Chapter 184

Monica instinctively looked down at her feet, realizing she was unintentionally leading the way. Quickly backing away, she didn't want to kiss the stranger. This, however, left Alicia next in line. Unable to watch her friend potentially suffer, Monica stepped forward again.

Alice, noticing her friend's actions, looked puzzled. "Let's run," she suggested.

"It makes sense," Monica agreed.

As they prepared to flee, Hank stepped outside to investigate the noise. Surprised to find Alicia and Monica outside, he whispered, "Mrs. Bennett, what a surprise! Mr. Ward lost a game and owes a passerby a kiss. Could you help us?" He kept his voice low, attempting to muffle his words against the noise from inside.

Alice subtly mouthed a request for silence. "Go on. You didn't see us," she insisted, downplaying the situation.

Monica remained silent, her curiosity piqued. In that brief hesitation, Caden appeared. Alicia's gaze instantly met his.

Clearly intoxicated, his face was flushed and his eyes unfocused. He approached, handed her a wad of cash with surprising precision, and kissed her. Surprised, Alicia reacted slowly. When she tried to resist, Caden's kiss deepened.

Heart racing, she reached to strike him, but Caden was faster. He grabbed her hand, pinning her against him, pulling her closer, his arms around her waist, his hand securing her neck.

Hank watched, stunned. His eyes widened in disbelief. Monica, equally shocked, stepped back and began recording the scene on her phone.

Internally conflicted, Monica considered intervening, confronting Caden for taking advantage of Alicia. However, her body froze, unable to act. Caden was undeniably skilled at kissing, making the experience unexpectedly exciting.

Once the kiss ended, Caden gently caressed Alicia's lips, clearly wanting more. He chuckled lightly. "Thanks for humoring me. And sorry for the inconvenience."

Alice stood stunned, her lips tingling, her head spinning, speechless.

Caden returned inside, nonchalantly suggesting, "Let's keep drinking."

Alicia, still in shock, stared at the significant amount of money in her hand. "Thanks for humoring me? 'Sorry for the inconvenience'?" she thought. Would he even recognize her?

Gerry, assuming Caden would return, hadn't been watching. Noticing Caden's noticeably red lips, he exclaimed in surprise, "You actually kissed someone? Who?"

Feeling emboldened, Caden poured himself another drink. "Did you miss it?"

Gerry slapped his forehead in frustration. "Fuck! I missed it! Who was it? Tell me!"

Caden laughed. "You always miss the best parts," he joked.

Gerry gaped, curious, but Caden remained silent, deterring further questions. Gerry then decided to investigate further, but quickly returned, visibly shaken.

"Cliff is here!" he whispered urgently. "Quick! Find me a place to hide!"

Caden reacted swiftly, guiding Gerry under the table. Just then, a stern-looking man entered, resembling Gerry, but appearing far more formidable.

Caden greeted him with a smile. "Mr. Hopkins."

Gerry's brother, Cliff Hopkins, approached, demanding, "Mr. Ward, where's Gerry?"

Caden sharply kicked the table, instantly revealing Gerry's hiding place. "Right there," he declared.

Gerry's jaw dropped. He hadn't anticipated Caden's betrayal. After a moment, he reluctantly left, his appearance doing little to soften Cliff's approach.

Normally bold, Gerry felt unusually intimidated by Cliff, recently returned from military service. Straightening up, Gerry replied, "I was just having a drink. What's that to you?"

Cliff's voice, deep and authoritative, boomed. "Will you leave voluntarily, or do I have to force you out?"

Gerry tried to maintain his dignity. "I'm almost done here. I know when it's time to go."

Without hesitation, Cliff grabbed him by the ear and pulled him. "Hey! That hurts!" Gerry protested, pleading as he was dragged away. "Cliff, it hurts! Stop it, Cliff!"

Meanwhile, the secret surrounding Alicia and Caden became impossible to keep. She finally revealed everything to Monica.

Monica was surprised. "I've considered many scenarios, even suspected Gerry once, but never Caden. Is he treating you well?" Alicia simply agreed.

"He is an excellent collaborator."

"Just a business partner?" Monica pressed, remembering the recent shyness and joy on Alicia's face—emotions she'd never seen before. "You don't have any feelings for him?"