Chapter 164

Caden narrowed his eyes. "Is that so?"

Alicia had already deduced what happened. Joshua had taken the painting from the safe without her permission. "Just when I thought I couldn't sink any lower," he muttered grimly. The theft was repugnant to her; the painting had belonged to her mother long before her marriage. After her parents' deaths, she'd kept it in a secure bank vault. Joshua was the only other person who knew its location.

Caden raised an eyebrow. "Only you can open that safe. He wouldn't have been able to get in without your permission."

Alice bit her lip. "He might have guessed my password."

Caden frowned. "What kind of password would be so easy for him to guess?"

Alice looked away, unable to answer. She cradled the painting, inspecting it for damage. Caden decided not to press the issue.

Alice ran her fingers over the canvas, imagining her mother's brushstrokes. The image filled her mind vividly. She looked at Caden, her eyes filled with gratitude and warmth.

"Thank you," he said quietly, smiling at her. Spending the money was worth it, just to see her smile.

He looked thoughtfully at the painting. "Would you rather display it here or put it back in the safe?"

Alice hesitated. "Is it all right if I hang it here?"

"Of course," Caden replied.

Relieved, she began searching for an empty wall.

Caden added, "This place looks safer than a bank, right?"

"True," Alice agreed with a smile. As she hung the painting, she asked, "How much did you spend on it?"

Caden replied bluntly, "Two hundred million dollars. You owe me that, and you'll pay me back in bed."

Alice's expression shifted, her face flushing with embarrassment and sadness. "This painting belongs to me. Joshua sold it, making him a thief. I will ensure he returns every last cent to you," she declared confidently.

Caden said playfully, "Miss Bennett, you are stunning. I can't wait to see you get your revenge."

Alice felt a surge of shyness. "Oh, stop it!"

After hanging the picture, Caden stepped back. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Caden," Alicia said, helping him down.

Caden looked into her eyes. "Is that all I get in return?"

Alice's cheeks flushed. She moved quickly to him, rising on tiptoe to kiss him. She stared into his eyes, tears welling. For a moment, she wanted to ask why he was so kind, but his affection felt oddly calculated. This deepened her confusion. Her thoughts swirled, and she pushed the matter aside, feeling nervous, focusing on other tasks.

Caden smiled, remaining silent, wanting to savor the moment. As they admired the apartment's fresh paint, Caden suggested, "Since we're renovating, why not update some other things, too?"

Alice frowned. "What renovations? We just hung a painting."

"True, but that still counts."

For a moment, she was speechless. Assuming she was free to make any changes in her own flat, she agreed. "It's up to you. I'll take care of the expenses."

Caden had a knowing look. "Aren't you curious to know what I'm going to change?"

Alice was about to say she didn't care, but a feeling of unease washed over her. He hesitated before asking, "What do you plan to change?"

Caden raised an eyebrow. "I can't say that right now."

He was speechless. Why even bring it up?

With the apartment undergoing renovations, Alicia stayed with Monica while Caden stayed at the office. Their nights apart limited their time together. She focused on her classes, and time flew by.

From time to time, she heard gossip. Joshua was busy preparing for his company's IPO, the exhaustion evident in photographs. In contrast, Caden's news was everywhere—new technology, partnerships—and his photos radiated confidence. The contrast was striking.

Alicia looked at Caden's face and instinctively smiled. Suddenly, she heard footsteps. It was Monica. Alice quickly closed the page.

Monica noticed her reaction. "What are you hiding? Were you watching something inappropriate?"

Alicia cleared her throat. "I was looking at male models."

Monica leaned closer. "Who? I want to see, too."

Alicia casually browsed, the articles about Joshua catching her attention. Monica lost interest in male models. "He has finally hit rock bottom, just as we expected. Do you think Lilliana will marry him? I bet their wedding will be called off."

Alicia replied, "Joshua will not let this end like this. He will make sure his company goes public as planned."

"How can he do that?"

"He'll figure it out. He always manages to find a way."

Given Caden's rising profile, Alicia realized Joshua would stop at nothing to revive his company—especially against Caden. It would be intriguing to see who he was seeking in his despair. However, nothing would really change; in the end, she would fall into Caden's trap.