Chapter 215:
Alicia remembered the thrill she felt when she bought the scarf, her heart fluttering with excitement and anticipation. But life had a way of being unpredictable. That very day, she had a heated argument with Caden.
She tried to console herself. After all, it was just a scarf. She had already given it to Caden; it was his to do with as he pleased. Yet, she couldn’t shake off the image of him handing it over to Yolanda. Perhaps he had carelessly tossed it to her, mockingly dismissing Alicia in her presence.
Though Yolanda knew nothing of the scarf’s significance, the way Alicia kept glancing at it spoke volumes. Alicia couldn’t tear her eyes away, and noticing this, Yolanda smiled and asked, “Oh, do you admire this scarf as well, Ms. Bennett?”
Alicia calmly dried her hands and replied with an indifferent expression, “Not really. Men’s scarves aren’t my style.”
“Fair enough,” Yolanda responded smoothly. “But it’s not just about scarves. Everything should be a good fit. Forcing things together just because you desire them only wastes time and effort.”
Your next journey starts at gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․𝒸o𝗺
Alicia immediately grasped the underlying message. Locking eyes with Yolanda, she replied firmly, “You might be reading too much into this. I assure you, I have no interest in anything that belongs to you.”
Yolanda chuckled softly. “What are you implying, Ms. Bennett? I must admit, I’m a bit lost.”
Alicia smiled faintly, recognizing Yolanda’s knack for pretense. Clearly, Yolanda excelled in the art of keeping appearances.
Not wanting to keep Caden waiting any longer, Yolanda gracefully retrieved a business card from her purse and offered it to Alicia. “At dinner, Caden mentioned you’ve designed a new product for his company,” she said, maintaining her composed smile. “I work with him. If there are any issues with the products in the future, I would appreciate your guidance, Ms. Bennett.”
Alicia glanced down as she accepted the card.
The name on the card read Yolanda Moss, a top-level engineer in chip development who had been specially invited by Blizzard Group.
Alicia responded modestly, “I appreciate that, Miss Moss, but I hardly think I’m qualified to advise someone of your caliber. The project was just a small side venture of mine.” Yolanda didn’t answer immediately.
It seemed a thought had just occurred to her as she asked, “Ms. Bennett, do you happen to know why Caden returned to the country?”
It was clear Yolanda already knew the answer—a boast thinly veiled as a question, an implicit challenge. Remaining unruffled, Alicia answered, “Caden and I aren’t close enough to discuss such matters.”
“Is that so?” Yolanda replied, momentarily surprised by Alicia’s calmness. Regaining her composure, she added politely, “Since it’s a secret, perhaps I shouldn’t say more. Goodbye, Ms. Bennett.”
Alicia watched her leave but didn’t follow. Her gaze drifted back to the business card in her hand. On impulse, she pulled out her phone and looked up Yolanda online.
Exiting the restroom, Alicia intended to contact her assistant but noticed a message from Caden: “Come out and find me.”
Confused by his request, she chose not to reply. Lost in thought, she returned to the restaurant to meet her assistant.
“Are you unwell?” her assistant asked with concern. “You seem a bit off.”
Alicia shook her head and offered a reassuring smile. “I’m fine. Thank you for tonight. You should head home and get some rest.”
Her assistant sighed with relief and nodded.
After saying their goodbyes, Alicia looked around but didn’t see Caden anywhere. However, as she descended the stairs, she finally spotted him.
Amidst a sea of luxury cars and bustling people, Caden stood out effortlessly. He was a few meters away, engaged in conversation with Yolanda. Yolanda held a steaming cup of hot drink, smiling as she took a sip, but immediately winced as the liquid scalded her.
Startled, she spilled the drink all over her clothes, her composure giving way to panic.
Caden frowned as he swiftly removed the scarf from around Yolanda’s neck, using it to wipe the hot drink off her hands to prevent any burns.
Yolanda’s eyes reddened instantly; she bit her lip to endure the pain, looking utterly distressed. After a few moments, Caden finished cleaning her hands and tossed the scarf into a nearby trash can. He paused, something nagging at him. The scarf looked familiar.
Alicia watched his actions from a distance, her eyes flickering as she observed his seemingly indifferent disposal of the scarf. Deciding not to linger, she turned away, distancing herself from the unfolding drama.
Just as she was about to leave, Caden noticed her. He narrowed his eyes slightly before turning back to Yolanda.
“Have the driver take you to the hospital to get that checked,” he instructed.
Yolanda’s voice trembled. “Caden, what about you?”
“I have things to handle. Don’t worry about me,” he replied, signaling the driver, who promptly opened the car door for Yolanda.
After seeing the client off, Alicia noticed Caden approaching her. He seemed determined, and she realized there was no escape now.
“Didn’t you see my message?” Caden asked.
Alicia kept her gaze lowered. “I saw it. What do you want?” Her cool, distant reply seemed to irritate him. Just days earlier, their conversations had been flirty and filled with laughter, but now she acted as if he were a stranger.
“Nothing serious; 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.
He then prodded, lowering his voice, “Did the investment go through okay?”
Alicia nodded. “Yes, it did.”
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 upward, but Alicia swiftly stepped back, dodging his touch.
His face darkened immediately. “What is that supposed to mean?” Caden demanded.
