Chapter 103

At the gaming table, Alice was hopelessly outmatched by Mrs. Reyes and her subtly formed alliance. Round after round, Alice’s losses mounted into the hundreds of thousands. Squeezing her cards tightly, she realized skill alone wouldn't suffice. Her eyes narrowed, focusing on Mrs. Reyes's seemingly impossible winning streak. Even the luckiest gambler couldn't win so consistently.

Alicia's keen observation soon revealed a pattern. Every time Mrs. Reyes played a card, she'd casually raise her hand, twisting her jade bracelet in a practiced motion. Initially, it might have seemed coincidental, but it occurred without fail, and the other women only played after this gesture. Soon, Mrs. Reyes was again sweeping the table, a smug smile playing on her lips. It was a deliberate trap.

Alice's gaze fell on her dwindling chips, frustration simmering beneath her calm facade. If this continued, she'd be penniless.

"Mrs. Reyes," Alicia said, her tone cold but resolute.

Mrs. Reyes's eyes gleamed, as if anticipating this. She offered a sweet smile. "Miss Bennett, have you had enough?"

Alice remained silent.

Feigning sympathy, Mrs. Reyes leaned forward. "You've lost considerably. If you're short on funds, we could stop."

One of the women added, with a pointed taunt, "Giving up so easily, Mrs. Bennett? Don't spoil the fun. Why not call your ex-husband for a bailout?"

The insult stung, but Alice wouldn't yield. They might have conspired against her, but she wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing her defeated.

"Let's take a break," she said, rising gracefully. "I need to freshen up. We can continue later."

She needed time to strategize. Just as she prepared to leave, a commotion erupted.

"Mr. Ward?"

Rachel's surprised voice cut through the noise. She rushed to the door. "Randolph invited you to dinner. He knew you were coming and booked a private restaurant. He's still making arrangements."

All eyes turned as Caden entered. Dressed in a sleek black suit, his effortless elegance and calm authority were unmistakable. His striking features were accentuated by his healthy complexion. His sharp, insightful eyes seemed to perceive things others missed.

"No need," Caden replied softly, his voice calm yet commanding. He approached Alicia. "I can eat anywhere."

Alice, having just risen, instinctively sat back down, her pulse quickening. Even with her back to him, she felt his presence. She hadn't expected him to appear.

The other women exchanged excited glances. Caden was one of Warrington's most handsome men, his charm universally appealing. They toyed with the idea of flirting, but none dared speak.

Rachel, eager to greet him, was ignored. Caden walked past her and sat beside Alicia, who subtly shifted her chair away.

Caden raised an eyebrow. Mrs. Reyes's curiosity was piqued. "Mr. Ward, do you know Alicia?"

Without looking at Mrs. Reyes, Caden replied coldly, "She's my ex-sister-in-law."

A stunned silence followed. Everyone knew Joshua was Caden's half-brother, and Alicia's connection to him. Yet, their proximity felt both comfortable and unsettling. Tension hung heavy in the air, but Caden's presence silenced any questions.

Without warning, Caden hooked his leg around Alicia's chair, pulling her closer.

Alicia blinked, speechless. Caden, unfazed, asked dryly, "Still as stubborn as ever. How much have you won?"

Alice instinctively shielded a drawer, a reflex that amused Caden. He was quicker, reaching the drawer first and examining its contents. A smug smile played on his lips.

"Someone robbed you?" he joked. "Where are your chips?"

Alice huffed. "No one came in. I lost them."

Caden's smile widened. "With your brilliance, even tic-tac-toe seems challenging. Why bother with this?"

Alice clenched her fists, biting back a retort. Idiot! I kissed you for help, not lectures. You could have stayed away, she thought.

The tension rose, broken by a woman's laugh. "Mr. Ward, you've arrived at the perfect time. Mrs. Bennett's luck has run out. Care to throw her some chips?"

Mrs. Reyes quickly kicked the woman under the table, giving her a sharp look. Teasing Alicia was one thing, but provoking Caden was dangerous.

Caden's gaze fixed on the woman, causing her to freeze. After a pause, she forced a smile and excused herself. "I'll get some water."

Caden casually took the vacated seat. Mrs. Reyes, surprised, asked, "Mr. Ward, do you play cards?"

He shrugged. "Not really, but if someone's desperate enough to throw money at me, why not? His gaze met Alice's. "Don't you agree?"

Alicia narrowed her eyes, silently muttering, "Idiot!" Her obvious displeasure seemed to reassure Mrs. Reyes.

Caden didn't seem intent on rescuing Alicia. Mrs. Reyes relaxed slightly, her advantage seemingly intact. However, Caden's presence had shifted the dynamics. He was now a wildcard, playing cautiously. Despite this, he won the round.

Alicia watched, her brow furrowed. Caden's nonchalance was unnerving. Was he really just here to take her money? Something felt amiss.

Impulsively, Alice kicked him under the table.

Caden looked at her questioningly. "Why did you kick me?" ...