Chapter 199

A wave of anger washed over Alice, tempting her to unleash a torrent of curses. Instead, she slapped Caden hard across the face. His features darkened, his expression turning stormy. She was breathing heavily. “Is this your way of letting off steam? It actually feels quite liberating!”

Caden raised his head, his gaze cold. Blood stained his thin lips, giving him a vampiric appearance. The disturbing sight immediately cooled Alice's anger, replacing it with a hint of fear. He recoiled slightly, noticing the red mark on her pale cheek. Having already struck her, he no longer feared the consequences. Swallowing, he said, “If you’re angry, hit me back or call the police. It’s all the same to me.”

Caden looked away. Alice turned and saw Gerry in his car, leaning out the window, his eyes wide with disbelief. Gerry had witnessed everything. Determined to leave Caden to his confusion, Alice straightened, bowed her head, and walked away.

Caden headed toward his car where Gerry was waiting. Gerry jumped out, confronting him. “Fuck! Caden, what are you doing?” she exclaimed, pointing to the marks on Caden's face. Caden responded with an icy look, lit another cigarette, and headed toward his car.

Surprised, Gerry followed. “You forced Alice to kiss you, and she retaliated? Is that your style? How long have you been together? Do you really have feelings for her? She’s your ex-sister-in-law! How could you…? You two were always at odds, weren’t you? Damn, Caden. I misjudged you. You seem so respectable, but you’re just like those dominating CEOs in romance novels!”

Caden slammed the car door. Gerry followed, attempting to speak, but Caden interrupted, throwing cigarette ash at him. Gerry spat it out. Caden, taking a deep drag, coldly ordered, “Shut up and call a driver.”

Gerry reluctantly sat back, watching Alice climb into the escort car. He then looked at Caden, who stared in the same direction, his expression stern and intense. Caden continued smoking, the smoke curling around him. Gerry had never seen this side of him.

Cautiously, Gerry ventured, “Do you have real feelings for Alice?”

Caden’s voice was hoarse. “Not exactly.”

Gerry was silent. He recalled the previous events. He could have been completely fooled by Caden’s calm demeanor. Gerry knew Caden wasn’t one to obsess, and yet there seemed to be something about Alice. Caden simply watched as the escort drove away.

“You don’t care at all? Didn’t you see who she left with? This doesn’t seem like you, Caden.”

Caden smiled with satisfaction. He was sure nothing would happen between Alice and the companion that night. Losing interest, he pulled out his phone to arrange his own departure.

Gerry, still intrigued, pressed for more details. “How did things start between you two?”

Caden turned off his phone, closing his eyes, his annoyance evident. “Enough, stop bothering me.”

Unfazed, Gerry persisted: “Was that the woman you were with at the club a few months ago? Damn, you kissed her in front of me while I was drunk. That’s something. And your health? Are you better now? I can’t figure it out. How did it start? I never saw the possibility of a real connection. Tell me, how did it all start?”

Caden’s voice was cold. "Shut up."

Alice couldn't do anything that night; it was the first day of her period. She had brought the male companion to make a point to Caden.

Later, Caden realized how foolish his actions had seemed. Why argue with him? He was only interested in her physically and didn't care about her feelings. He had treated her with indifference, unconcerned about her companions or her actions. However, the companion's presence had been beneficial. He had arranged a hotel for her, provided hot water, and taken care of everything, greatly alleviating her situation.

Alice realized she couldn't return to Caden's apartment, so she secured a hotel room for a month and started looking into long-term rentals. The escort ensured her comfort, attentive to her needs. She expressed her gratitude and paid him.

"You can go now. Thanks for today," she said.

The escort hesitated, aware of his connection to Caden but reluctant to leave. “Why don't I stay a little longer? You seem unwell.”

Alice held her stomach, feeling the discomfort of her period, aggravated by the fruit and wine. "I'm fine. It's late and you should go," she insisted. He understood and left.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Assuming it was room service, the companion opened it, only to be met with a punch to the eye. The loud impact instantly alarmed Alice.