Chapter 10

Joshua paused, a chill gripping him as he recalled Caden's disheveled appearance and menacing gaze. Unease gnawed at him, spreading like wildfire. Could Alice be the woman Caden had mentioned?

As they left the CEO's office, Lilliana grabbed Joshua's arm, hurrying him toward the elevator. "Joshua," she whispered, her voice laced with trepidation, "I never imagined Caden would rise so quickly! And did you see how he looked at you? He hasn't forgotten his grudge. He's terrifying! We shouldn't bother him about the acquisition—for now. Maybe working under him will create opportunities…"

Joshua's brow furrowed. He mumbled agreement before hesitantly answering his phone. "I'm sorry, Lilliana. Something came up. I'll catch up later." He dialed Alice's number, only to hear a recorded message stating the number was unavailable; she had blocked him.

Meanwhile, in his office, Alice rose from her hiding place, smoothing her clothes. She had overheard everything and was piecing it together. "The woman Joshua was with… isn't she Lilliana Green, the famous pop singer?" she mused, the name resonating in her mind. Lilliana had powerful connections in the entertainment industry. It had to be her; Lilliana Green was Joshua's new partner, in more ways than one.

Caden, still dazed from the pain, looked at her sarcastically. "Is your husband about to have a child with another woman, and you still don't know who it is?"

Alice pursed her lips sadly. Then, remembering her purpose, she glanced at the bite mark on his hand. It was red and swollen but scabbing over. Calculatingly, he relaxed his expression and sighed. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize I bit you so hard," he murmured. "Let me clean the wound."

Surprised, Caden raised an eyebrow. Looking into her innocent eyes, his resolve wavered. "The medicine cabinet's in the cupboard." He even moved his chair, giving her space. He leaned back, his eyes lazily following her movements as she tended to his wound.

After a moment of silence, Alice spoke. "So you've acquired Lilliana's company. Does that mean you're taking her too?"

Caden smirked, understanding her implication. "Are you begging me to take care of her?"

Alice's lips twitched. "I refuse to beg. Besides, I know you won't help."

"At least you're self-aware," he retorted smugly.

His arrogance irritated her, but instead of rolling her eyes, she pressed the iodine-soaked cotton against his wound, a little harder than necessary. Caden didn't flinch. "Come on, press harder if you want. Make sure the virus is eradicated."

Alice sighed, applying a band-aid. "So," he pressed, "are you going to stay with Lilliana or not?"

Caden's lips curved into a sly smile. "If you don't want to, beg me, and I will please you."

Alice laughed, the absurdity of it all bringing a smile to her lips. "Why? She's incredibly popular, sings beautifully, and will make you a fortune promoting your products."

Caden narrowed his eyes, intrigued. "You think so? Me too."

Alice stood, dusting her hands. "That's it. Now, give me my ring."

He readily gave her the ring. Just as she was about to withdraw her hand, he grabbed her wrist, pulling her close. Before she could gasp, he leaned in, his breath on her neck, then a sharp sting. Her body tensed. It wasn't just the pain; it was the way his lips and teeth grazed her skin that sent a chill through her. Caden let go with a satisfied smirk, the bite a reminder of his control.

Alice pressed her hand to the bite mark, her cheeks flushed with rage and embarrassment. Her fury seemed to amuse him. "What's with the violent reaction? Don't tell me Joshua has never bitten you like that."

She knew better than to confront him. Instead, she grabbed her bag and left. Caden dialed the intercom. Hank entered, confused.

"Mr. Ward, did you call?"

"Get me a rage shot," Caden replied coldly.

Hank blinked. "Uh… what?"

Alice, at the door, chuckled. "Let's make it two, since we're at it."

Hank, clearly bewildered, left. He returned not with a rabies vaccine, but a bottle of glucose. Alice disposed of the syringe and looked at Caden, her expression calm but cutting.

"Take care, Miss Bennett," Caden said mockingly. "And when you finally manage to drag Joshua back into your disastrous life, let me know. I'll stop by to congratulate you."

Alice 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."

Caden's expression hardened. Elementary skills? Embarrassing?