Chapter 188
Alicia needed to buy necessities. She asked Hank, "The new product is selling fast. Can I get a bonus?" Caden replied, "Ten percent of the profits."
Surprised, she exclaimed, "That much?" Caden remained unfazed. "It's pocket change." She declined. "I don't need the money. Let me shop in peace tonight."
He suspected she might splurge and generously gave her a card. "Buy whatever you want." Immediately, she filled her cart with pink and white bedding sets, pajamas, socks, slippers, and more. He was speechless.
Seeing a lace towel, she asked, "Do you want two of these?" "One for you, one for me," Alicia replied. He was bewildered; he'd never use such a thing.
After shopping, at the checkout, she impulsively grabbed a pair of red socks and two matching pairs. She looked for Caden's reaction, but instead noticed a stranger's suspicious glance. The area was crowded and chaotic. She saw a man in a baseball cap slipping through the crowd and instinctively tugged Caden's sleeve.
"I think they're following us," she whispered. Caden put his arms around her waist and looked around. "Don't worry. After Joshua's experience, revenge is understandable, but his partners can't harm us," he reassured her. Alice felt relieved.
Suddenly, Caden asked, "Who's your emergency contact?" "Contact?" Alice's gaze darkened. "My dad's, but after he passed away, I programmed it to speed dial the police." Caden programmed his number into her phone. "Contact me immediately if anything happens. I'm faster than the police."
A wave of bitterness washed over Alice. "Okay."
Back home, Alice vigorously redecorated. Caden, sipping water, joked, "Were you always this active with Joshua?" Alice shook her head. "He never liked messing with his things, so I just cleaned and cooked." "I don't like it either. Why do you think it's okay to touch mine?" Caden challenged.
Alicia, holding disposable items, gave him a look. "If it bothers you, you can sleep with Cade." Caden was speechless.
After finishing her chores, Alice went to the bedroom. "Hurry and help me change the bedclothes!" she shouted. The pink, lace-trimmed bedding made Caden uneasy, but he followed her. The bright pink was stark, but the sight of Alice in it was captivating. Desire overwhelmed Caden. She then removed and washed the damp bedclothes. Alice's red-rimmed eyes showed her exhaustion.
Aware of the Yates family, his thoughts turned to Gina. The next night, he visited Gina in the hospital. With Harley's discharge imminent, Alice handed Gina money. "Leave Warrington immediately. Find a small town where you and Harley can live without worry. And don't come back," she ordered firmly.
Gina caught up on the latest news: the Yates family was in chaos. Every time Caden exposed their misconduct, the Yates and Green families tried to suppress the information, but faced setbacks.
"Joshua has fallen, but the Green family remains unharmed. If they trace things back to you, you could be in danger," Alicia warned, comforting Gina. "But their influence is limited to Warrington. You and Harley will be safe elsewhere." Gina expressed her deep gratitude. "Thank you, Miss Bennett." Alice smiled. "It's nothing. I should thank you for your bravery." Gina held her hand firmly. "If you ever need anything, come to me. No matter the distance, I'll be there." Alicia felt warmth at Gina's gesture.
Harley's discharge was discreet. Joshua, overwhelmed, hadn't noticed Gina's absence; a week had passed. After that hectic week, Joshua finally rested. Physically and mentally exhausted, he sought medical attention. His blood tests raised concerns. "Have you ever used psychotropic substances?" the doctor asked. Joshua replied, "No."
The doctor pointed out an unusual finding. "There are traces of a peculiar drug in your system, normally used to control heat in cattle." Joshua found this absurd. Reflecting on past strange reactions at the Yates mansion—particularly inexplicable nausea during intimacy with Lilliana—he became suspicious. His attitude tightened. "Investigate this substance. Find its source and report to me immediately." He emphasized his urgency with a check on the desk.