Chapter 161

Hank no longer dared to challenge his fate; the prospect of losing his salary deeply worried him. Caden leaned against the window, eyes closed. As the car neared his apartment building, it hit a pothole, the jolt making him open his eyes. He saw a familiar figure at the second-floor library window.

"Stop the car," he instructed.

Hank stopped. "Mr. Ward, it's raining. Can I give you a ride to the garage?"

Caden continued watching the figure silently. Initial recognition solidified into certainty: it was Alice. Hank, too, identified her. From their distance, the figure was indistinct, but the woman's movement revealed part of her face. "Miss Bennett!" Hank exclaimed.

Caden opened the car door. "Drive back," he ordered, his calm demeanor betraying no excitement. He approached the meeting with the detached air of someone preparing for a tedious business negotiation – a project, worth billions.

Hank stifled a laugh, then teased, "Mr. Ward, there's no hurry. Mrs. Bennett isn't going anywhere. Take an umbrella; you'll get soaked." He offered the umbrella with a smile. Caden responded with a kick.

Meanwhile, Alice felt a surge of energy. The more she studied, the more excited she became. Caden's message had initially distracted her, but she soon immersed herself in her work, absorbing new information. So focused was she that she didn't notice Caden approach. He stood beside her for a while, then, when she still didn't recognize him, pulled up a chair. She wore headphones, lost in the translation of a passage. Only upon picking up another book did she realize he was there. Startled, she briefly wondered if she was imagining things.

"When did you arrive?" she asked.

Caden stared, expecting anger, but she appeared dazed, her expression soft and relaxed; she reminded him of a recently awakened kitten. Her charm and beauty were undeniable.

"I just got here," he said calmly.

She hadn't checked the time, but knew little time had passed. Alice removed her headphones; Caden casually took them, putting them on. "What are you listening to?" she asked.

A clear foreign accent filled the headphones. Alice preferred audio explanations. Having spent time abroad, the language came naturally. She handed them back. "Didn't you just become a music teacher? Why are you now working toward becoming a translator?"

Alice gathered her books. "I've missed the last two years, so I'm trying to catch up. Teaching music is temporary; it's stable, but I want to expand my opportunities."

Caden agreed, offering a rare compliment: "That's a smart move." He respected people who aimed high.

Alice stood, books in hand. "I thought you weren't coming back tonight."

"I said I wasn't coming back yesterday. It's past midnight; technically, it's a new day."

Alice was speechless. He always had a way with words. Caden narrowed his eyes as she walked away. "Aren't you glad to see me?"

Without turning, she moved to the bookshelf, selecting textbooks. Soon, her arms were full, the weight straining her thin frame. Caden silently took the books, surprised by their weight. "You're pretty strong."

"I've been training," Alice replied. Caden knew of her self-defense training but hadn't considered it significant.

"With your build, no matter how much you train, it won't make much difference. Think of it as a way to keep fit," he said, subtly mocking her thinness.

Alice rolled her eyes and threw a book at him. Using the moment he caught it, she elbowed him. He effortlessly dodged the movement.

Unfazed, he commented, "So young and already so restless. Haven't you heard? Tough advice is like good medicine."

Alice sighed in frustration.

Playfully, he asked, "Why don't you teach me? How to hit quickly and accurately?"

"Using us as an example?" Caden replied.

"Exactly."

"That won't work. My size and skills give me a complete advantage. You wouldn't stand a chance."

Alice fell silent.

"What if someone your size moves slower?" she insisted.

Caden looked at her intently.

"Use seduction," he murmured.

Alice was speechless. Caden looked around, pointing to a corner of the bookshelf. "See that spot? No cameras. If you really want to learn, shoot when I'm not paying attention. Let's see what you've got."