Chapter 24

Gerry chuckled. "You know I didn't mean that."

Even though she'd been teasing Caden moments before, the idea of Alicia and Caden romantically involved seemed absurd. The notion of two people constantly clashing yet sharing a forbidden tension was oddly amusing. Who wouldn't find that entertaining?

But Caden found it impossible to develop feelings for someone who constantly challenged him. Alicia, meanwhile, considered a relationship with her ex-husband's older brother unthinkable.

"Let's go eat," Gerry said, changing the subject. "You're not feeling well; eat something and go home soon."

Alice agreed.

He returned to the stained car seat. "I'll take the car and have all the seats replaced," he suggested.

Gerry, known for his meticulousness, usually wouldn't tolerate such damage. However, having just collaborated with Alicia and impressed by her song, the stain didn't bother him. "It's not a big deal," he said. "I'll have someone take care of it later."

Alice wouldn't let it go. "That's not right, Mr. Hopkins. I must compensate you properly."

Seeing her determination, Gerry relented. "Fine, I'll deduct the cost from your payment. Is that okay?"

Alice readily agreed. "Sounds good to me."

With that settled, Alice turned to Caden. "How much do I owe you for the jacket?"

Caden remained impassive. "It's a limited edition. You can't put a price on it. Consider it a gift."

Alice felt uncomfortable. "I'd rather return it. It's better to settle things properly."

Caden looked at her directly. "There's no exact way to calculate it."

Surprised, she stared at him, replaying their interactions. She'd already paid him for his help with the drug effects, for borrowing her jacket twice, and for the kiss in the car. Everything was settled.

Alicia started to respond, but Caden interrupted. "They can't be fixed that easily."

Alicia was speechless. She'd pushed herself on him, and paying him was her own decision. If Caden challenged her, she couldn't argue.

Feeling insecure, Alice focused on her food.

Gerry cocked his head, observing them intently. "What's that supposed to mean? What kind of games are you two playing?"

Caden replied curtly, "Just eat your food." His moods were unpredictable; his coldness made him difficult to approach.

Sensing the shift, Gerry shelved his curiosity and quietly told Alice, "Don't pay attention to him. He's just being difficult. Who cares about a limited-edition coat? He has more money than he knows what to do with. Losing a jacket means nothing."

Alice smiled politely.

Gerry gestured to Caden. "Hey, eat here. I've got some juicy gossip about him."

Caden showed little interest.

Alice leaned in, eager to hear the gossip. Who wouldn't want to know Caden's secrets?

Gerry lowered his voice, ensuring Alicia alone heard. "He likes married women." He made sure Caden heard as well.

Alice's eyes widened. "Really?"

Alicia hadn't expected Caden to be attracted to married women. She glanced at him, her expression flickering between disgust and sympathy. Then, something clicked, and her face froze. She remembered a comment he'd made in his office about liking married sisters-in-law.

Caden scoffed. "Come on, laugh. Why don't you laugh?"

Alice looked down and ate in silence. After the meal, Gerry arranged for someone to care for his Rolls-Royce. He had urgent business and departed, telling Caden, "You can argue later, but it's late. Make sure Alice gets home safely. It's not safe for her to be alone at this hour."

Caden didn't respond, but he called a taxi when Gerry left.

Alice had just settled into the taxi when her phone rang. The number was local but unfamiliar. She answered, "Hello?"

To her surprise, Joshua's voice filled the receiver.

"My father is in critical condition and has just been taken to the intensive care unit."

Alicia froze, instinctively glancing at Caden, who remained impassive.

Without ending the call, Alice asked, "And what do you expect from me?"

Joshua's voice was weary. "Alicia, we may have had our differences, but we were once close. Can you come see my father one last time tomorrow?"

Alicia didn't respond immediately. She knew Joshua was trying to manipulate her, wanting Jerald to appear devoted to the end.

After a moment, Alice replied coldly, "It's no use."

Joshua seemed prepared. "He insists on seeing you. If people talk about you not showing up, and his condition worsens, I'm not sure you'll be able to bear that guilt."

Alicia laughed coldly. "So now you're putting it all on me, Joshua?"