Chapter 348:

“You should get yourself cleaned up,” Alicia remarked flatly.

The hired actress shrugged with a smirk. “What’s the rush? Besides, what if she wakes up again? I could give her another scare.”

Alicia crouched to check on Shelia, who, despite the fright, seemed unharmed. At least Shelia would have something to think about.

Alicia rose, dusting her hands. The model giggled gleefully. “I scared her so easily! Was my performance that convincing?” She spun dramatically, baring her teeth in a grotesque grimace. “Give me back my life… I died so tragically because of you…”

Alicia’s stomach churned at the theatrics, but before she could respond, Ciara burst from the lounge, glaring at the model. “Quit messing around! Can’t you see you’re scaring her? Come here at once!”

The model stuck out her tongue but obediently shuffled to Ciara, offering Alicia a quick apology before darting away.

Alicia’s gaze returned to Shelia, still sprawled on the floor. Just as she reached for her phone, the door swung open. Caden stood there, wearing a long, tailored coat, lapels undone. His face, a mask of icy gloom, was shadowed. His dark, intense eyes locked onto hers, making her pulse race.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, stepping closer, instinctively shielding the chaotic scene.

Caden didn’t blink, his gaze unwavering. His voice was sharp. “Alicia, do you find my mother’s tragic death amusing?”

His expression remained unchanged, but his demeanor was unsettling. Alicia realized he had likely been watching the entire prank. The model’s resemblance to his mother was striking, disturbing even to Alicia.

She tried to explain, but Caden interrupted, his voice cold. “When I dealt with Shelia, you insisted I stay out of your affairs. You wanted nothing to do with me. So, why bring my mother into this?”

Alicia responded softly, “I didn’t know the model would dress as your mother.”

Caden’s gaze sharpened. “You orchestrated this event. You had no idea? Does that sound believable? Ridiculous?”

Even Alicia found her explanation hard to justify, but it was the truth. She hadn’t anticipated Ciara’s arrangement. Realizing further explanation would worsen things, she remained silent. Taking a deep breath, she asked, “Why did you come here? Was there something you needed?”