief.

    ¡°You once saved her when you werepetitors.

    Now that you have feelings for her, aren¡¯t you going to act?¡±

    Caden frowned.

    ¡°Why do you think I care about her?¡± Ever since Alicia had left, Caden hadn¡¯t given her another thought.

    He had returned to his strict routine, immersing himself in work, making sure not to waste any time.

    He had even managed to visit the Joy Mansion during his hectic schedule.

    However, Gerry, ever the idler,mented: ¡°You avoid the truth by burying yourself in work.

    ¡±

    ¡°You have too much time on your hands,¡± Caden replied.

    Gerryughed.

    ¡°I¡¯ve touched a nerve, haven¡¯t I? You¡¯re just angry because I¡¯m right.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡±

    Caden folded the newspaper and stood up.

    Gerry sneered as he followed him, ¡°You fall in love with a woman for the first time and look where it takes you.

    I should feel sorry for her, but somehow, I find it funny.

    Even I, who have never been with anyone, am happier than you.

    What is it that Alicia doesn¡¯t like about you? Could it be how you are in bed? Or was it because she ran off with someone else that day?¡±

    Caden paused at the door, contemting his next move.

    Gerry saw Ciara and Ynda outside, and immediately stopped talking.

    Ciara, who was arranging flowers with Ynda, noticed them.

    ¡°Are you leaving already?¡± she asked.

    Ynda looked at Caden.

    Caden replied coldly, ¡°Gerry is having an episode.

    We need to get him to the hospital for an injection.

    ¡±

    Gerry, caught off guard, remained silent, especially with Ciara present.

    It was gettingte, so Ciara didn''t try to entertain them any further.

    As they settled into the car, Caden asked casually, ¡°Has Alicia told you about the gallery?¡±

    Gerry was puzzled.

    ¡°What gallery?¡±

    Caden¡¯s expression turned grim.

    ¡°Never mind.

    ¡± Alicia didn¡¯t seem interested.

    ¡°Fine.

    I won¡¯t insist,¡± Caden decided.

    Ciara then advised Ynda, who was taking a while: "You''re not feeling well.

    Try to rest soon.

    "

    Ynda hesitated, worried.

    She had heard Gerry''sments about Caden experiencing love for the first time.

    Could Caden be involved with someone?

    Ynda had harbored feelings for Caden since childhood, but her fragile health had often sidelined her.

    Now, seizing the opportunity of a marriage alliance, she had ignored Dorian''s advice ande to Warrington, hoping to forge a closer bond with Caden.

    Was it toote?

    If Caden was really involved with someone, why hadn''t anyone talked about her? Ynda expressed her concern to Ciara.

    "Is Caden still single?" she asked.

    Ciara looked at Ynda''s anxious expression and replied with a soft smile, "She keeps her personal life private, so I''m not sure.

    "

    Ynda bit her lip.

    ¡°But if he¡¯s already engaged, why would he ept my father¡¯s proposal?¡±

    ¡°Did she ept your father¡¯s proposal?¡± Ciara replied in surprise.

    ¡°That¡¯s news to me.

    ¡±

    Ynda was shocked.

    She turned slightly pale and expressed her concern.

    ¡°I thought Caden had brought me to Warrington for that reason.

    ¡±

    ¡°You should talk to Caden to clear up any misunderstandings,¡± Ciara suggested before heading upstairs.

    Once Ciara had closed the door behind her, she exhaled deeply and said to Jasmine, ¡°I¡¯m relieved I¡¯m not young anymore.

    Living day in and day out with such a difficult daughter-inw would wear me out if I were Caden¡¯s mother.

    ¡±

    Jasmine, who tended to take things literally, replied, "But isn''t Mrs.

    Ward quite kind?"

    Ciara scoffed, ¡°That means little.

    She¡¯s dishonest.

    She makes up events as if they were absolutes and points the finger at Caden.

    ¡± It was clear why Caden had never developed feelings for her over the years.

    Jasmine was baffled by Ciara¡¯s perspective, but she noticed one thing clearly.

    ¡°It seems that Miss Moss does not match her in beauty.

    ¡±

    Ciara looked up suddenly, her movement jerking.

    ¡°Have you seen her?¡±

    Jasmine confirmed, ¡°Yes, I met her once outside Mr.

    Ward¡¯s office.

    She is the heiress of the prestigious Bet family, which copsed three years ago.

    ¡±

 Chapter 207

    ?Chapter 207:

    After dropping Gerry off, Caden headed to his nearby apartment.

    At the entrance, the security guard immediately recognized him and greeted him respectfully: ¡°Mr.

    Ward, there is a package waiting for you.

    Could you please sign for it?¡±

    Caden frowned.

    ¡°What package?¡±Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    He was not a regr online shopper.

    The guard, careful not to delve too deeply into personal matters, handed it over.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what it is.

    You might want to check.

    ¡±

    Caden examined thebel.

    His phone number was on it, but the recipient''s name was Cade.

    Then he understood.

    The package contained dog food that Alice had ordered online.

    She briefly held the package before tossing it onto the counter.

    ¡°Get rid of it or sell it.

    Keep the money you make,¡± he said, and turned to walk away.

    The guard waited until Caden was out of sight before picking up the package, curiosity piqued.

    He was shocked.

    The package contained a luxurious brand of imported dog food, specifically for puppies.

    Caden had thrown it away so carelessly.

    Was this typical behavior of the rich?

    Feeling a little envious, the guard decided to keep the package.

    His own dog would surely enjoy such an exquisite gift.

    After putting the package away, the guard saw Alice entering the building.

    He called out to her cheerfully: ¡°Miss Bet, we haven¡¯t seen you for a while.

    ¡± Alice paused for a moment.

    He nodded and said, ¡°Hi.

    I¡¯m here to pick something up.

    ¡±

    Thinking she was referring to the dog food, the guard was about to take her when he noticed that she had not stopped at the counter, but had continued inside.

    Alice made a sound of confusion.

    She hade back to pick up a painting.

    Ever since she had moved away, she hadn''t been able to pull herself together or muster the courage to go back.

    She hadn''t wanted to get close to Caden, either.

    But tonight, she had finally decided to im what she had left behind.

    Before heading there, he discreetly checked with Gerry, who confirmed that Caden had been spending time at the officetely.

    He was sure that Caden would not be in the apartment.

    Standing at the door, Alice was sure the ce was empty, but she paused to take a deep breath before trying to open the fingerprint lock.

    But it didn''t activate.

    Confused, she realized that fingerprint recognition had been disabled.

    After a moment of hesitation, she typed in the password.

    The system beeped twice.

    The password was incorrect.

    A wave of disappointment washed over Alice.

    Had she changed her password? Or had she entered it wrong?

    She pulled her hand back, as if a thorn had been stuck in her.

    Why had he changed her? Did he want to erase all memory of her? She mocked herself.

    Forget it.

    I''d talk to Caden about the paintingter.

    At that moment, the door was unexpectedly opened from inside.

    Startled, Alice looked up.

    He stood still.

    Caden stood before her in a white shirt, the top buttons undone, exuding a casual yet aloof air.

    I hadn''t expected him to be home.

    His thoughts went nk for a moment.

    He forgot to turn around.

    Caden studied her for a moment before asking, his tone cold, "What do you want?"

    Alice quickly recovered.

    He tensed his fingers, trying to steady his emotions.

    "I''m here to pick something up.

    "

    ¡°What exactly?¡± Caden asked, loosening his grip on the door, showing no sign of weing her inside.

    He seemed distant.

    Alice felt ufortable and looked down.

    ¡°It¡¯s my mother¡¯s painting.

    ¡±

    Caden remained silent, his intense gaze fixed on her, increasing the tension.

    After a moment of silence, Alicia added, ¡°There¡¯s no need for me toe in.

    You could bring him to me.

    ¡±

    Caden broke their gaze and turned around, entering the apartment.

    ¡°Bring it yourself.

    ¡±

    A tightness gripped Alice''s heart.

    She had just calmed her nerves, and thest thing she wanted was to share space with Caden.

    However, she was determined not to leave without the painting.

    After a brief hesitation, he entered.

    As she changed her shoes, she suddenly remembered her first visit.

    Tricked by Caden, she had bought condoms and blushed at this very door.

    Months had passed since then, and their rtionship had cooled to the point where even conversation seemed unnecessary.

    Swallowing her sadness, she resolved to be quick and headed toward the painting.

    Caden had ced it high on the bookshelf.

    He needed a stool to reach it.

    Caden was lying on the couch, legs crossed, staring at her openly.

    She looked thinner than he remembered.

    He felt annoyed and picked up a lighter, intending to light a scented candle.

    But then he remembered that she had made those candles and put the lighter down again.

    Alice carefully removed the picture.

    The frame was heavy and she lost her bnce as she lowered it.

    In that brief moment of instability, she held on tightly to the painting, terrified of damaging it.

    Her knee collided with the stool.

    The solid wood stool made a loud bang upon impact.

    The sound caught Caden''s attention.

    Alicia clutched her knee tightly, biting her lip as she endured the pain.

    Once the difort subsided, he limped over to return the stool to its ce, then headed for the door, holding the painting in his arms.

    Caden¡¯s expression hardened.

    ¡°You¡¯re just leaving like that?¡±

 Chapter 208

    ?Chapter 208:

    Alice turned her back to him.

    ¡°Do you need anything else?¡±

    Caden¡¯s voice was cold.

    ¡°Turn around and face me when you speak.

    ¡±

    Reluctantly, Alice turned to him, wary of his unpredictable reactions.

    Caden''s gaze fell to his knee.

    With an unreadable expression, Alice reassured him: ¡°It¡¯s nothing.

    Just a little bump.

    ¡±

    ¡°Were you showing concern?¡± Caden snapped.

    ¡°Remove all your belongings except the painting,¡± he ordered.

    Alice was momentarily speechless.

    She realized how deep Caden''s disdain for her ran, far deeper than she had imagined.

    However, he was right.

    He decided to eliminate it all, ending his ties once and for all.

    Leaving the painting aside, he began to carefully gather his things.

    Even though they were insignificant items, she decided to get rid of them, knowing that Caden had used them.

    She began filling arge trash bag, item by item.

    Caden watched her, growing more and more annoyed.

    ¡°Enough,¡± he murmured, closing his eyes for a moment.

    "I''ve nearly finished," Alice replied firmly.

    Caden remained silent.

    As he watched her, he noticed that she was knocking over a ss that he often used.

    ¡°Why are you throwing away my belongings?¡± he asked, frowning.

    "I''ve used them.

    I wouldn''t want you to feel soiled," Alice replied.

    He stood there stunned into silence.

    Alicia went to the kitchen and put the pots and pans in the bag.

    ¡°These were my purchases,¡± she reminded him, continuing with her task.

    Caden stood, momentarily speechless.

    She thenmented: ¡°We have shared a bed and we have kissed.

    Should I also jump into your garbage bag?¡±

    Alice replied indifferently: "As you wish.

    "

    Caden clenched his jaw in frustration.

    In a moment of tension, she reached for the calming candle beside her.

    But as soon as she lit it, Alice quickly extinguished the me and threw it in the trash.

    Now calmer, Caden asked, "You''re taking it all, right?"

    Alice thought about it, remembering the value of the candle.

    She took it out of the trash and put it in her bag.

    "She''s too soiled for you.

    I''ll keep her," he dered.

    Caden sneered disdainfully.

    Who cared about the candle?

    After more than an hour of tidying up, Alice announced, ¡°All done.

    Check it out if you want.

    ¡±

    Caden didn''t bother to check.

    He knew Alicia well enough.

    She had probably discarded even the slightest memory of their time together.

    ¡°Have youpletely emptied the bedroom?¡± he asked, looking at her.

    Alice nodded.

    "Everything I touched is gone," he confirmed.

    Caden scanned the room to make sure.

    When he returned, he was holding several unopened condoms.

    Alice looked away.

    "They''re yours.

    I''ve never used them," he stated coldly.

    Annoyed, Caden threw them into a nearby trash bag.

    "I''vee to hate this brand.

    It reminds me too much of our disastrous time together.

    "N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Alice remained silent, her anger almost pushing her toughter.

    ¡°Grim?¡± she mused to herself.

    ¡°If it was really so terrible, why the repeated encounters? Why continue when I was clearly tired? How could I prolong our moments together, turning a short session into a marathon?¡±

    He sneered disdainfully.

    ?Honestly, you''re not as impressive as you think you are.

    I once med you, but now I realize that it''s your problems that are at stake.

    ?

    Caden''s lips twisted into a cold sneer.

    ¡°Oh yeah? Then how do you exin that you wet the sheets before I prated you?¡± he challenged.

    Although Alice was used to his harsh words, this time they stung.

    He refused to retract, replying, "You say our time together was terrible, but your face always showed pure pleasure.

    Why?"

    ¡°Men can fake pleasure too,¡± Caden replied tly.

    Alice smiled with satisfaction.

    ¡°Pretend? Interesting choice of words.

    I was pretending the whole time, and so was the so-called evidence.

    It was all a ruse.

    ¡±

    Caden fell silent, his fists clenched in frustration.

    Seeing his reaction, Alice knew it was time to leave.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay to admit that you¡¯re struggling, but you should seek help soon.

    I wish you the best,¡± she said, gathering her belongings and the painting, determined to leave that toxic environment behind.

 Chapter 209

    ?Chapter 209:

    The next moment, there was a knock at the door.

    "What are you doing up sote?"

    The door was slightly ajar, allowing Gerry to enter.

    The room looked nothing like he had expected.

    ¡°Why are all these bags lying around? Are they nning to move?¡±

    Gerry''s arrival broke the tension, but Alice felt even more embarrassed.

    "Mr.

    Hopkins, when did you arrive?" he asked.

    Noticing her difort, Gerry cleared his throat.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.

    I didn¡¯t hear anything you two were arguing about.

    ¡±

    Alicia was speechless.

    Her acting was poor, and it was obvious she was enjoying this.

    Feeling awkward, she lowered her head and began to tidy up, trying to hide her feelings.

    She was sensitive, while Caden remained direct.

    Without hesitation, she turned to Gerry and asked, ¡°Why are you sote?¡±

    ¡°I was just leaving a party and thought I¡¯d stop by on my way home,¡± Gerry exined as he walked into the room.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you get up? I¡¯m a guest here.

    Bring me a ss of water.

    ¡±

    Caden¡¯s face remained impassive.

    ¡°There¡¯s water in the bathroom.

    Feel free to help yourself.

    ¡±

    Gerry was momentarily speechless.

    As the two exchanged words, Alice decided to stay out of the way.

    She grabbed a bag in each hand and headed for the door.

    Gerry stopped her.

    ¡°Are you leaving already?¡±

    "Yes, I''ll be right back," she replied.

    Caden watched her go, his expression grim.

    The bags were heavy and she struggled to take each step.

    Just as Caden went to help her, Gerry reached her side first.

    ¡°These bags are almost bigger than you.

    Are you sure you can carry them?¡±

    Then he took the bags from her.

    ¡°Let a man help you when there is one around.

    Don¡¯t try to do everything yourself.

    ¡±

    Caden''s expression darkened.

    Alice felt slightly embarrassed.

    ¡°They are quite heavy.

    Be careful not to strain yourself too much.

    ¡±

    Gerry waved away his concern with a dismissive gesture.

    ¡°I¡¯m strong enough for this.

    Don¡¯t worry¡­¡±

    He didn''t get to finish his sentence when a figure loomed over them.

    Caden silently gathered the four bags into his hands.

    Both Gerry and Alicia stopped in surprise, turning their gazes towards him.

    Caden''s voice was t.

    "It''s just trash from my apartment.

    Don''t bother.

    "

    With that, he walked past them, putting some distance between himself and the couple before exiting the room.

    Gerry¡¯s lips twitched slightly, his voice tinged with amusement.

    ¡°What¡¯s with the cold shoulder? You¡¯d think I was trying to steal your girlfriend.

    ¡±

    Now that Alicia had her hands free, she picked up a painting, carefully wrapped and secure in her arms.

    She followed Caden to the elevator, holding him close.

    Curiosity got the better of Gerry.

    ¡°What is that?¡±

    "It''s a painting my mother made.

    "

    As Alice answered, she took a quick nce at Caden.

    She deliberately positioned herself on the opposite side of him, avoiding any contact.

    Noticing this, Gerry moved to close the gap, bringing her a little closer to Caden.

    "I''ll stay here, by the garbage," Gerry said, a mocking tone in his voice.

    Alicia was speechless.

    The elevator ride was short, and she chose to remain silent.

    Unable to keep quiet for long, Gerry asked, ¡°Caden, have you been doing any renovations?¡±

    Alice tensed at the question.

    Why was Gerry asking that? Had he seen something embarrassing?

    Caden looked at him, clearly puzzled.

    ¡°Why do you ask?¡±

    Gerry shrugged and exined, ¡°When I came in, I noticed a big mirror in your living room, near the balcony.

    Why did you put it there? It looks a bit¡­ creepy.

    ¡±Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    Alice looked puzzled.

    She lowered her head and retreated to a corner.

    Caden chuckled, possibly responding to Gerry''sment or Alice''s reaction.

    "It''s good for something.

    "

    Gerry wasn''t particrly worried.

    "Alice, do you like using the mirror in the living room? I thought you had a dressing room, didn''t you?" Alice remained silent.

    Would she ever stop asking questions?

    Caden''s thoughts drifted to the mirror, bringing back memories of their days and nights intertwined.

    When the mirror had first been put up, it had witnessed the traces of their moments of passion, from the hallway to the living room.

    He remembered the first time they stood in front of the mirror.

    Alicia, ovee with shyness, had cried, unable to contain her emotions.

    The memory was so vivid it seemed like it had just happened.

    Caden swallowed, feeling a rush of heat.

    ¡°Yes, Alice is stunning,¡± he said, his voice distant, as if he were unsure of who he was addressing.

    ¡°The mirror really brings out her beauty.

    ¡±

    Alice felt a chill at his words.

    When Caden was yful, he would look at his reflection in the mirror and whisper in her ear, ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful, Lucky.

    Come on, open your eyes and look.

    ¡± That memory resonated in both of their minds.

    Alice tried to push her thoughts away, but she couldn''t ignore the intense gaze of the man behind her.

    Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

 Chapter 210

    ?Chapter 210:

    Three individuals were in the elevator.

    While Alicia and Caden were lost in thought, Gerry remained blissfully oblivious to the tension.

    Approaching Alice, Gerry asked, ¡°Alice, what¡¯s wrong? You look flushed.

    Are you hot? Your face is very red.

    ¡±

    As Gerry spoke, Alicia felt Caden¡¯s mocking gaze intensify.

    Trying to brush away the awkwardness, she touched her cheek and forced a smile.

    ¡°Oh, yeah? I hadn¡¯t noticed.

    ¡±

    Fortunately, the elevator arrived at the first floor shortly after.

    Alice quickly left.

    Gerry, misreading the mood, turned to Caden and asked, ¡°What have you done to him? He doesn¡¯t seem to like being around you.

    ¡±

    Caden ignored the question and began gathering the bags.

    Trying to be helpful, Gerry lifted some of the bags, but then noticed something unusual about Caden.

    ¡°Do you have a boner?¡±

    Caden''s expression remained impassive.

    "It''s that time of day.

    "

    Puzzled, Gerry persisted, ¡°What time?¡±

    "It usually happens around this time," Caden exined firmly.

    Gerry stood speechless, staring at himself, bewildered by the routines of his own body.

    Meanwhile, Alice, who had arrived by taxi and was nning to leave the same way, was offered a ride by Gerry.

    ¡°Come with me, Alice.

    It¡¯s not safe to carry such a valuable painting alone at night.

    ¡±

    Grateful, Alice epted his offer.

    As they loaded the painting into Gerry''s car, Caden approached Alicia with a tube of ointment.

    Recognizing it, Alice realized it was the same ointment Caden had used earlier to soothe her bruises: expensive and effective due to its rarity.

    Caden said indifferently, ¡°It works for other bruises too.

    I don¡¯t need it.

    If you don¡¯t want it, just throw it away.

    Whatever you decide.

    ¡±

    Alicia paused, momentarily shocked to remember the forgotten bruise on her knee.

    The pain seemed trivial now.

    After a brief hesitation, she reached for the ointment.

    The tube felt warm in her hand, as if Caden had been holding it the whole time.

    This realization sparked a fleeting,plex emotion, subtly shifting the air between them.

    Seeking to escape the tension, Alice turned to Gerry.

    ¡°Mr.

    Hopkins, can we go now?¡±

    Gerry, sensing the end of their conversation, finished with the trunk.

    ¡°All set,¡± he announced.

    As Caden walked away, Alice found herself watching his retreating figure.

    Their rtionship had been filled with intense moments, but itcked a solid foundation.

    It was over, decisively.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    Their shared history seemed to have been erased, leaving nothing but a deep sense of loss.

    Alice only looked away when Caden disappearedpletely from her sight.

    Turning around, she found Gerry watching her, his expression worried.

    Surprised, she listened to him speak bluntly.

    "So you have feelings for Caden too.

    I thought he was the one stalking you.

    "

    With a bitter smile, Alicia replied, ¡°We¡¯re talking about Caden Ward.

    I¡¯m sure countless women want to be with him.

    ¡±

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t they together then?¡± Gerry asked, puzzled.

    ¡°Is there still resentment from thatstpetition?¡±

    Alice looked down, her feelings a mix of uncertainty and thoughtfulness, unsure of how to respond.

    Gerry watched Alicia''s silence and spected that she was right, prompting him to ask, "Joshua told you that Caden had bribed the judges at thatpetition, right?"

    Alice, taken aback by the abrupt reference, sensed that something was wrong.

    "Mr.

    Hopkins, what exactly are you implying?"

    Choosing to rify, Gerry shared: ¡°You were actually the rightful winner of thatpetition.

    Even Caden was caught off guard when the results were altered.

    He confronted the judges, who revealed that the decision was influenced by the organizers who favored the powerful Ward family, not Caden.

    ¡±

    Alice felt a tightness in her chest, stunned by the revtion.

    The matter had been a sore point for her, but her recent interactions with Caden had dulled the sting somewhat.

    Hearing Gerry confirm her suspicions, however, was a shock to her system.

    Was his story true?

    Her inquisitive look prompted Gerry to exin further.

    ¡°Caden was outraged when he discovered the truth and confronted the organisers.

    However, given the tension between you at the time, he did not feel he could share it with you and decided to leave the country.

    This misunderstanding allowed Joshua to nder him.

    You know the animosity that developed between them.

    Alicia, it was naive of you to take Joshua¡¯s word for it.

    ¡±

    The weight of past misunderstandings sat heavily on Alice''s chest.

    She replied bitterly, "That year, my parents had an ident.

    It clouded my judgment.

    "

    She wrestled with the painful realization that she had misjudged Caden, who had always been a directpetitor.

    ¡°So why didn¡¯t you clear things up when you came back?¡± Her voice trembled with emotion.

 Chapter 211

    ?Chapter 211:

    Gerry exhaled deeply.

    ¡°You two have always shed from the start.

    If I admitted something, it would feel like I was conceding it to you, and Caden is toopetitive for that.

    He¡¯s been that way since he was a kid.

    He would never allow himself to seem lesser.

    ¡±

    As someone deeply familiar with Caden''s story, Gerry naturally empathized with him.

    ?Caden changed after his mother''s ident.

    When I asked him why he didn''t defend his reputation, he told me that he was already so disliked that one more usation didn''t matter.

    ?

    Alice''s lips pressed together, a lump forming in her throat.

    "I know.

    "

    Aware of the hardships Caden had faced, Alicia felt her resolve waver, contemting the possibility of a reconciliation.

    However, the thought left her feeling exposed and vulnerable.

    ¡°I never imagined things between you two would end up like this,¡± Gerrymented.

    ¡°He¡¯s never loved anyone before.

    But I think he still has feelings for you,¡± he added, seeing something deeper in Caden¡¯s actions.

    Alice quickly regained herposure.

    ¡°Men can show interest in several women at the same time,¡± she replied.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.

    ¡°That may be true for others, but not for Caden,¡± Gerry said with conviction.

    ¡°Really? Then exin to me who he met at the airport recently,¡± Alicia challenged, skeptical of Caden¡¯s affections.

    Gerry paused, momentarily surprised by the mention of Ynda.

    ¡°Well, about that, Caden and her¡­¡± he stumbled, unsure of how to exin, reflecting his own confusion about Caden¡¯s feelings toward Ynda.

    Caden kept his distance, however, at the airport, he hugged her amidst the swirling rumors, remaining passive in the face of gossip.

    Did Caden really want both women?

    The tension in the room increased.

    Alice remained silent, her thoughts tangled.

    Back at his apartment, Caden walked in and looked around the room.

    Every nce entuated the chill on his features.

    Earlier, when he saw Alice, he wondered if she still had feelings for him.

    However, her purpose was clear: she was there to collect her belongings.

    He had misjudged her determination.

    Alice seemed kind, but her decision left no room for negotiation.

    As he entered, he noticed the absence of the small, irritating objects that had previously cluttered the space, giving him an unexpected feeling of emptiness.

    Did he regret his actions? Of course.

    However, he believed he had exhausted all his efforts.

    Alice had consistently rejected his attempts, both tender and forceful, refusing tomit herself further.

    Putting aside an unlit cigarette, he headed for the bedroom to take a shower.

    As she approached the bed, she noticed that the pink sheets were gone.

    Although she had always disliked the color, their removal symbolized something deeper: aplete breakup.

    Was he trying topletely erase his past?

    His expression darkened further with each thought.

    Consumed by mounting anger, he entered the bathroom, but the cold water from the shower barely concealed his frustration.

    Coming out of the bathroom, she found a message from Gerry.

    "I left her.

    "

    Typically unreliable, Gerry had at least managed to handle this task effectively.

    Caden ignored the message and lit a cigarette to calm his nerves.

    As his eyes scanned the apartment, he remembered with pain the intimate moments they had lived in every corner.

    Her presence lingered in the air, rekindling the desires that the shower had only briefly quenched.

    Feeling overwhelmed, he admitted his undeniable attractiveness.

    He knew all too well that if she came back, resisting would be useless.

    As he walked out of the bedroom, his phone vibrated.

    Without checking to see who it was, he abruptly replied, ¡°Speak,¡± in a toneden with defiance.

    There was a pause on the other end before a soft voice finally said, ¡°Caden, it¡¯s me.

    ¡±

    Caden paused, taking a moment before answering, ¡°Speak.

    ¡±

    Alicia, who had just arrived at her hotel, took a deep breath before speaking.

    Despite Caden''s typically distant tone, she gathered her courage and said, "About thatpetition back then, I understand the whole story now.

    "

    Caden was caught off guard by the mention of it, but he dismissed it casually.

    ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°I realized I misunderstood you and held a grudge for a long time,¡± Alice admitted softly.

    ¡°Competition isn¡¯t the only reason you held a grudge against me,¡± Caden replied coldly.

    Their history wasplex.

    After being constantly overshadowed by him, Alice had be distant.

    His presence had sent shivers down her spine.

    Now, reunited under different circumstances, his gaze softened, a stark contrast to the distant demeanor of the past.

    Caden felt a mix of emotions, his long-repressed desires resurfacing.

    Alice, sensing his apathy but unable to read his thoughts, continued, ¡°I still have to apologize.

    ¡±

    There was a great silence, broken only by the asional sound of their deep breathing.

    Hesitantly, he asked, ¡°Will you ept my apology?¡±

    Caden''s response was blunt: "I never ept verbal apologies.

    "

 Chapter 212

    ?Chapter 212:

    Alicia hadn''t expected him to take the matter so seriously, and for a moment, words failed her.

    If he refused to ept her simple apology, then what did he want? A meal? Some other form ofpensation? It didn''t seem like Caden''s style.

    Before I could think about it, his deep, soft voice cut through the silence.

    ¡°Are you really sorry?¡±

    Even over the phone, the weight of his tone sent a chill through her.

    She felt dizzy, as if she were on the edge of a trap she hadn''t seening.

    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied, albeit with some hesitation.

    ¡°But¡­ even if I didn¡¯t like you, it¡¯s not like it would affect you, right?¡±

    So shouldn''t a verbal apology suffice?Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    Caden let out a low chuckle, but it was anything but amused.

    ¡°You say you¡¯re sorry, but you back out so quickly.

    ¡±

    At this Alice remained silent.

    Guilt was gnawing at her, but pride made her insist on proving her sincerity.

    ¡°So¡­ how do you want me to prove how sorry I am?¡±

    His mockery echoed in her ear, making her shudder.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know that already?¡±

    Alice froze.

    In that instant, she understood exactly what he wanted.

    Her first instinct was to hang up on him.

    But Caden, calm as ever, added, ¡°I won¡¯t force you.

    You don¡¯t have to be so scared of me.

    ¡±

    ¡°Who says I¡¯m afraid of you?¡± she snapped, though her voice shook enough to betray her.

    ¡°Even your breathing has changed.

    ¡±

    Seeing herself exposed so easily, she instinctively held her breath, but hisplicit silence only made things worse.

    Caden, not wanting to waste time, got straight to the point.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have toe to me.

    Just give me an hour of your precious time and stay on the phone.

    ¡±

    His stomach twisted.

    It was a trap and she had fallen right into it.

    Although they had been intimate before, it was the first time she found herself having phone sex.

    Caden took the lead, guiding her into something much more intimate.

    His control was absolute, leaving no room for shame.

    Halfway through, Caden¡¯s voice broke the rhythm.

    ¡°Answer three questions and I¡¯ll shorten the call by twenty minutes.

    ¡±

    Alice, her mind still reeling from the intensity of the conversation, fell silent.

    She could barely think straight, let alone string together a coherent reply.

    But somehow, her jumbled thoughts told her that answering his questions wouldn''t hurt her at all.

    ¡°Go ahead¡­¡± he murmured softly.

    Hearing her tender voice, Caden grew even more aroused.

    His tone dropped an octave, rough and deep.

    ¡°Now that we¡¯re apart¡­ do you miss me?¡±

    Alice''s mind wandered, her pulse quickening.

    How could he ask such a brazen question? What a moron.

    She took a ragged breath, feeling like a gasping fish.

    She knew he wouldn''t believe her answer, but she refused to admit the truth.

    "No.

    "

    Caden wasn''t looking for honesty.

    He just wanted to y with her, and his knowing chuckle made that clear.

    ¡°Second question: At the bar that night, did you enjoy it when that malepanion flirted with you?¡±

    Alicia blinked, trying to remember the guy''s face.

    She couldn''t even remember it clearly.

    She licked her dry lips, trying to bring the memory back.

    But no matter how hard she tried, all she could see was Caden''s face.

    ¡°No,¡± he replied, choosing the simplest answer.

    Caden hummed in satisfaction.

    ¡°Good girl.

    ¡±

    His breathing became heavier, and the tension in the air was palpable.

    Alice bit her lip, feeling cornered in this game he was ying.

    ¡°Onest question,¡± he insisted, his voice shaking.

    ¡°I¡¯ll hang upter.

    ¡±

    Caden paused, prolonging the silence before asking in a low, almost mocking tone, ¡°Did this call¡­ make you feel good?¡±

    Alicia felt a tingle on her scalp.

