Chapter 177:
Alicia’s heart skipped a beat.
She took a deep breath before picking up Caden’s call. “What?” she murmured weakly.
Caden’s voice came through clearly. “Where are you?”
Alicia was in a rush. “I’m changing. If you need to say something, go ahead.”
Caden’s expression soured at the mention of her “changing her clothes.”
Just then, Monica walked into the room.
Alicia quickly hid her phone under the blanket.
Monica sensed the tension and whispered, “Bad time?”
Alicia shook her head. “What do you need?”
ⱠⒶⵜẸŞ₸ ₡Ḥ₳₱₸ɆⱤŞ ⱻ g𝒶lnovєl𝑠.𝑐ᴏm
“I noticed you’ve been here a while,” Monica said softly. “I thought I’d check on you.”
Monica saw Alicia struggling with her dress and came over to assist.
Thinking the call had disconnected, Alicia collapsed onto the bed. “I’m worn out. I didn’t get to sleep until three in the morning and was up by seven.”
Monica was aware of what had kept Alicia up and offered a sympathetic smile.
The dress being strapless allowed Monica to gently massage Alicia’s shoulders.
Alicia sighed with relief. “Yes, right there. Oh, that feels wonderful… Ah, take it easy,” she whispered.
Their goofing around caused the call to accidentally end. Exhausted, Alicia sprawled out on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
Monica noticed her expression. “You seem down, Alicia?”
Alicia shook her head.
“Why would I be down? I’m close to being free.”
Monica leaned on her hand, observing Alicia. “You seemed more upbeat a few days ago.”
“I am happy, just on the inside,” Alicia responded. Feeling self-conscious under Monica’s gaze, she looked away.
“Are you and your partner having some trouble? Did you have a disagreement?” Monica asked, trying to understand.
Alicia laughed lightly. “What would we possibly have to argue about?”
Their relationship had been strained for years. Both had often fantasized about strangling the other. With a heavy sigh, Alicia stood up swiftly. “Come on, it’s time to leave.”
At one o’clock, Caden’s car arrived at the entrance of the art exhibition. Mr. Wade stepped forward to welcome him.
Speaking quietly, Mr. Wade said, “I have a meeting with Joshua later. I’ll manage everything as you instructed, Mr. Ward. There’s no need to worry.”
Caden nodded indifferently. He exited the car, his presence commanding and authoritative.
Scanning the scene, Mr. Wade asked, “Mr. Ward, where is your date?”
Caden’s expression turned grim. “She’s gone, found in someone else’s bed.”
Mr. Wade was taken aback, unsure of how to respond.
Catching up, Hank advised Mr. Wade, “Thank you for your concern, Mr. Wade. Mr. Ward isn’t feeling particularly jovial today, so it’s best not to bring up the subject of women.”
With that, Hank signaled for silence.
Mr. Wade agreed. “Understood.”
As Caden was about to enter, Gerry’s car arrived. Gerry leaned out of his window. “Caden.”
Caden turned to face him. As Gerry stepped out, Caden’s eyes caught sight of Alicia. She was wearing the bespoke dress he had organized for her, looking more stunning than he had imagined. The chilly breeze played with her long curls, adding to her allure.
Alicia was smiling, her demeanor effortlessly making her the center of attention at the event.
Caden let out a smirk.
It turned out Gerry was the one she had come with. Linked arm in arm with Monica, Alicia approached alongside Gerry.
Caden remained standing, his stature dignified and striking. He appeared completely detached.
Alicia avoided his gaze. After saying hello to Mr. Wade, she proceeded inside.
Caden also ignored her presence.
They crossed paths as if they were strangers. Gerry, ever light-hearted, remarked, “Why do you both act like you’re enemies? You’re adults, yet you behave like children.” They walked inside.
Caden watched Alicia as she walked away. The dress he had tailored for her fit her waist perfectly, and her movements were elegant and composed. A twinge of irritation struck him.
He calmly reached for a glass of wine. Gerry, always eager for some gossip, grabbed a glass and tapped it against Caden’s. “So, about Joshua…”
Caden’s expression soured, and he set his glass back down.
Gerry looked confused. “What’s the matter?”
Caden replied coldly, “You touched it. I won’t drink it now.”
Gerry was stunned for a moment, his eyes widening. “What’s wrong with you, Caden? You think anything I’ve touched is too filthy for you?”
“Yes,” Caden responded, his voice unwavering.
Gerry couldn’t believe him, but he quickly realized the reason behind his bad mood.
“Is your problem that I brought Alicia to the exhibition?” Gerry clicked his tongue and scolded, “Really, competing with a woman isn’t a good look for a man.”
Caden grabbed another glass of wine and drank it swiftly. Then he asked, “Do you find Alicia attractive?”
Gerry reflexively glanced toward Alicia. “She’s beautiful, but no, not really. We know each other too well.”
Gerry was puzzled. “Why do you ask all of a sudden?”
Caden swallowed, his Adam’s apple moving slightly. “No particular reason.”
Gerry was skeptical. “You don’t think I brought Alicia here because we’re involved, do you?”
