Chapter 17

Alicia was shocked. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Caden. He spoke briefly on the phone, his expression inscrutable, his actions decisive and efficient.

"Mr. Ward?" Lilliana blinked, startled from her daze. "What are you doing here?"

The commotion had already attracted a small, curious crowd. Lilliana tried to leave the car, but Joshua grabbed her wrist.

"Stay," he said, rolling up the window. "Paparazzi might be around. I'll handle this."

Lilliana was furious. She'd planned to humiliate Alicia, but hadn't anticipated Caden's presence. How did they know each other? She muttered, "That bitch! It hasn't even been long since your divorce, and she's already with your brother!"

Joshua's face darkened. Lilliana's words stung, though he hated to admit it. He clenched his jaw, unbuckled his seatbelt, and exited the car.

He immediately noticed Alicia, wrapped in Caden's jacket, standing protectively behind him. His anger flared.

"Caden," he acknowledged, reaching for Alicia's hand.

"Give him back his jacket," Joshua snapped. "I'll take you home."

Alicia refused to let him touch her. "Who are you?" she asked indifferently.

Caden remained impassive, a silent barrier between them.

"Stop being stubborn," Joshua gritted. "Your clothes are soaked. Come home with me, now."

"Not in your dreams," Alice retorted. "We're divorced!" She clung to Caden's sleeve.

Caden looked down at her fingers, then up at her lost and vulnerable expression.

"Can you take me home, Mr. Ward?" she asked softly.

"Alice!" Joshua exploded. "Why are you acting all shy and flirty with Caden?"

Caden's expression shifted. To everyone's surprise, he put his arm around Alicia, pulling her close. He smiled at his brother. "Mind your own business, Joshua. I'll take care of mine." She subtly glanced at the car, reminding Joshua of Lilliana.

Joshua's fists clenched. Hank then arrived. Without a word, Caden helped Alicia into his car and they drove off, leaving the murmuring crowd behind.

As the car door slammed, Alicia released Caden's hand. He smoothed the wrinkles from his sleeve. "Using me then discarding me?"

Alicia sat upright, stiff and formal. "Not at all. I know you dislike women; I didn't want to upset you."

He tightened his jacket. A moment later, he received a notification for a fifty-thousand-dollar wire transfer.

"What's this?" Caden asked, eyes narrowed.

"The jacket," she explained. "It's stained. You probably don't want it back, so I'm paying."

His gaze hardened. "This isn't enough. That suit is far more expensive."

Alice was stunned by his audacity. "How much exactly?" she asked, exasperated.

"Another fifty thousand," he replied coldly.

Alice's eyes widened. "What kind of jacket costs a hundred thousand?"

Caden leaned back, his tone lazy. "If you don't have the money, then you don't need to pay."

Barely had he finished when Alice replied, "Thank you, then."

Caden was speechless. But Alice wasn't done. "And please return the fifty thousand."

Caden's lip twitched. Silently, he accepted the transfer. Alice let out a cry of indignation.

On the highway, Alice felt uncomfortable and sticky in her wet clothes. She tugged at her collar for air. Caden, carrying a change of clothes, tossed her a shirt.

"Put this on," he said.

Alice hesitated. "I'll shower when I get home."

"The smell of coffee will knock me out," Caden replied flatly. "It stinks in here."

Alicia gaped. Was he insulting her? She felt uncomfortable changing in the car. Sensing her reluctance, Caden closed the partition, blocking Hank's view. Alicia removed her jacket. "Can you turn around?" she asked cautiously.

Caden raised an eyebrow. "What's all the fuss about A cups?"

Alice flushed, indignant. "Is there something wrong with your eyes? What cup?"

Caden grimaced. "Looks deceive. You have to feel the weight to know."

Alice's face burned. She turned, quickly putting on the shirt.

Caden shamelessly stared, focusing on her waist. "Calling you an A cup is generous. A minus would be more appropriate."

Unable to bear his sarcasm, Alice threw the stained jacket at his face. "Go to hell, Caden!"

Caden dropped the jacket, unfazed. "Can't handle the truth?"

Alicia rolled her eyes. "Stop projecting your insecurities!"

Caden shrugged, humming unconcernedly. He glanced in the rearview mirror and saw Joshua's car following them. He chuckled.

Alicia noticed too, her reaction far different from his amusement. "Hank," she said, leaning forward, "pull over by that trash can."

Hank, unsure, complied. Joshua's car slowed too. He watched as the back window of Caden's car rolled down, and a piece of clothing was tossed into the trash.

Joshua frowned, confused.

"Wasn't that Alicia's dress?" Lilliana shrieked. "Why's she throwing it away? What's she wearing now? Oh my God! Are they…doing it in the car?!"

Joshua's grip tightened on the steering wheel, his veins bulging.