Chapter 25

Joshua remained calm. “Alicia, you know what I want.”

“Not really,” Alicia replied. “Since you’re in the hospital, maybe you should consider a mental health evaluation.” She ended the call. Joshua didn't call back.

After composing herself, Alicia turned to Caden. “Your father is seriously ill.”

Caden was silent a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he pulled out his phone. His instructions were clear: “Do whatever it takes to keep him alive.”

Alicia was surprised. Rumors suggested Caden and Jerald had a strained relationship. Given Caden’s unforgiving nature, she expected indifference. It seemed he still held some regard for family, or perhaps it was about securing the inheritance. She decided against further speculation.

After a pause, she stated, “I’ve divorced Joshua. I will not help him anymore.” This also meant she wouldn't oppose Caden. She had no intention of further involvement with anyone.

Caden’s eyes softened slightly. “You give up so quickly?”

Alicia nodded.

Caden seemed intrigued. “With your personality, I hoped you’d turn Joshua’s world upside down.”

A sharp pain shot through Alicia’s chest, followed by fatigue. She opened the window for fresh air. The wind stung her eyes. “I don’t have the strength to fight, and I don’t need to.”

His words were firm, yet his voice held a lingering emotion.

A wry smile touched Caden’s lips. “It’s tough, but now that Gerry supports you, you’ve at least released some frustration.”

Alicia turned to him. “Lilliana’s song hasn’t been released. It’s too early to talk about victory or defeat.”

“Why pretend modesty?” Caden raised an eyebrow, sarcasm evident. “Hasn’t Gerry’s support been clear enough today?”

Alicia felt irritated by his hostile tone. “What do you mean by ‘support for me’?” His phrasing implied a secret agreement.

Caden replied nonchalantly, “Oh, I must have misunderstood.”

This made Alicia’s blood boil. He acted as if he hadn’t said much, but he had. If she argued, she had no solid ground. If she didn’t, her anger would simmer.

He sneered. “You must be very skilled, Mr. Ward. Do you often use your charm to close business deals?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Not often, only when necessary.”

Alicia was speechless. Unable to contain herself, she asked, “Caden, do you really have no shame?”

Caden laughed. “Did you leave me any dignity when you manipulated me, Miss Bennett?”

Alicia’s expression softened slightly. “You started it!”

“Really?” he asked, amused. “Was I the one who opened the door for you at the private cinema that night?”

Alicia was taken aback. She added, defensively, “And I was the one who unbuckled my belt?”

Alice gaped. She tried to interrupt. “Shut up!”

Caden continued calmly, “And I was the one who took off my pants and held my—”

Alicia lunged, covering his mouth. “I said stop talking!” she gritted.

They were in a taxi. The driver had even turned off the music, clearly attentive, poised to intervene. How could Caden be so indecent?

He stopped. As she pressed against him, he whispered, “So who started all this?”

Alicia shivered at his heat, quickly pulling away.

Caden chuckled. “What’s with the blush? Reflecting on our little escapade?” A tingle ran down Alicia’s spine, but she denied it. “I’m blushing because you made me angry!”

He added reluctantly, "If I'd known it was you that night, I would have rather died than slept with you."

Caden chuckled softly in her ear. “Yet it was this body you so detest that you clung to and desired, again and again.”

Alicia’s face burned. In a fit of rage, she bit his cheek.

She returned to her original position. Caden rubbed the bite, a smile playing on his lips.

After a moment, Hank called.

“I have unconfirmed information. I’m not sure if I should share it yet.”

“Go ahead.”

Hank lowered his voice. “It seems Lilliana’s song was ghostwritten.”

Caden remained unfazed. “Let her do what she wants.”

Hank replied, “She’s being dishonest, and you’ll let it happen? That’s unfair to Miss Bennett.”

Caden laughed coldly. “Feeling sympathy for her? Maybe if a nude photo of her surfaces at the next meeting, you’ll find peace.” Hank was speechless.

Alicia sneezed.

Hank’s keen hearing caught it. “Mr. Ward, are you with a woman?”

Caden looked at Alicia. “Yes, in a way.”

“Then I won’t interrupt,” Hank said.