    She didn''t dare answer, but herbored breathing gave her away.

    Caden couldn''t help butugh.

    She was indeed as easy to read as a book.

    ¡°You look like you had a great time.

    ¡± In a seductive voice, she added, ¡°I thought you¡¯d be used to me by now, but I have to say¡­ you got the hang of it right away.

    ¡±

    In response, a high-pitched beep sounded in his ear.

    Alice had hung up on him.

    Caden stared at the phone, his chest rising and falling withughter.

    How could someone so stubborn be so obedient at the same time? She always did what he asked, but acted like she had no choice.

    He took a deep breath and looked at his restless body.

    He felt like a bundle of nerves: tense, dissatisfied and, in a word, a real pain in the ass.

    With a resigned sigh, she stood up and headed to the bathroom to deal with the rest of her frustration.

    As absurd as it was, the incident left Alice uneasy for days.

    As Christmas approached, the city was bustling with activity, industries were going into overdrive.

    Alice seized the opportunity and arranged meetings with a number of investors.

    Thanks to Gerry''s contacts, everything fell into ce and the negotiations went surprisingly well.

    After one of his meetings with his investors, he called Gerry to invite him to dinner.

    Gerry''s response caught her off guard.

    "I didn''t really do much.

    Caden was the one who got it all going.

    I just set up the meetings.

    "

    Alicia''s heart sank.

    Memories of the day she had fought with Caden flooded her mind.

    Despite their fight over the gallery project, it seemed she was still reaping the benefits of her foresight.

    "Thank him for me, will you?" said Alice, resignedly.

    Gerryughed, ever the conciliator.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you thank him yourself?¡±

    Her pulse quickened, but she kept her tone firm.

    ¡°He¡¯s busy.

    I don¡¯t want to bother him.

    ¡±

    Sensing her reluctance, Gerry did not press the matter further.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s your first adventure.

    There will be setbacks along the way.

    If you ever find yourself in a bind and don¡¯t want to call Caden, call me.

    ¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr.

    Hopkins,¡± Alice replied, her gratitude genuine.

    ¡°I really appreciate it.

    ¡±

    After exchanging a few pleasantries, Alice hung up, feeling a deep tiredness taking hold of her.

    She had been running at top speed for days, with hardly any pauses to breathe.

    Now that the most urgent tasks were over, all she wanted to do was lie down in bed.

    But there was still dinner with the investors, at seven o''clock sharp.

    With a tired nce at the clock, he squared his shoulders,posed himself, and returned to work.

    Meanwhile, Ynda stayed in Caden''s office.

    They were both about to leave work.

    He hade to Warrington with one clear objective: to help Caden with the crucial chip development project.

    It was in its early stages and there was no room for error.

    But Caden, concerned about his health, was not going to let him push himself too hard.

    ¡°It¡¯s time to eat,¡± he said, his tone brisk and serious.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have the chauffeur take you back to Joy Mansion.

    ¡±

    Ynda hesitated, a soft smile curling her lips.

    She didn¡¯t want the evening to end.

    Blinking shyly, she asked softly, ¡°Caden, could I join you for dinner?¡±

 Chapter 213

    ?Chapter 213:

    Caden¡¯s expression darkened slightly.

    ¡°I¡¯m used to dining alone.

    ¡±

    Despite anticipating his reluctance, Ynda could not conceal her disappointment.

    Since childhood, she had harbored a crush on him, and his current sess andposure only deepened her affection.

    Lately she had begun to better understand his reserved nature.

    His cold demeanor concealed a meticulousness that intrigued her, drawing her even closer.

    ¡°Caden, I¡¯ve been here in Warrington for days now without leaving Joy Residence much.

    I¡¯d love to explore some of the local cuisine,¡± Ynda suggested, her eyes full of hope.

    ¡°Will you join me for dinner?¡± she insisted.

    Caden¡¯s face remained stoic.

    ¡°It¡¯s too cold outside.

    Don¡¯t be stubborn.

    ¡±

    ¡°We have a car, right?¡± Ynda quickly countered.

    ¡°It won¡¯t take up much of your time.

    Besides, we have some business matters we could discuss over dinner,¡± she reasoned, leaving him little room to refuse.

    Caden massaged his temples.

    ¡°Okay, pick a restaurant.

    I¡¯ll take you.

    ¡±

    Ynda¡¯s face lit up with joy.

    ¡°Thank you, Caden,¡± she replied warmly.

    She grabbed her tablet and quickly made a reservation using a restaurant reservation app.

    While Caden went back to his paperwork, Ynda picked out the top-rated restaurant, unconcerned about the menu but eager to spend time with him.

    After confirming the reservation, she settled down on the couch, stealing nces at Caden.

    She thought she was being subtle, but Caden caught her watching him.

    He put away his pen resolutely.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go now.

    ¡±

    Ynda, surprised by his ready disposition, stammered: "Now? So fast?"

    ¡°Yes,¡± he confirmed curtly.

    Caden often found the presence of women unpleasant.

    During work, and as long as he remained focused, it was bearable, but in quieter moments, his difort was palpable.

    Ynda rushed to grab Caden''s coat, but he was quicker, putting it on without any problems.

    When she hesitated, withdrawing her hand, Caden addressed her health concerns with cool detachment.

    ¡°From now on, we¡¯ll be dealing with work-rted matters over the phone or video chat.

    You don¡¯t need toe into the office.

    ¡±

    Ynda''s expression darkened slightly.

    "It''s not that far away, actually.

    "

    ¡°I prefer it that way,¡± Caden replied firmly, his tone tinged with a severity that discouraged further argument.

    Ynda nodded, masking her disappointment with a forced smile.

    ¡°Understood, Caden.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    She regained herposure and followed him to the car, choosing to remain quiet in the backseat.

    Having been warned at the office about overstepping her boundaries, she opted for silence, rather than taking in the car''s luxurious interior.

    His gaze fell on a handkerchief stored in the backseat drawer, a new man''s handkerchief.

    Excitedly, she asked, holding the scarf gently, ¡°It¡¯s quite cold.

    Can I wear this scarf?¡±

    Caden, focused on the road, replied indifferently, ignoring the importance of the scarf.

    ¡°It¡¯s yours.

    ¡±

    Excited, Ynda put the scarf around her neck and adjusted it carefully.

    She still didn''t know what it meant to Caden: it was a gift from Alicia, now forgotten by him.

    The evening continued with dinner at a luxurious restaurant on the top floor, chosen by Alicia for its opulence.

    She hoped to impress her investors with her dedication.

    Aware that business dinners are often alcoholden, he had the foresight to bring along an assistant who was an expert in managing such situations.

    As they got into the elevator from the basement, Alice warned her assistant: ¡°Don¡¯t drink too much.

    If I give you a signal, stop immediately.

    It¡¯s not worth risking your health.

    ¡±

    Her assistant asked, "Aren''t you allergic to alcohol?"

    "I''ve taken some pills to control it.

    It''s a minor allergy, nothing serious.

    "

    "I''ll take care of it, don''t worry," his assistant replied confidently.

    The elevator stopped on the first floor.

    Looking up, Alice saw Caden standing outside.

    A wave of surprise washed over her.

    Next to him was Ynda, the woman from the airport.

    Alicia quickly looked away when Caden''s eyes briefly met hers.

    His assistant, recognizing Caden, expressed surprise.

    ¡°Mr.

    Ward? Are you dining here too?¡±

    Caden, who didn''t know the assistant but was aware of her rtionship with Alicia, simply nodded.

    "Yes.

    "

    Even though Ynda was by his side, Caden''s attention remained fixed on Alicia.

    Noticing Ynda''s presence, Alicia''s assistant asked with a yful smile, "Is this your girlfriend, Mr.

    Ward? She''s quite attractive.

    "

    Ynda''s cheeks flushed, but she remained silent.

    Caden replied dismissively, "She''s just a friend.

    "

    The two parties headed to the top floor of the restaurant, famous for its panoramic views and top-notch prices, a fortuitous but awkward coincidence.

    As the elevator ascended, Caden casually broke the silence.

    ¡°Mrs.

    Bet, what a coincidence to see you here.

    Business or pleasure tonight?¡±

    Before Alicia could respond, Ynda turned sharply, her eyes scanning Alicia''s face for any hint of reaction.

 Chapter 214

    ?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.

 Chapter 215

    ?Chapter 215:

    Alicia remembered the excitement she felt when she bought the scarf, her heart fluttering with excitement and anticipation.

    But life was unpredictable.

    That same day, she had a heated argument with Caden.

    She tried to console herself.

    It was just a scarf, after all.

    She had already given it to Caden; it was his to do with as he pleased.

    Yet she couldn''t shake the image of him handing it to Ynda.

    Maybe he had carelessly thrown it at her, mocking Alicia in her presence.

    Although Ynda knew nothing of the scarf''s significance, the way Alice looked at it said it all.

    Alice couldn''t take her eyes off it, and upon noticing it, Ynda smiled and asked, "Oh, do you admire this scarf too, Miss Bet?"

    Alice calmly dried her hands and replied with an indifferent expression: "Not really.

    Men''s scarves aren''t my style.

    "

    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Ynda replied softly.

    ¡°But it¡¯s not just about scarves.

    Everything has to fit together.

    Forcing things just because you want them only wastes time and effort.

    ¡±

    Alicia immediately picked up on the underlying message.

    Staring at Ynda, she replied firmly: ¡°You may be exaggerating.

    I assure you that I have no interest in anything that belongs to you.

    ¡±

    Ynda chuckled.

    ¡°What are you implying, Miss Bet? I must admit I¡¯m a little lost.

    ¡±

    Alicia smiled weakly, acknowledging Ynda''s skill at pretending.

    Clearly, Ynda excelled in the art of keeping up appearances.

    Not wanting to keep Caden waiting any longer, Ynda gracefully pulled a business card from her purse and offered it to Alicia.

    ¡°At dinner, Caden mentioned that you had designed a new product for hispany,¡± she said, keeping her smile serene.

    ¡°I work with him.

    If any problems arise with the products in the future, I would appreciate your guidance, Mrs.

    Bet.

    ¡±

    Alice looked down and epted the card.

    The name on the card read Ynda Moss, a senior chip development engineer who had been specially invited by Blizzard Group.

    Alicia replied modestly: ¡°I appreciate that, Miss Moss, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯m qualified to advise someone of your calibre.

    The project was just a little side venture of mine.

    ¡± Ynda did not reply immediately.

    An idea seemed to have just urred to him as he asked, ¡°Miss Bet, do you happen to know why Caden returned to the country?¡±

    It was clear that Ynda already knew the answer: a bluff veiled as a question, an implicit challenge.

    Unfazed, Alicia replied, ¡°Caden and I aren¡¯t close enough to talk about these things.

    ¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Ynda replied, momentarily surprised by Alicia¡¯s calm.

    Regaining herposure, she added politely, ¡°Since it¡¯s a secret, perhaps I shouldn¡¯t say more.

    Goodbye, Mrs.

    Bet.

    ¡±

    Alicia watched her leave, but did not follow her.

    Her gaze returned to the business card in her hand.

    On impulse, she pulled out her phone and searched for Ynda on the Inte.

    Coming out of the bathroom, Alicia tried to contact her assistant, but saw a message from Caden: ¡°Come out and find me.

    ¡±

    Confused by his request, she chose not to respond.

    Lost in her thoughts, she returned to the restaurant to meet with her assistant.

    ¡°Are you feeling unwell?¡± her assistant asked worriedly.

    ¡°You seem a little out of sorts.

    ¡±

    Alicia shook her head and smiled reassuringly.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.

    Thanks for tonight.

    You should go home and rest.

    ¡±

    Her assistant sighed in relief and nodded.

    After saying goodbye, Alice looked around but didn''t see Caden anywhere.

    However, as she walked down the stairs, she finally saw him.

    Amidst a sea of ??luxury cars and bustling people, Caden stood out effortlessly.

    He stood a few feet away, deep in conversation with Ynda.

    Ynda held a steaming cup of hot beverage, smiling as she took a sip, but immediately flinched as the liquid scalded her.

    Startled, she spilled the drink all over her clothes and herposure gave way to panic.

    Caden frowned and quickly removed the scarf from Ynda''s neck, using it to wipe the hot drink off her hands to prevent burns.

    Ynda''s eyes instantly reddened, biting her lip to hold back the pain, lookingpletely distraught.

    After a few moments, Caden finished cleaning her hands and tossed the tissue into a nearby trash can.

    She paused, something bothering her.

    The scarf looked familiar.

    Alicia watched his actions from a distance, her eyes blinking as she observed his seemingly nonchnt removal of the scarf.

    She decided not to linger and stepped away from the unfolding drama.

    Just as she was about to leave, Caden noticed her.

    He narrowed his eyes slightly before turning to Ynda.

    "Have the driver take you to the hospital to get that checked out," he ordered.

    Ynda''s voice trembled.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    "Caden, what about you?"

    "I have things to take care of.

    Don''t worry about me," he replied, signaling to the driver, who immediately opened the car door for Ynda.

    After seeing the client off, Alicia noticed Caden approaching her.

    He looked determined, and she realized there was no escape now.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you seen my message?¡± Caden asked.

    Alice kept her gaze downcast.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen it.

    What do you want?¡± Her cold, distant response seemed to irritate him.

    A few days ago, their conversations had been flirtatious and filled withughter, but now she acted as if he were a stranger.

    ¡°Nothing serious; I just wanted to catch up,¡± Caden said, his eyes subtly scanning her exposed neck and arms.

    He was relieved to see no signs of an allergic reaction.

    Then he asked, lowering his voice: "Did the investment go well?"

    Alice nodded.

    ¡°Yes.

    ¡±

    Caden frowned, his impatience growing.

    ¡°Is your neck stiff? Why won¡¯t you look at me? Look up.

    ¡±

    She remained silent, her gaze fixed downward.

    Feeling frustrated, Caden reached out, trying to tilt her chin up, but Alicia quickly stepped back, dodging his touch.

    His face immediately darkened.

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Caden asked.

 Chapter 216

    ?Chapter 216:

    Alicia was surprised by the intensity of her own reaction.

    Ever since she saw Ynda, she had been deeply upset, acutely aware of her lingering feelings for Caden and the presence of another woman.

    She tried tofort herself, to distance herself, to convince herself that it didn''t matter.

    However, when Caden touched her, her facade crumbled.

    She pursed her lips, looking away as she said, "I''m sure you don''t want others to get the wrong idea, Mr.

    Ward.

    "

    Caden responded with a grimace.

    "What misconception?" he replied coldly.

    Alicia was speechless, her lips still pressed together.

    She was tormented by the memory of his concern for Ynda and how he had dismissed her gift as if it meant nothing.

    Now, before him, she feltpletely humiliated.

    Trying to leave, Alicia turned to get into the car, but Caden grabbed her wrist and roughly pulled her back.

    ¡°Are you that hypocritical, Alice?¡± His dark, disapproving eyes locked with hers.

    ¡°You act like a stranger when we¡¯re not in bed,¡± he used her.

    His grip was painful, but her heart felt nothing.

    Not wishing to confront him, she replied softly, ¡°We have made our position clear.

    What is it that you don¡¯t understand?¡±

    ¡°I understand.

    But do you understand?¡± he replied.

    ¡°If you wanted to end things, why did youe to me afterwards?¡±

    Alice paused, surprised by the question, and then realized her mistake.

    Avoiding his gaze, she confessed, ¡°I wanted to apologize.

    ¡±

    Caden''s grimace deepened, his disbelief evident.

    His smile sent a chill down her spine.

    It was clear that he doubted her sincerity.

    Anger and confusion had filled Alice that night.

    So she had apologized.

    Why would he believe her sincerity? In his eyes, she was nothing more than a source of pleasure, and any interaction between them was inevitably tied to sexual encounters.

    She was not Ynda, and that difference weighed heavily between them.

    Caden considered Ynda his equal in status and ability, and in his moments of sincerity he called marriage to her a ¡°bargaining chip.

    ¡±

    Alice''s eyes filled with tears as she spoke softly.

    "I was wrong.

    Making that call was a mistake.

    I shouldn''t have hesitated and spoken so irrationally to you for so long.

    "

    Caden''s face remained expressionless, his emotions carefully hidden.

    The air between them grew heavy with tension.

    She gathered her courage and faced him.

    ¡°What are we going to do?¡± she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

    ¡°Do you want another intimate encounter? I¡¯ll ept this time and you decide what happens.

    But after that, each of us will do our own thing.

    Is that okay with you?¡±

    A sh of anger flickered in Caden''s eyes, not desire, but rage.

    He abruptly released her hand, his voice cold as ice.

    "Are you really that scared of me? To get rid of me, would you propose something like that to me?"

    Alice stood frozen, her vision blurred by tears.

    Ashamed that he was pitying her, she turned away, unable to stop the tears that fell, betraying her anguish.

    Panicked, she ran to her car.

    Caden, unfazed, returned to his own vehicle and lit a cigarette.

    The nicotine briefly numbed his senses.

    Alicia''s car roared off into the neon-lit night.

    A smirk curled on Caden''s lips as he wondered if he was ridiculing Alicia or loathing himself.

    His phone lit up with a new message.

    Ynda''s message read: "Sorry Caden, I stained your scarf.

    I bought a spare.

    Can I bring it to you tomorrow?"

    Caden read her thoughtful words.

    Her message highlighted herpliance and thoughtfulness, a sharp contrast to the turmoil Alicia had left behind.

    Caden wondered why Alice couldn''t take on the traits everyone else seemed to have.

    Wouldn''t they be happier if Alice were more submissive, more typical?

    Just as this thought was beginning to settle, he shook it again.

    He grimaced, started the car, and drove off.

    The next day, Ynda arrived early at thepany, wearing a scarf identical to the original.

    Caden, preupied with his own thoughts, did not meet her.

    Instead, Hank greeted her at the door.

    "Miss Moss, you''d better get home for today.

    Mr.

    Ward will be busy and won''t be able to meet with you," Hank said.

    Ynda, who always knew when to move forward and when to back off, smiled politely.

    ¡°Please convey to him that he is wee to dine at Joy Mansion tonight if he is avable.

    Ciara misses him.

    ¡±

    Hank nodded in acknowledgement and ryed the message to Caden.

    Caden replied nonchntly, ¡°We¡¯ll see.

    ¡±

    Hank noticed the tension in Caden''s demeanor and suspected it had something to do with Alicia.

    He made a quiet observation.

    ¡°Miss Moss is quite polite and kind,¡± Hankmented, cing the handkerchief next to Caden.

    ¡°It¡¯s a shame it¡¯s not to your taste.

    ¡±

    ¡°Do you know for sure?¡± Caden replied coldly.

    ¡°Do you have feelings for Miss Moss?¡± Hank asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    Caden frowned in response, his mood darkening.

    Uneasiness took hold of him and he tossed the document in his hand aside.

    The scarfy beside her hand, a harsh reminder of the one she had discarded the night before.

    Her mind began to flood with memories, scattered images from the past resurfacing.

    Suddenly he remembered the day he had argued with Alice.

    ¡°Hank.

    ¡± Caden¡¯s voice broke the silence.

    ¡°Did Alicia ever give me a scarf like this?¡±

    Hank was momentarily taken aback.

    He examined the scarf closely, trying to remember.

    ¡°I think so¡­ it¡¯s been a while.

    It was thest day Mrs.

    Bet was here.

    ¡±

    Caden fell silent, realization dawning.

    The connection became clear.

    The conflict between them had quickly escted, and they had parted ways under tense circumstances.

    Caden had carelessly tossed the handkerchief aside, not knowing where it might end up.

    However, Ynda had found it and disyed it in front of Alicia before he ended up throwing it into the trash can.

    If his memory served him right, that handkerchief had been the first important gift Alice had given him.

    He turned to Hank and asked, "Do you remember the face Alice made thest time she visited us?"

    Hank recalled the moment vividly.

    ¡°She was ecstatic.

    Her eyes were shining like stars.

    I even joked about whether she was nning a date with you after work.

    ¡±

 Chapter 217

    ?Chapter 217:

    Caden felt a tightness in his chest, a weight of regret pressing down on him.

    He knew Alicia had feelings for him and could only imagine the high hopes she had when preparing the gift.

    Yet he had dismissed her sincere gesture as mere trash.

    His expression soured as he handed the scarf to Hank.

    ¡°Here, take this,¡± he said, his voice cold.

    Hank picked up the scarf awkwardly, feeling its weight like a hot potato.

    ¡°But sir, Miss Moss bought this specifically for you.

    ¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want it,¡± Caden snapped.

    ¡°If it¡¯s no use to you, throw it away or use it to clean yourself.

    ¡±

    Frustration welled up inside him as he considered that Alice''s unusual behaviorst night might have been rooted in those misunderstandings.

    She was usually very clever, and yet she had chosen to remain silent at crucial moments.

    If she felt jealous or hurt, why couldn''t she say so? Instead, she had opposed him at every turn.

    Determined not to indulge her any longer, Caden decided to put the matter behind him.

    Following Caden''s instructions, Hank made a reservation at a trendy new restaurant.

    As they drove, Caden nced at the map and directed Hank to take a detour.

    Curious, Hank asked, ¡°Are we stopping to pick up anything, sir?¡±Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    Caden replied indifferently, ¡°No, there is hardly any traffic on this route.

    ¡±

    Hank nced at the navigation screen.

    ¡°But the rmended route isn¡¯t congested either, and taking the route you suggested adds about twenty minutes.

    ¡±

    Caden gave him a sharp look.

    ¡°Do I have to repeat myself for you to understand?¡±

    Shocked, Hank decided to let it be.

    After all, Caden was the boss.

    Halfway there, Caden motioned for Hank to stop.

    Stepping outside, he entered a high-end men''s boutique.

    Hank stayed in the car as ordered, but he couldn¡¯t help but notice the signature handkerchief on disy in the window.

    He blinked in surprise.

    Was he seeing things? What was Caden up to?

    A few minutester, Caden emerged from the store wearing an identical scarf.

    As he settled into the car, Hank stared at him in disbelief.

    ¡°What¡¯s that look about?¡± Caden replied, his gaze icy.

    ¡°Do you want one too?¡±

    Hank shook his head, confused.

    ¡°Miss Bet bought you one, which you threw away.

    Miss Moss bought you another, which you gave to me.

    Now you¡¯ve bought yourself one.

    Mr.

    Ward, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Caden replied tly, ¡°I don¡¯t feel well.

    ¡±

    Hank was momentarily speechless.

    Caden had a gift for brutal honesty.

    Meanwhile, Alice was deeply engrossed in her work at the gallery.

    In the early stages of preparation, she had been incredibly busy and highly motivated.

    Her previous sesses in the industry had attracted numerous clients and everything was going better than she had anticipated.

    She attributed it to good luck ¨C until that night.

    Alice had already drunk five sses of wine in a row when a customer refilled her ss without hesitation.

    As he filled it to the brim, his hand casually moved to her thigh.

    Alice instinctively moved away.

    Noticing her reaction, the man frowned and said, ¡°Mrs.

    Bet, drinking too much is not good for your health.

    I heard that you are somewhat allergic to alcohol, and even with medication, it is risky.

    Why go to such lengths?¡±

    Although Alice had never encountered such a situation before, she knew how to handle lecherous men like him.

    Maintaining herposure, she replied with a calm smile.

    ¡°Mr.

    Tingey, I wouldn¡¯t want to spoil the mood, and I¡¯m well aware of the unspoken rules.

    ¡±

    She raised her ss in both hands and looked him in the eye.

    ¡°Cheers, Mr.

    Tingey.

    ¡±

    She closed her eyes and drank the whole ss in one gulp.

    She preferred to hold back the wine rather than participate in herscivious games.

    Mr.

    Tingey watched her, a look of disappointment on his face.

    He opened the contract and picked up the pen, a smug smile on his lips.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been one of your biggest investors since you opened the gallery, Miss Bet.

    Is drinking the only way you can show me your gratitude?¡±

    He put the pen to the paper and wrote his name.

    Alice knew that if she yed along, her entire firm would follow suit, unlocking tens¡ªpossibly hundreds¡ªof millions of dors in investments.

    He could free her from the endless cycle of socializing and chasing business.

    But as he looked at her chubby face, a wave of nausea churned her stomach.

    She knew the deal was off.

    Putting down her ss, Alice turned to her assistant.

    ¡°Please show Mr.

    Tingey to his carriage.

    I¡¯ll be right out.

    ¡±

    She turned to leave, but Mr.

    Tingey was not about to let her go.

    ¡°Mrs.

    Bet,¡± he called, his voiceced with arrogance.

    ¡°At this point, is it really necessary to continue this hypocritical act?¡±

    Alice stopped and turned slowly towards him.

    Her expression was cold.

    ¡°Do you want me to vomit in your face?¡± she replied.

    Mr.

    Tingey''s eyes shot open and he jumped back, startled.

    Alicia gave him a mocking smile before walking away to the bathroom.

    Once inside, the reality of the night hit her.

    She had downed one drink after another and her body felt sick.

    She leaned over the sink and vomited until her face turned pale and the acid burned her throat.

    By the time she was done, she was so intoxicated that her vision was blurry.

    After washing her hands, she left the bathroom, holding onto the wall for support as she slowly walked toward the exit.

    The hallway was getting more and more crowded.

    Out of the corner of her eye, Alicia saw a familiar figure.

    She stopped and looked to see Caden approaching, with Ynda at his side.

    Together, they looked like the perfect couple.

    He looked at her, but his gaze was cold and indifferent.

    Acutely aware of her disheveled state, Alicia tried to stand upright, but the effort made her head spin.

    She felt like she could copse at any moment, so she stayed still, leaning subtly on the wall for support.

    As they walked past her, engaged in quiet conversation, Ynda looked back and whispered, ¡°Caden, shouldn¡¯t you be helping Miss Bet?¡±

    Caden didn''t hesitate.

    "Ignore her," he said tly, his tone cutting.

    Alice felt her heart sink as she lowered her head.

    She might have held on to a glimmer of hope at first, but it was now extinguished, reced by a wave of disappointment and bitterness that threatened to consume her.

    Caden and Ynda left the restaurant and headed toward the parking lot.

    Meanwhile, Alice''s assistant had just dismissed Mr.

    Tingey, maintaining the calm, polite demeanor Alice had taught her.

    However, Mr.

    Tingey was not willing to let him go.

    "Alice is pretty, but not very clever," hemented, in a tone that dripped with condescension.

    Caden heard thement and looked in her direction.

    Oblivious to Caden¡¯s presence, Mr.

    Tingey continued his arrogant tirade towards Alicia¡¯s assistant.

    ¡°But that coldness of hers ¨C that¡¯s what makes her attractive.

    Let her know that if she changes her mind, she¡¯s always wee toe to me.

    ¡±

 Chapter 218

    ?Chapter 218:

    Alicia''s assistant could no longer keep her smile.

    "We understand our ce.

    Your time is very valuable, Mr.

    Tingey.

    I''m sure you wouldn''t want to waste it on us.

    "

    Mr Tingey grimaced.

    ¡°Shecks support and connections.

    How long can she really survive in this industry? I can¡¯t wait to see her embarrassed.

    ¡±

    Alice''s assistant fought the urge to retort, but held her tongue, aware that Alice still felt ill.

    Without further ado, she turned and walked away.

    Caden, who had heard him, looked away and got into his car.

    Ynda, sensing his discontent, asked softly, ¡°What¡¯s bothering you, Caden?¡±

    They had just returned from an important meeting with a research manager, followed by a long conversation over dinner, but there were still unresolved issues.

    Ynda, always willing to help, said: ¡°I will investigate this further when we get back and try to find a solution quickly.

    ¡±

    Caden switched on the ignition, his face unreadable.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t your problem.

    ¡±

    Ynda thought briefly about her previous encounter with Alicia.

    Alice had turned up quite untidy.

    It had been unexpected.

    Yndamented: ¡°When I first met Miss Bet, I assumed she was nothing more than a spoiled heiress.

    But I was wrong.

    She is truly dedicated to her career.

    That is unusual for someone of her background.

    ¡±

    Caden''s expression darkened.

    He had offered Alice resources, but she had turned them down, choosing instead to take on those unscrupulous old men on her own.

    What a waste of effort.

    Without another word, Caden silently walked out of the garage.

    Mr.

    Tingey''s vehicle was ahead, and Caden kept a safe distance.

    At a traffic light, Caden pulled out his phone and quickly sent a text message.

    Within minutes, a sports car weaved through traffic and collided with the rear of Mr Tingey''s car.

    Mr.

    Tingey got out of the car, cursing loudly.

    The driver of the sports car grabbed a stick from the passenger side and hit Mr.

    Tingey hard in the waist.

    Mr Tingey screamed in agony: ¡°Who are you?¡± but his only response was a series of rapid blows.

    The attacker targeted the softer areas of his body.

    The blows were not fatal, but they were excruciatingly painful.

    Caden walked slowly, observing the scene with a distant expression, as if he were a mere spectator.

    Meanwhile, Alice had consumed a significant amount of alcohol, and her medication had not worked, causing an allergic reaction.

    She had to be hospitalized.

    On her first day in the hospital, she was put on medication and slept all day and all night.

    On the second day, the IV was removed and she returned to work.

    Selecting paintings for the gallery took a lot of effort.

    Alicia contacted each of the artists and signed copyright agreements with them.

    In the midst of all this, Hank stopped by to see her.

    Realizing how busy she was, he decided not to stay long.

    Back at the office, Hank reported everything to Caden.

    Caden listened intently, his expression unreadable, and then looked over the gallery¡¯s paperwork.

    He had originally intended to help her sort out her problems, but after looking over the documents, he saw that she had almostpleted everything on her own.

    He had invested all of his savings into thepany.

    Plus, his recent efforts hadnded him contracts with almost all of the artists, so only a few with dubious intentions remained.

    Caden realized he couldn''t intervene.

    He closed the folder with a quiet sigh.

    ¡°So, what are you busy with now?¡± he asked.

    Hank thought for a moment before answering.

    ¡°Preparing for the future, I suppose.

    After all, who wouldin about having too many customers?¡±

    Caden looked down at the scene he had witnessed earlier in the hallway.

    He pursed his lips.

    ¡°Stubborn as theye,¡± he muttered.

    Hank didn''t answer.

    In his mind, he could have said the same thing about Caden, who was just as stubborn.

    He reminded Caden, ¡°Mr.

    Ward, considering Miss Bet¡¯s current condition, do you still n to go to Averibon the day after tomorrow?¡±

    Caden replied coldly, ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡±

    Hank persisted, ¡°What if Mrs.

    Bet needs your help?¡±

    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t want me at her funeral.

    Do you really think she needs me now?¡± Caden said, feeling a tightness in his chest as he removed his tie.

    Hank muttered, ¡°You two aren¡¯t even in a rtionship, and yet you act like a quarrelsome couple.

    ¡±

    Caden¡¯s expression hardened.

    ¡°What did you say?¡±

    Hank quickly softened his approach.

    ¡°Let me get you a cup of coffee.

    ¡±

    And he left in a hurry.

    Later that night, Alicia was in her hospital bed, talking to Monica on the phone.

    Monica told her: ¡°I¡¯ve seen Caden.

