“Well, that’s a form of respect, too,” Caden replied. The driver was startled. “Oh my,” he thought. “Is this how successful people think?”

As Caden turned to leave, he saw Alicia emerging from a car. He stopped, their eyes meeting. He finally understood the truth in the saying, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Fifteen days had passed since he’d last seen her, but it felt like fifteen years. The yearning was intensely painful. Yet, Alicia’s gaze was cold and indifferent, devoid of emotion. Driven by pride, Caden maintained an impassive expression.

They passed each other. In that fleeting moment, he caught the faint scent of her perfume, intensifying his heartache.

“In a few months, Joshua’s second trial begins,” he said. “Jeffery mentioned he could face over five years.”

Alicia stopped, turned, and replied politely, “Thank you for the update.”

“You’re welcome.”

Silence descended, thick with awkwardness, as if they were strangers. Both were acting. Alicia said nothing more and continued toward the cemetery.

Caden entered his car, watching her through the window as she walked away. The driver, noticing Caden’s hesitation, cautiously asked, “Mr. Ward, are we waiting for Ms. Bennett?”

Caden looked at him. “Why?”

Unsure, the driver replied hesitantly, “So… are we leaving?”

Caden pursed his lips. If Hank were here, he would have known what to do—found some excuse for a delay, perhaps a stalled car or a flat tire, giving Caden a reason to share a ride with Alicia. Seeing the driver’s discomfort, Caden decided against further complication.

“Let’s go.”

As the car pulled away, he glanced back one last time. From the corner of his eye, he saw a shadowy figure gazing into the distance. He narrowed his eyes. The figure appeared unskilled, possibly someone Alicia had antagonized. Her business was still young; encountering competitors was to be expected.