Chapter 44

Alice placed the business card in her purse. “Lilliana has a powerful team—the Green family and Joshua are supporting her,” Alicia said. “I need more evidence before I ask Jeffery for help. How much does he charge?”

Gerry paused. “At least a million.”

Alice shuddered at the exorbitant cost. He’d recently received money from Joshua, payment for a song he’d composed, but significant expenses remained. Could he afford such a large sum?

Noticing her hesitation, Gerry offered, “Why not sign with me? You could write and sing, and I’ll ensure you’re well compensated.”

Alice shook her head. She appreciated the offer, but it would tie her to the entertainment industry, a path she wasn't certain she wanted. With her ongoing feud with Lilliana, entering show business would be disastrous, potentially harming both herself and Gerry. She wasn't willing to risk it, and Gerry didn't pressure her.

The car pulled up to Alice's house. As she left, Gerry's gaze sharpened, fixing on Caden. “You’ve been acting strange.”

Caden raised an eyebrow, surprised by Gerry’s perceptiveness. “What gave me away?”

“Seriously? It’s obvious!” Gerry retorted.

Caden smirked. “So you saw through the drunk act in the booth?”

Gerry paused. “Who said I was faking?”

Caden looked at him, a lack of agreement evident in his expression. “What exactly seems odd to you?”

“It’s how you’re handling this,” Gerry explained. “Lilliana struck first, spreading lies and framing Alicia. You have the perfect opportunity to strike back at Joshua, yet you’re doing nothing. That’s unlike you.”

Gerry, aside from Alicia, possessed the keenest understanding of Caden and Joshua’s bitter rivalry. He knew why Caden had returned—he knew all too well.

Disappointment clouded Caden’s eyes. “I thought you were getting sharper.”

Confused, Gerry said, “Are you drunk, or am I? That makes no sense.”

Caden stopped playing coy. “I’m not targeting Lilliana because she means nothing to Joshua.”

Gerry mockingly placed a hand on Caden’s forehead. “You alright, man?”

Caden shoved his hand away. “Jesus, get off me.”

Gerry persisted. “Joshua went all out for Lilliana, and now she’s irrelevant?”

A shadow crossed Caden’s face. “Alicia is far more important to Joshua.”

Gerry was silent. “Joshua nearly pushed Alicia to her breaking point, and she’s the one who matters?”

Caden replied indifferently, “Go to sleep. Stop talking.”

Gerry sighed. As absurd as Caden’s words sounded, he was always efficient; there was always a reason. “Isn’t this the perfect opportunity? Working with Alicia would yield double the results with half the effort.”

Caden kept his tone casual. “Alicia won’t be working with me.”

“She’s vulnerable. With your persuasive skills, you can’t convince her?”

“That’s not persuasion, that’s manipulation,” Caden stated flatly.

Gerry looked surprised. “Come on, you’re no saint. Why the sudden chivalry?”

Caden didn’t respond. Sensing the shift, Gerry cleared his throat. “Okay, forget it. You and Alicia don’t get along. You wouldn’t ally with her.”

Suddenly, something clicked. Gerry began searching the car. “Did I forget the present Alicia got me?”

Caden asked, “If you admire talent so much, why not help her now?”

Finding the bag, Gerry smiled. “She wanted to, but she probably doesn’t need my help. She has plenty of ways to handle the Green family this time.”

Caden tilted his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. For once, he agreed, even feeling a touch of anticipation.

Gerry took out the scented candles. “I like this scent. Who knew you made candles? What other surprises?”

Caden smiled, remaining silent. He knew her talents, but also her flaws. Her kisses were… lacking, she didn’t handle pain well, and she grew lazy during intimacy. Her sensitivity was offset by a lack of stamina; he could never last long enough. He wondered how he would manage in the future.

Gerry offered a box. “Here, take one.”

Caden reached for it, but Gerry snatched it back. “On second thought, there aren’t many left. Ask Alicia if you want one.”

Caden lowered his hand. “These trinkets only excite you,” he said flatly.

Gerry smiled sarcastically. “Oh right, you don’t go for that. You prefer other ‘enhancers.’”

Caden remained silent. Gerry laughed. “That girl tonight… seeing her again?”

Caden lit a cigarette. “She’ll come when she’s ready.”

Gerry rolled his eyes. “You really think you have to wait? She’ll probably call first thing tomorrow.”

Caden smiled faintly. “He’s not that easy to fool.”

Gerry was taken aback. What kind of woman made Caden act like this?

Once Caden left, Gerry discreetly called the club owner. “Mr. Ward didn’t order anything. Just drinks.”

Gerry frowned. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. If he’d asked for a woman, everyone would know. Nothing was said.”

Gerry’s confusion deepened. Who was with Caden?