    He¡¯s doing great.

    The staff loves him and they¡¯ve gotten along really well.

    ¡±

    Alice replied, ¡°That¡¯s great.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Have you been busytely? I haven¡¯t seen you in days.

    ¡±

    Monica replied: ¡°Let¡¯s catch up the day after tomorrow.

    I¡¯ll be free then.

    I¡¯ll pick you up at the hospital.

    ¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Alice agreed, ¡°What would you like to eat? I¡¯ll make a reservation in advance.

    ¡±

    Monica, who looked a little exhausted, began listing a variety of delicious foods.

    After a brief pause, he asked, ¡°Alicia, are you really done with Caden?¡±

    Alice felt a pang of sadness.

    ¡°Yes.

    He has someone else now.

    ¡±

    Monica persisted: "So if he was still single, would you want to get back with him?"

    Alicia opened her mouth, but was left speechless.

    Deep down, when she apologized to him that day, she realized how much she still loved him.

    She even hesitated, considering whether she should go back to Caden.

    But now, his situation had deteriorated even further.

    It seemed that fate had other ns.

    I doubted I deserved true love.

    Monica did not inquire further into such personal matters.

    After finishing the call, she opened the door and entered her house.

    Once the door closed behind her, a shadow appeared from around the corner, leaving a strange mark on her door.

 Chapter 219

    ?Chapter 219:

    On the third day, Caden left for Averibon with Ynda to attend a scientific conference.

    A group of paparazzi caught them together in the airport cafeteria.

    They were photographed as the perfect couple, and the news quickly became a trending topic again.

    Alicia came across the news and clicked on the photo.

    Amid the snowy winter streets, Caden wore a ck coat and his gold-framed sses gave him an air of sophistication and attractiveness.

    Around his neck he wore his familiar scarf.

    She stopped, momentarily stunned.

    He was still wearing the scarf she had given him.

    Why did he keep wearing it?

    He didn''t understand her reasons, but he decided it was best not to think about it.

    When they were together, she had often found him exasperating, but now, apart, anything connected with him aroused unexpected emotions in her.

    She couldn''t help but feel affected.

    Shaking off her thoughts, she returned her focus to her work, determined to distract herself.

    Time passed quickly, but Monica was still nowhere to be seen.

    Half an hour earlier, Alice had tried to call Monica, but she didn''t pick up.

    She assumed Monica would be exhausted and catching up on sleep, so she didn''t call again.

    Instead, she simply booked a table at Monica''s favorite restaurant.

    Alicia dialed Monica''s number again.

    After a long wait, someone finally picked up.

    Alicia sighed in relief.

    ¡°Monica, are you awake?¡± she asked.

    An unfamiliar voice replied, ¡°He¡¯s still unconscious.

    It may take days.

    ¡±

    The disturbing tone put Alice on alert.

    She held her breath and asked, ¡°Who are you?¡±

    The personughed.

    ¡°Who I am is not important.

    What matters is whether you want to save your close friend.

    ¡±

    Alicia remained exceptionally calm.

    Alicia hoped that maybe Monica''s phone had been stolen and that it was just a malicious scam.

    Then, as the call ended, a photo arrived showing Monica unconscious.

    Monica''s face was pale and her eyes were partially open, revealing the whites of her bloodshot veins.

    She seemed to be fast asleep, and it was clear that she had been struggling desperately before that moment.

    A deep feeling of fear filled Alice.

    Was Monica injured? What horrors had she faced? What was her current condition?

    Alice could not remain inactive any longer.

    She thought about calling the police, but at that moment she received another message: ¡°I have hacked your phone.

    If you contact the authorities, I will cut off one of his hands immediately.

    ¡±

    Alice realized that she couldn''t act impulsively.

    It was the first time he had faced such a terrifying situation, and it took him a long time to regain hisposure.

    Another message appeared, providing an address and demanding that shee alone.

    Before Alice could process it, she received a video.

    In the video, Monica had regained consciousness.

    She was suspended in the air, hanging over a cage full of wild dogs.

    The dogs were growling and barking at her, saliva dripping from their jaws.

    They looked terrifying and repulsive.

    Monica''s screams echo in terror.

    The camera pans to show a man''s face.

    He had a sinister smile, full of cruelty.

    "Did you get the address I sent you? I''ll expect you before dark, or your friend will be the dogs'' dinner.

    "

    Alice stared at the screen, her face ghostly pale.

    Another video immediately followed.

    This time, Monica was lowered closer to the dogs.

    One of them jumped and sank its teeth into her leg.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Blood gushed from the wound and Monica''s screams echoed through the air.

    Tears streamed down Alicia''s face as she gripped her phone tightly, desperately screaming at the man to stop.

    Her defenses were crumbling with each passing second.

    The man''s earlier threat echoed in her mind.

    Monica would die if anyone else got involved.

    She couldn''t risk calling the police or alerting anyone.

    Panicking, Alicia grabbed all the self-defense tools she could find and ran out.

    The winter nights were falling fast in Warrington.

    As time passed, the sky grew steadily darker.

    Fear gripped Alice, and with trembling hands, she stepped on the elerator, driving faster than ever before.

    The steering wheel led her to the top of a deste mountain.

    The journey was long and tiring, but finally he arrived.

    A solitary figure stood in the distance.

    The surrounding darkness,bined with the absence of lights, made the silhouette seem even more terrifying, like something out of a nightmare.

    Alice jumped out of the car and ran towards the figure.

    Her hoarse voice screamed, ¡°Where is my friend? Where is she?¡±

    The man stepped forward without saying a word.

    He quickly covered her eyes and dragged her inside.

    Alice did not dare to resist.

    He knew that these were ruthless people and that their threats were not empty.

    His only chance to save Monica was to obey.

    He had no choice but to risk it all at that moment.

    It was his only option.

    With his eyes covered, his other senses were heightened.

    The man beside him gave off a strong smell of asphalt, mixed with the smell of animal fur.

    He smelled of livestock, perhaps chickens or ducks.

    Alice made a mental note of the detail.

    Shortly after, the man led her into a room.

    He was expecting a foul, musty smell, but instead found warm air giving off a surprisingly pleasant fragrance.

    She tensed andy still.

    With her vision blocked by the blindfold, she could only rely on sound.

    The click of leather shoes echoed as someone approached her.

    Then, the footsteps stopped.

 Chapter 220

    ?Chapter 220:

    During the journey, Alicia waspletely consumed by thoughts about Monica''s safety, without once considering who could be behind all this.

    Finding out that Joshua was responsible didn''t surprise her, fear had already taken hold of her mind.

    Since their divorce there had been a deep resentment between them, and Joshua, always agitated, was now trying to channel all his suffering towards her.

    When Joshua reached out to touch her, Alicia recoiled in disgust.

    Her body trembled and she instinctively tried to pull away, but Joshua¡¯s hand shot out and gripped her chin tightly.

    His voice lowered, dark and menacing.

    ¡°You still have the nerve to reject me?¡±

    The pressure of his grip seemed to crush her bones, but Alice refused to break.

    She gritted her teeth, enduring the pain, and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Monica?¡±

    Joshua sneered, his eyes dark with cruelty.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you care more about your own life? Monica was just the bait, you¡¯re the one I want.

    ¡±

    Without warning, he ripped the blindfold off her eyes and threw it onto the bed, immobilizing her.

    His lips crashed against hers, but Alicia fought back, biting down hard on his nose before pulling her head away.

    Joshua screamed in pain, stumbling back as he clutched his now bleeding nose.

    Alice''s eyes burned with fury.

    "Take me to Monica, now!"

    Joshua grabbed her by the neck and growled, ¡°She¡¯s dead!¡±

    For a moment, Alice felt her breath catch.

    A wave of despair consumed her, but almost instantly her resolve returned.

    She stared at him, her voice firm.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s impossible.

    You didn¡¯t kill her.

    The drug in your system was developed and modified by Monica.

    Only she knows the cure.

    ¡±

    Joshua tightened his fingers around her neck, his eyes burning with hatred.

    She was right, he hadn''t killed Monica.

    The drugs were part of the reason, but more importantly hecked the courage tomit murder.

    With a push, Joshua pushed Alicia into a dimly lit room.

    As soon as the door opened, fierce dogs began to bark furiously.

    In the center of the room, Monica hung suspended in the air, her leg bloody and battered.

    Seeing her friend in such a state broke Alicia''s heart.

    Tears filled her eyes, but she bit her lip, forcing herself to keep herposure.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Turning to Joshua, her voice breaking with emotion, she pleaded, "It''s me you want.

    Let her go.

    "

    Joshua replied calmly, a sinister smile on his lips.

    ¡°Now that you¡¯re here, why should I let her go?¡±

    Alicia''s voice was hoarse but determined as she said, "Monica''s been missing for almost a day.

    If her family reports you to the police, you''re done for.

    You won''t get away with this.

    "

    His words echoed around the room, crisp and clear.

    Joshua stared at her, noticing the change in her demeanor.

    It hadn''t been long, but she had grown sharper, calmer, and braver.

    Even though she was right in front of him, she seemed miles away.

    He reached out to grab her neck again, but Alicia was quick to act.

    She sank her teeth into his hand, breaking the skin.

    Blood gushed out instantly.

    Joshua screamed in pain and shoved her off of him with a growl of fury.

    When I''m done with you, I''ll let her go.

    Don''t worry, I won''t be long.

    Despite his words, Alice''s heart raced with anxiety.

    "Aren''t you afraid his family wille after you?"

    Joshua¡¯s eyes narrowed as his tone turned cold.

    ¡°What do I have to fear now?¡± He paused, his face twisting in bitterness.

    ¡°Alicia, do you realize what you and Caden have led me to do?¡±

    At the mention of Caden, a twisted smile spread across his face.

    He pulled out Alicia¡¯s phone.

    ¡°Did you break up?¡±

    Alice didn''t have time to process his taunt; her attention was elsewhere.

    She stared at him.

    "I told you before: Aden would get fed up with you and leave you soon.

    And now? How does it feel to see him so in love with Ynda?"

    Surrounded by the foul stench and the lustful stares of men, Alice slowly lost hope of escape.

    Her fate - to live or die - was now entirely in Joshua''s hands.

    She closed her eyes and exhaled deeply, her voice firm but defiant.

    ¡°If you¡¯re going to kill me, do it, Joshua.

    Stop wasting time.

    ¡±

    But Joshua, savouring her desperation, wasn¡¯t about to end her.

    With a twisted smile, he handed her the phone.

    ¡°Want to make a bet? Call Caden.

    See if hees to save you.

    ¡±

    Alicia''s lips curved in disdain.

    She knew all too well what the answer would be, and she refused to debase herself further.

    If she had to die here, she would do so with her dignity intact.

    Thest thing she wanted was to make a fool of herself in front of Caden.

    Joshua, however, was determined to break her spirit.

    His voice turned venomous.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t call him, I¡¯ll have someone hurt Monica.

    ¡±

    Alicia gritted her teeth so hard she tasted blood.

    Joshua, thinking she didn''t believe him, barked an order to take Monica down.

    Alicia¡¯s heart raced and she quickly gave in.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call him!¡± Her hands shook as she reached for the phone.

    She could have simply pressed the emergency dial to call Caden, but instead she callously entered his number.

    Joshua watched her actions with amusement.

    ¡°You must be obsessed with him if you know his number by heart.

    ¡±

    Alicia''s fingers stopped.

    It was now that she realized.

    Despite everything, Caden''s number was still burned into her mind.

    When the line began to ring, her initial resignation crumbled and a fragile hope took its ce.

    Would hee? No, he was far away, in Averibon.

    Yet, at that moment, she couldn''t help but feel hopeful.

    What if Caden cared about her, even just a little?

    She should have died at Joshua''s hands a long time ago, but it was Caden who had given her those fleeting moments of happiness.

    The phone rang for what seemed like an eternity.

    Then, finally, it was answered.

    But the voice on the other end was not his.

    It was Ynda, with azy and disdainful tone.

    ¡°Hello? Who is it?¡±

 Chapter 221

    ?Chapter 221:

    Hearing Ynda''s voice, Alicia froze, instinctively turning off the screen.

    She waspletely immobilized.

    Ever since she had discovered Monica''s ident, a feeling of unease had lingered in her.

    Now, despair weighed on her heart, each beat a painful reminder.

    Caden wasn''ting; she had already bothered him too much.

    .

    .

    Joshua¡¯sughter was merciless.

    He reached out and caressed her pale cheek before speaking to Ynda.

    ¡°Did you just wake up from sleeping with Caden?¡±

    Ynda did not answer immediately.

    Instead, she asked: "Who is it?"

    Joshua continued, ¡°Has Caden everpared you two in bed? Has he ever told you who¡¯s better, you or Alicia?¡±

    Ynda''s surprise was palpable.

    Before she could answer, she heard the door open behind her.

    Panicking, she quickly ended the call and hid the phone under her pillow.

    Caden, freshly showered, emerged.

    His hair was still wet and his face expressionless.

    ¡°Why are you in my room?¡± he asked, clearly irritated.

    After arriving at Averibon, they had booked two suites, with Ynda¡¯s next door.

    Ynda hesitated, but did not admit her true intentions.

    She lied, saying, ¡°I noticed something was not right and I wanted to discuss it with you.

    ¡±

    Caden tightened his grip on his robe, his tone sharp.

    ¡°Whatever it is, it can wait until tomorrow.

    Go back to your room.

    ¡±

    Ynda bit her lip, pondering the disturbing call.

    She couldn''t shake the feeling that the caller had some animosity towards Alicia.

    Was something wrong with her? She didn''t want Caden to know, so she decided to put it off.

    ¡°It¡¯s still early.

    Let¡¯s talk for a while, Caden,¡± she insisted.

    ¡°Otherwise, I¡¯ll be up all night worrying about the project.

    ¡±

    Noticing her determination, Caden relented.

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll book a coffee.

    We can have our conversation there.

    ¡± Ynda remained silent, watching as Caden made his way to the bed.

    Caden noticed his phone wasn''t on the nightstand.

    His expression darkened.

    "Have you touched my things?"

    Ynda was caught off guard.

    She hadn''t expected him to notice her absence so quickly, and she seemed nervous.

    Caden quickly located his phone and checked the screen.

    There was one unread message.

    It was a photo sent from an emergency number, apanied by a location.

    The address was an isted mountain outside Warrington, and the blurry image showed Alicia''s legs, stained with dried blood on the ground.

    Her heart tightened in her chest.

    Something was terribly wrong.

    Having only recently returned to the country, Caden''s contacts were limited.

    He hesitated briefly before sending the address to someone he trusted deeply.

    Then he turned off the phone screen.

    Looking at Ynda, he asked coldly, ¡°Why did you take my phone?¡±

    Fear shed in Ynda''s eyes.

    Trying to maintain herposure, she exined, ¡°You were busy and I didn¡¯t want to miss anything important, so I picked it up.

    It turned out to be just a nuisance call.

    ¡±

    Caden¡¯s expression remained stern.

    He had deleted Alicia¡¯s number, so any iing call would appear as ¡°unknown.

    ¡± However, since Ynda had hidden her phone, he was convinced that it was no trivial call.

    It was Alice''s cry for help.

    Without saying anything else, he left the room.

    Ynda, pale with anxiety, followed him.

    ¡°Caden¡­¡± she called, but he didn¡¯t stop.

    At the door, Caden''s bodyguard stood in his way.

    Caden''s silhouette quickly disappeared down the corridor as he contacted a local person and arranged a private flight back to Warrington.

    Just then, her phone rang.

    It was Cliff.

    "Mr.

    Ward, what''s going on?"

    Cliff had sent people to the location Caden had sent, but he needed more information.

    Caden¡¯s tone was noticeably serious.

    ¡°Rescue her immediately.

    And don¡¯t alert them.

    I¡¯ll be back now.

    ¡± Cliff hadn¡¯t seen him this worried in a long time.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Cliff replied.

    Caden moved quickly, panting,pletely unaware of Alicia¡¯s exact situation.

    Every word he spoke was filled with determination.

    ¡°At all costs.

    ¡±

    Cliff was surprised by her intensity.

    He waited a few seconds before hanging up the call.

    The Flynn family had been unable to contact Monica and had already alerted the police.

    Cliff, who had been following leads rted to Monica, scrutinized her recent suspicious interactions and quickly traced them back to Joshua.

    He deduced the likely motive for the kidnapping, but did not interfere with the police''s efforts.

    When Gerry heard the news, he rushed to help, his concern evident.

    ¡°Cliff, with the Flynn family so involved with the police, could this increase the risk for Monica and Alicia?¡±

    Cliff remained focused, working on locating Alicia¡¯s position on the map.

    The weak signal from the mountain made it difficult to pinpoint her exact location.

    His face was stern as he replied authoritatively, ¡°Joshua is aware of the police involvement, and it will distract him.

    That gives my team a chance.

    ¡±

    Gerry hesitated, then asked, ¡°But what if Joshua gets desperate?¡±

    Cliff gave him a sharp look.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Do you have a better idea?¡±

    Gerry was speechless.

    Feeling intimidated by Cliff¡¯s imposing physique and fierce demeanor, he scratched his nose nervously.

    ¡°I¡¯ll stand back and let you work.

    ¡±

    Cliff, drawing on his military background, was known for his unwavering, unrelenting approach.

    He was certainly intense, but his reliability was unquestionable.

    Gerry, still uneasy, asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Caden?¡±

    "On my way back.

    I should be there within an hour.

    "

    Just then, the map beeped, indicating that Alicia¡¯s location had been pinpointed.

    Cliff exhaled deeply, his thoughts a mix of worry and concentration.

    He asked, ¡°Who is she that Caden is so worried about?¡±

 Chapter 222

    ?Chapter 222:

    Cliff sent the coordinates to Caden with quick precision.

    Caden''s helicopter was already on its way to the location.

    Gerry was still unsure of the depth of the connection between Caden and Alicia.

    "Caden likes her and wants to be around her," Gerry said.

    Cliff nodded, his expression thoughtful.

    ¡°She¡¯s a capable woman.

    ¡±

    Gerry agreed, but added: "They are both young.

    Their rtionship seems unstable.

    "

    Cliff countered firmly, ¡°Caden¡¯s feelings aren¡¯t the problem.

    They¡¯re stable.

    ¡±

    Gerry raised an eyebrow, confused.

    ¡°Caden? Steady? He¡¯s the most unpredictable person I know.

    Haven¡¯t you seen the news? He¡¯s having an affair with Ynda now.

    ¡±

    Cliff wasn''t interested in gossip.

    Caden''s earlier order to proceed "at all costs" echoed in his mind.

    They had grown up together, and although Cliff had spent most of his time in the military, he understood Caden better than most.

    "He''s not unpredictable.

    He''s in love," Cliff said firmly.

    Gerry was shocked.

    ¡°In love? With whom?¡± he asked, still in disbelief.

    Cliff pointed at the map, his gaze fixed as Caden''s red dot quickly approached Alicia''s location.

    ¡°Caden is in love with Alicia,¡± Cliff said bluntly.

    Gerry was speechless.

    Was Cliff serious? He couldn''t wrap his head around it.

    Meanwhile, up on the mountain, Joshua''s sadistic game had only just begun.

    He was having a great time.

    Alicia sat, bound at the wrists and ankles, helpless in front of the camera.

    From his seat, Joshua leaned forward with a twisted smile.

    ¡°The drug you gave me was so strong that I couldn¡¯t function like a man for months.

    Today you¡¯re going to fix that.

    You¡¯re going to be my antidote.

    ¡±

    His eyes swept over her body, shameless and disgusting.

    His behavior made Alice want to vomit.

    But she stood still, frozen.

    She hadpletely lost the will to fight.

    She felt like a statue: cold, lifeless and powerless.

    He stared at his reflection in the camera screen.

    There was no emotion on his face.

    Joshua smiled.

    ¡°What¡¯s the problem? Don¡¯t you know how to please a man? Didn¡¯t Caden teach you how to handle things in bed?¡±

    At the mention of Caden''s name, Alicia''s eyshes fluttered slightly, betraying the slightest hint of excitement.

    Impatient, Joshua roughly pulled Alicia into a hug.

    His voice dripped with malice.

    ¡°Strip.

    Seduce me.

    I¡¯ll film every second and send the first copy directly to Caden.

    Then everyone will get to try it.

    ¡±

    Alice responded to his vile words with a grimace.

    Joshua leaned over to her and sneered.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Are you scared? If you y hard to get, I might get some on your face.

    ¡±Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    ?You still have traces of the drug in your system.

    You can''t even get an erection.

    When this videoes out, everyone will wonder why you can''t perform.

    So tell me, Joshua, who''s really going to be humiliated??

    Me, or

    Joshua couldn''t bear the humiliation and immediately pped her across the face.

    Alicia''s head turned to the side.

    His vision blurred and a ringing filled his ears.

    Without hesitation, he pushed her to the ground.

    Consumed by rage, Joshua barked orders at the men standing beside him.

    "She''s yours now.

    Do what you want.

    Make her suffer.

    "

    Alice''s pupils contracted with fear.

    Lewdughter filled the room as several men descended on her, ripping at her clothes.

    Alice instinctively fought them off.

    Unfortunately, they overpowered her.

    They held her so tightly that her limbs were about to break.

    Searing pain and terror consumed her, sweeping over her like a relentless wave.

    At that moment, he felt totally helpless, like an insect about to be crushed.

    He knew that survival was beyond his reach.

    Joshua watched the scene, smoking his cigarette in silence.

    His eyes remained fixed on Alice, waiting for her to show remorse, to beg for mercy.

    But she did not move.

    Her smooth skin was exposed, which seemed to fuel the men''s impatience.

    One of them began to unbutton his pants, preparing for the unthinkable.

    The sight disgusted Joshua.

    ¡°Stop!¡± he barked.

    The men stood still, surprised by the sudden order.

    Reluctantly, they stopped.

    Joshua put Alicia''s clothes back in their ce and lifted her roughly.

    "Alicia, are you really that stubborn? Would you rather be raped than give in?" Alicia looked at him with lifeless eyes.

    His lips curved into a weak smile.

    ¡°Joshua, you are nothing but a vile, selfish coward.

    Do you really think it¡¯s worth it to beg you?¡±

    Joshua narrowed his eyes.

    The veins bulged on his forehead as a furiousugh escaped him.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to regret saying that, Alice.

    ¡± Without warning, he shoved her aside and ordered Monica to be brought in.

    Realizing what she was nning, Alicia''s body stiffened.

    She lunged at Monica, screaming, "What are you doing? Leave her alone.

    " Joshua grabbed her by the neck.

    As the men mocked her, Alice could only watch in horror as Monica was dragged into the room across the street.

    The men wasted no time in tearing off her clothes.

    Monica was unable to resist as she was still unconscious.

    Joshua watched as Alicia sobbed and thrashed in front of him,ughing like a viin.

    ¡°There are three cameras in this room.

    In the morning, the whole world will see how Miss Flynn was raped,¡± he said cruelly.

    Without thinking twice, Alice begged him.

    "Joshua, I was wrong.

    Please let her go.

    I beg you, let her go!"

    Joshua''s response was merciless.

    "If I let her go, you''ll be the one to take her ce.

    What do you think?" Alice''s legs buckled and she fell to her knees.

    Desperation clouded her thoughts.

    She couldn''t think of anything else to say, so she said, "Let her go.

    "

    Joshua stood over her.

    ¡°Alicia, if you do exactly what I tell you, I won¡¯t post the video.

    ¡±

    He knelt down and said to him, ¡°You know who I despise the most.

    Will you be my pawn and help me destroy him?¡± Just as his words hung in the air, a thunderous roar came from outside.

    Joshua turned his attention to the sound.

    A split secondter, a ck car crashed into the gate like a raging beast.

 Chapter 223

    ?Chapter 223:

    The impact of the door against the front of the car was terrifying.

    The loud bang caught the men''s attention, who quickly freed Monica and ran away.

    The vehicle became wedged in the rubble and Caden jumped out, brandishing a cold pistol and immediately opening fire on the group.

    Taken by surprise by the sudden attack, the men scattered in panic.

    However, no one was able to escape.

    Within a few moments, everyone was on the ground.

    Joshua noticed that the men were riddled with needles and realized that they had been hit by tranquilizer darts, not bullets.

    He acted quickly, grabbing a knife and pressing it against Alicia''s neck.

    Caden pointed his gun at Joshua.

    The icy wind screamed, but Caden¡¯s stern gaze was even more intimidating than the dark barrel of his gun.

    Alicia, now a human shield, stepped in front of Joshua.

    The sharp knife rested against his neck, where the slightest movement could prove fatal.

    But when she looked at Caden, who had appeared out of nowhere, her previously nk and unfeeling expression turned into a faint smile.

    The fear and despair disappeared instantly.

    They were reced by a deep sense of relief.

    Caden continued forward, each step deliberate, his intense eyes fixed on Joshua.

    ¡°If this knife does any harm to her, I will finish you.

    ¡± Joshua was not afraid.

    Not knowing how Caden had found them, and not having time to think, he screamed, his eyes red with rage, ¡°Caden, take one more step and I¡¯ll slit her throat!¡± He tightened his grip on the knife as he spoke.

    A thin line of blood appeared on Alicia''s pale neck.

    Caden''s eyes darkened and he stopped moving.

    Alicia noticed Joshua''s hands were shaking.

    They needed to understand each other''s intentions.

    Caden flexed his thumb and pulled the trigger.

    Just before the shot rang out, Alicia threw her head back and hit Joshua hard in the skull.

    At the same time, a tranquilizer dart hit Joshua''s hand as he grabbed the knife.

    The knife fell to the ground.

    Alicia quickly pushed it away and ran to Caden.

    Caden stepped forward, opened his arms, and enveloped her in a hug.

    At that moment, his heart calmed down, cold and steady as ever.

    He fired a few more tranquilizer darts at Joshua, realizing that they were almost exhausted.

    Still, the darts had done enough to partially paralyze Joshua, leaving him unable to move.

    Alicia leaned weakly on Caden, clinging to his clothes as if she were clinging to life itself.

    ¡°Monica¡­¡± he murmured, his voice weak and trembling with fear.

    ¡°Save Monica.

    ¡±

    Caden picked her up with one arm, wrapped her in his cloak, and headed into a nearby room.

    Monica''s clothes were torn, but she was unharmed.

    He grabbed a piece of cloth to cover her and took her away.

    far.

    By then, Cliff had arrived with reinforcements and was tasked with deciding Joshua''s fate.

    Caden put Monica in the car and then turned to check on Alicia.

    Alice was still shaking.

    Completely exhausted and scared, her body was still reacting to the residual fear.

    Caden, who had never seen her so vulnerable,forted her with unusual tenderness, althoughforting others was something new for him.

    Alice leaned on his arm.

    She moaned softly, and he could make out her name.

    Though barely audible, it resonated deeply with Caden.

    She needed it desperately.

    She would only show her true longing when she waspletely out of her mind.

    Caden felt the urge to kiss her, but just then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Joshua manage to get into the car Caden had crashed into the door.

    Through the car window, Caden saw Joshua''s wicked smile.

    Joshua seemed determined to take her with him.

    With Monica in the car, Caden had to distract Joshua.

    He quickly led Alice to an open space.

    A car could never be as agile as a person''s legs.

    But Joshua, driven by madness, charged straight at them.

    Caden, unfamiliar with the terrain, ran into an open area, but identally stepped into a hole hidden beneath the snow.

    His movements were immediately hampered.

    Joshua tried to charge again, but the tranquilizers had disoriented him, causing him to drive erratically and aimlessly.

    His car hit a mountain of debris, which fell, heading straight for Caden.

    Caden quickly moved away, but the snow copsed beneath him.

    Holding on tightly to Alicia, they fell down the slope together.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Joshua watched them tumble down the slope, believing that if the fall didn''t kill them, the icy snow would bury them.

    Heughed heartily, his eyes red and wild, but his joy was short-lived when Cliff arrived at the scene.

    Cliff quickly subdued Joshua and turned him over to authorities.

    Cliff then began searching for Caden.

    Despite an exhaustive search, he found no trace of them.

    He scanned the ground for signs of a struggle and reached the edge of the mountaintop.

    The height was daunting and below was nothing but darkness.

    Realizing that something serious had happened, Cliff immediately ordered a wide-ranging search and rescue operation.

 Chapter 224

    ?Chapter 224:

    Caden, holding on tightly to Alicia, rolled down the slope.

    His only attention was focused on her safety, neglecting his own.

    His head hit a rock, knocking him unconscious.

    Finally they stopped.

    Alice opened her eyes and dimly saw the distant lights of a house.

    Seeing a ray of hope, she clung to the man beside her, struggling to breathe as she cried out, ¡°Caden¡­ Caden¡­¡±

    Caden still didn''t respond.

    Alicia tried to keep herposure.

    She took a deep breath, checked his pulse, and assessed his wounds.

    She saw that there was blood on the back of his neck.

    She quickly removed some of her clothes to bandage the wound and try to stop the bleeding.

    Her energy was rapidly diminishing.

    The air was also freezing and pitch ck.

    Not knowing if she could hold out until Caden regained consciousness, she called out his name again.

    Not knowing the extent of his injuries, she began to panic.

    Fear gripped her heart and tears filled her eyes.

    ¡°Caden¡­¡± she cried weakly.

    ¡°Please¡­ Please wake up.

    ¡± She examined his face carefully, making sure he could breathe.

    She wiped the mud from his mouth and nose.

    Then he touched her eyes.

    Beneath her eyelids, her eyeballs moved slightly.

    Though it was subtle and brief, it offered a glimmer of hope for her condition.

    I knew I had to act quickly to save him.

    In such serious condition, even a healthy person would not survive for long.

    Suddenly, filled with adrenaline, she managed to get to her feet.

    With great effort, she lifted Caden onto her back and began to move towards the light.

    Exhausted, with Caden''s weight too much, Alicia trembled as she tried to stand up.

    She hadn''t even taken a step when she tripped and fell hard to the ground.

    She didn''t have the strength to scream.

    All she could do was open her mouth in a silent scream.

    Determined, she pulled Caden along once more, moving forward step by step.

    She lost count of how many times she fell, how cold it was, how much pain she felt.

    Little by little, the cold seeped into her bones, numbing them.

    Her eyelids were so heavy that she had trouble keeping them open.

    With thest of her strength, she fell to her knees.

    As she fell, she saw Caden¡¯s face more clearly.

    A surge of emotion overwhelmed her, and tears flowed freely down her cheeks.

    ¡°Caden¡­ Please don¡¯t die,¡± she whispered silently.

    He fell into a troubled sleep.

    In her dream, she felt dazed and in pain all over, confined to a small room.

    Caden was there, sitting in front of her, unharmed.

    ¡°Are you awake?¡± he asked.

    ¡°This is hell.

    ¡±

    Alice was stunned.

    She looked at him in disbelief.

    ¡°Are we dead?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Caden replied nonchntly, his bearing more resembling that of a handsome but ruthless ruler of the underworld than a mere ghost.

    Alice was not afraid of death.

    After all, they were already dead.

    There was no going back.

    She just hadn''t anticipated that hell would be so different from her expectations.

    Her thoughts werepletely chaotic and she continued to stare at Caden as if spellbound.

