Chapter 37

Alicia struggled to recover the deleted video from the cloud. Unable to view the initial segments, she quickly skipped to the end. In that portion, she was completely nude. Caden had wanted to stop due to the lack of protection, but she clung to him desperately, thrusting and rubbing against him relentlessly. Caden paused, momentarily enjoying the awkwardness. He eventually helped her, using his fingers to bring her relief.

Alice's face flushed crimson as she watched; the recording was overwhelming. She couldn't believe her brazenness. Caden had only used his fingers, yet she had experienced multiple orgasms. Alicia gasped, turning off the video. An unusual heat, accompanied by tingling sensations, spread through her body, lingering long afterward. Even when she met Monica at the restaurant, a dazed feeling persisted.

Monica cupped Alicia's face, examining her closely. “You're so flushed. You look like you've really gotten over it.”

Alicia took a slow sip of water. “If Joshua can go this far for Lilliana, then I should be able to go this far too.”

Monica laughed derisively. “That's not necessarily a good thing for Joshua. He's almost exhausted the family fortune to appease the Green family. How will he maintain that in the future?” She added, “And considering the Yates family's heritage, can he truly compete with Caden?”

Alicia nearly choked. She wondered why their conversations always circled back to Caden. Monica offered a napkin. “Drink slowly,” she advised.

"I don't think Caden has any intention of competing," Alicia mumbled.

“Who knows?” Monica replied. “When it comes to intelligence and skill, Caden always excels.”

Alice looked at her hands, remembering the tears from the previous night. Though Caden's words were hazy, his face remained clear in her fragmented memories. She never imagined crying in his arms; her tears had flowed incessantly, a mixture of grief and relief. The entire situation felt absurd.

Alicia shook her head, clearing her thoughts, then picked up Monica's gift—a valuable watch. Monica was stunned. “Why did you buy something so expensive? You should save your money.”

Alice fastened the watch to Monica's wrist. “It's beautiful,” she said softly. “I should have given it to you a long time ago.”

During their two-year marriage, she had struggled financially, relying on Joshua for support. His contributions were meager, and Alicia was too embarrassed to ask for more, so she freelanced under the name Iris. Throughout this time, Monica had been unconditionally supportive.

Alicia reflected on Monica's kindness. Suddenly, Monica's eyes welled. "You didn't even buy one for yourself, you got one for me first."

"I'll buy one later; there's no hurry," Alice said gently.

They continued their conversation, turning to their future plans. “What are your plans now?” Monica asked.

“I want to open an art gallery,” Alicia replied. “It’s a dream my mother always had, and I want to help make it come true.”

Monica nodded. “Composing for Gerry has boosted your reputation, which will make things easier,” she said, producing a card. “Opening a gallery requires significant capital. Take this.”

Alicia felt a surge of warmth but declined. “I haven't started yet. I don’t need that much,” she said.

Monica insisted, “Take it, please, just in case you need it.”

"If I need it, I'll let you know," Alice gently refused.

After further discussion, Monica relented. “I'll speak to my father about potential contacts. He knows many people who could help.”

Alice agreed. The Flynn family were prominent businessmen with considerable social standing.

Alicia purchased two boxes of high-end health supplements and accompanied Monica to visit Lennon Flynn, Monica's father. Unexpectedly, upon learning of her plan, Lennon's demeanor shifted dramatically.

He turned to the maid. “Please remain here with Miss Bennett,” he instructed. Then, taking Monica's arm, he led her into his study.

“I can't assist with this,” Lennon whispered. “The problems Alicia has caused with the Green family are too serious. Are you bringing her into our home? Are you jeopardizing my business?”

Monica felt a surge of anger. “But it’s Lilliana’s fault!” she protested. “Lilliana exploited Alicia’s talent for her own profit in the entertainment industry. The truth had to come out eventually.”

Lennon acknowledged her perspective but highlighted the harsh reality. “Look at the internet now. Is anyone criticizing Lilliana? Everyone is blaming Alice.”

Monica was stunned. “Why is Alicia being blamed?”