Chapter 138

The sound of the door opening roused Alice from a light sleep. She rubbed her eyes and looked up. "Why are you here?" she asked.

Caden, suffering from a hangover-induced migraine, didn't immediately respond. A sleepless night and an empty day had left him in a foul mood.

"When did you get back?" he asked, his voice clipped.

"A few minutes ago. I was just about to fall asleep," Alice confessed softly.

Caden's expression hardened as he silently changed his shoes and washed his hands. The room felt cold and unwelcoming. Alice felt her impatience mounting, battling the exhaustion that threatened to overwhelm her. She had spent hours in the hospital after injuring her ankle jumping from the second-floor window the previous night, waiting for the swelling to subside. The night had seemed endless, and with nowhere else to go, she had returned here, unsure what to do. She hadn't expected him back at seven in the morning, assuming he'd stayed at the office. She watched him silently.

After washing his hands, he poured a glass of water. His tall frame radiated a harsh, unapproachable air. He took off his coat after finishing the water.

Not wanting any misunderstanding, Alice spoke. "I went to the Yates mansion yesterday…"

Before she could continue, Caden threw his coat onto the couch. Alice caught the faint scent of alcohol, and something else: a woman's perfume. Had he been with another woman all night?

Caden began unbuttoning his shirt without speaking. "What happened next?"

A wave of bitterness washed over Alice; she pressed her lips together tightly. "Nothing," she murmured.

Caden looked at her. She was wrapped in a thin blanket, but he noticed she'd changed her clothes. Light marks on her neck, barely visible, caught his eye—they looked like hickeys.

Caden scoffed. The image of what might have happened ignited his anger. "Didn't you say Joshua was impotent?" he accused.

Alice stared at him, confused. "What are you talking about?"

Caden realized the absurdity of his thoughts and let out a bitter laugh. "You've really outdone yourself," he scoffed. "Impressive."

Alice remained silent. The accusation stung; her heart sank. "Caden, what's wrong with you?" Had she really given him cause to think this? She didn't even have the facts to make accusations!

Caden maintained his composure. "Did you at least shower? I don't want you staining my couch."

Alice's eyes reddened with anger; she bit her lip, glaring at him. "Do you really think I spent the night at the Yates mansion, sleeping with Joshua?"

Caden's expression remained indifferent. "What else am I supposed to think? Are you still pretending with him? What's the point?"

Alice had thought she could trust him. What was there left to fear? What Caden didn't realize was that those very fears had given her the courage to face Joshua the previous night. Unlike him, she couldn't afford to assume victory; she had to weigh each decision carefully.

She had planned to explain everything, but now it felt pointless. Swallowing, she spoke with quiet disappointment. "Believe what you want." She threw aside the blanket and stood. "I'm sorry I ruined your couch. I'll replace it." She turned to leave.

Caden's voice hardened. "Where do you think you're going?"

"It's none of your business!" Alice growled.

"Prepare breakfast before you leave."

Alice leaned back on the couch, her eyes red with anger. "Why would I? I cooked for you because I wanted to. Do you really think I'm your maid?"

Caden's tone sharpened. "Because of our agreement. We're partners, not me helping you for free. If you can't offer anything in return, why wouldn't I treat you like a maid?"

Alice's fingers trembled, but she didn't respond.

Caden chuckled darkly. "What's the problem? Are you no longer interested in keeping your end of the deal? Do you feel guilty about what you did to Joshua?" He added, in a lighter tone, "It seems like he hurt you quite a bit last night, considering how easily you changed your mind."

Alice lost her composure. Tears filled her eyes.

Seeing her cry, something twisted in Caden's chest. He'd never seen her cry except after their encounters. Had his comments really been that cruel? His headache intensified, the pressure in his chest unbearable. Still, he didn't hold back.

Alice was silent for a moment. When she finally spoke, her voice wavered. "I must have been completely crazy to trust you, Caden!"

He had always been cruel—a lesson she'd learned repeatedly, from childhood to now—but she never learned. She had asked for it.

Alice wiped away her tears and spoke clearly. "You will never taste my cooking again!"

"Eat shit, asshole," he muttered to himself.

Her anger was so intense she didn't notice the pain in her ankle as she stormed toward the door. As her hand reached the doorknob, Caden's voice cut through the air. "So, I guess that means our deal is over."