Chapter 482:
He took a deep breath, his anger subsiding as he realized it was misplaced. Straightening the papers on his table, he muttered, “I’ll go check on her.” Alicia nodded, a grunt acknowledging his decision. “I’ll keep myself busy here,” she added. Caden glanced at her, their eyes meeting for a moment before he left.
As expected, Yolanda greeted him with a smile, as if their earlier conversation never transpired. She looped her arm through his without hesitation, but Caden gently disengaged. “Just tell me what you need, Yolanda,” he said. After a brief exchange, Caden signaled to Hank. “Could you grab the car keys from my office?”
When Alicia saw Hank return alone, she asked, “Did Yolanda leave?” Hank paused, glancing back. “She’s about to,” he replied. A wave of relief washed over Alicia. Perhaps this wouldn't be as difficult as she'd anticipated. “Good,” she murmured.
As Hank retrieved Caden's car keys, he hesitated. Alicia noticed, raising an eyebrow. “Doesn’t Caden have a lot on his plate at the company? Where’s he going?” she asked. She knew that car was Caden's personal vehicle; he rarely used it unless it was important.
Hank shifted uncomfortably. “Mr. Ward and Miss Moss are heading out… together,” he said.
Alicia’s heart skipped a beat. “They’re going out together?” she repeated, trying to conceal her surprise. “Yes,” Hank confirmed, unsure how to proceed. Caden had only asked for the keys, implying he intended to drive Yolanda himself.
Alicia's chest tightened with worry, though she maintained a calm expression. “Did he mention where they were going?” Hank shook his head. Not wanting to delay Caden, he quickly excused himself.
Unable to resist, Alicia went to the window, peering down at the street. She saw Yolanda slip into the passenger seat, Caden behind the wheel. Alicia's heart clenched. Was history repeating itself? The wounds from their past conflict were still raw. Why would Caden go out alone with Yolanda? Was he trying to punish Alicia for her earlier words, or was he simply unable to refuse her?
After a moment's hesitation, Alicia opened her chat with Caden and carefully typed a message. After some indecision, she sent: “Where are you going?”
A few minutes later, Caden’s reply appeared: “Didn’t you say I should handle the problem?”
Alicia’s stomach twisted at his sarcastic reply. His words stung, feeling deliberately petty. She hadn't intended to provoke jealousy, nor to push him toward Yolanda.
Anger welled up as she typed back: “I overstepped today. I won’t offer unsolicited advice again.”
Caden didn't respond. Frustrated, Alicia left the company and immersed herself in her work at the gallery, hoping it would distract her from her worries about him.