Chapter 215:

Alicia remembered the excitement of buying the scarf, her heart fluttering with anticipation. But life, she'd learned, was unpredictable. That same day, she'd had a heated argument with Caden. She tried to console herself; it was just a scarf, after all. She'd already given it to him; it was his to do with as he pleased. Yet, the image of him giving it to Yolanda wouldn't leave her mind. Perhaps he'd even thrown it at her, mocking Alicia. Though Yolanda knew nothing of its significance, Alice's gaze betrayed her. Yolanda, noticing Alice's intense stare, smiled and asked, "Oh, do you admire this scarf too, Miss Bennett?"

Alice calmly dried her hands, replying with studied indifference, "Not really. Men's scarves aren't my style."

"Fair enough," Yolanda replied softly. "But it's not just about scarves. Everything has to fit together. Forcing things only wastes time and effort."

Alicia instantly grasped the underlying message. Staring at Yolanda, she replied firmly, "You're exaggerating. I assure you I have no interest in anything that belongs to you."

Yolanda chuckled. "What are you implying, Miss Bennett? I'm a little lost."

Alicia smiled weakly, acknowledging Yolanda's practiced air of innocence. Clearly, Yolanda excelled at maintaining appearances. Not wishing to keep Caden waiting, Yolanda gracefully produced a business card and offered it to Alicia. "Caden mentioned you designed a new product for his company," she said, her smile serene. "I work with him. If any problems arise, I'd appreciate your guidance, Mrs. Bennett."

Alice accepted the card. It read: Yolanda Moss, Senior Chip Development Engineer, Blizzard Group. Alicia replied modestly, "I appreciate that, Miss Moss, but I don't think I'm qualified to advise someone of your caliber. The project was a small side venture."

Yolanda paused, a thought apparently striking her. "Miss Bennett, do you know why Caden returned to the country?" It was a clear bluff, an implicit challenge.

Unfazed, Alicia replied, "Caden and I aren't close enough to discuss such things."

"Really?" Yolanda said, momentarily surprised by Alicia's composure. Regaining her composure, she added politely, "Since it's a secret, perhaps I shouldn't pry. Goodbye, Mrs. Bennett."

Alicia watched her leave, then returned her gaze to the business card. On impulse, she searched for Yolanda online. Coming out of the restroom, she tried to contact her assistant, but saw a message from Caden: "Come out and find me." Confused, she didn't reply. Lost in thought, she returned to the restaurant to meet her assistant.

"Are you feeling unwell?" her assistant asked, worried. "You seem a little out of sorts."

Alicia shook her head and smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine. Thanks for tonight. You should go home and rest."

Her assistant sighed in relief. After saying goodbye, Alice looked around but didn't see Caden. However, descending the stairs, she spotted him. Amidst the luxury cars and bustling crowd, Caden stood out, deep in conversation with Yolanda. Yolanda held a steaming cup; she smiled, took a sip, then flinched as the liquid scalded her. Startled, she spilled the drink, her composure shattering into panic.

Caden frowned and quickly removed his scarf from Yolanda's neck, using it to wipe the hot drink from her hands. Yolanda's eyes reddened; she bit her lip, clearly distraught. After cleaning her hands, Caden tossed the tissue aside. Something struck Yolanda. The scarf looked familiar.

Alicia watched from a distance, noting his seemingly nonchalant handling of the scarf. She decided not to intervene and started to leave. Caden noticed her. He narrowed his eyes before turning to Yolanda.

"Have the driver take you to the hospital," he ordered.

Yolanda's voice trembled. "Caden, what about you?"

"I have things to take care of. Don't worry," he replied, signaling to the driver.

After seeing Yolanda off, Alicia noticed Caden approaching. He looked determined; escape seemed impossible.

"Haven't you seen my message?" Caden asked.

Alice kept her gaze downcast. "I've seen it. What do you want?" Her cold response seemed to irritate him. A few days ago, their conversations had been flirtatious and filled with laughter, but now she treated him like a stranger.

"Nothing serious; I just wanted to catch up," Caden said, subtly scanning her neck and arms, relieved to see no signs of an allergic reaction. He lowered his voice. "Did the investment go well?"

Alice nodded. "Yes."

Caden frowned, his impatience growing. "Is your neck stiff? Why won't you look at me? Look up."

She remained silent. Feeling frustrated, Caden reached out to tilt her chin up, but Alicia stepped back, dodging his touch. His face darkened. "What's that supposed to mean?"