    "When do we get reincarnated?" he asked.

    Caden¡¯s face remained impassive.

    ¡°If you choose to be reincarnated, you won¡¯t remember anything.

    Are you sure that¡¯s what you want?¡±

    Alice''s gaze darkened.

    "There''s nothing in this life worth holding on to anyway.

    Keeping my memories seems pointless to me.

    .

    .

    "

    "Really? Are you willing to forget me?"

    Alice¡¯s eyes flickered.

    She experienced a brief moment of shyness.

    But since they were supposed to be dead, she felt there was no need for shyness.

    With new boldness, she met his gaze.

    ¡°No.

    ¡±

    There was a subtle change in Caden''s expression, though Alicia didn''t catch it.

    "What is there about me that you are not willing to forget?" he asked.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Alice was so exhausted that she could hardly collect her thoughts.

    She simply said whatever came into her head: ¡°Because you have been kind to me.

    ¡±

    ¡°So?¡± Caden insisted.

    ¡°And¡­ I like you,¡± she whispered softly.

    Caden hesitated for a moment before asking, ¡°How much do you like me?¡±

    ¡°A lot.

    You¡¯re handsome, you¡¯re fit, and you¡¯re exceptionally skilled in bed,¡± Alicia admitted, unable to hold back her words.

    ¡°I love sleeping with you.

    It makes me feel amazing.

    I love being in your arms.

    I love the way you fuck me, the way you look at me and kiss me.

    ¡±

    At her frankness, Caden raised an eyebrow.

    He reached out and touched her forehead, checking to see if she still had a fever.

    It was clear she wouldn¡¯t be speaking so freely unless something was wrong with her.

    Alice grabbed his hand, feeling a little more alert.

    She forced her eyes open to focus more clearly.

    Noticing the bandage on his head, she asked in confusion, ¡°Aren¡¯t there healers in hell? Why are you still hurt?¡±

    "I just died.

    I''m not being treated; I''m not considered a priority.

    "

    "Does it hurt?"

    "No.

    "

    Alice rested her cheek on her palm, closing her eyes.

    ¡°So why does it hurt so much? Am I being punished for my sins?¡±

    Caden let out a softugh.

    "Do you think you are a sinner?"

    ¡°No, but I¡¯ve made a lot of mistakes,¡± Alicia said, her voice trailing off in a sob.

    Caden gently wiped her tears away with his thumb.

    Alice looked at him, her expression vulnerable.

    ¡°And you?¡± she asked huskily.

    ¡°Do you like me?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Caden replied with a mischievous smile.

    ¡°Of course, I enjoy fucking you.

    ¡±

    Alice was speechless.

 Chapter 225

    ?Chapter 225:

    Alicebored under the mistaken belief that they had already perished.

    Despite this belief, she found herself unable to ask Caden, ¡°Is that all? Don¡¯t you like anything else about me?¡±

    His previous words had been so harsh that she couldn''t bear to hear them again.

    Exhausted, her eyelids grew heavy and sleep began to take over.

    She knew that falling asleep now could mean starting a new life, one in which she would forget Caden and everyone she had ever met in this one.

    Although reluctant, there seemed to be no way to resist.

    As sleep began to take over, she murmured, ¡°Caden¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡± Caden answered instantly, leaning closer, anticipating a confession.

    However, her next statement caught him off guard: "I need to go to the bathroom.

    "

    Caden blinked in surprise.

    Alicia continued quietly, ¡°There are bathrooms in hell? Maybe I should just piss right here.

    ¡±

    For a moment, he was speechless.

    Realizing her urgency, he quickly went over to help her, but it was toote.

    Lifting the nket, he saw that her clothes were already soaked.

    A vein throbbed on his forehead as his expression changed from confusion to resignation.

    Without saying anything, he pulls out his phone and snaps a photo of the scene.

    Suddenly, the door swung open.

    The plump, middle-aged owner, who had been her unexpected savior, walked in.

    Her eyes widened at the sight.

    ¡°My God!¡± she eximed in shock.

    Maintaining hisposure, Caden calmly replied, ¡°I¡¯m sorry about this.

    I¡¯ll take care of it.

    ¡±

    Thendy looked at the bed, her face twisted in anguish.

    ¡°These sheets are made of pure silk and cost a fortune!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll make it up to you tenfold,¡± Caden replied, instinctively reaching for his checkbook, only to realize he didn¡¯t have it with him.

    In a quick gesture of reassurance, he unsped the luxury watch on his wrist, valued at over nine million dors, and handed it over.

    ¡°Please ept this as coteral.

    ¡±

    The owner''s eyes widened slightly as she recognized the exclusive brand.

    Noticing the man''s wealth and the authenticity of the watch, she smiled subtly and put it in her pocket.

    ¡°Well then,¡± he said with a wink.

    ¡°Feel free to make as much mess as you want!¡±

    Caden was speechless; he hadn''t expected her to go this far.

    The owner, who had some basic medical knowledge, examined Alicia.

    With a reassuring nod, she turned to Caden.

    "She''s stable; her fever is going down.

    But it''s cold tonight, so she shouldn''t stay in wet clothes.

    You''ll have to change her quickly.

    "

    Caden nodded, his expression determined but slightly hesitant.

    The owner nced at him, her eyes shining with curiosity.

    ¡°You don¡¯t look like you¡¯ve done muchundry,¡± he observed with a smirk.

    ¡°Have you ever washed sheets?¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have a washing machine here?¡±

    ¡°Oh, yes I do,¡± she replied with a hint of amusement.

    ¡°But do you know how to use it?¡±

    Caden was momentarily speechless.

    Then he replied, ¡°Do I seem incapable to you?¡± The owner smiled with satisfaction.

    ¡°Then go ahead.

    ¡±

    She had encountered a lot of spoiled men whocked even the most basic skills.

    Before leaving, she reminded him: ¡°But don¡¯t put his underwear in the machine.

    ¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Caden replied, his voice uncertain.

    It was indeed the first time he had handled a woman¡¯s underwear, but it was easier than he had anticipated.

    The amodations at the inn were basic, and the weather was harsh.

    The water took ages to heat up.

    Impatient, he decided to wash them in cold water.

    It was a struggle; the fabric was delicate and flimsy, making it difficult for hisrge hands to manipte gently.

    When he was done and hung them up to dry, he realized that the stic had stretched.

    Considering Alicia''s slim waist, he was worried that they wouldn''t fit properly.

    Caden paused for a moment, contemting the situation.

    Since they were enduring the harsh conditions of the snowy mountains and the inn didn''t sell underwear, they would have to make do.

    Alice slept soundly all day and all night, not waking until the next afternoon.

    The medication had done its job: the fever had disappeared and the wounds were less bothersome, but the surroundings still seemed like a purgatory.

    A warm yellowmp softly illuminated the room.

    Caden sat in a chair next to the bed, resting with his eyes closed.

    The chair made a soft creaking sound, adding a note of tranquility to the atmosphere.

    Alice watched him, captivated by his stern yet handsome profile.

    Lost in her thoughts, she didn''t realize how long she had been staring at him until suddenly he opened his eyes, turned his head, and their gazes met.

    Alice was startled back to reality.

    Her heart raced wildly as she muttered in a daze, ¡°Why do I still remember you?¡±

    Caden stared at her.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you remember me?¡±

    Alice''s voice came out hoarse and uncertain.

    "Haven''t I started a new life?"

    Caden was momentarily speechless, wondering if the fever had left her disoriented.

    He stood up, poured himself a ss of water, and walked over to her.

    With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he said, ¡°It seems the rules of hell have changed.

    Before you can start over, you mustplete a task.

    ¡±

    Alice looked longingly at the water, her lips dry.

    ¡°What task?¡± she asked tentatively.

    Caden sat down next to her and brought the ss to her lips.

    ¡°You have to sleep with the man you love before you can move on,¡± he replied.

    Stunned, Alice stared at him, unsure if she had heard correctly.

    His expression must have beenical, because Caden struggled to keep a straight face as he reiterated, ¡°Yes, sleep with the man you love before you start over.

    ¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Alice was speechless.

    Caden leaned closer to her and asked, ¡°So, do you want to?¡±

    Her cheeks flushed with heat.

    Emboldened by the belief that she was in the afterlife, she put aside her usual reservations.

    ¡°I do,¡± she admitted.

    ¡°And what do you want exactly?¡± Caden asked with a sly smile.

    ¡°Start a new life or sleep with me?¡±

    Alice¡¯s face turned even redder.

    Overwhelmed and unable to express her deepest desires, she looked away.

    ¡°I want to drink some water¡­¡±

    This time, Caden looked surprised.

    Deciding to stop teasing her, he realized that it was impractical to help her drink in her condition.

    So he took a sip.

    Then, gently parting her lips with his fingers, he leaned down and passed the water to her with a tender kiss.

 Chapter 226

    ?Chapter 226:

    Alice couldn''t quite understand what was happening, but her lips had already responded to his.

    Their mouths moved together instinctively, and their tongues intertwined, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

    The sensation was so real.

    Alice began to wonder if she was really in the afterlife.

    Caden took a sip of water and gently gave it to her, repeating the gesture carefully, over and over.

    Soon her lips went numb and her face started to hurt.

    Only then did she try to pull away.

    As soon as she did, Caden yfully bit her soft skin, showing his displeasure.

    She let out a small moan of pain.

    At that moment, he realized she wasn''t dead.

    The memories he had before were just a dream.

    Once the ss was empty, Caden wiped his lips and looked at her.

    "Do you want more?" he asked.

    Alice shook her head, feeling satisfied.

    She had epted the fact that she was still alive, but there was something that puzzled her.

    ¡°How did you know about my dream?¡± she asked.

    How did he know she had dreamed about hell?

    Caden put down his ss and smirked.

    ¡°Because you were talking in your sleep,¡± he replied.

    Alice was stunned.

    Seriously? Was I talking in my sleep?

    The revtion took her by surprise and she found it hard to believe.

    ¡°That can¡¯t be true,¡± she muttered.

    Without a word, Caden pulled out his phone and yed a recording.

    His own voice filled the room.

    ¡°I like you¡­ a lot.

    You¡¯re handsome, fit, and exceptionally skilled in bed.

    ¡± Alice felt mortified.

    The voice on the recording was unmistakable, too clear to be a sleep conversation.

    Worse, Caden wasn''t just listening; he was conversing with her.

    "I love sleeping with you.

    It makes me feel amazing," the recording continued.

    Alice''s heart sank as the words continued to ring.

    Realizing what was happening, a surge of adrenaline coursed through her.

    She stood up and searched desperately for her phone, but Caden deftly pulled it out of her reach.

    "I love being in your arms.

    I love the way you fuck me, the way you look at me and kiss me.

    "

    Before she could finish her sentence, panic gripped Alice.

    "Caden! Caden! Turn it off now!" he shouted.

    Caden didn''t bother to turn it off, but his scream drowned out thest word.

    The recording stopped abruptly.

    Alice blushed with embarrassment.

    She red at him.

    ¡°How could you do this to me?¡±

    Caden smiled slyly.

    ¡°Did I force you to say those things with a knife to your throat?¡±

    Alice had no answer.

    He wanted to reply but couldn''t find anything to say.

    Without saying anything else, he closed his eyes and pretended to sleep.

    Caden fiddled casually with his phone.

    ¡°Looks like I have more of an advantage over you now, Alicia.

    ¡±

    Instead of losing herposure, Alice found a strange sense of calm in her embarrassment.

    She pulled herself together and replied, ¡°Power? I was just being honest, though.

    You¡¯re good in bed, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Caden¡¯s smile widened.

    ¡°And you just admitted that you like me.

    ¡±

    Alice fell silent.

    Acknowledging her feelings seemed more humiliating than talking about their physical connection.

    I didn''t want to give him the satisfaction of an answer.

    When they had finished eating, the innkeeper came to change Alice''s bandages.

    When she took off her clothes, she found that she had dark bruises scattered over her body from her fall down the mountainside.

    His shoulder was fractured and back pain suggested possible spinal injuries.

    As Caden left the room, Alicia turned to the innkeeper.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    "Was he badly hurt?" asked Alice.

    The innkeeper raised an eyebrow, looking slightly amused.

    ¡°You mean that man? Isn¡¯t he your boyfriend?¡±

    Alice looked down, shaking her head.

    ¡°No, it isn¡¯t.

    ¡±

    ¡°Oh, yeah? Then why did you go to all that trouble to save him? When I found you, he was on top of you, practically suffocating you in the snow.

    You were barely breathing.

    How far did you take him? Your bones are broken.

    ¡±

    Alice paused, trying to piece together her vague memory of what had happened just before she lost consciousness.

    At the time, nothing else mattered.

    Her only thought had been to save him.

    She had acted on pure instinct, but now, looking back, it seemed foolish.

    In a low voice, she whispered, ¡°Please don¡¯t tell him any of this.

    ¡±

    Before the innkeeper could respond, the door creaked and Caden entered.

    He was carrying a set of clean clothes in one hand and looked between them.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me what?¡±

    Alice looked surprised.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.

    ¡±

    Sensing the tension, the innkeeper smiled knowingly and excused herself from the room.

    Caden handed Alicia a freshlyundered shirt.

    ¡°Here, put this on.

    ¡±

    Without a word, she pulled it over her head.

    Caden had borrowed the clothes from the innkeeper''s husband, who was not around.

    The three of them were the only ones in the small, quiet inn.

    Alice looked up at the pitch-ck sky as the snow continued to fall.

    ¡°Did you manage to get through to the rescue team?¡±

    "Yes.

    They know we are safe, but the snow has blocked the road.

    It will take them a week to get there.

    "

    Alice blinked in surprise.

    ¡°A whole week?¡±

    However, with the injuries they both had, the idea of ??resting here for so long didn''t seem so bad.

    As the night progressed, Caden took a bath, though the effort nearly exhausted him.

    When he finally emerged, he went straight to Alicia''s bed and settled in without hesitation.

    ¡°Are you staying here?¡± Alice asked, feeling tense.

    Caden saw no reason toplicate things.

    ¡°There¡¯s no room anywhere else.

    Unless you don¡¯t want me here,¡± he replied.

    Alice ced her hands firmly on his chest, trying to create some space between them.

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t share a bed.

    I¡¯m a woman, you¡¯re a man.

    It¡¯s better if we sleep separately to avoid unnecessary situations.

    ¡±

    She didn''t say it outright, but Caden easily understood her hesitation.

    Ignoring her protest, he pulled her into his arms.

    ¡°Have you ever heard of the Moss family of Averibon?¡±

    Alice, still in pain, could barely respond.

    Her voice came out muffled as she said, ¡°Yes.

    ¡±

    ?The Wards and the Mosses have known each other for a long time.

    For generations we have been linked, both by friendship and by business.

    More than twenty years ago, Dorian Moss was at the top of the scientific world, and his daughter, Ynda, inherited that brilliance.

    I need his knowledge for something important.

    ?

    Alicia paused for a moment, suddenly remembering the business card Ynda had given her.

    Ynda has nothing to do with me emotionally.

    She only works for me.

    Do you understand?

 Chapter 227

    ?Chapter 227:

    Alicia paused.

    Caden''s exnation caught her off guard.

    "Why are you exining it to me now?" she asked uncertainly.

    Caden didn¡¯t answer right away.

    Instead, he gently massaged her aching shoulder.

    Even though he¡¯d been unconscious and unresponsive, he¡¯d heard Alicia¡¯s panicked calls.

    She¡¯d desperately searched for his wounds and dragged him to safety.

    It was clear she was determined to save him, no matter what it took.

    He was aware of everything.

    ¡°You wanted to know, right? That¡¯s why I¡¯m telling you,¡± Caden¡¯s voice was unusually deep and reassuring.

    Alice almost believed that he really cared for her.

    Unable to resist, she looked up at him.

    He leaned down and kissed her lips.

    It had been a while since theirst kiss, and Caden found himself enjoying it more than he expected, wanting more.

    Alicia didn''t resist; she let him have his way.

    Her answer seemed to touch him.

    He stepped back a little and said, ¡°About the scarf Ynda was wearing the other day, I forgot it was yours.

    I bought another one to fix it.

    ¡±

    Alice was startled.

    She had been upset for quite some time.

    However, hearing Caden''s words eased her distress.

    She silently scolded herself for herck of determination.

    Caden¡¯s kiss grew deeper and more intense.

    His desire for her was palpable.

    Alicia felt the heat between them as well and whispered softly, ¡°I¡¯m hurt¡­¡±

    Caden stepped back slightly, his voice hoarse.

    ¡°We¡¯re not doing anything.

    ¡±

    When asked, "If you weren''t hurt, would you be intimate with me?" Alice didn''t answer.

    The distance that had once existed between them had long since disappeared.

    At first, his interest had been purely physical, but that seemed to have changed; his feelings for her had deepened beyond mere attraction.

    Alicia had been preupied withbels and searching for love before, but her perspective had evolved.

    Realizing that life was short, she now understood that being with him was what really mattered.

    Too embarrassed to answer directly, she changed the subject.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you in Averibon? How did you get here so quickly?¡±

    Caden didn¡¯t admit that he had arranged a private jet just to save her.

    Instead of answering, he asked another question.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    ¡°When you saw me, you must have been overwhelmed, right? Don¡¯t you think I¡¯m like a knight saving a damsel in distress?¡±

    Alice replied yfully, ¡°In that situation I should have thought that anyone who appeared was a gentleman.

    ¡±

    Caden let out a soft chuckle, and Alicia, feeling a surge of warmth, couldn''t help but smile too.

    However, the tender moment quickly faded when Caden''s wandering hand interrupted him.

    His loose shirt made the mischief easy for him.

    Alice tried to stop his hand, but she couldn''t.

    His touch was expert and yful.

    ¡°You¡¯ve only been unconscious for a day.

    Why do your breasts seem smaller?¡± Caden frowned.

    ¡°You should eat more tomorrow.

    ¡±

    Alice bristled.

    Was that her only concern? Did she like him less now that they seemed smaller?

    "If you don''t like them, don''t touch them," said Alice sharply, brushing his hand away.

    Suddenly, he remembered the call Ynda had answered, and trying to sound casual, he asked, "When you were on your business trip, did you share a room with Ynda?"

    Caden looked at her with a smile.

    "What are you trying to find out?"

    His yful tone brushed Alice''s ears, light as a feather.

    It left her feeling restless and uneasy.

    Alice closed her eyes and turned over on her side, fidgeting with the nket.

    ¡°I understand.

    ¡±

    ¡°Understand what?¡± Caden asked, gently ying with her hair.

    Alicia hesitated, her emotions in turmoil.

    ¡°Tell me, what kind of room did Ynda and I share, and how many times¡­¡± she trailed off, not wanting to finish her sentence.

    Caden''s mocking tone grew more persistent: "A honeymoon suite on the top floor, with every luxury you can imagine.

    "

    Alice''s heart sank, but she tried to mask her emotions.

    "Oh.

    I''ve never stayed in a honeymoon suite.

    I should try it sometime.

    "

    Herment seemed to touch a nerve in Caden.

    He stirred, his voice high-pitched.

    ¡°What is this? Have you be bold after the fall? You were so shy when I installed a mirror in the living room, remember? How shy would you be in a real bridal suite?¡±

    Aliceughed softly, trying to deflect the tension.

    ¡°With someone else, I might be more adventurous.

    ¡±

    Caden¡¯s smile instantly disappeared.

    His hand on her waist tightened, and his voice turned low with frustration.

    ¡°With someone else?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Alice replied coldly.

    ¡°You seem very much in love with Miss Moss, don¡¯t you? I don¡¯t want to intrude.

    After all, there are plenty of other options.

    ¡±

    He sneered, brushing her hair aside to stare intently at her neck.

    Alicia felt the heat of his gaze, her blood stirring under his attention.

    Still, he persisted and asked, ¡°Is the suite expensive?¡±

    Caden grumbled through gritted teeth.

    ¡°Why? Are you nning to experience it with another man in the same suite as me?¡±

    Alicia raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°There may be cameras in ces like this, but I¡¯m sure the suite you stayed in was perfectly safe, right, Mr.

    Ward?¡±

    For a moment, Caden was speechless.

    He cocked his head and then, without warning, bit her neck.

    Alice writhed in pain, her vision blurred by the intensity of the pain.

    He quickly released himself, licking the spot before she could regain consciousness.

    Alice pushed him away, disgust evident in her eyes.

    ¡°How dirty.

    ¡±

    Her entire body shuddered in response, her breathing shaky at the suddenness of his actions.

    Caden replied, ¡°Of course there are many other options, but after being with someone as skilled as me, who else could truly satisfy you?¡±

    Alice snapped, "That''s none of your business.

    Mind your own business.

    Sleep with all the women you like.

    "

    Caden¡¯s grip tightened around her waist.

    He pressed her hips forward, his voice low andmanding as he whispered in her ear, ¡°Do you feel that? If I was with someone else, would you still have such a strong reaction?¡±

 Chapter 228

    ?Chapter 228:

    Alice''s throat was cut, but the wound was not serious.

    After two days of rest, only a faint pink scar remained.

    Her skin was still sensitive.

    Caden pressed his lips against the scar.

    His kiss was soft, deliberate, and almost yful.

    The warmth of his mouth seemed to carry some kind of magic, slowly dissolving Alicia¡¯s defenses until her resistance vanished.

    Before long, she found herself clutching his shirt, torn between pulling away and wanting more.

    Caden took that moment to deepen the kiss, bing more demanding, seeking more with each passing moment.

    Alice put her arms around his neck, her hands slowly moving up until her fingers tangled in his hair, lightly brushing the wound on the back of his neck.

    Caden loosened his grip a little.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt,¡± he said, pulling her closer again.

    Their heartbeats began to sync up, as if their hearts were beating in unison.

    Alice felt tears welling up inside her.

    ¡°Thank you, Caden,¡± she murmured sincerely.

    He had saved her again.

    When Joshua had her, she had given up on everything, even the will to survive.

    She was ready to die.

    But the moment Caden showed up, relief washed over her, and for the first time, she truly believed things would be okay.

    Caden grabbed her face and their noses almost touched.

    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t gotten here in time, did you have a n?¡±

    Alice shook her head.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t have it.

    ¡±

    Caden¡¯s expression darkened.

    ¡°When you were unconscious, I asked Cliff what happened.

    Monica was used as bait, right?¡±

    Alice nodded.

    ¡°She got into this mess because of me.

    ¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself.

    Joshua is responsible.

    Even if you had given in, he wouldn¡¯t have forgiven Monica,¡± Caden said firmly.

    Alice realized he was right.

    Some people simply harbored malice.

    But at that moment, her fear had taken over, clouding her judgment.

    If you find yourself in a situation like this again, contact the police immediately.

    Don¡¯t hesitate.

    No matter what threats are made against you, don¡¯t get involved.

    Sacrificing yourself to save another person is the worst thing you could do.

    Understand?

    Alice couldn''t agree right away.

    "I can''t," she admitted quietly.

    The idea of ??sitting idly by while Monica was in danger was unbearable.

    Caden understood her doubts and didn''t push her any further.

    He knew she would understand in time.

    Everyone needs time to grow.

    He would be there to guide her.

    Alice finally broke the silence.

    ¡°It¡¯s one thing to avoid danger, but what if something happens anyway? What if someone attacks and I have no escape? What am I supposed to do?¡±

    Caden looked at her.

    ¡°Did you pick it all up from the trainer I hired?¡±

    "I did it, but what if I''m outnumbered?"

    ¡°When we get back, I¡¯ll set up a personalized training course for you.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    Once youplete it, you¡¯ll be ready for anything.

    ¡±

    Alicia couldn''t help butugh under her breath.

    She hadn''t expected to face such challenges, but it never hurt to be prepared.

    Their conversation slowly faded away as their kisses deepened.

    Feeling exhausted, Alice whispered, ¡°We can¡¯t go on like this.

    We should stop.

    ¡±

    Caden''s lips brushed hers again, his gaze unforgiving.

    Being with him made Alicia think about things she had only seen in explicit movies.

    Her body reacted, but she gently pushed him away, turning to the side.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to sleep.

    It will pass.

    ¡±

    Caden never believed in forcing himself on her.

    Although he could be relentless at times, pestering her again and again for intimacy, Alicia often teased him, calling him a greedy animal.

    She couldn''t deny that she enjoyed it, though.

    If she hadn''t, she wouldn''t have let him get away with it every time.

    He held her for a moment longer, but then, aware of her injuries, he decided to stop.

    He stood up and went to the bathroom to take care of his things.

    The bathroom was freezing cold without heat, but he didn''t seem to mind.

    Alice knew exactly what he was doing and waited silently.

    Finally, unable to resist, she slid out of bed, clutching her waist, and opened the bathroom door.

    The lights were off and the only sound in the room was herbored breathing.

    Through the darkness, he looked at her.

    ¡°What are you doing here? Do you feel sorry for me?¡± His voice was rough.

    ¡°If so, you better think twice before taking another step.

    If you¡¯re not ready, go back to bed.

    Even your scent could make me lose control.

    ¡±

    Alicia hesitated, sensing the tension between them.

    She struggled with her thoughts for a moment before taking a deliberate step forward.

    With that step, Caden stood up and picked her up in his arms.

    Alice shivered and kissed him.

    Caden kissed back for a long moment before murmuring, ¡°Let¡¯s go to bed so you can take care of me properly.

    ¡±

    He wasn''t one to hold back.

    In fact, he''d been wanting to do it for a while.

    When the time came, he realized that he hadn''t prepared as well as he thought and was almost embarrassed.

    But he managed to keep hisposure until Alice waspletely exhausted.

    By then, he was satisfied.

    Alice looked at him with narrowed eyes, refusing to say a word.

    Caden''s gaze showed that he still wanted her.

    "Did it taste good?"

    Alicia red at him.

    ¡°I should cut it off.

    ¡±

    ¡°Then you¡¯d never feel this good again,¡± Caden mocked.

    "You are useful in other ways," Alice replied scornfully.

    Caden caught the underlying meaning in her words.

    Heughed to himself.

    It had never urred to him to serve a woman.

    But now, instead of being discouraged by the idea, he felt a strange curiosity.

    Well¡­ Maybe he was going crazy.

 Chapter 229

    ?Chapter 229:

    Alice spent a quiet night.

    When she woke up the next day around noon, Caden was nowhere to be found.

    She quickly got dressed and headed out.

    The innkeeper was at the door, epting a delivery.

    Caden stood nearby, dressed in a long ck down jacket, looking casual and with one hand in his pocket.

    Although the snow had stopped, the wind was still howling fiercely.

    Alice wrapped herself up warmly and sat down.

    Caden had also received a delivery: several sets of clothes and various necessities.

    The innkeeper, seeing the boxes of medicines among the items, raised an eyebrow and said, ¡°These are high-quality medicines.

    Who sent them?¡±

    ¡°A friend,¡± Caden replied bluntly.

    ¡°Impressive,¡± the innkeeper said with a smile.

    ¡°They¡¯re not easy to find, even with money.

    Are these for your girlfriend?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Caden replied without hesitation.

    Alice was surprised.

    She did not correct the innkeeper''s assumption.

    As Caden turned to carry the packages inside, he noticed Alicia.

    She had been in his room for two days and looked paler, visibly thinner.

    Her small face looked even more delicate in the cold light.

    Caden walked over to her.

    ¡°Does your back still hurt?¡±

    Alice hesitated, unsure of how much to say.

    ¡°It still hurts,¡± she replied, trying to hide the pain.

    She quickly changed the subject.

    ¡°Did you have someone send the medicine?¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow and casually put the medicine back in his pocket.

    Alice watched him with a knowing smile, recognizing the frustration on his face, the fact that she couldn''t keep this from him any longer.

    ¡°Was it Hank who sent them?¡± he asked, slowly getting to the point.

    ¡°Delivery was pretty quick.

    ¡±

    The wind whipped around them, so Caden wrapped his coat around her as they headed back inside.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk inside,¡± he suggested.

    Alicia replied, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter where we talk, Caden.

    You said the weather was very hard and the road was blocked, so we couldn¡¯t leave.

    How did you manage to get the medicine delivered to you?¡±

    It was clear to her that Caden''s excuse was just that: an excuse.

    It was clear that he wanted to spend more time here.

    Now that they had the best medication for her fractures and back pain, by tomorrow, she could bepletely at his mercy.

    Was he keeping her here thinking that a change of location would make things more exciting between them?

    Caden entered the room and closed the door behind them.

    He wasted no time in asking, ¡°Does your mouth still hurt?¡±

    Alice immediately became defensive.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it!¡±

    Caden smirked.

    It wasn''t his decision.

    He unzipped his pants, ready to proceed, when a knock on the door interrupted him.

    He paused, then reluctantly zipped up his pants.

    With a sigh, he walked to the door and opened it.

    The innkeeper stood with a box in his hand.

    ¡°Mr.

    Ward, you left something behind,¡± he said with a knowing smile.

    ¡°Young people have a lot of energy, but be careful: your girlfriend is still recovering.

    ¡±

    Caden epted the box, thanking her calmly.

    Alicia, however, had a bad feeling.

    ¡°What else did you buy?¡± she asked, her voice heavy with suspicion.

    Without a shred of shame, Caden replied, ¡°A box of condoms.

    ¡±

    Alice was stunned.

    ¡°A whole box?¡±

    Caden fought back a smile, but kept a straight face.

    ¡°Yeah, there are 150 condoms inside.

    ¡±

    Alice was speechless.

    She remained silent for a few moments before taking a step back and starting to search for something.

    Caden raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°What are you looking for?¡±

    ¡°My phone,¡± Alice replied without missing a beat.

    ¡°I¡¯m calling the police to get me out of here.

    ¡±

    Caden remained unfazed.

    ¡°Wherever you go, we¡¯ll still have to use those condoms first.

    Now, lie down on the bed,¡± he ordered, opening the box.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Alicia was stunned.

    ¡°Caden, have you gone crazy? My back still hurts.

    ¡±

    Caden pulled out a tube of ointment and waved it in front of her.

    ¡°Even if your back didn¡¯t hurt, I¡¯m too busy to do anything with you right now.

    ¡±

    Alice was speechless.

    Too nervous to look at him directly, she turned away and fiddled with the tablecloth.

    Caden clicked his tongue in annoyance.

    ¡°What are you ying with? Get on the bed.

    ¡±

    The room was cozy, and Alicia lifted her thin shirt, revealing her smooth, slender waist.

    Initially, Caden had no improper thoughts.

    But as soon as shey down, her mind began to wander.

    She didn''t rush to apply the ointment.

    Instead, she allowed herself to enjoy the feel of her skin for a moment.

    Alicia bit her lip, burying her face in her pillow.

    Caden knew how sensitive she was to touch, and it had been a while since they had been intimate.

    A small gesture could easily ignite a me.

    He gave in to his impulses and leaned in to kiss her.

    Alicia raised her head slightly, and Caden was satisfied, letting his hands wander under her clothes.

    She didn''t resist.

    ¡°Why are you so amodating?¡± he asked.

    Alice''s eyes were shining with unshed tears.

    In the softest tone, he spoke the harshest words.

    ¡°You won¡¯t be able to do anything anyway.

