Chapter 183

Alicia refused to lend Joshua money. Caden's mentioned evidence would soon be public, leaving Joshua facing humiliation and potential ruin. He deserved it.

Alicia stood quietly, contemplating. Caden, with a cold laugh, asked, “Scared, or sorry for him?”

Snapping out of her reverie, Alicia retorted, “Would I have gone this far if I felt sorry for him? I’m not crazy, am I?” She rolled her eyes.

Though things seemed to be calming, Lilliana’s sudden appearance unsettled Alicia. Over the past two years, Joshua had become deeply entangled with the Green family. Lilliana, in love with him and pregnant, wouldn't let him go easily.

Alicia's expression grew serious. "This will be difficult, a long road..."

Sensing her worry, Caden said, “It’s my business now. You don’t have to worry.” His tone was firm.

Alicia wasn't the only one with grievances against Joshua; Caden had unfinished business as well. Initially surprised, Alicia understood their shared desire for revenge no longer bound them.

Suddenly, the atmosphere felt charged, and she instinctively wanted to flee. “Now that everything’s settled, I think we should end this.”

Caden stared. She looked down. “If it helps, thank you.”

Without a word, he gently cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. Her eyelashes fluttered. He recoiled. “Why are you squeezing me? It hurts.”

“Did I push too hard?” Caden asked. “What have you done to make you feel so guilty?”

Alicia stood still, almost defiantly. “I’m not guilty. Let me go, or they might see us.”

Caden’s eyes hardened. “Am I making you uncomfortable? Why are you so worried about being seen?”

Stunned, Alicia responded, “Hasn’t it always been like this between us?” Their relationship had always been secret, their agreement nearing its end. They would separate cleanly, pretending nothing had happened. Wasn't that best?

Caden paused before releasing her. “That’s right.” He touched a new bite mark on his lip, nonchalantly adding, “What would I do if someone got the wrong idea? How would I ever get married?”

Alicia hesitated. “It won’t last long.” Caden understood her downcast expression.

He smiled. “What now? You used me, and now you want to leave me?”

Unease washed over Alicia. “What do you mean? We agreed to follow the contract, right?”

“It’s over,” Caden said lightly. “So what’s next?”

His indifference, his mischievous glint, felt less like affection and more like teasing a pet. She cleared her throat. “There is no ‘what now.’ We stick to the plan.”

Caden scoffed. “You can really let him go that easily?”

Her heart sank. She nodded rigidly.

“There are so many other opportunities. Why hold on to what’s not right?”

With that, he walked away without looking back. He stood, a smile of contempt playing on his lips.

Alicia entered the hall, bumping into Monica.

“Have you seen Joshua?” Monica asked, emotional. “His face was all marked up, and he scurried away with Lilliana looking embarrassed. Who did that?”

Alicia started to confess, but Monica added, “It was Caden, right?”

Alice didn't correct her. “How did you guess?”

“Who else would dare? Joshua’s afraid of trouble, but Lilliana isn’t, yet she was silent. Who else here has that much influence besides Caden?”

Alicia smiled. She saw Caden being escorted into a room by Mr. Wade and Gerry, followed by people carrying refreshments. Lost in thought, she turned to Monica. “Monica, can I stay at your house tonight? I’ll cook for us.”

Monica, noticing her fatigue, said, “You look tired. Don’t worry about cooking. Let’s go out to eat.”

Alice insisted, “But I want to cook for you.”

Monica raised an eyebrow. “Haven’t you always disliked cooking?”

Alice was silent. She used to hate it, catering to Joshua's fussy preferences for expensive food. Her efforts were often wasted. But cooking for Caden in recent months had been different. He was easygoing and appreciated her efforts. He always cleaned his plate. She even felt like a good cook.

“Let’s go out to eat,” Alice said, trying to sound cheerful. “I have a lot to share with you.”

Most attendees had left the art exhibition. Alicia was ready to go. The door to the room where Caden and the others were having drinks was open; lively chatter, including Gerry’s enthusiastic voice, was audible.

“I finally got my chance!” Gerry cried. “Now you have to go up and kiss whoever comes first, it doesn't matter who!”

Alice and Monica froze.