Chapter 49

A police officer approached Alicia, handcuffs in hand. Caden stepped in front, raising a hand. “No need for that.”

The officer hesitated, surprised. Recognizing Caden’s connection to Alicia, he withdrew the cuffs. Alicia carefully moved her burned hand and climbed into the police car; Caden followed.

She looked at him, puzzled. “You’re not coming back?”

He settled in, his long legs filling the small space. “It’s far more entertaining to watch you squirm at the station,” he said. Alicia sensed his malice. He fell silent.

An officer offered Caden water. “Thank you, Mr. Ward.”

Caden smiled. “I’ve barely done anything.” Alicia sighed, shaking her head. He let out a quiet snort; he was a master of feigned humility.

The officer smiled. “Mr. Ward, that’s an understatement. Your contributions over the years merit our gratitude.”

Alicia was surprised. Had he been involved in philanthropy? The thought was quickly dismissed. Caden looked at her, reluctant to explain. He offered her the water.

Alicia, still sweating from the fight, was dehydrated. She eyed the bottle skeptically. Caden reassured her, “It’s perfectly safe.”

Alicia frowned. “I haven’t expressed any concern, and yet you’re confessing.” Though she doubted he’d drug her, his sudden thoughtfulness was unsettling. She took the water; it was as odd as their unexpected kiss. Caden drank half the bottle before handing it back. His expression shifted slightly. “I’ve already drunk from it.”

“Yeah, so?” he added impassively.

Alicia was speechless. Isn’t this like kissing? Caden raised an eyebrow. “Haven’t we kissed before?”

Her ears burned; she looked away. Caden smiled.

At the station, they reviewed the restaurant’s surveillance footage. The drunken troublemakers were clearly at fault. Alicia only needed to give a statement.

“But what about defamation?” she asked. “The online falsehoods have severely disrupted my life. Will there be consequences?”

The officer replied, “We can investigate after documenting your complaint, but it will take time. Gather more evidence and consider legal action.”

Alicia agreed. The situation was already complex, with the Green family’s unseen influence. By the time the police resolved the matter, she could be overwhelmed by online harassment.

She sighed, feeling a dull ache in her burn. Small blisters were forming. The thought of returning to the hospital was dreadful.

Instead, Caden borrowed a first-aid kit and began tending to her wound. He finished some paperwork and watched her struggle with the antiseptic. He sat beside her.

“You don’t have to do everything yourself,” she said, soaking a cotton ball in iodine. “Ask for help.”

Caden’s touch wasn’t gentle. Alicia gasped as he applied ointment and wrapped the gauze. She didn't understand the unexpected comfort of the moment.

Without looking at her, Caden organized the kit. “Your history is surprising; this is your first major incident?”

Considering his own fiery nature, it was remarkable. Alicia’s expression darkened. Perhaps it was the lingering tension, or seeing her at her lowest point repeatedly, but he lowered his defenses, revealing a rare vulnerability. “I have no family. No one to help if I get into trouble.”

She knew she couldn’t always rely on friends, and certainly not Joshua. He needed to control his behavior.

Caden hesitated. “There will be more incidents like tonight. Will you always defend yourself?”

Alicia pursed her lips. “I have to gather evidence, take legal action, make them pay, and demand an apology.” He hadn't taken his problems seriously enough before, but tonight opened his eyes. Lilliana and Joshua wouldn’t make things easy. He had to face his fears.

Caden scoffed. “Given your size, how do you intend to gather that evidence?”

Alicia was speechless. Caden, with ulterior motives, suggested, “Play your cards right, and someone might help you.”

Footsteps echoed at the doorway. Joshua entered. His gaze darkened as he looked at Alicia. She understood the implication—self-preservation, though dangerous. She remained fixed on Joshua, lost in thought.

Caden noticed her shift in attention. He smiled. “I’ll leave you two alone.”

Alicia was surprised. She felt the urge to explain, but decided against it. Why justify herself to Caden? He could think what he liked.