Chapter 367:

She quickly moved away, adjusting her hem with determination. He fixed his gaze on her. “Don’t ever try to avoid me again.”

Alicia retorted, “I am not avoiding you. If you cannot find me, it’s simply because you lack the skill.”

“I am certainly proficient in other aspects. Would you like to find out if I am bragging?” Alicia remained silent. She turned, picked up her purse, and then brought her heel down hard on Caden’s foot.

The sudden pain sent a shiver down Caden’s spine, but he kept his face neutral, maintaining a tough facade even as agony coursed through him. For emphasis, he added, “Is that really the best you can do?”

After Alicia left, he lingered in the lounge. When he finally departed, he saw Gerry. Gerry had been following them but had heard nothing; he only saw Alicia storm out, clearly angry. He assumed they had argued. To his astonishment, he noticed lipstick on Caden’s lips, concluding they had kissed. So why was Alicia so upset?

Gerry raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t force Alicia, did you?”

Caden wiped the lipstick away with a flick of his tongue. “Do I really seem like that kind of person?”

“Absolutely. You practically embody it,” Gerry replied mockingly.

Caden ignored him and stepped outside. With a straight face, he asked, “Is there a first aid kit in the hall?”

“Yes,” Gerry leaned out. “Are you injured?”

“I’m not.”

Caden grabbed the kit and returned to the lounge to tend to his swollen foot. Alicia had stomped down with such force she nearly punctured his shoe. She must have used considerable strength. Caden couldn’t help but laugh. He unbuttoned his shirt and rolled up his sleeves to cool down. The banquet was about to begin.

Cliff found Caden. Having straightened his clothes, Caden slung his jacket over his arm and went outside with Cliff. Cliff, a retired soldier with a sharp instinct, smelled ointment on Caden’s foot. With concern, he asked, “Where are you injured?”

“I just bumped my foot; it’s nothing major.”

Cliff replied, “My mother made it clear I should look after you. If anything happens to you, she’ll hold me responsible.”

Caden smirked. “Your mother is the only person in Warrington who can truly keep you in line.”

Cliff sighed. “She won’t stop harping on me about getting married. I’ve finally relented. I might have to get engaged this year.”

“What kind of woman do you find appealing? You’ve turned down so many.”

“It’s not that I’m not interested,” Cliff confessed. “I just haven’t felt a spark. Honestly, I can’t even pinpoint what my type is.”

“Then why not pick someone your mother likes? It could at least ease the tension in the family.”

“True.”