    If you¡¯re okay with being frustrated, go ahead.

    ¡±

    Caden remained silent, adjusting his demeanor.

    He squeezed out some ointment and began applying it to the bruises.

    Alice could sense his patience as he carefully massaged the sore spots over and over again.

    It wasn''t like him.

    Shey there in silence, a small smile on her lips.

    Then, teasing him, she said, ¡°You¡¯re definitely making an effort to have sex sooner.

    ¡±

    Caden heard the sarcasm in her voice, but he didn''t deny it.

    Alice learned a lesson.

    To continue receiving his attention, he knew he had to maintain his worth.

    His physical attraction was undeniable, but one day, it would inevitably fade.

    To remain relevant, he needed to grow in every aspect of his life.

    She looked at Caden, imagining him being admired by many, making headlines and shining under the spotlight.

    Caden noticed her gaze.

    "What''s wrong?" he asked.

    Alice calmly replied, ¡°Your actions have made me realize something.

    ¡±

    "And what about?" he asked.

    "I need to be strong and self-sufficient, so that no one can take advantage of me.

    "

    Caden instinctively replied, ¡°With a man like me by your side, no one will dare to bully you.

    ¡±

    Alicia smiled softly.

    ¡°When I married Joshua, he promised me the same thing.

    ¡±

    Caden noticed the mocking yet determined expression on her face, feeling a moment of unease.

    She hade to her own conclusions, she no longer ced the same trust and dependence on him as she had before.

 Chapter 230

    ?Chapter 230:

    The expensive medicine worked its magic.

    After two days of applying it, Alice''s pain hadpletely subsided.

    Still, Caden was not hasty.

    He joked that it felt like being in a candy store but not being able to touch a single piece, though he understood his own strength.

    One wrong move could cause a lot of damage, and so he held back.

    A few more days wouldn''t hurt.

    That night they sat together in the small room, half-watching a film projected on the wall, but neither of them was really concentrating on it.

    Outside, the rain was falling hard, apanied by lightning.

    Alicia noticed how restless Caden seemed with the storm outside.

    She calmly closed the curtains to block out the shes of light.

    Caden was talking on the phone, asionally answering with a simple, ¡°OK.

    ¡± Alicia leaned closer and turned down the volume on the movie.

    ¡°Did the money arrive?¡± Caden asked.

    ¡°Okay, thanks.

    ¡± The conversation ended.

    Alice asked, "What kind of money is so important that it would attract your attention, Mr.

    Ward? Are we talking about tens of billions?"

    Caden pulled her into his arms, a slight smile on his lips.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that much.

    Just a little over fifteen million dors.

    ¡±

    Alice sensed his deep concern about money, and her curiosity grew.

    ¡°Is thepany in trouble?¡±

    Caden replied, ¡°It¡¯s not my money.

    It belongs to you.

    ¡±

    Alice was momentarily stunned.

    ¡°Mine?¡±

    If it really belonged to him, that amount would be a fortune.

    ¡°Is this from the product I worked onst time?¡± His eyes lit up.

    ¡°Did I get a bonus?¡±

    Caden replied, ¡°If it was a bonus, it would be a lot bigger than that.

    ¡±

    "So what money are we talking about?" asked Alice, piqued by curiosity.

    Caden raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m just going to give you the answer like that?¡±

    Without hesitation, Alice leaned in and pressed her lips to his.

    Caden craved more than just a quick kiss.

    He grabbed the back of her neck and deepened the kiss, losing himself in the moment.

    After what seemed like an eternity, he finally pulled away, his voice low: ¡°This is the first payment into yourpany¡¯s ount since you opened your gallery.

    ¡±

    Alicia was surprised.

    ¡°But I had an ident and I didn¡¯t do the paperwork.

    How is that possible?¡±

    ¡°I took care of everything for you,¡± Caden replied, his eyes genuine.

    ¡°This money is yours, earned through your hard work.

    It may not be a huge amount, but there are more projects on the way.

    Be patient.

    ¡±

    Alicia smiled, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

    She hadn¡¯t gotten this far alone.

    Her stubbornness to save face and past betrayals had made her distrustful of men.

    But Caden understood her, and that understanding had guided his approach to supporting her toward financial independence.

    As they watched the movie, the thunder outside grew louder.

    Caden, feeling uneasy, seemed reluctant tomit to anything given the storm.

    Alice tried to calm him down.

    Without words, she took his hand and rubbed it gently before putting her arms around him.

    She talked about happy things, trying to distract him and take his attention away from the storm.

    Caden understood her intentions.

    ¡°It¡¯s just thunder.

    It¡¯s nothing serious,¡± he assured her.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Alice stared at him.

    ¡°I know what you¡¯re afraid of.

    ¡±

    The thunderstorm urred on the day his mother passed away.

    That memory had haunted him ever since, leaving asting impact on his life.

    Caden kept his expression neutral.

    ¡°Focus on the movie.

    It¡¯s almost finished and you haven¡¯t seen a single moment of it.

    ¡±

    Alicia bit her lip and settled into hisp, her body rxed against him.

    Caden looked at herzily, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

    ¡°Does your back still hurt?¡± Caden asked, his tone soft.

    Alice''s cheeks flushed and her gaze shifted.

    "I don''t like rainy days either.

    After my parents'' ident, it rained constantly.

    "

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Can you only talk when you¡¯re sitting on myp?¡± he teased, though he hadn¡¯t meant to pressure her.

    His charm was hard to resist.

    She knew he was dealing with his own inner turmoil.

    Alice remained silent, but leaned down and pressed her lips against his.

    Caden couldn''t resist and kissed her back, increasing the heat between them.

    With new courage, Alice whispered, "Caden, I want him.

    "

    Caden looked into her clear, serious eyes, feeling a tightness in his chest.

    ¡°Why do you suddenly feel capable of this?¡±

    Alice knew he could sense the change in her.

    So she asked, ¡°Is this something you want, too?¡±

    Caden paused for a moment before replying pointedly, ¡°Not really.

    Miss Bet, show me what you got.

    ¡±

    Alicia was shocked, her mind racing.

    She looked down, her hips swaying slightly as she looked down.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to jump out of your pants,¡± he joked, a yful smile on his lips.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want this, Mr.

    Ward?¡±

    "No," he replied calmly.

    Alice forced a smile, quickly sliding off hisp and heading for the door.

    Caden frowned, confused.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    Alice was not angry.

    She was simply looking for the innkeeper.

    Caden stood by the door, watching her as she entered the innkeeper''s room.

    He noticed that she stayed inside for over ten minutes before she finally emerged, wrapped up tightly in her coat.

    Caden was curious.

    ¡°Did you get any advice?¡±

    Alice slouched a little as she walked back inside.

    Once the door closed, she removed her coat, revealing the dress she was wearing underneath.

    His gaze darkened with intensity as he watched her.

    Alicia''s smoothplexion made her look stunning in anything she wore.

    Even a simple, yful outfit exuded charm.

    She tried to look confident, but a slight blush appeared on her cheeks.

    ¡°She sells these, so I picked one that fits me well¡­¡± she said, pulling out a headband adorned with cat ears and cing it on her head.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± she asked, nervously tugging at the hem of her dress.

    ¡°Do you like it?¡±

    Caden remained silent, his expression tense as he closed the door.

    His chest rose and fell with heavy breaths, a sign of his growing tension.

    Alice braced herself, knowing her teasing had taken it too far.

    Unsure of her ability to use seductive words, she wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, "Do you like it?"

    Caden¡¯s voice was low, with a hint of frustration.

    ¡°You¡¯re driving me crazy, you hussy.

    ¡±

    Alicia pressed her face against his neck, feeling the warmth of his skin under her lips.

    Outside, the storm was raging: rain, snow and thunder mixed together to create a charged atmosphere.

    Inside, the room seemed to grow warmer by the moment.

    Alice spoke softly, between shallow breaths: ¡°From now on, when there is thunder and rain, I want to be the only one on your mind.

    ¡±

    Caden paused, finally understanding why he had been so daring tonight.

 Chapter 231

    ?<strong>Chapter 231:</strong>

    Caden poured all his intense emotions into his actions, knowing that Alicia couldn''t handle too many things at once. A two-on-one rhythm was set. For every two rounds, they rested for an hour. The long winter night stretched on for more than ten hours, and Caden made sure to use the time efficiently, meeting his needs without overtaxing Alicia. Despite his attempts to be considerate, she fell into a deep sleep in the morning.

    Caden, for his part, only slept for two hours before waking up. He epted the breakfast served by the innkeeper, who couldn''t help but notice his energy. You have impressive stamina, young man! Shemented, amazed that after such an intense night, he was already on his feet.

    Caden didn''t bother showing false humility. It''s the advantage of being young, he responded with a smile. At twenty-five, even staying up all night was not much of a challenge for him.

    After breakfast, he sat by the window to work online. In the afternoon, a ray of sunlight filtered in, casting a soft glow on his keyboard. He looked up and was pleasantly surprised by the sunny weather, unusual for this time of year: an unexpected blessing. His gaze drifted towards the woman sleeping in the bed and a smile appeared on his lips.

    At that moment his phone rang, interrupting the moment.

    He answered with a carefree What''s wrong?

    Gerry''s voice was heard, worried. You''re okay

    They had talked a few days before, and Caden had assured her that everything was fine, asking her not to visit him. But after a few days, Gerry''s concern had prompted him to call again.

    Yes. We''ll be back in a couple of days, Caden replied.

    Gerry let out a sigh of relief, but then he caught something unusual in Caden''s tone. It''s already afternoon. Why do you sound like you just woke up? You''ve fallen asleep

    Yes, I slept a little today, Caden replied, sounding cheerful.

    Gerry scoffed: You''ve been put under a spell by Alicia. Your time. It''s usually more valuable than gold, and yet here you are, lingering in bed.

    Cadenughed. That''s pretty urate.

    Gerry was surprised by Caden''s sincerity. But the day after tomorrow is Thanksgiving. You''re noting back. You''re really going to have a hard time at the bottom of that mountain.

    Caden didn''t care about those traditions. Yes.

    Come on, join us. Bring Alicia, Gerry insisted. I was eager to see the softer side of Caden, as I had never seen him act like that with anyone. Comes back. Let''s hang out. I''ll even cover you all night.

    Caden''s voice was cold. No. I''m going to end the call.Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Gerry pleaded, Come on! I''m practically begging.

    Caden paused for a moment before asking bluntly: Do you have feelings for me?

    Gerry answered without hesitation: Not in this life. I only like women. Maybe in the next life.

    Caden''s question had caught him off guard, but heughed. Thanks, but no. Even if you liked men in the next life, I wouldn''t like you.

    Then, Caden ended the call.

    Taking advantage of the energy of Thanksgiving, Alicia came up with some ideas for a special event. She drafted a detailed proposal and sent it to her assistant.

    Upon learning of Alicia''s recent ident, her assistant expressed some concern before saying: Ms. Bet, I can take care of this n. You don''t have to work so hard.

    Alicia smiled and answered: It''s okay. Now I have some free time. Next year I''ll be busier, and then I''ll let you take the reins.

    Caden entered the room and found Alicia smiling happily.

    Who are you talking to, she asked, ncing at her phone.

    Alicia quickly finished the conversation with her assistant and ended the call.

    Just discussing some gallery matters with my assistant, Alice murmured, moving slightly under the nket.

    Caden asked, without thinking: Is your assistant a man or a woman?

    A woman, Alicia answered. He just graduated, but he is very intelligent and has a kind nature.

    Caden''s expression softened. Okay.

    Alicia brought herptop over to show him the n she had written. With his extensive business experience, Caden quickly spotted some minor problems. Alicia, always quick on her feet, made the adjustments without dy.

    Caden was thoughtful. Today is Thanksgiving. How about we bathe in hot springs, he suggested.

    Alicia seemed surprised. There are hot springs here.

    Yes, he answered. Not only hot springs, but also fireworks.

    Aliciay down in the hot water, her eyes wide with amazement. This ce is so remote, practically abandoned. It''s just the two of us. Why there are fireworks

    Caden hugged her from behind, their bodies pressed together. Fireworks on Thanksgiving Day aren''t that unusual.

    Alicia timidly sshed the water and asked, "You made them?" Caden smiled, knowing that she didn''t mind. He realized everything he had orchestrated. I did it. In such an isted ce, there are usually no fireworks. I prepared them yesterday.

    He let his thoughts wander. There is an even more spectacr spectacle. Do you want to see it

    Alicia was curious and her eyes lit up with interest. Where When

    Right now.

    He turned her over and gently lifted her to the edge of the hot spring. Grabbing her soft legs, he put them over his shoulders and knelt down.

    Alicia realized what she was about to do. She gasped, quickly biting her hand to muffle the sound.

    I wasn''t prepared for this. The intense sensations made her close her eyes, her mind burning with the metaphorical fireworks that Caden had promised.

    .

    .

    .

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 Chapter 232

    ?<strong>Chapter 232:</strong>

    After the fireworks, Alicia leaned on Caden, staring at him, dazed. She couldn''t identify the liquid on her lips.

    Alicia was embarrassed and quickly wiped it away.

    What is this for, Alicia asked, her body on fire. She had never imagined that he would do something like that for her. Why didn''t you talk to me about it first.

    Cadenughed softly. It was really necessary to talk about something like that

    How I should have talked to you, he joked, his voice low and seductive. I should have said: Allow me a taste, Miss Bet

    Alicia''s cheeks reddened with embarrassment. He quickly covered her mouth, feeling her warm breath against his hand.

    Caden was drawn to her shy demeanor, unable to contain himself any longer. Come on. Let''s continue with the fireworks.

    He turned it around, and they headed to the main event.

    When they returned, Alicia had fallen asleep. Caden wrapped her in his warm down jacket and carried her back to the inn.

    As soon as they arrived, his phone rang. He looked at the caller ID and squinted. Feeling Alicia move in his arms, Caden gently ced her on the bed and covered her ears with a piece of clothing before answering the call.

    Ynda''s voice was heard. Caden, I thought you weren''t taking my calls anymore. You''re fine. I tried calling you several times before, but you didn''t answer. I was worried something had happened to you.

    Make it quick, Caden replied coldly.

    His tone wavered as Ynda''s heart sank. I called my father a few days ago and we resolved the problem we had. The initial program is ready. You can try it when youe back. She began to cough, a deep, persistent cough that made her sound like she was very sick.

    Caden was silent for a few seconds, his thoughts distant.

    Thank you for your effort. , he responded, with a formal and distant voice.

    Ynda continued coughing for a while until she finally stopped. Then, with a smile and a hoarse voice, he said: Don''t worry. I have always had poor health. It''s been like this since I was a little girl...

    Make sure you go to the hospital soon, Caden suggested. You can request reimbursement of your medical expenses from the financial department.

    Ynda was taken aback, a bitter feeling came over her.

    Caden, I¡­, she began, but before she could finish , the call ended. With the phone on silent, Ynda was ovee with a wave of bitterness.

    She vividly remembered how desperate Caden had be when he learned that Alicia was in danger. I knew he had been with Alicia this whole time. I wasn''t jealous. I wasn''t hurt. Of course I was. But there were more important matters.

    He had made mistakes - answering Alicia''s call with Caden''s phone without permission and lying about it. She had to correct those mistakes first.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Just then, Dorian called her.

    Ynda looked at the screen but wasn''t in the mood to talk, so she hung up.

    Dorian sent her a message: You''ve spoken to Caden.

    Ynda responded with a simple Yes.

    Dorian, sitting in the living room, put down the phone and sighed. I don''t understand what you think. She keeps lowering the bar for a man.

    For years, Ynda had been very loved by her family. She was his spoiled child, she always got what she wanted. However, her infatuation with Caden seemed to have charmed her, causing her to lose sight of herself.

    Ynda''s mother, Regina Moss, heard her words and smiled. You are not the one who has spoiled her. You exhort her to be sensible, but behind the scenes you stoop to forming an alliance with the Ward family. She knows you adore her, which is why she acts so willingly.

    Dorian''s lips tightened and his face took on a serious expression.

    He knew Regina was right, but Ynda was his only daughter and he loved her deeply. What else could she do but fulfill her wishes

    Regina went to get a bottle of headache pills and was about to open it when Dorian intercepted her. Regina, let me do that.

    Regina looked down. Dorian, Ynda is already an adult and has her own ns. We should not control it. Let us not interfere further in his personal affairs.

    Dorian''s face was unreadable. If I don''t help her, Caden will be in a lot of pain.

    We''ve seen Caden grow up. We know his character, Regina argued. If he cares about Ynda, that''s wonderful. If not, we can''t force him.

    Dorian''s headache intensified. He frowned deeply, filling the room with tension.

    And if I decide to be unfair, he asked.

    Regina looked at him dispassionately. Then I won''t force you.

    He paused, feeling the tension between them. He tried to reach out to hug her, but Regina stood up and walked away. She didn''t even touch the hem of her clothes.

    After returning to town, Alicia went directly to see Monica.

    Monica had been bitten on the calf, leaving a deep wound. which exposed the bone. After a week in the hospital, he was back home. Lennon had arranged for a family doctor to treat her.

    Alicia appeared with a gift. At first, Lennon had med Alicia, but his anger faded after learning what she had been through. Still, she couldn''t smile.

    Alicia was full of remorse and sincerely apologized. He went in to see Monica while Lennon told the servant to put the gift away. He looked at it and felt something didn''t fit.

    Wait. Bring it here so I can see it.

    He opened the box and found a heavy solid gold ornament. The gold was finely worked.

    The gold itself was nothing special, but the pearl in the center was truly impressive. With his keen eye, Lennon instantly recognized the pearl as a rare Ward family piece.

    Caden was known for collecting rare items to curry favor, but Lennon had never expected to receive one himself. He was surprised, excited, and then a chill ran through him. The gift was from Alicia, and Caden hadn''t shown up or said anything. However, the intent was clear.

    Caden was trying to make up for his mistake, and Lennon should be smart enough to recognize the effort. Taking a deep breath, Lennon quickly gave instructions to the housekeeper: Go buy the finest and most expensive ingredients. Prepare a feast and treat Alice like an honored guest.

    .

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 Chapter 233

    ?<strong>Chapter 233:</strong>

    In the bedroom, Alicia and Monica were talking deeply. Both had been on the verge of losing their lives, but Monica, always carefree, shrugged her shoulders. She assured Alicia that next month she would be the same as always. Alicia smiled, feeling relief.

    The evidence of Joshua''s crime has been verified and the police are acting. Neither the Green family nor the Yates family can protect him, Alicia said.

    Monica stayed positive. I guess we owe him thanks for his disgraceful behavior. They exchanged a knowing smile.

    Just then, a doctor knocked on the door and came in to change Monica''s bandages. Monica paled a little, but tried to maintain herposure.

    Alicia, why don''t you go out to eat something. The smell of the medicine is not very pleasant, she suggested.

    Alicia did note out. When the bandages were removed, he saw the serious wound on Monica''s calf. The sight of the blood and Monica''s pale face, along with her inaudible moans of pain, brought tears to Alicia''s eyes. She remained at Monica''s side for several hours, in silence.

    I''m fine, Alicia, Monica tried to reassure her. It''s just a piece of meat. He''ll heal eventually.

    Alicia''s gaze remained steady as she softly responded, I''ll make things go well for you.

    When Alicia visited the police station, she ran into Caden. He was talking to the sergeant, and next to him was awyer.

    Alicia immediately recognized the well-knownwyer. It was Jeffrey Benson. At that moment, Jeffrey was respectfully handing some documents to the police sergeant. After their discussion, they went out and Caden noticed Alicia.

    Her features were impressive, giving off a sense of authority. What brings you here, he asked.

    Alicia replied: I need the help of the police to locate something.

    Jeffrey, realizing the unusual atmosphere that existed between them, said goodbye and he left.

    Alicia watched him walk away, admiring his sure step.

    Caden casuallymented: You like I have WhatsApp. I can send you his IDter.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Alicia snapped back to reality, unaware of the slight jealousy in his voice. Curious, he asked: You hired him for a case.

    Caden hesitated. A case

    Yes, there is a case to solve.

    Alicia had her own issues to solve, so she didn''t press the issue.

    I''ll catch up with you morete, he said, and then added, ¡°Wait for me outside.¡±

    Caden raised an eyebrow. You''re giving me orders.

    Alicia entered the police station without saying another word. After taking care of his needs, he left the police station and got into Caden''s car. Once inside, he immediately asked: Did you hire Jeffrey to handle Joshua''s case?

    Caden confirmed with a shake of his head.

    How did you do it? I heard you didn''t. Has not taken any cases in recent years.

    Caden smiled and replied: I asked for your help and you agreed to coborate.

    She paused, surprised. So influential was Caden

    Alicia considered his wealth and assumed that he must havepensated Jeffrey handsomely.

    How much did he pay him, she asked, curious. Someone like him must earn tens of millions of dors.

    I pay him an annual sry of 80 million dors after taxes.

    Alicia was stunned. Her eyes widened.

    He''s yourpany''s in-housewyer, she asked, incredulously.

    Caden calmly replied: Yes, he''s been at Blizzard Group for two years.< /p>

    Alicia suddenly remembered a past conversation with Caden, in which she had mocked him for his inability to hire Jeffrey. It turned out that she was the one who was wrong.

    Alicia smiled awkwardly and said: That''s quite remarkable.

    This world was really a yground for capitalists. Without dwelling on her difort, Caden asked her: What did you need at the police station?

    I''m looking for a dog, she responded, referring to the one that had bitten Monica.

    Caden didn''t ask any more. He took her to the gallery.

    During the journey, he received a call from the Joy mansion. They informed him that Ynda was unwell and requested his return.

    Is it serious, Caden asked with a frown. You called a doctor.

    He spoke openly, allowing Alicia to hear the entire conversation. She, wisely, chose to remain silent and limited herself to looking out the window.

    I understand. I''ll be back shortly, Caden said, ending the call with a serious expression.

    Alicia did not intrude with questions.

    When they reached the gallery, Alicia got out and Caden left. At the Joy Mansion, Ynda''s room was packed with doctors.

    Ynda kept coughing, and upon seeing Caden, Ciara exined: We''ve already been to the hospital. His weakness is a long-standing problem, and it is not something that can be cured quickly. He needs time to recover. He caught a cold from workingte and now has a slight fever.

    In short, the situation was not critical, but since his illness was work-rted - and involved Caden - Ciara felt it necessary to call him .

    Caden took off his coat and approached Ynda. Ynda coughed so violently that she bent over, eyes closed, and spat out a mouthful of blood.

    Caden pursed his lips. Take her to the hospital, he ordered.

    Ynda raised her head when she heard his voice and her eyes lit up briefly. He wiped away the blood and said calmly: I''m fine... Caden.

    The doctors left to organize the transfer to the hospital. Ynda sat up and looked at him carefully. His eyes were red as he smiled. I''m very well. It was just a cold. But Ciara was so worried that she insisted that youe.

    She paused, then added with a touch of resentment, ''I''ve bothered you by rushing back. Mrs. Bet... will me me.

    p>

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 Chapter 234

    ?<strong>Chapter 234:</strong>

    Caden was not happy.

    What did this have to do with Alicia

    Why would he Let''s do it

    Ynda said softly - I just found out about your rtionship with Miss Bet. Now that you''re back because of me, I''m worried that he might get the wrong idea about us.

    Caden replied nonchntly: You''re overthinking it.

    Ynda remained silent.

    I was exining it to him

    I was assuring him that there was nothing between him and Alicia

    It seemed that his rtionship with Alicia was in question. However, in the next moment, Caden added: There is nothing between you and me, so there will be no misunderstanding.

    Ynda remained silent.

    Shortly after, the doctors returned and they interrupted the silence.

    Ynda refused to go to the hospital.

    Shey down again and said: Going to the hospital won''t change anything. I''ll just rest here. Caden, if there is a problem with the chip, you can consult me.

    Caden did not insist.

    Get some rest. Don''t worry about work now.

    She left her bedroom.

    When the door closed, Ynda grabbed the nket tightly, feeling frustrated and listless.< p>Caden came out and found Ciara waiting for him.

    Everything is fineCopyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Yes, Caden answered. I''ve gotten the best doctor toe.

    Ciara nced at him. I am aware of Ynda''s condition. I''m asking how you are.

    I''m fine, he answered.

    And she. Ciara continued probing.

    Caden hesitated. She almost fell into his trap.

    He simply said, Gossip isn''t your thing.

    Ciara was a little disappointed that he had realized it so quickly.

    Why hadn''t it taken him a little longer to realize?

    You spent a week with that girl at the foot of the mountain and you missed Thanksgiving dinner with me. It''s clear you have feelings for her. So why not bring her home Ciara asked. You''re worried about Ynda.

    Caden looked indifferent. How should I introduce her to you?

    You are in love and everything fits. What do you think

    You''re giving it too much importance, Caden responded. I hadn''t thought that far ahead. When the timees, I''ll introduce her to you.

    It seems like he never thought to introduce me to the girl...and he never will, Ciara thought.

    She expressed her frustration. I think you''re just having fun and avoiding responsibility. You don''t care about the consequences one day. You take care of the Yates family''s affairs just to please that girl, right. If you wanted to confront Joshua, you could have done it the day you came back. You''ve been dragging this out for months just to win her over and make her happy, right.

    Caden looked at her. You''re pretty well informed.

    Ciara scoffed. You n to take on the Yates family head on this time.

    Caden put on his coat and gloves. Yes.

    Ciara walked him to the door. You''re either getting revenge for yourself or for her.

    Caden chuckled, his expression full of meaning. Both.

    He turned and left.

    Ciara watched him go, exhaling softly.

    Under the influence of the Yates family, Joshua he faced minimal consequences after his arrest.

    Caden had failed to act and Alicia had failed to report the incident, allowing Joshua to return to work at thepany a few dayster and resume his duties as usual. .

    The n to take thepany public He continued forward without interruption.

    The atmosphere of thepany continued to be one of harmony, ambition and diligence.

    Such pretension made Joshua lower his guard. He assumed that Alicia had moved on from the kidnapping incident.

    However, at the press conference, during his moment of triumph and arrogance, Jeffery made a dramatic entrance.

    In front of the media Reunited, Jeffery exposed Joshua''s crimes and filed a legal notice.

    Suddenly, the atmosphere changed dramatically. Those who had been praising Joshua now crowded around, buzzing with gossip and questions about the revtions.

    The camera shes made Joshua''s features appear almost unrecognizable.

    He tried to salvage his tarnished public image by ordering security to restore order.

    Then, with a somber expression, he told Jeffery: I''ll talk to Caden after the press conference. Waiting a little longer won''t kill you.

    Jeffery remained calm andposed. The next steps are not for you to decide, Mr. Yates. Mr. Ward wants to see you now. Please, this way.

    Frustrated, Joshua grabbed Jeffery by the neck.

    Do you realize how much I''ve invested in today? Do you know how much I''ve given up? you''ve ruined everything.

    When Joshua raised his voice, the cameras zoomed in.

    Jeffery kept hisposure and didn''t react. He simply said: Mr. Yates, try to preserve some dignity.

    In today''s digital age, viewers craved drama.

    The events of the day were destined to be viral. If Joshua continued to cause a scene, his offensive actions would tarnish the Yates family''s reputation for years.

    Joshua valued his reputation above all else. He held back his anger, forcing himself to calm down.

    Then, he left to join Caden.

    In the car, he mentally prepared himself for the confrontation.

    He left. He realized that his previous hopes had been foolish. Caden wouldn''t just let him get away. Furthermore, Caden was determined topletely dismantle their world, destroying it so thoroughly that it would be impossible to return.

    Joshuaughed bitterly despite his anger.

    He asked Jeffery: What does he think? make Caden Send me to jail

    Jeffery replied: That will depend on the court''s decision.

    Joshua scoffed: With my family and the Green family behind me, it''s going to be everything a challenge for him lock me up.

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 Chapter 235

    ?<strong>Chapter 235:</strong>

    Jeffery gave him a look.

    Enjoy your smiles while you can. You won''t have them when you see Mr. Ward.

    Joshua dismissed the warning with a mocking smile, refusing to believe the threat. Could Caden really despise him enough to kill him? If that were the case, Caden would have acted a long time ago. Joshua wasn''t going to give in, not until the situation became truly desperate.

    When the car stopped, two men who looked like bodyguards approached. Joshua assumed that Caden had at least been polite enough to send escorts to meet him.

    To his surprise, the moment he got out of the car, each man kicked him hard in the knees.< /p>

    Pain shot through his legs, almost making him fall to the ground, but he forced himself to stay upright, seething with anger. What the hell

    One of the bodyguards replied coldly: It''s a weing gesture from Mr. Ward. He sends his regards.

    Joshua gritted his teeth. A weing gesture It was clearly an insult intended to humiliate him. His knees hurt, as if they had been shattered, and he stumbled forward, almost falling to his knees.

    When he regained his bnce, his eyes fell on a nearbywn where Caden was carelessly ying golf. .

    With a calm and precise swing, Caden put the ball in the hole. At that precise moment, Joshua approached, his steps heavy with pain.

    Despite the pain in his legs, Joshua stood tall, refusing to look weak. He tried to project an aura of strength to match Caden''s, but Caden was taller, more imposing, and carried an air of authority that could not be denied.

    Caden''s dominance was not something inherited from Jerald, it was something born into him, a natural right of the Ward family.

    Removing his sunsses, Caden fixed his icy gaze on Joshua, his expression unreadable but brimming with indifference.

    Mr. Yates, he said in a calm but chilling tone, ¡°you have kept me waiting.¡±

    Joshua''s expression was intense. If you n to do something, do it. Stop acting.

    Almost immediately, one of the bodyguards gave him another brutal kick that forced him to kneel. Humiliation burned across his face as he knelt there, his pride crumbling under the weight of his situation.

    Caden looked at him in disgust and his lips curled into a sneer. Hit three more balls, he ordered coldly.

    The bodyguards wasted no time. They dragged Joshua to the other side, tied his hands and feet before hanging him from a pole. From a distance, he looked like a helpless scarecrow swaying in the wind.

    Caden grabbed his golf club and swung it with calcted precision. The ball pierced the air like a bullet, hitting Joshua directly in the right eye.

    The impact was devastating. Joshua''s vision went ck and blood began to flow from the wound.

    Undeterred, Caden wiped his golf club and turned to the person next to him. Mrs. Bet has arrived.

    We have contacted her. He''s on his way, was the response.

    Caden didn''t respond. He simply struck again, sending the second ball straight into Joshua''s other eye.

    Joshua screamed, his voice filled with rage and desperation. Caden, this will be your downfall!

    But his defiance meant nothing. It was as fleeting as dust blown in the wind.

    Without expression, Caden handed his golf club to someone else and walked away, his cold demeanor unwavering. He left thest ball for Alicia.

    Momentster, Alicia arrived, with a fierce-looking dog at her side. The animal was slender and menacing, with sharp eyes and teeth that shone like razors. He was handled by a professional trainer, although his intensity was palpable.

    Caden looked at the dog but chose not to question its purpose. Instead, he focused on Alicia, teaching her how to swing the golf club.

    Alicia had yed golf before, although it had been more than two years since herst game. Under Caden''s careful guidance, he quickly regained form, following his instructions on how to apply just the right amount of force.

