Chapter 176

Alice shrugged and returned to her work. It wasn't until after three in the morning that she finally finished her choruses. Exhausted, she could barely keep her eyes open. She showered quickly and went straight to bed.

The next morning, strange noises awakened her. Groggy, she pulled the blanket over her head, hoping to sleep. Just as she drifted off, something landed on her chest.

She groaned, throwing the blanket aside. "Caden, what's going on?"

Opening her eyes, she saw Caden in the doorway, looking nonchalant. Initially shocked, she then saw the culprit: Cade, the dog, sitting innocently on the bed, tongue lolling.

Sighing, she picked him up and held him close, hoping for more sleep. Caden's voice shattered her reverie. "I just pooped."

His words jolted Alice awake. Cade leaped onto her, enthusiastically licking her face before circling her several times and finally sitting directly on her face. Stunned, Alice could only stare. After washing her face, she walked out of the bathroom, her irritation with Caden growing. He seemed utterly unconcerned.

"Why did you let him in my room so early? Are you trying to ruin my day?" she demanded.

Caden, unconcerned with his work, replied, "I had nothing to do with it. He came in on his own."

"Do you expect me to believe he opened the door himself?"

"Yes. He's quite good at it."

Alice was speechless. Frustrated, unable to vent his anger, he finally exploded: "You are incredibly childish!"

Caden looked at her coldly. "You're just grumpy because you didn't get the invitation, aren't you?"

Alice calmed down. "That's none of your business."

"Fine," Caden said, assuming her stubbornness. "If you need my help, I'll be available until noon. After that, nothing will change."

Alice scoffed. "Don't expect me to ask."

"As you wish," he replied.

Determined, Alice invited Monica to the art exhibition. She'd already chosen a dress for Monica and planned to pick it up and deliver it. After changing into her own dress, she left the apartment. Only then did Caden look up, noticing the untouched breakfast. She was gone.

His expression turned cold; he could no longer concentrate. He threw his documents aside, scattering them onto Cade, who howled.

Caden frowned at the dog. "You're in the way." Cade, hurt, hesitated before snuggling against Caden's leg. Instead, he paced, searching for Alice.

Caden, stern, ordered, "Eat here."

Scared, Cade refused, curling up on a pink pillow. Caden frowned, noting Cade's surprisingly strong personality—reminiscent of Alice.

He wondered if he'd hurt Cade. After calling to him several times without response, he approached. As he bent down, the door flew open. He looked up into Alice's eyes.

Cade's ears perked up at Alice's entrance. He leaped at her, whimpering, and wrapped his arms around her legs. Alice picked him up, stroking his fur. Sensing her distress, she turned to Caden. "Did you do something to Cade?"

Cade whimpered again, as if complaining.

Caden remained expressionless. "You picked a bad time to come back. I was about to strangle him," he said.

Alice stared, incredulous. Gripping Cade, she glared. "That's the most twisted thing you've ever said!" She stormed into the bedroom, grabbed some belongings, and headed for the door.

Caden watched her go. "If you need my help, let me know. There's no point in wasting time," he said.

Ignoring him, she thought how absurd it was. "If you lay a finger on Cade, you'll regret it," she warned.

Caden looked at the dog. "Once you're gone, I can't promise what might happen to him," he replied.

Anger flared in Alice's eyes. Realizing she couldn't win, she ignored him, leaving with Cade. As she left, she shouted, "And you can't wear the long johns I bought you!"

Caden stood speechless. Alice left Cade at a pet store, intending to pick him up later.

Monica was ecstatic upon receiving her dress, immediately trying it on.

"Where's your dress?" Monica asked excitedly. "Alicia, try yours on! I'll even do your makeup."

"I have important matters. My appearance isn't a priority," Alice replied.

"But it's absolutely important!" Monica insisted. "Today you finally face Joshua. You should look impressive and make him realize what he's lost." Her words made Alice pause.

Yes, today ended everything, including her agreement with Caden. Two significant events worth celebrating.

By the time Alice emerged from her thoughts, Monica was leading her to the bedroom. She looked at herself in the mirror, seeing only indifference. The dress was intricate and difficult. Just as she was about to zip her dress, her phone rang. It was Caden.