Chapter 114

Caden's expression was grim, and Alice felt a pang of guilt. She hadn't realized she'd caused him such frustration.

"Why don't we find the nearest hotel and get a room so you can clean up?" she suggested.

He frowned. "Do you really expect me to drive when I'm this dirty?"

Alice didn't know what to say. She knew it was her fault and couldn't argue, regardless of his anger. "Okay, how about I get you some soap? I need to buy a few things anyway. I can pick up whatever you need."

Caden was about to agree when a thought struck him. His eyes darted to her legs. "Are you wearing underwear?"

Alice blinked, surprised. "No," she replied, instinctively closing her legs. "I was just going to buy some." The hospital only provided gowns; personal items weren't included. She'd planned to buy disposable underwear for her stay.

Caden gritted his teeth. He wouldn't let her walk around without any. He glanced toward the bathroom. The only sound was the steady drip of the faucet.

"Hand soap, then."

Alice touched her nose awkwardly. "I'm sorry."

"If you're truly sorry, you'd better start thinking about how to make it up to me."

She looked up, but Caden had already disappeared into the bathroom.

Alice lay down, texting Monica to let her know she was safe. Monica replied, "I'll be there right now. Which ward are you in?" Alice quickly sent the address, appreciating her friend's support.

A few minutes later, Caden called from the bathroom. "Hand me my clothes, will you?"

Alice saw the call was still connected. Cautiously, she got out of bed, maneuvering the IV stand as she carried his clothes to the bathroom.

Knowing he was naked, he only opened the door slightly, taking the clothes without looking.

"Come on, bring them here," he scolded.

Alice kept her face guarded. "Don't you think that would be inappropriate?"

"What do you mean? You've seen everything, haven't you?"

Alice stammered. "That doesn't mean I have to stare at your naked body every chance I get!"

Caden didn't respond. Alice quickly closed the door and returned to bed after he took the clothes. She'd barely finished repositioning the IV stand when Caden emerged, impeccably dressed.

Seeing her struggle, he lifted her onto the bed.

"Thank you," Alice said timidly. "I'll return the favor next time you're hurt."

Caden glared. Next time? Was she cursing him? He wished she'd be quiet.

Alice crawled under the covers. "Did anything else happen after I passed out? Did the Reyes family eat?"

"Yes," Caden replied. "They plan to apologize in person once you're discharged."

Alice's chest tightened. "Are they really apologizing, or just setting me up?" Ted had been through so much; without Caden's protection, he'd be vulnerable. They could torture her at will.

But Caden anticipated her fears. "That's why I rejected them on your behalf."

Alice breathed a sigh of relief. "Good job."

Caden wiped his hands with a tissue. "You dodged a bullet today, but you won't always be so lucky. Even though you were injured on the Gray family's property, it means nothing to them, or the Yates family. They can make things disappear with money. But the Reyes family won't let it go. They'll come after you to avenge Ted, and they'll show no mercy."

Alice fell silent, her fists clenching. Caden looked at her, and when she didn't speak, he tossed the tissue and sat on the bed. He gently opened her fingers and laid her hand on the blanket.

"Are you afraid? If so, finding a powerful ally is the most sensible course of action, wouldn't you agree?"

Alice met his gaze. She was paralyzed, her emotions warring with her reason.

"Certain paths seem absurd at first," Caden said, "but they may be the easiest. Well-trodden paths can lead to dead ends. It's about choosing wisely."

"You sound just like Joshua," Alice murmured.

"With me, it's mutual consent," Caden said casually. "Can you say the same about Joshua?"

Alice was speechless. "When did you find out?"

Caden shrugged. "When he touches you, you recoil. When I touch you, you… get wet."

Alice gasped. Did he have no sense of decorum?

He pursed his lips. "You knew my intentions toward the Gray family, but you didn't stop me. You wanted Joshua to fall, right?"

"It's not just him," Caden continued. "It's the whole Yates family."

Alice remembered her dream. Who knew the mighty Caden Ward had such a difficult past?

"Your target is Joshua, mine is the Yates family. We'll have a deal. Partners. Not friends with benefits. This is different from your relationship with Joshua." Caden leaned closer.

Alice's heart wavered. She decided to be honest. "I'm staying with the Yates family to achieve my goals. I can't leave yet."

Caden was equally direct. "Have you slept with Joshua?"