    It didn''t take long for him to approach the hole, his strokes smooth and deliberate.

    Alicia looked at Joshua, who was sitting across from her. His bloody eyes were now hidden under thick bandages that concealed the damage.

    Oblivious to what had happened before, Alicia asked: Why are his eyes covered?

    Caden raised his head. , with a carefree and cold tone. I feel sorry for you. Seeing us so close would break her heart.

    Alicia was momentarily speechless. Caden''s ruthlessness was unwavering, a trait he could neither ignore nor fully ept.

    Gripping the club tighter, he asked hesitantly, Do you want me to hit him with the ball?

    Caden''s deep voice echoed close to her ear. Yes. Where would you like to hit him?

    Alicia''s gaze swept over Joshua as she hesitated. Finally, he said: No matter where I hit him, it won''t change his bad temper.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Caden chuckled, a low, chilling sound. Why show mercy in a game where the rich yed by their own brutal rules. He found her hesitation strangely endearing.

    He decided for her. How about you aim for his groin.

    Alicia blinked, momentarily confused. When his meaning became clear, he hesitated. I don''t want to do that.

    Caden stepped closer, his long fingers wrapping hers around the stick. His presence surrounded herpletely, leaving her no escape.

    If you want to protect yourself, you have to face harshness head-on and get used to it, he said, his voice firm and inflexible. If Joshua isn''t your target, someone else will be. Do you prefer it to be him or someone else.

    Alicia was left breathless. She understood his intention¡ªto toughen her against the cruelties of her world¡ªbut she forced herself to obey.

    Give me some time to prepare, he said quietly, trying to negotiate.

    The expression Caden''s face turned serious. Joshua gave you time to prepare.

    He held her gaze firmly. Hit him. I''ll take care of the consequences.

    Alicia pursed her lips, inhaling deeply. She knew that shecked the strength to truly harm Joshua on her own. But with Caden''s unwavering support, she realized that Joshua would not emerge unscathed.

    Then, as if sensing her hesitation, Caden gave him the final push. You remember He tried to attack Monica.

    Alicia''s pupils narrowed, her hesitation reced by a sh of anger.

    Caden, sensing the change, guided her hand, helping her move the stick with force.

    The ball flew with precision.

    From that moment on, Joshua''s manhood became a matter of past.

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 Chapter 236

    ?<strong>Chapter 236:</strong>

    Alice briefly closed her eyes, preparing herself for the horror.

    She expected to be repulsed by the gruesome scene unfolding before her. she. However, when Joshua''s anguished cry pierced the air, an unexpected wave of joy coursed through her.

    Betrayal, deception, years of maniption, and the coldness of her heart had weighed on her for too long. time. In that moment, it was as if those burdens were shed.

    At that moment he could not understand the depth of his hatred for Joshua. The more he suffered, the more he wanted tough.

    A small giggle escaped her lips, although tears threatened to spill from her eyes.

    Caden pulled her into a tight hug. . She trembled, her body unable to hide the storm of emotions she carried inside.

    If she found out that her parents had also been victims of Joshua''s cruelty, she would feelpelled to kill him

    Most likely.

    Killing him wouldn''t change anything. Joshua deserved all his suffering and justice was finally being served, no matter how brutal.

    If blood got on his hands, Caden would clean it off.

    He had never cleaned it before. such a disaster for no one, but as he held the trembling woman in his arms, he found himself ready to do it now.

    It took time, but Alicia eventually regained herposure.

    Caden gently kissed her cheek.

    Come in and Rest, he told her, wiping the sweat from her hand. You have low sugar. Have something sweet.

    Alicia insisted that she was fine, but her deathly paleplexion said otherwise. He turned to leave, but stopped after a few steps.

    I still have something to do, he said firmly.

    Caden stepped forward and put a hug around her waist. arm. What happened before was not enough

    Alicia pointed towards the ferocious dog she had brought.

    That dog took a piece of Monica''s calf, she said, her voice strained by the pain when remembering it. He straightened his back as if steeling himself. I want Joshua to lose a piece of meat, too.

    Caden''s lips curved into a softugh, his amusement tempered by admiration for her determination.

    He looked at her and said, I thought you brought the dog to enjoy the show.

    Alicia shivered, dizziness threatening to overwhelm her again.

    Noticing her state, Caden gestured to a bodyguard to bring him candy. He unwrapped it and gently put it in her mouth.

    She frowned immediately.

    Noticing his reaction, he asked her: What''s wrong.

    Strawberry candies are too sweet, she replied.

    If you don''t like it, spit it out, he said disdainfully, guiding her towards the living room with his hand still firm on her waist. I went to the trouble of feeding you and you keepining.

    Alicia rolled her eyes at him, clearly annoyed. Looking at the te nearby, he asked: Do you have any grapefruit-vored candy?

    There''s a meat-vored one, he joked with a mocking smile. I have it. You want to try it

    Alicia blinked, momentarily speechless. Then hispetitive streak kicked in and he refused to back down. Clear. I want it freshly made. You bring it to me

    Caden smiled knowingly.

    When they opened the door to the living room, the two bodyguards inside exchanged amused nces.

    Alicia froze. , realizing that they had overheard the banter between her and Caden. Shame overwhelmed her and she wanted to disappear on the spot.

    The bodyguards coughed awkwardly before bowing their heads and leaving the room.

    Caden did not immediately enter the room. Instead, he turned to take care of the unfinished business that Alicia had mentioned earlier.

    Joshua had been subjected to two hours of relentless torture before being sent to the hospital. When she left, her condition was pitiful.

    Alicia, however, had been consumed by work obligations and could not stay with Caden any longer. He had left earlier.

    After finishing his chores, Caden sat in the back of his car on the way home, a cigarette between his fingers. His eyes, cold and distant, reflected a maturity and indifference far beyond his age.

    As the car moved through the dark streets, he began to watch a video on his device. It was a recording of Joshua enduring his injuries, every moment meticulously captured.

    With a flick of his finger, Caden forwarded the video to Jerald.

    Then he turned off the device, sat back, and clicked. a slow drag on his cigarette. The faint glow of the embers illuminated his expression, which contained no remorse or hesitation.

    The bodyguards regarded Caden with unwavering respect. Despite the serious fight with his brother Joshua, he maintained a calm and dominant presence. Without a doubt, he was a man destined to achieve important things.

    Suddenly, Caden broke the silence. Bring grapefruit-vored candy for the living room.

    The bodyguards responded promptly: Yes, Mr. Ward.

    But Caden paused, reconsidering.

    Forget it.

    The bodyguard quickly intervened: It''s no bother. We can have someone go out and look for it.

    No need.

    Caden realized he shouldn''t indulge her. If he responded to her request for grapefruit-vored sweets, she might expect him to prepare borate meat dishes.

    He flicked the ash off his cigarette nonchntly. Momentster, not liking the smell it gave off, he decided to stop smoking itpletely.

    Meanwhile, after watching the video, Jerald felt ovee with rage. His already fragile condition worsened.

    Shelia, distraught, threw a tantrum, crying and demanding answers.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Jerald was lying in bed, his heart heavy with worry for Joshua. However, even in his worry, he was forced to approach the situation with caution. It was hard to breathe.

    What does Caden want, exactly, he gasped, frustration dripping from his voice. What the hell does she want?

    Shelia, sobbing uncontrobly, screamed: What else does she want? Joshua dead! How could he do this to his own brother.

    Her voice broke as her tears left her exhausted.

    Jerald remained silent, deep in thought.< p>Since Caden''s return, Jerald had the feeling that everything was slipping out of his hands. Caden was like a hungry wolf, relentless in his attacks. But who was he attacking?

    An incident from years ago crossed Jerald''s mind. His face paled and a sudden wave of fear took over his body.

    He clutched his chest, his voice hoarse with panic. Pill! I need my pill.

    Realizing her deteriorating state, Shelia wasted no time. She rushed to grab the medication and her hands shook as she gave it to him.

    While Jerald waited for the pill to take effect, his eyes remained closed and his breathing was irregr.

    Shelia''s voice He broke through his haze of pain and fear. Jerald, will you help Joshua or not

    He finally spoke, his voice weak but determined. If that bastard is so bold as to do this, he should be prepared. I cannot act blindly when I do not know the extent of his capabilities.

    Shelia''s face twisted in disbelief. What are you saying, he asked. You''re going to let it go. You want to see Joshua dead.

    Jerald lost his patience. Calm down, will you? It''s something that can be solved overnight.

    A sh of anger crossed Shelia''s eyes.

    She had been by Jerald''s side for years, enduring countless storms at your side. She knew him better than anyone: his habits, his ws, and, above all, his tendency to disappear when problems arose.

    Jerald was self-centered and unreliable, traits she could no longer tolerate.< p>Shelia gritted her teeth and her voice trembled with suppressed fury. Jerald, if you refuse to get involved, fine. I will protect Joshua myself. He is my son.

    His resolve hardened as he continued. If necessary, I will confront Caden directly, even if it means we both fall together!

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 Chapter 237

    ?<strong>Chapter 237:</strong>

    Jerald was more than ready for Shelia to leave. With a contemptuous gesture of his hand, he pushed her away.

    Then go. Go now! And make sure you take care of Caden today!

    Shelia looked back at him, her face a mixture of despair and fury.

    She had endured years as Jerald''s lover, clinging to hope. that your loyalty and your sacrifices could soften him, could change him. But he was wrong, and very wrong. A man without a heart still had no heart, no matter how much time passed.

    Men were truly the coldest creatures.

    A bitter, high-pitched, hollowugh escaped him. Jerald, you don''t even care about your own wife and child. You''re not afraid of karma

    Jerald scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. Karma Seriously You dare mention that word

    His tone grew harsher, his eyes narrowed. When my wife was pregnant with our second child, you forced your way into my life with Joshua. It was your actions that led to her death during childbirth. If karma belongs to anyone, it''s you.

    Shelia became furious and her body trembled. I am not the reason for his death! It''s you. You are the one who hasmitted all those sins. Don''t you dare me me for his death.

    Jerald''s expression darkened, his gaze cold as ice. You think I killed her Where is your evidence, he mocked. You seduced me and used Joshua to ckmail me into divorce. That story is old, everyone knows it. You say I killed her. Who would believe that

    Tears ran down Shelia''s face as she struggled to maintain herposure.

    Jerald leaned closer to her, his voice deep and menacing. If you continue to nder me, I will make sure you end up in jail. And believe me, you will rot there.

    Shelia stiffened and her entire body shook with fury and humiliation. Years of suffering, degradation and maniption had led her to this moment.

    She wanted revenge, to destroy him, to make him suffer as she had suffered. She knew she could ruin him if she really wanted to.

    But Joshua''s security held her back. He couldn''t risk it, not yet. As much as she disliked it, she was forced to rely on Jerald for the moment.

    Through clenched teeth, she spoke bitterly. Jerald, Caden is ruthless, and determined to destroy the Yates family. Now that his target is Joshua, do you really think you''ll be saved? How long do you think you can stay intact?

    His words struck a nerve.

    For the first time, Jerald''s confidence wavered. She was right.

    He had be estranged from his family, always an irritant to Caden. If Caden truly unleashed his wrath, not even Jerald''s position as Caden''s father would protect him.

    Jerald''s eyes flickered urgently. We have to take risks to save Joshua.

    Shelia managed to restrain her anger and asked: What do we do?

    Noticing her agitation, Jerald softened his tone, trying to calm her down as he would calm down a a scared animal. Shelia, we can resolve our differencester. For now, we have to work together.

    Joshua had been receiving covert medical treatment, known only to a select few.

    The Green family, however, was aware.

    p>

    Joshua''spany, which he had built with so much effort, had been destroyed overnight. In addition, he had suffered serious injuries. A recent surgery had left him unskilled, and he was also receiving treatment for his damaged vision.

    It was not known if he would regain his sight.

    If the treatments failed, he would go blind and helpless, totally defeated.

    Lilliana was devastated by the news. She cried uncontrobly, wreaking havoc at home as she begged Cedric to intervene.

    But Cedric was hesitant.

    Finally, he dismissed the matter entirely. You''re engaged, not married. We don''t need someone so broken. I''ll find you someone better, she told Lilliana coldly.

    However, Lilliana''s love for Joshua was real. Beyond her usual pride, she felt deeply attached to him. She wouldn''t have risked getting pregnant before marriage if her feelings hadn''t been genuine.

    Now, with Joshua in a desperate situation, her desperation consumed her. He even threatened Cedric with his own life and that of his unborn son.

    If you don''t save him, I will end my life and that of my baby! You will regret it forever! he shouted, his voice trembling with emotion.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Faced with Lilliana with a knife at his throat, Cedric felt helpless and anxious. Lilliana, you don''t understand the situation, he said, his voice low but firm. My hands are tied. Even if I wanted to save Joshua, I couldn''t. Caden is determined to see him dead, and no one can change his mind!

    Why he wants Joshua dead They are brothers! Why would I do that? Lilliana shouted, her voice cracking with desperation.

    Cedric answered bluntly: Why do you think Old grudges, a woman, and because Caden wants to defend Alicia! You don''t know what Joshua didst month.

    Stunned by the revtion, Lilliana murmured in disbelief: Because of Alicia.

    Cedric had been just as stunned to learn the truth. I can''t understand what''s going through Caden''s mind. To go to such lengths for a woman, even turning against his own brother...

    Lilliana''s face turned deathly pale, and her legs gave way as she copsed to the ground. His expression twisted in shock and disbelief.

    How is this possible, he whispered, his voice trembling. Alicia, that woman How was Caden able to take care of her after Joshua abandoned her

    Her thoughts were spinning wildly. He wouldn''t have pushed Joshua to confront Alicia if it hadn''t been for the rumors linking Ynda and Caden. Her ns had failed miserably and the consequences seemed unbearable.

    Lilliana covered her face with trembling hands, overwhelmed by the weight of it all.

    Joshua was her husband for two years and As soon as he gave her a second nce, he muttered bitterly. How she suddenly became so valuable to Caden I can''t ept. It doesn''t make sense...

    The sheer magnitude of her loss was crushing enough, but the knowledge of Alicia''s new importance to Caden was a devastating blow to Lilliana. It hit her like a hammer, shattering what littleposure she had left.

    She copsedpletely, falling to the ground in a helpless heap.

    The blow was too much for her body and It caused a sharp, stabbing pain in his abdomen.

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 Chapter 238

    ?<strong>Chapter 238:</strong>

    The icy days of winter continued to advance. As Christmas approached, the streets came alive with festive music and vibrant decorations, the colors of which brightened the cold, gray days.

    Alice, however, was unconcerned by the hustle and bustle around her. faced by the Green and Yates families. He trusted that Caden had everything under control and preferred to pour his energy into his gallery.

    He worked tirelessly, managing daily operations with unmatched dedication. Despite being the owner, Alicia was approachable and open with her employees, and made sure that all tasks werepleted smoothly.

    She was often the first to arrive in the morning and thest to arrive. leaving at night, embodying the ideal of a responsible and hard-working businesswoman.

    Her reputation soon attracted the attention of the media. A journalist contacted her for an interview, curious to meet the woman behind the gallery''s growing sess.

    Alicia prepared meticulously for the asion. During the interview, she appeared poised and elegant, with concise and well-thought-out answers. His confidence and serenity made a great impression.

    The session concluded on a positive note for both parties. Alicia had even organized a meal to entertain the journalist and her team after the interview, ensuring that the experience was smooth and enjoyable.

    That night, Alicia had dinner with her employees, a gesture of gratitude for their hard work. At the end of dinner, exhaustion weighed on her, but she still made sure to call a car service to take her employees home safely.

    When her assistant looked into the room, car window, called her worried. Miss Bet, you too should go home and rest. He''s trying too hard. Why don''t you take the day off tomorrow.

    Alicia smiled warmly. I''m fine. Don''t stop calling me when you get home.

    His assistant sighed, with a worried expression. OK. Good evening, Miss Bet.

    Alicia waved as the car drove away, watching until it disappeared down the street.

    Inside the car, her assistant shook her head, looking at his colleagues. Miss Bet works too much, he said, in a worried tone. If he keeps this up, I''m afraid his body won''t be able to handle it.

    The car turned onto the highway, the city lights fading in the distance.

    I guess that''s what it''s like. things when you''re the boss,mented one of Alicia''s colleagues. Starting your own business is always an uphill battle. If Miss Bet were more flexible with her business practices, perhaps she wouldn''t have to work so hard.

    Alicia''s assistant immediately understood the other woman''s implication.

    From the opening of gallery, numerous wealthy owners had approached Alicia under the pretext of partnering. She had rejected everyone.

    If she was going to sell anyway, why bother setting up her own business, the assistant replied, her tone sharp. In the future, you''d better keep those ideas to yourself. If you say something like that out loud again, I''ll tell you off.

    The employee seemed visibly surprised by the assistant''s reaction.

    I''m sorry, she murmured. I think Miss Bet is getting unnecessarily tired. If she met the right man, they could work together and he could relieve some of her burden. It would be a beneficial situation for her.

    Yes, but those men are very difficult to find, no, the assistant replied, with a jaded tone that betrayed her cynicism. For example, Miss Bet''s ex-husband. At first nce, you would think he was the perfect man, but the truth is that he is an absolute scumbag.

    His colleague nodded in agreement. You''re right about that...

    Meanwhile, Alicia was so exhausted that she fell asleep during the car ride home. It was Caden''s call that brought her out of her light slumber.

    Hello, she said, her voice soft as she answered the phone. In an instant, all the tension in his body seemed to melt away. What''s up

    On his end, Caden was watching his interview that same day.

    He had put on a loose red sweater that exuded warmth and friendliness, perfectly reflecting his personality. It was rare for her to dress so casually, and seeing her in that outfit stirred something deep within him.

    Where are you, he asked in a low but firm voice.

    I''m going back to the apartment. Do you want toe, Alicia answered, slightly moving the phone away from her ear to check its location. She realized she was already halfway to the hotel.

    But she was too exhausted to think about moving another centimeter.

    If I go, she said with a mocking tone in her voice. , ¡°will you help me with the bathroom.¡±

    There was a brief pause before Caden spoke. If you give me something in return, I might consider it.

    No, I''m going to sleep right after the bath, Alicia replied firmly.

    Ah, well. If you''re not interested, I''m going back to the hotel, Caden said stubbornly, refusing to budge. They have good amenities there, anyway.

    Alicia didn''t bother to respond. Instead, he hung up the phone and spent the rest of the trip taking a nap.

    As soon as he entered the hotel room, he discarded his clothes in a path that led to the bathroom and She got into the shower, letting the hot water wash away the tiredness of the day.

    When she finally came out, feeling somewhat refreshed, she was greeted by an unexpected vision.

    There he was -Caden-, lying on his bed,pletely naked, with a serene expression as he rested his head on one hand and looked at her with maddening calm.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Alicia was speechless.

    How the hell did she get in here

    He shook his head. What a stupid question. Caden always knew how to get what he wanted, and this was no exception.

    His legs, already weak from the long day, felt even heavier. Too tired to argue or try to kick him out, she walked over to the bed without a word, threw back the covers, and copsed onto the mattress.

    Caden opened his arms, and without hesitation, Alicia instinctively turned toward him, resting her head on his arm and letting herself be enveloped by his embrace.

    She had her eyes half closed when she suddenly noticed that something firm was pressing on her lower abdomen.

    Alicia stayed. freezing.

    Wow, that''s fast, he murmured, a mix of surprise and amusement in his voice.

    I could hear you showering from here, Caden said nonchntly. Naturally, my mind began to conjure up scenes in which you...

    Stop talking, Alicia interrupted, moving closer to cover her mouth. I don''t want to hear the rest.

    Cadenughed softly, his lips brushing a kiss against the palm of her hand. Come on, he said yfully. He wants to greet you. You don''t want to greet him and maybe¡­ sit on him.

    Alicia didn''t even have the strength to roll her eyes. She just shook her head slightly, her eyelids growing heavy.

    As sleep overcame her, she murmured something under her breath, but it was too faint for Caden to catch.

    What was that? You said it was fine

    Alicia muttered something unintelligible again.

    Caden shifted on the bed, leaning closer. What did you say

    Fuck you, Alicia replied, her voice suddenly loud and clear.

    Caden let out a small gasp, looking at her with mock indignation.

    Unfortunately for him, Alicia had already fallen into a deep, peaceful sleep.

    He watched her for a moment, her steady breathing giving him a rare, deep sense of peace.

    Alicia had been working tirelessly in her gallery for weeks, pouring all his energy in it. Caden had tried his best to be patient, but his longing for her only grew. He couldn''t even remember thest time he''d had a decent night''s sleep, which was why he found himself in his hotel in the middle of the night.

    But now, seeing her so exhausted that she had passed out without having began to joke, he decided to hold back a little longer.

    The hand that had slipped under her clothes slowly withdrew, and his determination prevailed over his desire.

    Tomorrow drink the morning off, he whispered softly in her ear. I want to do some morning exercises with you.

    Alicia''s eyelids fluttered slightly, but did not open. His ears, however, turned a deep red as he instinctively snuggled closer to his chest.

    Caden smiled weakly, his own exhaustion having finally ovee him. He fell into a peaceful sleep, the tension in his body easing as he held her.

    But his rest was short-lived.

    The shrill ring of his phone woke him up.

    Dorian''s angry voice echoed over the line. I entrusted Ynda to you, and this is how you take care of her. My daughter is coughing up blood again. You better get your ass to the hospital right now.

    Caden''s face darkened, his expression grim. A heavy silence hung in the air for a moment before he wordlessly ended the call.

    While getting dressed, Alicia woke up. Her vision was still blurred with sleep, but she could make out Caden leaving the room without even looking back.

    Her heart sank.

    For a moment, she thought he was still I was dreaming. He reached out to the space beside him, but found it cold and empty.

    He realized it like a weight, and felt a hollow pain spread through his chest.< /p>

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 Chapter 239

    ?<strong>Chapter 239:</strong>

    Alicia was awake, looking at the ceiling.

    She knew she had work in the morning and tried to force herself to sleep, but It was useless. His thoughts kept turning to one question: had Caden left because of Ynda again

    After tossing and turning in bed for an eternity, he finally gave up. She put on a coat and inadvertently headed to Caden''s apartment.

    When she arrived, Cade, the dog Caden had recently taken in, greeted her. Although Caden had made the effort to bring Cade into his life, his care had been rather perfunctory, strictly limited to the basics. The dog received his three meals a day, but no special treats or affection.

    Alicia knelt down and gently pet Cade,bing his fur with her hands. He trimmed it carefully, making sure it was neat and short. Toplete her new look, he tied a pink bow around her neck.

    Cade seemed delighted with the change. He jumped up and down with joy, wagging his tail furiously, before settling into her arms with a contented sigh.

    A soft smile graced Alice''s lips as she hugged him, the simple moment filling her with joy. an unexpected warmth.

    Finally, shey down on the couch, with Cade curled up next to her, and fell into a deep, peaceful sleep that apanied her all night.

    While so much, Caden spent the night in the hospital.

    Ynda''s condition wasplicated; His health had been fragile since birth. With a weak immune system, even minor illnesses posed significant risks, and her health had been a constant source of anxiety for her parents.

    Regina and Dorian had always meticulously cared for Ynda, protecting her from every threat imaginable. . It was forbidden for even a slight cold breeze to touch her.

    However, since Dorian had entrusted her care to Caden, Ynda had already suffered two rming episodes of coughing up blood.

    By morning, his condition had finally stabilized. Dorian walked out of the hospital room, his usualposure intact, but his face was hard and serious.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Caden, you have to exin this to me.

    Caden, who had deep respect for Dorian, he responded with quiet courtesy. Ynda''s sudden decline waspletely unexpected. This is on me. When you are ready for discharge, I will personally escort you back to Averibon. He won''t have to worry about any more business responsibilities.

    Dorian''s gaze darkened, his expression thoughtful and conflicted.

    He admired Caden, his sharp mind, his strength, but also He was painfully aware of the deep unspoken affection Ynda felt for him.

    Caden,¡± Dorian began slowly, his voice firm but loaded with meaning, ¡°I need you to be honest. What exactly do you feel about Ynda?

    Caden''s tone was still calm and measured. She is a close friend and my partner.

    Dorian''s eyes narrowed slightly. There is no possibility of anything else No deeper rtionship

    I''m sorry, Dorian, Caden said, his voice firm, ¡°but Ynda and I are not made for each other.¡±

    The words hit Dorian harder than he had expected. Her heart sank, but she also appreciated Caden''s honesty.

    As forceful as it was, it contained a certain rity. Maybe that honesty was a virtue.

    Men had to be frank.

    I''ll talk to Ynda about returning, Dorian said with a resigned sigh. You focus on your work. Before, I went on the phone and spoke too harshly. Don''t let it bother you.

    Caden lowered his gaze slightly. I won''t.

    Later, Dorian ryed Caden''s exact words to Ynda.

    She listened silently, her face calm, but her heart broken into pieces. Silent tears slid down her cheeks, her pain too overwhelming for words.

    Dorian felt her anguish deeply. He gave her tissues, his voice soft but firm. Come on, enough crying. There are countless men out there. Why does it have to be him

    Ynda recoiled from his touch, her voice high-pitched and full of pain. Don''t touch me!

    His bitterness overflowed and he pushed Dorian back with hurtful words. I was born with this disease because of your genes. I have suffered for years and now I can''t even be with the man I love. What kind of parents are you?

    Dorian''s face instantly darkened.

    He had been a figure of respect for decades, and only Ynda had dared to speak to him like that.

    But it was his thing: he had spoiled her for a long time, and now he had no choice but to put up with it.

    Caden is not like other men. Once you make a decision, you rarely change it. Even if you were with him, you wouldn''t find happiness. You don''t see it, Ynda

    Without hesitation, Ynda replied: So, who has he noticed? He told you about Alicia

    Alicia Who is Alicia

    The eyes Ynda''s voice darkened as she turned her back on him, her voice heavy with emotion. She''s the one Caden likes, even though he''s never said it.

    Dorian''s thoughts flitted back to the night before, remembering the faint scent of a woman''s fragrance that clung to Caden when he had arrived with her. rush At the time, he had written it off as a trick of his mind. But now, it all made sense.

    If he''s already given his heart to someone else, that''s even more reason for you to move on, Dorian said, his voice hardening with determination. Ynda, you have to let him go.

    Ynda clenched her jaw, her resistance was evident.

    I didn''t want to let him go. I just couldn''t.

    Dad, I can''t live without Caden. I will stay here, even if it kills me. And if you don''t help me, then from this moment on, I will not consider you my father!

    Dorian felt a wave of anger so intense that it almost left him breathless, with a painful tightness in his chest.

    Afraid to say or do something rash, he quickly got up and left the room.

    As he left, Regina approached with a tray of food. One look at her stormy expression and he sighed.

    You argued with Ynda, right

    Dorian gave a long, deep sigh, frustration and sadness weighing on him. Yes, he mumbled, feelingpletely exhausted.

    He sat next to Regina and lowered his voice as he recounted the heated conversation with Ynda.

    Regina listened patiently, with a calm demeanor that belied with his agitation. When he finished, he simply said: If that''s what you want, do it. She will have to face the consequences herself.

    Dorian frowned, clearly displeased. This is Caden''s fault. He already has someone else in mind. Then why couldn''t he keep his distance from Ynda.

    Regina gave him a sharp look.

    Since when have you started to lose your sense of justice? Caden came to you looking for you. of help and offered you a partnership in exchange. It was you who pushed for a marriage alliance, not him.

    His words hit Dorian hard, leaving him momentarily speechless. For once, he didn''t know what to answer.

    After a long pause, Dorian''s voice was filled with regret. It''s my fault that Ynda hasn''t been healthy.

    Regina pursed her lips, containing her immediate thoughts. Dorian, we are both healthy, and there is no history of illness in our family. Ynda''s condition has always worried me, he said, with a worried tone.

    What do you mean, Dorian asked, curious.

    Regina hesitated, carefully weighing her words. After a moment of thought, he decided that it wasn''t worth talking about it any further. Shaking his head, he dismissed the idea.

    Forget it, he said quietly. Right now, we need to focus on solving the problem at hand.

    During visiting time, Caden arrived with Ciara in tow, ready to see Ynda.

    When they entered In the room, it was clear that Ynda had been crying. Her swollen, red eyes betrayed the depth of her grief, and her entire demeanor was listless, as if all her energy had been used up.

    Feeling a surge ofpassion for her, Dorian turned to Caden and told him. He said: I''ve got some free timeing up so I''ll be staying in Warrington to lend a hand. In the meantime, I want you to spend more time with Ynda, okay.

    Caden frowned, his expression mixed with concern and frustration.

    Before he could respond, Ynda intervened. quickly, with a trembling voice. Dad, please don''t put Caden in a difficult situation. If you stay here with me, someone will make it difficult for you.

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 Chapter 240

    ?<strong>Chapter 240:</strong>

    The room was filled with silence, tension hanging in the air.

    Finally, Dorian broke it, his voice deep resonating with authority. Who is going to make it difficult for you And why are we debating this What is more important, a life or personal obligations.

    Ynda bowed her head, fresh tears sliding down her cheeks.

    Caden''s face remained impassive. No one will make my life impossible, but my presence is not the cure that Ynda needs. Once I have seen Grandma safely home, I must return to my duties. Mr. and Mrs. Moss, I thank you for your efforts in managing things here.

    Regina nodded gently. Go ahead, Caden. Your work can''t wait.

    Ynda''s hands clenched in silent desperation.

    When Caden turned to leave, he faked a cough, biting hard on his lip. until the metallic taste of blood filled his mouth.

    rmed, Dorian quickly called for a doctor.

    Caden stood aside, his expression unreadable as he watched her. struggle.

    Pale and with teary eyes, Ynda looked at him, her voice hoarse. ¡°You should go,¡± he whispered. Don''t let me hold you back.

    Caden pressed his lips into a thin line. Conserve your energy, Ynda. It''s better if you don''t talk, he advised her quietly.

    He knew that her condition was worsening from overexertion,rgely fueled by her emotions towards him. The thought of leaving her in such a fragile state ate at him inside, making it difficult for him to walk away.

    When Ynda realized that he had not left, her lips curved into a slight smile of relief.

    After the doctor finished his examination, Caden collected his medical history, his sharp eyes examining the details thoughtfully. She began to consider finding a specialist to improve her treatment.

    With trembling fingers, Ynda reached out and grabbed the hem of her jacket. His voice, fragile and uncertain, broke the silence. Caden, staying would upset her.

    Caden''s expression hardened slightly as he asked, Who do you mean?

    Ynda bit her lip nervously, her gaze avoiding his. To Miss Bet, he whispered.

    Caden''s eyes narrowed slightly and he replied, It''s none of your business. Don''t worry about it. His tone was polite, but beneath the surface there was a cold tone.

    Ynday back on the pillow, without taking her eyes off his face. The affection and longing in her eyes were unmistakable.

    Unable to endure the tense atmosphere any longer, Ciara interjected: I know an excellent doctor who specializes in traditional medicine. I will ask him to prescribe something for Ynda to try.

    Dorian epted his offer kindly. Thank you, Mrs. Ward. It would be a great help.

