Chapter 165

Monica blinked, confused. “Alice, why aren’t you worried?”

Alice replied calmly, “What’s to worry about?”

“You said Joshua always finds a way. He’s always one step ahead, probably has a backup plan. Does that mean everything we’ve done is pointless?”

Alice smiled. “I’ve almost gathered all the evidence I need. Even if it’s made public, it won’t change anything. I’ll still bring him down.”

Monica’s anxiety eased, witnessing Alice’s composure. “You’ve changed,” she complimented. “You’re much more serene and assertive.”

Alice felt a blush rising. “Is it because of him?” Monica asked.

Alice was shocked, immediately understanding Monica’s implication. She opened her mouth to explain, but the words caught in her throat. How could she introduce Caden? Their relationship was purely contractual; it would end with Joshua’s downfall. “Maybe,” she replied hesitantly.

Lately, she had found a newfound calm, undeniably due to Caden. The evidence she’d collected seemed insignificant compared to the influence of these powerful players. If Joshua escalated, she could be in serious trouble. But with Caden’s unwavering support, the situation felt entirely different.

Monica smiled, deciding not to press further. As long as Alice was happy, it didn’t matter.

The day Caden was to return, she texted him: “Are you available tonight?”

Alice, finishing her class, gathered her things. “Of course.”

Caden replied, “Landing at eight. Be at the apartment.”

Alice stared at the screen, took a deep breath, and switched off her phone. She briefly worried the music teacher beside her might have seen the message, but thankfully he was engrossed in conversation. She responded occasionally, her mind already elsewhere.

Caden had been away on business for several days. The separation had been long enough that she anticipated a sleepless night.

At the school gate, the music teacher greeted her enthusiastically. “Goodbye, Miss Bennett! Picking up a birthday present for my husband.”

Alice waved goodbye. A thought struck her: should she plan something for Caden? He had supported her immensely. Cooking felt repetitive, and her work contributions were minimal. She bit her lip, her thoughts wandering.

Finally, an idea sparked, illuminating her face. Perfect!

Once Caden landed, he checked his phone. An unread message from Alice: “I’ve planned something special for you.”

His imagination soared. She’d told him to wait at the apartment. Now, a surprise? What could it mean? He envisioned Alice stepping outside her comfort zone, dressed in something he admired, her delicate figure enhancing her allure… Anticipation washed over him. He had to compose himself amidst the airport bustle. He smoothed his trench coat and asked Hank, “Get me a bottle of water.”

Suitcase in hand, he texted Alice: “Just landed. Where are you?”

Her almost immediate reply: “Exit A.”

Caden raised an eyebrow, surprised. “You’re that far ahead?” His mind raced with tantalizing possibilities.

Meanwhile, at the exit, Alice looked at her phone, unsure of what to expect. Her surprise wasn’t particularly daring. “Come quickly. It’s very cold,” she texted, waiting impatiently.

Caden pocketed his phone and headed for the exit. Hank returned with the water, confused. Where had Caden gone?

Outside, the area buzzed with activity. Caden scanned the crowd, but Alice was nowhere to be seen. Despite the crowd, his height and imposing presence made him noticeable.

Alice spotted him instantly. She ran towards him, shouting, “Sir!”

His heart leaped. He turned to see her approaching. She wore two neat braids, a long black coat, and a partially concealing mask. With playful energy, she raised a cardboard sign.

“Sir, looking for accommodation?” she asked, smiling beneath her mask. “Our cozy family-run inn is a ten-minute walk. Five hundred dollars a night, including massages and a games room.”

Caden stood speechless, locking eyes with her bright eyes behind the mask, holding her gaze longer than intended as he tried to process it all. This was his surprise. A role-playing game. His big surprise was…a role-playing game?

His anticipation evaporated.

Just as he opened his mouth, Hank appeared running. “Mr. Ward.” He mistook Alice for a publicity seeker, politely waving her off. “We’re not interested.”

Alice stood firm. “Two people get fifty percent off!”

Hank paused, then it dawned on him. He glanced at Caden, stepped back, and took the suitcase.

Caden stared blankly at Alice. “Do you have any romantic themed rooms? I’ll book one.”

Alice blinked, stunned, speechless.