Chapter 153

"Idiot!"

Caden wasn't sure if Alice was angry at his rudeness or his use of her puppy's nickname. Regardless, her voice held a strange sweetness. The water splashed more violently in the bathtub. Alice's shame vanished, replaced by overwhelming emotion; her body trembled with soft sobs.

Caden savored these moments. Her tears rendered her helpless, clinging to him, desperate for stability. It gratified him to know she trusted only him. The puppy, sensing something was amiss, ceased his playful antics, tilting his head in confusion. Alice occasionally met his innocent, curious gaze, her face reddening as she muttered a curse at Caden.

Caden freed a hand, gesturing for the pup to approach. Despite only being home a week, the puppy was surprisingly obedient, snuggling into her fingers. Caden gently covered Alice's eyes. "Mom is a little shy. Don't stare at her."

After that day, everything proceeded smoothly. Alice's skills were undeniable, and with Caden's support, everything went swimmingly. He brought gifts to Harley in the hospital during his free time. Harley's recovery was progressing well, and Alice spared no expense ensuring the best care, from living conditions to medication.

Gina visited occasionally, feeling guilty each time she saw the cupboards overflowing with supplements. "I haven't contributed much. You shouldn't spend all this," she said. Alice, too, felt a pang of guilt.

"Were you thinking of quitting before agreeing to help me?" Alice asked.

Gina laughed. "No, I've always been Lilliana's punching bag. She made it clear that if I left, I'd never find another job as an assistant. With Harley's medical bills mounting, I couldn't afford to walk away."

Hearing "punching bag" and recalling Lilliana's attitude, Alice realized Gina had developed remarkable resilience. Sympathy welled within her.

"When Harley is discharged, you won't have to work so hard," Alice said quietly. "When this is over, the Green family won't bother you, and you'll find a job that truly makes you happy."

Gina looked at her with a hint of envy. Alice felt sorry for her. It was clear Alice's life was significantly improved.

"Miss Bennett, my situation isn't your responsibility. You don't need to feel sorry for me. I'm helping you because I want to. Besides, you saved Harley's life. Everything I've done is nothing compared to that," Gina said with a soft smile.

Emotion welled in Alice, a lump forming in her throat. "Thank you," she whispered, offering further comfort that seemed to ease Gina's heart.

"I understand, Mrs. Bennett," Gina replied warmly. She then noticed a shopping bag beside Alice, recognizing the logo of a home goods store she frequented for Lilliana's purchases. A tag revealed a pair of men's pajamas, size triple XL.

Gina smiled knowingly. "Miss Bennett, you should go home. Don't keep your family waiting."

Alice, blushing with embarrassment at her inadvertently revealed gift for Caden, followed Gina's gaze to the bag. She hadn't bought them specifically for him; he'd mentioned needing new ones, so she'd picked up a pair while shopping.

"Okay, I'm leaving now. Take care of yourself."

"I will," Gina replied, choosing not to accompany Alice to avoid attracting attention. Alice hadn't gone far when she encountered Joshua and Lilliana.

Lilliana wore sunglasses, her irritation palpable; Joshua's expression was blank, hostility simmering in his eyes. He stopped abruptly upon seeing Alice. Even through her sunglasses, Lilliana's resentment was evident. Too much had transpired between them.

Lilliana couldn't restrain her anger. "Joshua, what a coincidence. We actually ran into your ex-wife at the hospital."

Joshua remained unfazed. "You said it yourself. She's my ex-wife. She doesn't mean anything to me anymore." He squeezed Lilliana's hand tightly. "Let's go."

Alice remained silent, eager to escape. But Lilliana wasn't finished. She leaned in, hissing, "Alice, you're an orphan. So you're not here visiting family. Are you the one dying of cancer?"

Alice's gaze fell upon Lilliana's swollen belly. Calmly, she replied, "You're pregnant. Try to be kind, if not for yourself, then for your baby."

Lilliana rubbed her belly, stepping closer. Her cocky attitude mirrored Joshua's perfectly. "I underestimated you, Alicia," Lilliana sneered. "Who would have thought you would end up with Caden?"

With the Yates family in trouble, the Greens were entangled, now under investigation for inexplicable reasons. Everything spiraled into chaos. Lilliana knew Alice had influenced Caden's actions, fueling her desire to destroy Alice—a discarded woman who had somehow ensnared Caden.

Alicia maintained her composure. "I am much more capable than you think."

Lilliana scoffed. "Really? That's hilarious. A woman who uses her body to climb the stairs really thinks she's something special?" She covered her mouth, laughing mockingly.