    Ciara nodded and left the room, Jasmine following close behind.

    Once they were some distance away, Jasminemented: Mr. Ward seems deeply entangled. into social obligations.

    He won''t be for long, Ciara replied confidently. Values ??returning favors, but despises unnecessaryplications. Once he has settled his debt to Ynda, he will leave without hesitation.

    Bewildered by Ciara''s dismissive tone, Jasmine asked: If you don''t care about Ynda, why did you offer to find her a doctor?

    Ciara sighed tiredly. What a doctor I have no intention of wasting my time on that, he said bluntly. Instead, go downstairs, buy some coffee, and bring it to her.

    Coffee But why did Jasmine ask, with obvious confusion?

    Ciara snorted. I can''t stand fakers. I''m already being more generous than usual.

    Jasmine was surprised. Who would have thought Ciara could be so funny sometimes

    Meanwhile, Caden made a phone call, arranging for advanced medical equipment to be sent from another city to assist in Ynda''s treatment.< p>Although it wouldn''t cure her, the equipment was much more effective than conventional medicine. He covered all expenses without hesitation and exchanged a few words with Dorian before leaving.

    Caden''s efforts left no room forints from anyone else.

    Back in the room , the warmth in Ynda''s eyes faded. Turning to Dorian, he said: When I finish this IV, I''m leaving. I have to get back to work.

    Dorian was about to lose his temper, but Regina gently put a hand on his arm and calmed him before he could speak.

    She approached. to Ynda''s bed, with a soothing voice despite her doubts. Ynda, you don''t see what Caden feels.

    Ynda responded resolutely: Of course I can. But that doesn''t stop me from loving him.

    With determination, she pulled out the IV needle, pushed back the nket, and swung her legs over the edge of the bed.

    Are you really willing to risk your life? life just to chase him. Regina asked, concern etched on her face.

    You think I want to do it, Ynda replied, with an impatient tone. If she were healthy, Caden would be mine a long time ago.

    Regina''s expression changed slightly, although she maintained herposure. Her upbringing had instilled in her a sense of calm, even in moments of frustration.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    Ynda, you''re an adult now. If this is what you really want, do it. But as your mother, I must advise you to reconsider. If you continue to act so recklessly, you could end up with nothing.

    Ynda had pushed herself to the brink of illness in her desperate attempt to win Caden''s sympathy. He had already coughed up blood twice. It was working

    What was she thinking? She felt so stupid.

    Her voice turned cold. If I don''t take responsibility for myself, what am I supposed to do? Depending on you. Instead of lecturing me, why don''t you help me make life easier.

    Ignoring Dorian''s attempts to intervene, He abruptly left the room.

    Dorian sighed, feeling trapped between Regina and Ynda. Regina, why do you keep arguing with her? She''s still so immature.

    Regina rubbed her temples in frustration. Leave her alone.

    Dorian''s expression darkened. Caden isn''t that ruthless. You heard it before: he spent hundreds of millions on medical equipment for his treatment. She''s trying to make his life a little better.

    Regina gave him a sharp look. He did it because he wants to distance himself from us. You don''t realize

    Dorian remained silent, unable to refute her statement.

    For Caden, Ynda''s situation was trivial; He didn''t give it any more thought.

    He sat on the edge of the bed, looking for messages on his phone. Her inbox was full of unread messages, but none of them were from Alicia.

    It was unusual.

    The gallery had expanded rapidly recently, and Alicia always He kept up to date with her aplishments and asked her opinion on anything.

    It didn''t seem strange that he hadn''t been there this morning

    Caden frowned slightly as he reflected.< /p>

    Just then, his phone buzzed. It was a call from Gerry.

    Gerry''s excited voice came over the line. I just bought a new sports car! It''s amazing. I''ll pick you up this afternoon, okay. Let''s go to the celebration party together.

    Celebration party, Caden repeated, his tone t.

    Gerry sounded surprised. Yes, Alice''s party. You didn''t know.

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 Chapter 241

    ?Chapter 241:

    Caden rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

    Alice''s celebration party?

    He vaguely remembered her mentioning it once ¨C she had promised to arrange a meeting once she settled in.

    However, her busy schedule had always prevented her from making any concrete ns.

    What had he said then?

    When everything was settled, he would top her guest list.

    He had even called him his main supporter.

    Yet here he was,pletely in the dark, while Gerry had apparently received an invitation.

    Caden huffed in frustration.

    He told Gerry curtly, ¡°You don¡¯t need to pick me up.

    I¡¯m busy.

    ¡±

    Oblivious to the tension in his voice, Gerrymented, ¡°I¡¯ve only just got this car, you know.

    It¡¯s the only one in Warrington.

    There¡¯s no money that can get you another one.

    Cliff had to pull a lot of strings to get it.

    Aren¡¯t you even a little tempted to go for a drive?¡±

    Caden pulled off his tie in exasperation.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just drive your shy car to the moon?¡±

    Gerry was surprised.

    ¡°Why are you so irritated?¡±

    Caden didn''t bother to exin.

    He ended the call abruptly, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior.

    Without hesitation, he quickly dialed Alicia''s number, eager for answers.

    Read thetest and free novels at .Com</a>

    On the other end of the line, a discord of sounds filled the background, but Alice''s voice rang out, clear and cheerful.

    "How are you?"Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

    Hearing her casual tone, Caden couldn¡¯t help but frown.

    ¡°You seem pretty busy, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°A little,¡± Alice replied casually.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you busy too? I¡¯m surprised you found time to call me.

    ¡±

    "Why would I be busy?" he replied, irritated.

    Noticing his sharp tone, Alice preferred not to escte the situation.

    "I don''t know, but I can tell you that I have a lot of things on my te right now.

    "

    Caden detected something unusual in her voice.

    It sounded too considerate, too measured, to be authentic.

    She ventured, ¡°Are you angry that I didn¡¯t say goodbye before I left this morning?¡±

    Alice smiled brightly.

    ¡°Why would I be upset? I wouldn¡¯t bother saying goodbye when I left either.

    ¡±

    Caden was silent for a moment.

    He had nned to exin his sudden departure, but now it seemed pointless.

    Why bother?

    After a pause, he asked, ¡°So, Miss Bet, is there room for me at your celebration party?¡±

    Alice hadn''t anticipated the question.

    ¡°I meant to mention it, but I didn¡¯t want to interrupt you,¡± she replied softly.

    ¡°Mr.

    Ward, if you are avable, you are more than wee.

    I will evene and pick you up myself.

    ¡±

    Caden let out a short, sharp snort.

    ¡°Of course.

    I¡¯ll be there.

    ¡±

    As soon as he hung up, his expression darkened.

    Adjusting his tie, he told the driver, ¡°Take me to the Yates mansion.

    ¡±

    Alicia held the phone tightly, staring at the screen for a long time.

    Although she had been busy all day, her thoughts constantly returned to him.

    But what good did it do to think about Caden?

    He needed Ynda''s support.

    This was a business matter, a serious matter.

    Whether or not Caden was aware of Ynda''s feelings for him was irrelevant.

    That was between them.

    Alicia had no business being involved in Caden''s personal affairs.

    She reminded herself to focus on her own business.

    Caden arrived at the Yates mansion.

    Jerald wasn''t surprised by Caden''s unexpected visit.

    He knew Caden well: ruthless and patient.

    Since his return to the country, Caden had been carefully plotting.

    Joshua''s downfall was but one step in his n to unleash his wrath.

    Jerald was fully aware that he was Caden''s next target.

    However, as Caden''s father, he refused to show any fear.

    Keeping his cool, Jerald walked slowly down the stairs, leaning on his cane.

    Caden was lying on the couch, lighting a cigarette.

    Without thinking twice, he flicked the ash directly into the tea Shelia had brought him.

    Her expression darkened at the sight of him.

    He helped Jerald sit down.

    ¡°What brings you here?¡± Jerald scoffed.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you actually set foot in this ce, Caden.

    ¡±

    Caden raised his head, his gaze icy and calm, like a stillke.

    "I came to check on you because I was worried that you might not be able to handle the shock and might faint.

    I brought you something that might help you," he said calmly.

    Only then did Jerald notice the box resting on the table.

    He sneered disdainfully.

    ¡°If you truly cared about my well-being, you wouldn¡¯t have treated Joshua so harshly.

    ¡±

    Cadenughed softly.

    ¡°Would you be willing to endure his suffering for him?¡±

    Jerald deflected with practiced ease.

    ¡°Caden, you really are cold-hearted.

    Every family has its ups and downs.

    It¡¯s perfectly normal for siblings to butt heads when they¡¯re younger.

    Do you really need to hold this grudge?¡±

    Caden¡¯s expression remained impassive as he replied, ¡°You¡¯re right.

    It¡¯s normal for brothers to fight.

    After all, Joshua isn¡¯t dead.

    So why are you so anxious?¡±

    Jerald''s expression faltered for a moment, a sh of worry appearing on his face.

    "You don''t even have mercy on your own brother.

    In the end, it will be you who suffers.

    Every evil act brings its own consequences.

    "

    ¡°I think so,¡± Caden said, a chilling smile on his lips and his gaze sharp as a razor.

    ¡°You¡¯re experiencing the consequences of your actions right now.

    ¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not as ruthless as you!¡± Jerald replied, his tone tinged with desperation.

    Caden crushed his cigarette into the ashtray with deliberate force, leaning forward as he rested his arms on his knees.

    His gaze locked on Jerald, unwavering.

    "Oh yeah? You''ve never betrayed your own family?"

    Before Jerald could defend himself, Caden continued, his voice low but sharp.

    ¡°My mother died in childbirth.

    The baby¡ªperfectly healthy¡ªdied in utero.

    Tell me, wasn¡¯t that a consequence of your actions?¡±

    Jerald stood frozen, stunned by the usation, hisposure momentarily broken.

    The icy smile that remained on Caden''s face sent a chill down her spine.

    It was as if Caden had removed his mask, revealing sharp, predatory teeth, ready to strike.

    ¡°That was a case of medical negligence.

    Why is it my fault?¡± Jerald¡¯splexion drained of color.

    ¡°I understand your resentment towards me, but I didn¡¯t kill anyone.

    I refuse to take the me.

    ¡±

    Caden''s response was slow and deliberate.

    "Your acknowledgement means nothing to me.

    I will act on my own will.

    "

    A chill of sweat broke out on Jerald''s forehead.

    He recognized Caden''s power, but he hadn''t anticipated that Caden would know about that past incident.

    The situation was quickly spiraling out of his control.

    ¡°Caden, what are your intentions?¡± Jerald demanded, his voice shaking despite his attempt to sound firm.

    Caden smiled, the gleam in his eyes as cold as ice.

    ¡°I had ns,¡± he said calmly, ¡°but Joshua beat me to it.

    Remember how you got sick then?¡±

    He threw a medical report on the table in front of Jerald.

    "Take a look.

    See for yourself what your precious son has done.

    "

 Chapter 242

    ?Chapter 242:

    A few sheets of paper crashed onto the table, causing a cold breeze to swirl through the room.

    Jerald¡¯s eyes fell to the documents, his ears ringing with anxiety.

    He didn¡¯t know what the report contained, but Caden¡¯s implications were unmistakable.

    Jerald had once suffered a sudden, serious illness and wondered if it was the result of sabotage.

    He had suspected business rivals or conspiring senior managers.

    But never, even in his darkest moments, had he thought Joshua might be behind it all.

    He had always been Joshua''s father, spoiling him since he was a child, granting his every wish and grooming him as a legitimate heir.

    Why would Joshua betray him like this?

    The usation was like a blow to the chest.

    Jerald struggled to ept it.

    ¡°If Joshua was behind this,¡± Jerald began, his voice shaking, ¡°then why did he go out of his way to take care of me during my hospitalization?¡±

    Caden''s response was sharp and cutting.

    "Because he felt guilty.

    Unlike you, he still has a conscience.

    "

    Caden¡¯s gaze shifted to the report lying on the table, a silent testament to the weight of his words.

    Then a slight smile spread across his face, tensing the air with unspoken tension.

    Jerald stood still, caught between disbelief and denial.

    Shelia, who had been silently watching the scene, turned pale as a ghost when her eyes fell on the report.

    Joshua was not the only one who bore the me, she had her share as well.

    If Jerald believed Caden''s words and discovered the truth, he would shatter Joshua''sst pir of support.

    Shelia couldn''t bear the thought of that oue.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Her gaze shifted to a nearby ss of water.

    If she spilled it on the report¡ªidentally, of course¡ªthe evidence could be ruined.

    But when she picked up the ss, her hands were shaking so violently that there was no need for pretense.

    Unable to contain himself any longer, Jerald pounced on the report.

    ¡°Jerald!¡± Shelia shouted in a trembling voice.

    Jerald turned to her, his eyes dark and intense.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Here, drink some water!¡± she urged, reaching out with a shaking hand.

    ¡°Drink some water and try to calm down.

    Don¡¯t take anything Caden tells you at face value.

    Remember that he has a grudge against Joshua and would do anything to pin it on him.

    ¡±

    Jerald pushed her away in frustration, the seed of doubt already nted in his mind.

    Once the idea of ??betrayal took hold of him, it was impossible to shake it off.

    He was consumed by the need to discover the truth.

    No one could dissuade him.

    As she grabbed the document, Shelia''s fear evaporated and was reced by a wave of despair.

    Ignoring her own safety, she lunged at him and snatched it from his hands.

    His face red with rage, he tore the report to shreds, soaked the pieces in water, and quickly threw them into the trash.

    Jerald stood there, breathing heavily, his gaze full of disdain.

    He no longer needed proof.

    His actions had said it all.

    A bitterugh escaped him, filled with rage and disbelief.

    ¡°You lying witch! Have you and Joshua conspired against me?¡±

    Shelia visibly flinched, herposure wavering.

    She stepped forward, trying to hold him back.

    ¡°Jerald, Caden is trying to hurt us.

    He made up this evidence.

    Nothing of the sort¡­¡±

    Jerald''s fury erupted, cutting her off mid-sentence.

    He punched her in the face, his voice booming with rage.

    ¡°Witch! You and Joshua¡­¡±

    Before he could finish, a wave of dizziness overwhelmed him.

    His body trembled uncontrobly as his strength drained away.

    Shelia, still stunned by the p, instinctively reached into a nearby drawer.

    She pulled out a pill and quickly popped it into his mouth, forcing him to swallow.

    Caden watched the scene, his expression cold and indifferent.

    He understood Shelia''s motives very well.

    Her actions were not motivated by love for Jerald.

    It was about keeping Jerald alive, about making sure Joshua still had a future.

    Adults measured everything ording to their own calctions.

    However, despite their ns, they often found themselves empty-handed.

    Caden nced at the pack of pills Jerald had just swallowed, a sarcastic smile ying at the corner of his lips as he stood up.

    ¡°Use it wisely.

    Even fake medicines of that brand are hard toe by.

    ¡±

    Jerald remained oblivious to thement, but Shelia heard every word.

    Her eyes narrowed in fury and she red at him.

    ¡°Caden, even a worm will turn!¡±

    Caden¡¯s expression remained cold, unyielding.

    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see what you¡¯re capable of.

    ¡±

    With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Shelia frozen in ce, supporting Jerald and fighting the fear Caden had nted in her heart.

    How did Caden seem to know everything? What had he been up to all these years? And what consequences awaited them when the truth finally came to light?

    Everything seemed to happen in the blink of an eye.

    Caden''s strategy was relentless, a calcted and devastating assault.

    Shelia felt as if she were standing on the edge of a cliff.

    If she didn''t retaliate, she would be annihted.

    He couldn''t allow it.

    He couldn''t allow himself to lose.

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    Once she calmed down, she picked up the phone and went outside.

    With determination in her voice, she dialed a number.

    "Deliver what I need immediately.

    "

    Alicia''s celebration party was a grand affair.

    The event attracted a number of industry personalities, who added to the opulence of the evening.

    Gerry arrived in his prized sports car, turning heads and earning admiring nces from the youngdies standing nearby.

    With a carefree whistle, he stepped out, radiating confidence in his every move.

    He walked into the party, raised an eyebrow, and smiled at Alice.

    ¡°How do I look? Handsome, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    Alice smiled warmly.

    ¡°You look fantastic.

    ¡±

    But her attention soon drifted beyond him, her expression changing as something ¨C or someone ¨C else caught her eye.

    Gerry stopped, suddenly realizing who he was looking for.

    ¡°Caden didn¡¯t show up?¡±

 Chapter 243

    ?Chapter 243:

    Alice looked at Gerry, her expressionposed but unreadable.

    ¡°No.

    ¡±

    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s stuck in traffic?¡± Gerry suggested, trying to defend Caden.

    ¡°It¡¯s such a big event; there¡¯s no way he¡¯s going to miss it.

    I¡¯ll call him.

    ¡±

    Alice quickly intervened, stopping him.

    ¡°No need.

    If he cane, he will.

    ¡± Not wanting Gerry to discern her emotions, she added, ¡°I¡¯ll go and greet the guests.

    ¡±

    Gerry followed her, about to ask if she and Caden had argued, when he suddenly saw a tall, striking man approaching Alicia with a bouquet of flowers.

    ¡°Miss Bet,¡± the man greeted her cordially, his eyes filled with admiration and affection.

    ¡°Congrattions.

    ¡±

    Gerry''s curiosity was instantly piqued.

    Read thetest and free novels at .Com</a>

    Who was that guy?

    He carried himself with an air of importance, dressed in a tailored suit and a watch that probably cost a fortune.

    It was clear that he was wealthy.

    And now he was handing a bouquet to Alice while looking at her with an undeniable intensity.

    Gerry''s eyes sparkled with intrigue as he discreetly pulled out his phone, ready to capture the moment.

    Alice epted the flowers graciously, thanking him.

    They chatted briefly, sharingughs, an attitude that seemed friendly andfortable, but not overly familiar.

    Gerry found the perfect angle and took several photos.

    After exchanging a few, Alicia ced the bouquet on the gift table and ced it among the other gifts from clients and friends.

    The man noticed and seemed to understand the subtle message.

    It was clear that he had feelings for her, but to Alice he was just a friend.

    She epted the roses so as not to hurt his feelings, but to Alice they were nothing more than a polite gesture.

    Gerry wasted no time.

    He quickly sent the photos to Caden, apanied by a text message: ¡°Why aren¡¯t you here? Your rival in love has already made his move¡­ with flowers!¡±

    Just as he hit send, there was amotion at the entrance.

    Alice turned her head, curious to know the origin of themotion.

    Caden entered, dressed in an impable suit.

    His imposing presence and striking features silenced the lively gathering for a moment, drawing all eyes to him.

    He effortlessly captured the room''s attention.

    Alicia took a deep breath, imitating his poise, as she greeted him with a serene smile.

    Caden''s sharp gaze swept the room, taking in the crowd of high society guests.

    The rose man stiffened, realizing he had beenpletely outmatched.

    Discreetly, he retreated into the background.

    Caden approached Alicia, his steps measured and deliberate.

    Keeping a respectful distance, he handed her a gift.

    ¡°Mrs.

    Bet, I apologize for beingte,¡± he said, his voice firm and his face neutral.

    But the intensity in his eyes betrayed much more than his calm demeanor let on.

    Alice''s pulse quickened as she epted the gift.

    "Not at all, Mr.

    Ward.

    I''m d you coulde.

    "

    As she picked up the box, Caden''s fingers brushed against hers.

    She froze.

    His long fingers brushed against hers with a subtle but deliberate touch, causing an unexpected shiver to pass through her.

    Alice quickly looked away, pulling her hand away as she walked back with the gift.

    Caden noticed the slight blush creeping up her ears and couldn''t suppress a small smile.

    Alicia, dazzling in her elegant champagne-coloured dress, was a vision.

    The dress, perfectly fitted to her graceful figure, enhanced her natural beauty.

    She radiated a confidence that made her even more captivating.

    Before long, she was immersed in the festivities once again, effortlessly charming those around her.

    Caden, still holding his ss of wine, maintained hisposure, asionally ncing at her.

    Gerry approached her with a mischievous smile.

    ¡°Did you see that bouquet of roses? Alicia has made it clear that she is not looking for anything serious, and yet this guy dared to try.

    He must have a very high opinion of himself.

    ¡±

    Caden¡¯s expression remained impassive.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.

    ¡°So?¡±

    Gerry raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you sense the slightest hint ofpetition?¡±

    Caden''s gaze shifted to the well-dressed man loitering nearby, stealing nces at Alicia.

    "Someone like him doesn''t stand a chance with Alicia," he said, his tone firm and confident.

    Gerry scoffed, shaking his head.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so cocky.

    People change.

    What if one day Alice gets tired of you and looks for something new?¡±

    Caden''s response was cold and unwavering.

    "You''re quite theedian.

    "

    Would Alice ever tire of him? He would make sure that never happened.

    A waiter walked by, swinging a tray of drinks.

    Caden set down his ss and exchanged a few quiet words with the waiter.

    After giving him some money, the waiter nodded and went on his way.

    At that moment, Caden''s phone rang.

    He answered it and listened intently to the voice on the other end.

    His expression turned serious and, after nodding, he put the phone in his pocket and walked out.

    Momentster, his car disappeared into the night.

    When Alicia finished her responsibilities, she searched for Caden in the crowd, but he was nowhere to be found.

    Her gaze drifted toward the entrance: his car had disappeared as well.

    Gerry approached her, offering an exnation.

    ¡°Caden had some urgent business at the office.

    He couldn¡¯t stay.

    You don¡¯t need to wait for him for dinner.

    ¡±

    Alice paused briefly before nodding in understanding.

    Since opening his gallery, he had cultivated a calm exterior, which allowed him to handle both minor and major matters with grace.

    This made it almost impossible for others to discern his true emotions.

    Gerry raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

    ¡°You¡¯re not mad at him?¡±

    After all, Caden had not only arrivedte, but had left early, a gesture that could easily be considered rude.

    Alicia shook her head, her tone calm and businesslike.

    ¡°I¡¯m going back to work now.

    Please have fun, Mr.

    Hopkins.

    ¡±

    Gerry stood in stunned silence.

    His generosity was amazing.

    Did they call this love?

    As Alice turned to leave, she noticed that the bouquet of roses was no longer on the gift table.

    She looked around the room, but there was no sign of it.

    Instead, her eyes fell on a waiter who looked visibly uneasy.

    Alice approached him, her expression calm but inquisitive.

    Before she could say a word, the waiter blurted out, ¡°Miss Bet, I swear I didn¡¯t throw away the flowers!¡±

    Alice blinked in surprise.

    She hadn''t even asked.

    Realizing his slip, the waiter''s face turned crimson and he fell silent, clearly nervous.

    Alice had no intention of reproaching him.

    Instead, she asked calmly, "Who told you to do that?"

    The waiter hesitated for a moment and then admitted, ¡°It was Mr.

    Ward.

    He said one of the guests was allergic to pollen and asked me to get rid of the flowers.

    ¡±

    For a moment, Alice stood still, processing the revtion.

    ¡°Allergic, shit,¡± she thought, her lips curling into a slight, incredulous smile.

    ¡°Caden really is a mean man.

    ¡±

 Chapter 244

    ?Chapter 244:

    Ynda asked Dorian for advice before finalizing the initial program.

    With steady hands, he carefully inserted the chip into the robot''s body, entered the necessary code, and rebooted it.

    The humanoid robot came to life.

    Ynda looked at the robot in front of her and smiled with satisfaction.

    She was eager to give the robot orders and test its capabilities, but she stopped herself when she remembered that Caden was on his way.

    Ynda wanted Caden to meet Lina first.

    Shortly after, Caden arrived.

    Ynda rushed to greet him, her enthusiasm palpable.

    ?Caden! You''re here.

    Come, take a look.

    ?

    Caden''s gaze fell on the robot named Lina.

    He was familiar with her, having built her himself.

    But now, something was different.

    The mechanical eyes, once lifeless, now glowed with warmth, almost like human pupils.

    Intrigued, Caden studied Lina closely, his expression a mix of curiosity and admiration.

    ¡°Try it, Caden,¡± Ynda encouraged him quietly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be out for a moment.

    ¡±

    Caden nodded.

    ¡°Thank you.

    ¡±

    Ynda smiled warmly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.

    It¡¯s the least I could do.

    ¡±

    After leaving, Ynda leaned against the wall, taking a moment to rest.

    The thought of making Caden happy filled her with a deep sense of fulfillment.

    Everything she had learned from Dorian had helped her create exactly what Caden needed.

    Alice could never do that.

    One day, when the time came, she would naturally take Alice''s ce, both in her life and at her side.

    Meanwhile, Dorian came out of the bathroom.

    Just as he was about to speak, Ynda pushed him away.

    ¡°Dad, you have to go back now,¡± she said firmly.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.

    She didn¡¯t want him to interfere with her ns.

    ¡°Trust me, I¡¯ve got this under control.

    ¡±

    Dorian, always so perceptive, effortlessly discerned the thoughts hidden behind her words.

    He ced a gentle hand on her shoulder.

    ¡°Take care,¡± he said softly.

    Ynda looked at him, her determination unwavering.

    ¡°I will, Dad,¡± she replied in a firm voice.

    She gave him a reassuring smile as she led him away.

    Once in the car, Dorian leaned back in the seat and let out a tired sigh.

    Retirement suited him well.

    If it hadn''t been for Ynda''s request, he wouldn''t have gotten involved at all.

    The hours of work had exhausted him and he soon fell asleep.

    When he opened his eyes, he noticed that the car was parked under an imposing advertising sign.

    His eyes widened in amazement as the screen showed an advertisement for Alicia''s gallery, her portrait dominating half the space.

    Her delicate features and serene gaze were mesmerizing, but there was something deeper in her expression that drew him in.

    A strange feeling stirred within her, an unshakable familiarity.

    "So this is Alicia, the woman Caden has feelings for," Dorian muttered.

    Both Alicia and Ynda had their own charms, excelling in their respective fields.

    Alicia seemed like the perfect match for Caden.

    However, as he studied her face, a sense of recognition gnawed at the edges of his thoughts.

    Why did it look so familiar?

    Noticing her captivated gaze, the driver broke the silence.

    ¡°Mr.

    Moss, do you know her?¡±

    Dorian''s expression turned serious.

    "No.

    Is she very well known in Warrington?"

    The host hesitated.

    ¡°Recently, yes.

    It has been gaining poprity and has been in the headlines a lot, especially with Mr Ward.

    ¡±

    The Bet family story was widely known, and the chauffeur had heard of it in bits and pieces.

    "She is an orphan.

    After graduating from university, she married into the Yates family, but the marriage did notst; they divorced several months ago," he exined.

    Dorian frowned thoughtfully.

    ¡°Orphan?¡±

    "Yes, his parents died in an ident," the driver confirmed.

    A pang ofpassion touched Dorian''s heart for reasons he could not exin.

    Meanwhile, Caden was very impressed with Lina.

    Although she was almost ny percent human, there were still some details that needed to be polished.

    Caden intended to make those adjustments himself.

    Before he knew it, it was dark.

    When he went outside, he saw that Ynda was waiting for him.

    Concern shed across his face as he saw her pale, tired expression.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    Ynda nodded quickly, forcing a bright smile.

    ¡°What do you think? Do you like it?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s impressive,¡± Caden replied, his admiration evident.

    ¡°But you have to prioritize your health.

    You can¡¯t keep pushing yourself like this.

    When you¡¯ve recovered, you should go back to Dorian.

    ¡±

    Ynda¡¯s smile faltered, reced by a sh of sadness.

    ¡°Caden, I¡¯ve been working tirelessly today, all by myself.

    I just wanted to make you happy, and now you want to kick me out?¡±

    Caden¡¯s tone turned firm.

    ¡°I appreciate your efforts, but there is no room for negotiation regarding your return.

    ¡±

    Ynda bit her lip, holding back the frustration that was building inside her.

    She knew she had to back off, at least for now, to find another opportunityter.

    ¡°Caden,¡± she began softly, her voice tinged with desperation, ¡°I promise I won¡¯t interfere with your rtionship with Alicia.

    I won¡¯t get in your way.

    Please don¡¯t throw me out.

    ¡±

    Caden stared at her in silence for a moment before pulling out his phone and sending a quick message.

    ¡°Please, Caden,¡± Ynda continued, her voice shaking.

    ¡°I will take care of my health.

    I won¡¯t be a burden.

    Just let me stay in Warrington, okay?¡±

    The more he pleaded, the more indifferent Caden''s expression became.

    ¡°Ynda,¡± he said evenly, ¡°don¡¯t invest your emotions where they aren¡¯t wanted.

    ¡±

    Tears welled up in her eyes, stinging as she fought to hold them back.

    Was loving him in silence, from the shadows, not even an option?

    A lump formed in her throat, and when she spoke again, her voice was barely above a whisper.

    ¡°Okay, Caden¡­ I¡¯ll do as you say.

    I¡¯ll focus on getting better.

    ¡±

    For now, staying in Warrington was the best she could hope for: it kept her close enough to cling to a faint glimmer of hope.

    Caden looked at his watch before nodding.

    ¡°You should go back to the Joy mansion.

    ¡±

    He grabbed his coat and walked past her without looking back.

    Ynda blinked in surprise.

    ¡°Caden, aren¡¯t you going to spend some time with Lina?¡±

    ¡°Another time,¡± he replied coldly.

    ¡°I have something else to do tonight.

    ¡±

    Stunned, Ynda felt a sinking feeling in her chest.

    A vague idea of ??what Caden might be nning flickered in her mind, and a shadow of sadness passed through her eyes.

    Ten minutes after he left, she silently decided that she would follow him.

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 Chapter 245

    ?Chapter 245:

    Alicia''s celebration partysted until nine o''clock at night.

    Thanks to meticulous nning and the presence of several seasoned drinkers, the atmosphere remained vibrant and the event ended on a high note.

    Alicia took the time to personally see off each friend and client as they made their way to their car.

    Finally, Gerry stopped.

    ¡°Alice, let me take you home,¡± he offered.

    Home? Where? To the hotel?

    Alicia hesitated, her thoughts drifting to Caden.

    A wave of emptiness washed over her, leaving her uneasy.

    She felt the need to clear her mind, to walk and gather her thoughts.

    "You may go ahead, Mr.

    Hopkins.

    I have some work to finish at the office," he replied.

    Gerry frowned, concern evident.

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯ll be safe alone?¡±

    Before Alice could respond, a pair of headlights pierced the darkness and hit her directly in the eyes.

    She raised a hand to shield herself and squinted as she watched the approaching car.

    Recognition washed over her as she saw the familiar license te.

    Why was Caden showing up at this hour?

    The car sped forward, tires screeching as it came to an abrupt stop, narrowly avoiding colliding with the rear of Gerry''s vehicle.

    Irritated and nervous, Gerry shouted: "Are you blind at the wheel?"

    The engine stopped and the door opened.

    Hank got out of the car.

    Recognizing him, Gerry''s tone softened.

    "Oh, is that you?"

    Hank exchanged a quick greeting with Gerry before turning to Alicia, urgency etched on his face.

    "Mrs.

    Bet, we have a serious situation.

    You need toe with me," he said in a tense voice.

    Alice''s heart sank.

