Chapter 321

Alicia was speechless. Hearing him say "Lucky" felt like a warning siren, sending a chill down her spine. Once the doctor left, she asked, "You're taking Lucky?" Since their breakup, the dog had remained with her. What right did he have to take him now?

Caden's eyes locked onto hers with intense focus. It was intimidating. "Which Lucky are you asking about?" he replied. Alicia's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly regained her composure. "The dog, obviously," she said, reaching for Lucky without looking up. "You don't even like him. Why are you here?" Her voice was cold.

Caden glanced at her. "The doctor called me."

"You've never come here," she retorted. "Why would the doctor contact you?"

"My details were on file when Lucky was transferred," he explained.

Alicia paused. That was true; Lucky had been transferred to this hospital for its superior medical care. She pressed her lips together and, without speaking, walked out with Lucky in her arms. Caden followed.

"It's Christmas Eve. Grandma wants you to come for dinner."

"How could I go to a client's house for dinner on a day like this? It would feel intrusive," Alicia replied.

"Then why did you say you'd deliver the painting today? She's waiting for you. Can you really let her down?" Caden countered.

Alicia stopped. She knew Ciara and Caden had orchestrated this uncomfortable situation. After a moment, she decided on directness. "Caden, go back and tell Mrs. Ward that nothing will ever happen between us. If she raises her hopes, she'll only find disappointment."

Caden shrugged, his expression unreadable. "Don't rush to conclusions. You said something similar during our last argument."