Chapter 40

Alice had noticed someone discreetly assisting her. Her first instinct was to call Monica, who admitted to hiring trolls to attack Lilliana online but lacked the funds for search suppression. Alice then considered another possibility: Gerry. Her suspicions were confirmed upon calling him.

Feeling slightly awkward, Alice said, "It's just gossip, not physical harm. You didn't need to spend money on this…"

Gerry, reclining comfortably, put her on speakerphone. He glanced at Caden, who was engrossed in his phone, seemingly oblivious. Gerry finally replied, "I didn't spend much. The real help came from another big shot."

Alice frowned. "Who's this benefactor?"

Gerry's gaze flickered toward Caden again, but instead of answering, he teased, "Are you free? We can chat, have some fun, and I'll introduce you to this 'big fish.'"

Alice understood immediately. She and Gerry had a good working relationship, and this was his way of offering a powerful connection—a mutually beneficial arrangement.

"What's this 'big fish' like?" she asked. "I'd like to give him something."

Gerry's eyes twinkled. "He's… well, let's just say he's not as strong as he used to be. Maybe you could get him some Viagra."

Alice replied dryly, "Mr. Hopkins, do you have any shady side businesses?"

Gerry laughed. "If they ever reach an agreement, it'll be a miracle."

Alice realized who Gerry meant. After the call, Gerry asked Caden, "Why did you help Alicia?"

Caden, eyes still on his phone, replied haughtily, "It's not help. Consider it a down payment."

Gerry raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Caden remained silent. A knock interrupted them. The manager arrived with drinks, followed by several scantily clad women.

Gerry immediately engaged with one, but Caden ignored the woman beside him, his gaze cold and distant. She tried to engage him, but he rebuffed her advances, stating, "No need. And keep your distance." Undeterred, she persisted, prompting Caden to ask, "Anything?"

Just then, Alice entered, witnessing the distressed woman leaving. Alice's curiosity was piqued.

"Have you harassed her?" she asked.

Gerry laughed. "Not me. Caden bullied her."

Alice looked at Caden, dressed in his signature black shirt. His attractiveness was undeniable, despite his cold demeanor. Memories of surveillance footage resurfaced, and she wondered if he treated other women the same way.

With a glint of mischief, she said softly, "Impotent men tend to compensate creatively, don't they?"

Caden's gaze locked with hers. Before the tension escalated, Gerry exclaimed, "He made her give a PowerPoint presentation!"

Alice was astonished. Caden murmured, "There are far more wicked things, Miss Bennett. Perhaps next time I'll show you."

Alice felt a shiver. Gerry, oblivious, laughed. Caden replied, "If you insist."

Alice was speechless, haunted by Caden's words. Gerry, however, missed the undercurrent of tension. He noticed Alice's bags, asking, "What did you buy?"

Alice gave Gerry a bag containing a designer gift set and scented candles she'd made herself. He was touched by the thoughtful gesture.

"What's in the other bag?" he asked.

With a playful smile, Alice slid the second bag towards Caden. "As you recommended, Mr. Hopkins: Viagra for Mr. Ward."

Caden's playful demeanor vanished, his expression darkening.