    "What does he mean? What does he mean?"

    "Mr.

    Ward has fallen into the sea.

    "

    Her pulse quickened.

    ¡°What? How did this happen?¡±

    ¡°He was doing business on a cruise ship today and identally fell overboard.

    No one knows if he¡¯s still alive.

    ¡± Hank¡¯s anxiety was palpable, his wordsden with fear.

    Read thetest and free novels at .Com</a>

    Alicia paled as she processed the news.

    Without hesitation, she climbed into the vehicle.

    ¡°Have you notified the authorities? Are they conducting a search?¡± he asked, his voice shaking with urgency.

    Hank buckled his seatbelt, his expression grim.

    ¡°The search is underway, but with the stormy conditions, the chances of making it are slim.

    I came to find you, hoping you could say goodbye.

    ¡±

    Alice felt a ringing in her ears.

    All day she had berated Caden for his insensitivity, not anticipating such devastating news.

    As the car sped down the road, Gerry followed closely behind.

    Alice stared out the window, her hands clenched as silent tears ran down her cheeks before she realized it.

    Hank sensed her distress and fumbled with words, unsure of how tofort her.

    ¡°Mrs.

    Bet, don¡¯t worry.

    Mr.

    Ward is strong¡­ he¡¯ll pull through.

    He always does.

    ¡±

    Alice nodded mechanically, her thoughts spiraling.

    The wintery coastline stretched out before them, silent and eerie in its emptiness.

    A huge cruise ship loomed nearby, its imposing silhouette contrasting with the deste scene.

    As Alice got out of the car, she looked around the area.

    Theck of a visible rescue operation left her confused and nervous.

    ¡°Hank, didn¡¯t you say the police were already involved?¡± she asked, her voice tight with concern.

    Hank gave a sheepish smile.

    ¡°Mrs.

    Bet, Mr.

    Ward made a mistake earlier today and he¡¯s been trying to make things right.

    He prepared a surprise for you for the cruise.

    But¡­ he was worried that you wouldn¡¯te if he asked you directly, so he made me tell that little lie to get you toe.

    ¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Alice was speechless.

    Her cheeks were still stained with the remains of her tears.

    For a moment, she hesitated whether to brush them away or let them be.

    Finally, she wiped them away silently, her emotions in turmoil.

    Hank pointed toward the entrance to the cruise ship.

    ¡°This way, Mrs.

    Bet.

    ¡±

    With a mixture of confusion and lingering frustration, Alice followed him.

    When they reached the door, Hank stopped and gestured to her.

    "This way," he repeated, almost apologetically.

    Alice''s expression was a mixture of disbelief and apprehension.

    With a silent nod, she stepped forward and pushed open the door.

    Behind her, Gerry rushed onto the ship, reaching her just in time.

    ¡°What happened to Caden?¡± Gerry cried, breathless.

    ¡°Did you manage to save him?¡±

    Hank quickly stepped in, blocking Gerry¡¯s path.

    His tone was calm but firm.

    ¡°Mr.

    Hopkins, there¡¯s no need for either of us to be here right now.

    Let me apany you.

    ¡±

    Gerry froze, panic gripping his expression as his mind jumped to the worst conclusion.

    His eyes widened in horror.

    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡±

    Hank opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Gerry grabbed him by the shoulders, shaking him roughly.

    ¡°What do you mean? Caden¡­ has passed away?¡±

    Hank stammered, ¡°No, he hasn¡¯t¡­¡±

    But before Hank could finish, Gerry, driven by sudden desperation, pushed him aside and rushed forward without waiting for an exnation.

    Hank grabbed Gerry by the arm.

    ¡°Mr.

    Hopkins! Please control yourself.

    ¡±

    Gerry pounded on the door with his fists, shouting, ¡°Caden! Open the door, dammit! This joke has gone too far.

    ¡±

    Desperate to maintain control, Hank pleaded, ¡°I swear, Mr.

    Ward is fine! Please stop calling.

    ¡±

    Internally, Hank was panicking.

    If this fiasco ruined Caden¡¯s carefullyid ns, his hopes for a hefty year-end bonus were practically zero.

    But Gerry, oblivious to his pleas, continued to pound and kick the door like a man possessed.

    Hank was on the verge of falling to his knees and begging.

    After what seemed like an eternity, the door finally opened, revealing a visibly irritated Caden.

    Her shirt was unbuttoned at the cor, her posture was rxed, and her face showed no emotion.

    However, it was impossible to miss the faint stain of lipstick on her lips.

    Hank, seizing the opportunity, immediately released Gerry and quietly slipped away, eager to distance himself from any further chaos.

    "Mr.

    Hopkins, you''re on your own now," Hank thought as he walked away.

    Seeing Caden safe and sound, Gerry¡¯s frantic screams abruptly ceased.

    Ovee with relief, tears of joy welled up in his eyes.

    ¡°I knew it! Guys like you don¡¯t go down that easily,¡± he eximed, halfughing.

    But when she raised a fist to yfully punch Caden, her gaze fell on the unmistakable lipstick mark, and her expression froze in confusion.

    Gerry''s body stiffened as his eyes caught sight of Alicia''s faint silhouette inside the room.

    Gerry realized it like a sh and disbelief shed across his face.

    ¡°You¡¯ve tricked me?¡± he eximed.

    Caden remained unfazed, his voice calm and measured.

    ¡°What exactly did I lie about?¡±

    Gerry¡¯s frustration boiled over, his tone shrill.

    ¡°You made Hank tell me you¡¯d fallen into the sea, that you were about to die!¡±

    Without a hint of remorse, Caden replied, ¡°I fell.

    I just got back up.

    ¡±

    Then, with disturbing nonchnce, he added: ¡°And after that, I went and kissed a woman.

    Is there anything wrong with that?¡±

 Chapter 246

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 Chapter 247

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 Chapter 250

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 Chapter 251

    ?Chapter 251:

    Caden had his sights set on one goal, and nothing was going to stand in his way.

    Ynda just wasn''t part of that picture, and as much as Dorian loved his daughter, he wanted her to be with the man she loved.

    Neither of them was to me.

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    The room was filled with tension until Dorian, always reasonable, broke the silence.

    ¡°Mrs.

    Ward, we¡¯ve known each other for years and I hold you in the highest regard.

    But this is different.

    Caden made the offer, and he has no reason to back out now.¡±

    Ciara felt a dull ache behind her temples.

    She was torn.

    Sure, she was biased toward Caden, but deep down, she knew he wasn¡¯t meless.

    ¡°You should talk to Caden directly,¡± she suggested, her voice calm but firm.

    Dorian took the hint and stood up, preparing to leave.

    On his way out, he reminded Jasmine to take good care of Ciara.

    Still worried about his daughter, he went to check on her.

    Just as she was about to reach Ynda''s bedroom door, it opened and Regina came out.

    She shook her head softly and whispered, "Ynda is resting.

    Don''t disturb her.

    She''s not feeling well."

    Dorian furrowed his eyebrows in frustration.

    ¡°I¡¯ll stop by Caden¡¯spanyter.

    There¡¯s a personal matter we need to take care of.¡±

    Unbeknownst to them, inside the room, Ynda had crept to the door, listening intently.

    Regina''s voice followed.

    "Why? What''s your n?"

    "I''m going to talk to him about Ynda; he''d better give me a good exnation about this."

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t want to marry her, okay? What are you going to do, force his hand?¡± Regina sighed, softening her tone.

    ¡°Just let it be and calm down, will you?¡±

    Dorian''s response was a low growl.

    "Calm down? How can I calm down when Ynda''s health is getting worse? She used us, Regina.

    She yed us like pawns, and now she thinks she can just throw us aside? Who does she take us for?"

    Regina ced a gentle hand on his chest, trying to calm him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t do this to yourself,¡± she told him.

    ¡°You know Caden isn¡¯t cruel.

    He lets nature take its course.

    We shouldn¡¯t pry too much.¡±

    Dorian''s eyes hardened.

    "Ynda is my only daughter, my only daughter.

    How can I not be by her side? What if I decide to push for what''s best for her?"

    Regina gave him a helpless look.

    Dorian was a man of many strengths, but his devotion to Ynda often clouded his judgment.

    He would not rest until Caden and Ynda were together, even if it meant the Ward and Moss families going to war with each other.

    Besides, when push came to shove, Dorian was convinced that it would be Caden who would give in.

    Ynda, with her ear pressed to the door, smiled to herself as she eavesdropped on their conversation.

    As much as she resented her parents, she couldn''t deny that her father''s blind affection for her was a powerful weapon.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    With a satisfied smile, he headed to his bed, casting a disdainful nce at the pills on his nightstand.

    Without a second thought, he threw them into the trash.

    Meanwhile, Alicia was arriving at Caden''s office.

 Chapter 252

    ?Chapter 252:

    Alicia couldn''t get over Caden''s erratic behaviortely.

    Not long ago, he had been determined to keep her out of the loop, but today, he had personally asked her to meet with Lina.

    She had only agreed after confirming that Ynda would not be around thepany.

    The moment she saw Lina, Alicia''s breath caught in her throat.

    The sight of her was disturbing.

    Lina was wless, so human it was creepy.

    ¡°Did you make this?¡± Alice asked, her voice breaking as she looked at Lina, a shiver running down her spine.

    ¡°Is this¡­ real fur?¡±

    Caden, noticing her uneasiness, smiled with satisfaction and replied coldly, ¡°If I could wear real leather in business, I would have conquered the world by now.¡±

    Alice swallowed, her throat suddenly dry.

    ¡°But it seems so real.¡±

    Without warning, Caden ordered, ¡°Give him your hand.¡±

    As Lina stepped forward, her hand outstretched, Alice''s nerves got the better of her.

    She let out a cry of surprise and ran across the room, her eyes wide with fear.

    In an instant, Caden grabbed her arm and calmly led her back to where she had been standing.

    Lina, still smiling, held out her hand again.

    ¡°Hello,¡± he said, his voice eerily human, though tinged with a mechanical hum.

    Alicia forced herself to look at Lina, her pulse still racing, but then something inside her changed.

    She froze.

    Lina¡¯s face¡­

    The more Alice studied her, the more familiar Lina seemed to her, as if she had known her forever.

    Pieces of memories crowded into her mind.

    Somehow, Lina''s face was in those fragments.

    At that moment, her fear disappeared.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Alice stepped forward and cautiously took the hand that Lina held out to her.

    Unexpectedly, Lina''s fingers were frozen.

    Caden raised an eyebrow in amusement.

    ¡°What happened to being terrified? Weren¡¯t you convinced I¡¯d eat you alive?¡±

    Alicia pulled her hand away, turning her gaze back to him.

    ¡°Caden, you¡¯re so intent on perfecting it because it means something, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    His smile was faint but full of meaning.

    ¡°Of course.

    She¡¯s beautiful.¡±

    "You care about her, don''t you?"

    ¡°I love her,¡± Caden corrected, his gaze softening as he looked lovingly at Lina.

    ¡°More than anything or anyone in this world.¡±

    Alice felt a tightness in her chest as her eyes filled with tears.

    He leaned closer to her, his voice barely above a whisper.

    ¡°I know who it is.¡±

    Caden''s hand stopped dead.

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    His voice grew darker.

    ¡°Do you know?¡±

 Chapter 253

    ?Chapter 253:

    She nodded, her words full of certainty.

    ¡°The first time I visited your bedroom, I saw the photo on your bedside table.

    You put it away afterwards, but I never forgot his face.¡±

    Because Lina was identical to Caden''s mother.

    The resemnce was subtle, almost imperceptible, unless you knew the woman behind the face.

    Alicia''s heart ached as she realized.

    "Caden, are you back for her? For your mother?"

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    After Alicia asked the question, she realized her voice was shaking more than she intended.

    She had always known how much Caden loved his mother.

    The tragedies he had faced during his youth had left deep wounds.

    But even after knowing all that, Caden never allowed himself to show any weakness when they were together.

    He remained silent, his lips pressed together as if he were holding back words he didn''t want to say.

    Alicia couldn''t stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks.

    She quickly brushed them away, pretending nothing had happened.

    Silence fell between them until Caden finally spoke.

    ¡°Why are you crying?¡± he asked.

    His question caught Alice off guard, and she felt humiliated by how intense her reaction had been.

    She hadn''t expected her emotions to get the better of her, and it made her feel exposed.

    "The wind must have blown something into my eye," she said, quoting a line from a movie as she hurriedly wiped away her tears.

    Caden, usually sharp, opted to y dumb.

    ¡°What wind? We¡¯re ind.¡±

    Alice couldn''t believe what he was saying.

    She lightly pped him and said, "Can''t you just shut up for once?"

    Caden took her hand and brushed away her tears.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I only came back for her.

    Otherwise I wouldn¡¯t havee back to Warrington.¡± He paused before continuing, ¡°Don¡¯t waste your tears on men.

    It¡¯s never worth it.¡±

    He then gestured for Lina to return to her original spot.

    Alice asked quietly, "Aren''t you worth it?"

    Caden replied, "A man worth crying for wouldn''t make his woman cry."

    Alicia looked at Lina and noticed that she was far away.

    Still, she leaned closer to Caden and whispered, ¡°You make me cry in bed.

    Does that mean you¡¯re not worth it?¡±

    Cadenughed at thatment.

    ¡°Making you cry with pleasure is another story.

    That only makes it worth it.¡±

    Alice¡¯s face turned red as she pinched his arm in protest.

    ¡°Lina is still here.

    Have you no shame?¡± she whispered.

    The pinch only made Caden react even more strongly.

    His body responded in a way Alicia couldn''t ignore.

    Without hesitation, he picked her up and started walking toward the living room.

    Alice kicked her legs in frustration, trying to break free from his grip.

    ¡°Put me down.

    I have so much work to do.

    I can¡¯t stop now.

    I¡¯m overwhelmed.¡±

 Chapter 254

    ?Chapter 254:

    Caden didn''t give her a chance to argue further.

    He pressed his lips against hers as he began to unzip his pants.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about finishing any of this.

    Just send your work to my email, I¡¯ll take care of you first, and then I¡¯ll deal with your assignments,¡± Caden said with a satisfied smile.

    Alice''s cheeks turned red with embarrassment.

    "What are you talking about?"

    Despite her protest, she felt her body react to his words.

    The tears from earlier faded away, reced by a growing desire she couldn''t control.

    Caden didn''t hesitate, and in no time, he had his way with her.

    When he finally stopped, he looked at her with a satisfied smile.

    ¡°You can¡¯tst long, can you?¡±

    Alice couldn''t bear to face him, so she turned her back and rested her face on the soft pillow beneath her.

    She refused to let him see the shame on her face.

    Though his impatience had gotten the better of him before, Caden slowed his pace, dropping soft kisses along her skin.

    His deliberate movements made her gasp.

    ¡°Again?¡± Alice managed to whisper breathlessly.

    Caden straightened slightly and gave a firm order.

    ¡°Take off my sses.¡±

    Without hesitation, Alice leaned closer, using her lips to remove her sses by gripping the frames with her teeth.

    ¡°What kind of stuff have you been seeing? You look a lot more provocative than I remembered,¡± Cadenmented.

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    Embarrassed by her words, Alice quickly put her sses back on her face, trying to avoid his intense gaze.

    Alice''s actions left him speechless.

    He then pushed her towards the headboard of the bed.

    Just as Caden lifted her legs onto his shoulders, a sudden thud echoed through the room, breaking the moment.

    "What''s wrong?" he asked.

    Hank answered from the other side of the door, "Mr.

    Ward, Mr.

    Moss is here."

    Alicia looked surprised at the mention of the name.

    Caden immediately let go of her, taking a step back before she could fully process the interruption.

    Without wasting a moment, Alice straightened her clothes and put herself together as best she could.

    Caden¡¯s face remained tense as he offered a brief exnation.

    ¡°He¡¯s Ynda¡¯s father.

    He¡¯s here for something important.¡±

    At the mention of Ynda, Alicia''s thoughts inevitably drifted to the woman.

    Despite her confusion, she nodded.

    Caden paused for a moment before heading toward the door.

    Dorian immediately noticed Caden''s slightly disheveled shirt.

    As someone with experience, he knew exactly what Caden had been up to.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.

    ¡°Did I interrupt something?¡± he asked.

    Caden continued buttoning his shirt and replied, "If you had, I wouldn''t be here."

    Then he looked at Dorian and asked, "What brings you here, Mr.

    Moss?"

 Chapter 255

    ?Chapter 255:

    He was aware that for Dorian toe in person, something serious must have motivated the visit.

    Dorian''s gaze briefly shifted to the door.

    "Is Alice in there?"

    As Caden poured her a cup of tea, he said, ¡°It is.¡±

    Dorian picked up the cup and sipped the tea.

    It was still hot, but it tasted bitter.

    When Dorian spoke again, his voice barely concealed the anger beneath.

    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you made your rtionship public?¡±

    Caden calmly replied, ¡°It¡¯s not the right time.¡±

    "Were you already watching her when you asked me for help?"

    "That''s how it is."

    Dorian mmed the cup against the table with all his might.

    ¡°If that¡¯s so, why did you agree to Yndaing to Warrington?¡±

    Caden looked at the broken pieces of the mug on the floor.

    Dorian was the first person to smash a mug in his office.

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    Still, Caden epted the outburst.

    Dorian had every right to be angry.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    The situation was his fault.

    Back then, he never expected his rtionship with Alicia to evolve.

    It was a miscalction on his part.

    ¡°Mr.

    Moss, you can punish me any way you see fit.

    I won¡¯t object,¡± Caden said.

    His voice sharpened.

    ¡°But when ites to matters of the heart, I won¡¯tpromise.

    I don¡¯t love Ynda, and I won¡¯t let her waste her life with me.¡±

    Dorian scoffed.

    ¡°You¡¯re not afraid of offending me, are you, Caden?¡±

    With a calm smile, Caden replied, ¡°I am well aware that it is not ideal to offend you, but I will not force myself to do anything that goes against my feelings.¡±

    Dorian gave him a stern look.

    Their exchange seemed like an intense standoff, with neither of them willing to back down, and mutual destruction seeming the inevitable oue.

    After a heavy silence, Caden dialed the internal line to call the janitor to clean up the mess.

    ¡°Out of respect for Mrs.

    Ward, I¡¯ll let it slide for now,¡± Dorian said, darkening his tone.

    ¡°But if Ynda isn¡¯t cured by the end of the year, you¡¯ll learn what I¡¯m truly capable of.¡±

    The rtionship between the two families was deeper than appearances.

    Dorian had always held power and prestige, but today he had to suppress his frustration when facing Caden.

    As he turned to leave, Caden stood up, ready to walk him to the door.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother.

    I can find my own way out.

    Seeing you only makes me angrier,¡± Dorian said without looking back.

 Chapter 256

    ?Chapter 256:Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Caden stopped dead in his tracks and gave a subtle signal to Hank.

    Hank picked up on Caden''s silent signal and quickly followed Dorian to the exit.

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    When they reached the elevator, Hank obediently pressed the button and waited for him.

    After Dorian had left, Alice left the living room, gathering her belongings as she headed for the door.

    ¡°I¡¯m heading for the gallery,¡± she announced.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t leave now, I¡¯ll be workingte tonight.¡±

    Caden nodded.

    Moments ago, she had been burning with desire.

    However, after seeing Dorian, the mood had been ruined.

    And because of that, she no longer felt like continuing where they had left off.

    ¡°You drove here alone?¡± Caden asked.

    Alice nodded.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to take me.

    I can go alone.¡±

    Caden stood up from his chair and walked over to the desk.

    Then he picked up the phone and dialed a number.

    ¡°Have you heard from that doctor I asked you for?¡± he asked.

    The voice on the phone sounded regretful.

    ¡°Mr.

    Ward, you¡¯re too busy to get out of town.

    If you want to skip the line, you¡¯ll have to bring the patient in person.¡±

    Caden''s expression darkened as he nced at his calendar, scanning through uing meetings.

    ¡°Keep me posted as soon as you hear anything new,¡± Caden said.

    Alicia headed towards the CEO''s private elevator, as she always did.

    When he arrived, he was startled to see Dorian inside.

    Their eyes met for a moment and the atmosphere became tense.

    It was the first time Alice had seen him in person.

    He was once a prominent figure, and his authority was still evident, although in recent years he had kept a lower profile.

    Alicia took a step back, knowing that as her subordinate it was her job to let him go first.

    Dorian frowned.

    When she got to the ground floor, she realized she had left her phone in Caden''s office and decided to go back.

    As she got out of the elevator, she looked back at Alicia.

    Alice noticed him staring at her and smiled.

    ¡°Mr.

    Moss, I¡¯ve heard a lot about you.¡±

    Dorian didn''t expect her to be so calm.

    He asked, ¡°Miss Bet, I remember you don¡¯t work here.

    What brings you here?¡±

    Alicia replied, ¡°I¡¯ve worked with Caden in the past.

    I stopped by to check out some new items.¡±

    He presented his business card and asked, ¡°Are you interested in art, Mr.

    Moss?¡±

 Chapter 257

    ?Chapter 257:

    Their conversation soon turned to business.

    Dorian took the card, trying to be polite.

    ¡°I¡¯ll stop by when I can.¡±

    Alicia nodded and entered the elevator.

    As he left, Dorian looked at the card in his hand.

    Caden had mentioned that he thought it was not the right time to reveal his rtionship with Alicia.

    This indicated that he was not ready to take any responsibility.

    Dorian found himself pondering the situation.

    Caden didn''t want to be with Ynda, but he still supported her.

    However, what would happen to Alicia?

    Alicia had no parents.

    If Caden turned his back on her, who would be by her side?

    Once Alice finished her work, she texted Gerry to see if he wanted to join her for dinner.

    They had be friends and it was normal for them to eat together.

    However, the choice of a particrly luxurious restaurant made Gerry a little wary.

    He called her over and asked, "Is it just going to be the two of us?"

    Alice replied, "Yes, Mr.

    Hopkins.

    If you don''t like it, I can go and get you."

    Gerry replied: ¡°No way.

    I haven¡¯t had enough fun with my new car yet.

    I¡¯ll pick you up instead.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good to me,¡± Alice replied.

    ¡°Do you have any particr cravings? I can ask the restaurant to prepare them in advance.¡±

    Then something dawned on Gerry.

    Alicia must have had a question for him.

    Although she was with Caden, she hadn''t asked him for help, which suggested that the situation might be moreplicated than it seemed.

    Gerry felt a sense of unease.

    He decided to bring Cliff with him, even though Cliff was tied up at the time.

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    Cliff''s face naturally wore a serious expression, and his muscr build was reminiscent of a retired soldier.

    His thick, sharp eyebrows contributed to his intimidating presence, which could easily calm a room.

    He was in stark contrast to Gerry, who sat beside him, carefree and yful.

    Alice felt a little surprised by the arrival of a new acquaintance and became more reserved.

    The questions that were crowding her mind remained silent, no matter how much she wanted to express them.

    Finally, Gerry broke the silence.

    ¡°Alice, is there something you want to ask me?¡±

    Alicia felt a hint of shyness.

    ¡°You grew up with Caden.

    I¡¯d like to know more about his childhood.¡±

    Gerry looked surprised.

    ¡°Are you asking me how many girlfriends he¡¯s had?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Alice replied with a smile.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I want to know what his life was like before he was seven.¡±

    Gerry looked confused.

    Before Caden turned seven? That was ages ago.

    By then, Shelia hadn¡¯t shown up with her illegitimate son, and Jerald had managed to y the role of a good father and husband quite well.

    Back then, the family of three had enjoyed a harmonious and loving existence.

    It was the happiest time of Caden¡¯s life.

 Chapter 258

    ?Chapter 258:

    ¡°I don¡¯t remember much,¡± Gerry admitted.

    He hesitated, sensing that time was painful for the Caden of today.

    He was reluctant to share those memories with Alicia.

    Alice spoke frankly.

    ¡°You know about Lina, right? She needs optimization.

    I¡¯ve found that her main w is ack of emotions.

    If I can understand how she used to love Caden, I think I can fix this problem.¡±

    Cliff interjected, ¡°Is Caden aware of this?¡±

    Alice cleared her throat and took a sip of water.

    ¡°No, and I¡¯d appreciate it if you didn¡¯t mention it to him.¡±

    Gerry teased her: ¡°Are you nning a surprise?¡±

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    Alice replied, ¡°Not exactly.

    He¡¯s helped me a lot, so it¡¯s only fair that I return the favor.¡±

    Gerry thought it might be a public disy of affection.

    Ever the hard-nosed one, Cliff didn¡¯t think much of it.

    He simply offered his advice to Alicia.

    ¡°Before Caden was seven, most of his joyful moments urred in Averibon, his mother¡¯s hometown.

    All of Caden¡¯s fondest memories are tied to that ce.

    If you really want to help him, you should visit it and find out the truth for yourself.¡±

    Alicia had some free timetely, so she decided to n a trip to Averibon.

    She hoped the trip wouldst at least a week.

    To hide her ns from Caden, she made up an excuse, telling him that she had to go on a business trip for a couple of weeks.

    Caden remained silent on the phone.

    Alice touched the phone and asked, ¡°Hello?¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Hearing her voice, Caden imagined her cocking her head to the side in confusion.

    The thought made him smile.

    Alicia knocked a few more times, but when there was no answer, she repeated ¡°hello¡± over and over again.

    She sounded like a child who had just learned to talk.

    Cadenughed out loud at her persistence.

    Alice snorted and said, ¡°Can you hear me? Then why don¡¯t you answer?¡±

    Caden''s voice came out hoarse as he replied, "I heard everything you said."

    ¡°Then at least make a sound,¡± she growled.

    Caden rubbed his temples as he sighed.

    ¡°I¡¯m just exhausted, Alicia.

    I really want to see you.¡±

    Alice felt a bitter taste in her mouth.

    She smiled despite herself, and a question ran through her mind: did he miss her? However, she had never expressed such feelings before, so the words stuck in her throat.

    Instead, he asked, ¡°Have you been able to eat?¡±

    ¡°No.

    Your food is the only thing I want,¡± he replied.

    Alicia''s cheeks flushed red.

    She had always thought that sweet words were cheesy andcked sincerity.

    However, after hearing Caden say those words, his sensual voice warmed her heart and captivated her.

    He sighed softly.

 Chapter 259

    ?Chapter 259:

    Alice knew she could never escape the depths of her love for him.

    ¡°I¡¯lle back and cook for you,¡± he said.

    ¡°It¡¯ll only take me twenty minutes by car.¡±

    Caden smiled knowingly.

    ¡°Okay,¡± he replied.

    I was actually just messing with her.

    At that moment, he considered himself the luckiest man in the world.

    His tiredness disappearedpletely, reced by an exciting feeling of anticipation.

    He put on his coat and prepared to go home.

    The roads were congested, making the usual twenty-minute drive into a much longer journey.

    When Alicia finally arrived, Caden was waiting at the door, checking the time on his watch.

    "You''rete," he said yfully.

    She handed him her bag and knelt down to change her shoes.

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    ¡°I ran into a traffic jam on the way.

    Didn¡¯t you get stuck in it?¡±

    ¡°No.

    They built a special road just for me,¡± he replied with a mocking smile.

    Alice rolled her eyes.

    He was an idiot.

    As she washed up and started cooking, Caden put his arms around her.

    He gently caressed her back through her sweater before sliding his fingers underneath.

    She couldn''t help but shiver.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    "Aren''t you going to eat?"

    ¡°I¡¯ve ordered gourmet food.

    It should be here soon.¡± He knew she had been busy all day, so he didn¡¯t want her to cook.

    He gave her a soft kiss on the corner of her lips.

    ¡°We can enjoy some time together before dinner arrives.¡±

    Alice looked into his eyes, noticing the intense, disturbing desire swirling in them.

    Putting her arms around his neck, she whispered, "Have you forgotten what day it is?"

    Caden¡¯s thoughts drifted elsewhere.

    It took him a moment to be able to speak.

    ¡°What day? Is it the anniversary of our first night together?¡±

    Alice was speechless.

    ¡°Really? Is this how you want to y?¡± he thought.

    Instead of speaking, she pulled him in for a passionate kiss.

    Just as Caden felt himself losing control, he hit an unexpected wall.

    He paused for a moment, breathing heavily as he looked into her eyes.

    Alice looked back at him with big, innocent eyes.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Mr.

    Ward?¡±

    Caden''s face revealed nothing.

    "Are you on your period?"

    "Yes, it''s the first day," she admitted.

    Caden swallowed hard, feeling the tension build in his forehead.

    "So why are you trying to seduce me?"

 Chapter 260

    ?Chapter 260:

    Read thetest and free novels at LaNaNovel.Com</a>

    Alice smiled and countered, ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who started it?¡±

    Caden took a deep breath, gently pushing her away.

    ¡°Get away from me,¡± he said firmly.

    Alice burst outughing.

    With no other outlet for his frustration, Caden returned to his work.

    That same night, Alice stood with her back to him as she nned her trip to Averibon.

    Caden put an arm around her waist and closed his eyes.

    "I think I need to go away for a while too," he said.

    Alice turned her head slightly and asked, ¡°Another business trip?¡±

    ¡°Just some personal business to attend to,¡± he replied.

    ¡°Okay,¡± she said.

    Caden noticed the rhythmic tappinging from his phone, so he opened his eyes to see what he was doing.

    A jewelry ad shed on the screen, and Alicia inadvertently clicked on an online shopping app.

    A pink gemstone caught his eye.

    Women were often attracted to shiny objects, and he couldn''t resist looking at it a few times.

    Caden asked, ¡°Do you like it?¡±

    She nodded.

    "But we already have more than enough jewelry at home, and I don''t wear most of it," she said.

    "There''s no need to buy it.

    It would just be a waste of money."

    Caden let out a light chuckle.

    ¡°The gemstones from this brand aren¡¯t even authentic.

    When I visit Averibon in a few days, I¡¯ll bring back a raw stone and have a designer create something unique out of it.¡±

    Alice turned to him.

    ¡°Sounds expensive,¡± she said.

    Caden gave a yful half-smile.

    ¡°Miss Bet, your profits from just one project run into tens of millions of dors, and yet you still hesitate to buy a gemstone that catches your eye?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not just about the money.

    Carrying something so big would be too ostentatious,¡± Alice said, chuckling.

    ¡°It would seem as if I were showing off my wealth.¡±

    Caden pulled her close.

    ¡°Get some rest,¡± he said softly.

    Caden''s trip involved taking Ynda to treatment.

    Hank started packing and asked, "Does Mrs.

    Bet know?"

    Caden wrapped his scarf around his neck.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t mentioned it,¡± he replied.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Hank said cautiously, ¡°What if Mrs.

    Bet finds out you¡¯re alone with Miss Moss¡­?¡±

    Caden frowned at the suggestion.

    ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m having an affair with Ynda? Why would I have to be so careful?¡±

    He was out on business, so there was no reason for him to feel guilty.

    Besides, he didn¡¯t need to exin all the details.

    Hank, who had worked alongside Caden for years, understood well.

    He asked, ¡°But you¡¯ll be gone for a considerable time.

    Didn¡¯t Mrs.

    Bet ask you?¡±

    Caden nodded.

    ¡°He did.¡±

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