Chapter 180

Mr. Wade called Caden, informing him the situation was resolved. When Caden answered, Mr. Wade, carefully avoiding names, simply said, "It's done. When are you coming?"

Caden replied flatly, "Tell him to wait," and hung up. He was sitting in a banquet hall with three others: Alicia, who drank incessantly; Gerry and Monica, who were engrossed in conversation. Their chatter excluded Alicia, who periodically glanced at Caden, wondering about the time, his drinking, and the lack of discussion about important matters.

Impatiently, I kicked Caden under the table. He looked up, asking, "What was that for?" Alicia's unspoken thought was, 'I kicked you because I can't say it aloud. Why would you announce it like that?'

Gerry leaned over, asking, "What's wrong?" Alicia claimed a leg cramp. Caden retorted, "A cramp that resulted in kicking me." Alicia playfully countered, "It's a condition where I aim unpredictably. How unlucky you are!"

Gerry chuckled. Seeing their bickering, she nudged Caden, suggesting they switch seats. He complied, understanding her intent. Unable to directly address Caden, Alicia texted, "Is Joshua here yet?"

Caden ignored the message, swirling his drink. Frustrated, Alicia sent another: "The art exhibition's almost over. Are you going to handle business today or not?" Caden noted her aggressive typing, then closed his eyes and leaned back.

Alicia bombarded him with angry emojis. His phone buzzed incessantly, sliding closer to the table's edge. Gerry asked, bewildered, "Caden, someone's contacting you. Aren't you going to answer?"

Caden remained motionless. "Don't bother. That phone's cursed." Gerry, confused, questioned this. As Alicia's emoji barrage continued, Caden, realizing his childishness, turned off his phone.

Unable to contain herself, Alicia kicked him again, harder. The sound was audible to Gerry and Monica, but neither commented. Caden opened his eyes, asking, "What now? Another leg tremor?"

Alicia retorted coldly, "Yes. My leg seems to act up around hateful people." Caden left the table. Moments later, his phone buzzed: "See you outside."

Alicia, gritting her teeth, debated leaving. Another message arrived: "You have two minutes. This is your last chance." She sighed, leaving for the private room.

Caden, watching his watch, commented, "You really can't stand losing, can you? You showed up at exactly one minute and fifty-nine seconds."

Alicia whispered, "Where's Joshua?" Caden replied, "Mr. Wade's waiting for my word." Alice understood the weight of the situation.

Caden clenched his fists. "Our agreement clearly states you cannot threaten me." Caden calmly replied, "If that deal means so much, why this endless loop with me?"

This time, Alice was speechless, embarrassed. Caden continued, "I never agreed to the marriage my family arranged." His impatience growing, he added, "Give me a quick kiss and we'll go. Eat here."

Alicia questioned the timing. Caden just stared. She sighed, kissed him. Just as he was about to pull her closer, Mr. Wade called. Caden prioritized business. They left separately.

Meanwhile, Joshua, increasingly impatient, stubbed out his cigarette. He told Mr. Wade, "If you're not lending me the money, just say so." Mr. Wade, sweating, worried about Caden's absence.

As Joshua was about to leave, Caden and Alicia entered, looking strikingly handsome together. Joshua's suppressed anger erupted. "What's this supposed to mean? Are you planning to make your relationship with my ex-wife public?"