Chapter 131

Alice's heart pounded as her eyes widened. "Huh? What did he just call me?" she whispered, genuinely surprised. "How do you know my nickname?"

Caden silenced her question with a kiss, his focus clearly on fulfilling her desires, not on explanations. Although she'd agreed to it only once, he lingered, deliberately prolonging the moment. His touch was slow, yet firm.

Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating their entwined forms. Alice looked up, meeting his gaze, and saw her own reflection in his eyes. His flushed face and dazed expression startled her. Both her voice and her reflection seemed unfamiliar, almost alien.

Caden's intense gaze seemed to pierce her, tightening her chest. For a brief moment, she wished she could remain locked in his embrace forever.

Afterwards, exhausted and still dazed, Alice collapsed onto the couch. Caden printed the revised agreement and handed it to her.

Stunned, she looked at him. "How did you know my name was Lucky?"

The nickname, a gift from her mother who hoped for a peaceful and prosperous life for Alice, was despised by her father, who considered it frivolous. He forbade its use; only her mother called her Lucky. And now, Caden was the second.

Alice felt adrift, yet strangely safe clinging to him.

"It was in the first photo in your album," Caden admitted. "I saw it there."

Alice looked down. The photos reminded her of her mother, and each time she touched them, a deep sadness enveloped her.

"Don't call me that again," he said quietly.

Caden studied her face—red-rimmed eyes, swollen nose. She tried to hide her sadness, but the lingering traces of passion were overshadowed by evident pain.

He handed her the agreement. "Sign it."

Alice searched for a pen. Caden offered his inked thumb. She pressed her fingerprint onto the paper.

The mark was faint. "This doesn't count, does it?"

Caden withdrew the agreement, his expression indifferent. "It doesn't count. Who knows? You might want to change it again tomorrow."

Alice was speechless.

She changed her clothes. Returning, she asked, "Has Randolph confessed?"

"He did," Caden replied.

Alice's face lit up. "So? What's the secret?"

Caden still had no answer. He'd employed various tactics throughout the week, and the crucial afternoon meeting would be the final push. Randolph had a choice: confess or face dire consequences.

"We'll find out tonight," Caden said. He paused. "Anyway, what's for dinner?"

He seemed accustomed to sharing meals with her.

Alice smiled, feeling cheerful again. "What would you like?"

She gazed into his sparkling eyes, captivated by their brightness. Her rosy complexion gave her an aura of purity.

"It's up to you. I'm not picky," he replied.

Alice suggested a few dishes, then decided to omit the beef and celery.

Caden raised an eyebrow. "Is that dish not to your liking?"

Without thinking, Alice said, "It's you who doesn't like it."

Her heart softened. "When the evidence is discovered, Joshua will face consequences. Are you sure you won't regret this decision?"

Alice paused, then nodded. "Just a little."

Caden raised an eyebrow. "Regret what?"

"Not having associated with you before," she replied.

He was silent. Alice, curious, asked, "Given your efficiency, why didn't you act sooner?"

"That's not my goal," Caden replied calmly.

Meanwhile, Randolph and Rachel, deflated and lacking their former confidence, sat in the hotel's private lounge. Alice's injury had marked the beginning of their downfall; the bank was in dire straits. Minor problems had spiraled into insurmountable issues. Despite relocating, their finances remained insufficient.

Rachel cried uncontrollably. "Randolph, who is behind this?"

Randolph was furious. "Joshua did this," he seethed. "He knows almost everything I did. After the incident, I found out he'd taken the executives to lunch. He ratted me out."

One action triggered a cascade of consequences. Randolph faced an investigation, his past misdeeds exposed. He had to repay embezzled funds and faced imprisonment.

In the following days, Caden contacted him. Today, Randolph hoped for Caden's support.

"Caden isn't in a much better position," Rachel said, her voice trembling. "When Mrs. Reyes confronted Alice, he defended her, forcing us to endure the Reyes family's wrath. It's cruel of him to use such tactics."

Doubt crept in. "Can we really count on him?"

Randolph regretted his past actions towards Caden. "I'm not sure about his relationship with Alice, but I understand what he wants," he said, his tone shifting. That secret had always been his trump card, and now was the time to play it. "He has more than enough money. If he helps me, I will reveal something that could destroy Joshua. It's an irresistible opportunity for him."