Chapter 177

Alice's heart skipped a beat. She took a deep breath before answering Caden's call. "What?" she muttered weakly.

"Where are you?" Caden's voice was clear.

Alice was flustered. "I'm changing. If you need to say something, say it now."

Caden's expression soured at the implication. Just then, Monica entered the room. Alice quickly hid her phone under a blanket.

Monica sensed the tension. "Bad timing?" she whispered.

"What do you need?" Alice asked.

"I noticed you've been here a while," Monica said quietly. "I thought I'd check on you." Seeing Alice struggling with her dress, Monica offered to help.

Thinking the call had ended, Alice collapsed onto the bed. "I'm exhausted. I couldn't sleep until three, and I got up at seven." Monica, understanding the reason for Alice's fatigue, offered a sympathetic smile. The strapless dress allowed Monica to gently massage Alice's shoulders.

Alice sighed in relief. "Yes, right there. I feel wonderful... Oh," she whispered, the accidental ending of the call interrupting her. Exhausted, she lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

Monica noticed her expression. "Are you upset, Alicia?"

Alice shook her head. "Why would I be? I'm about to be free."

Monica leaned closer, watching Alice. "You seemed more cheerful a few days ago."

"I'm happy, only inside," Alice replied, looking away under Monica's gaze. "Do you and your partner have any problems? Have you had an argument?" Monica asked gently.

Alice laughed lightly. "Why should we argue?"

Their relationship had been strained for years; both had often fantasized about… well, let's just say things weren't ideal. With a heavy sigh, Alice stood up. "Come on, it's time to go."

At one o'clock, Caden's car arrived at the art exhibition. Mr. Wade stepped forward to greet him. Speaking in a low voice, Mr. Wade said, "I have a meeting with Joshua later. I will take care of everything as you instructed, Mr. Ward. There's no need to worry."

Caden nodded indifferently. He stepped out of the car, his presence commanding.

Surveying the scene, Mr. Wade asked, "Mr. Ward, where's your date?"

Caden's expression darkened. "She's gone. They found her in someone else's bed."

Mr. Wade was bewildered. Hank intervened, "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Wade. Mr. Ward isn't feeling particularly jovial today, so it's best not to mention women." He gestured for silence.

Mr. Wade agreed. "Understood."

As Caden was about to enter, Gerry's car pulled up. Gerry called out, "Caden."

Caden turned. As Gerry approached, Caden saw Alicia. She wore the custom-made dress he'd arranged, looking more stunning than he'd imagined. The breeze played with her curls, enhancing her allure. Alicia smiled, instantly captivating the attention of those around her. Caden managed a smile. It turned out she had arrived with Gerry.

Arm in arm with Monica, Alice approached Gerry. Caden stood with a striking, yet seemingly indifferent, demeanor. Alice avoided his gaze, greeting Mr. Wade before going inside. Caden did likewise. They passed like strangers. Gerry, ever casual, said, "Why are you two acting like enemies? You're adults, not children."

Caden watched Alicia go, admiring the way the dress fit her, the grace of her movements. A pang of irritation washed over him. She calmly picked up a glass of wine. Gerry, always ready for gossip, clinked his glass against Caden's. "So, about Joshua…"

Caden's expression soured; he put his glass down.

Gerry was confused. "What's wrong?"

Caden replied coldly, "You touched it. I won't drink it now."

Gerry stared, dumbfounded. "What's wrong with you, Caden? Do you think everything I've touched is too disgusting for you?"

"Yes," Caden replied firmly.

Gerry, realizing the source of Caden's ill temper, clicked his tongue. "Really, competing with a woman isn't a good look for a man."

Caden grabbed another glass of wine and drank it quickly. Then he asked, "Do you find Alicia attractive?"

Gerry studied Alice thoughtfully. "She's pretty, but no, not really. We know each other too well."

Gerry was puzzled. "Why are you asking that?"

Caden swallowed. "No particular reason."

Gerry was skeptical. "You don't think I brought Alice here because… we're involved, do you?"