Chapter 492:

Alicia hummed thoughtfully, then chuckled awkwardly. “I suppose you’re right.”

Caden wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. “Don’t worry. I’ll make arrangements so that if I die out there, they’ll send my remains back to you, fully intact.”

Alicia smacked his shoulder, clearly unimpressed by his morbid humor.

“And if they can’t send my whole body back,” Caden continued playfully, “I’ll make sure they at least preserve my lower half. That way, you can still make a mold of my… well, you know. You can use it whenever you miss me.”

Alicia sighed exasperatedly. “Really, Caden. Do you have to be so melodramatic?” Despite her annoyance, a growing unease settled in her heart. “I’ll set an alarm and make you breakfast before you leave.”

The next morning, the sun was already high when Alicia awoke. She sat bolt upright; the space beside her was empty. Quickly dressing, she messaged Caden: “Are you on the plane?”

His reply came swiftly: “I’ve already landed.”

“Really? That’s good. Why didn’t you wake me up?”

“I shook the bed so hard it almost broke, but you didn’t even stir.”

Alicia rolled her eyes. “Liar!”

Later, Hank waited by the car. “You didn’t accompany Caden to Terriland?” she asked, surprised.

Hank opened the car door. “Mr. Ward asked me to stay in Warrington and drive you between work and home.”

Alicia appreciated Caden’s thoughtfulness, but still said, “This seems like overkill. Warrington is perfectly safe. I think you’re better off assisting him in Terriland.”

“Mr. Ward has taken a special security team with him,” Hank explained. “I am here on his behalf, to handle any trouble you might face in his absence.” Only then did Alicia remember Yolanda and Corey were still in Warrington. With Caden gone, their actions were unpredictable.

“Ms. Bennett,” Hank continued, his tone serious, “Mr. Ward specifically instructed me that if anyone bothers you, no matter who they are, you are free to use his name to stand your ground and fight back. He told me to assure you that you don’t have to worry about the consequences.” Caden would handle any repercussions upon his return.

Alicia nodded. “I understand.”

A week passed without news from Caden. Alicia knew Terriland was dangerous, communication difficult. She refrained from contacting him, unwilling to distract him. Meanwhile, staged airport photos, arranged by Caden, filled the entertainment headlines, misleading Corey and the public into believing he was attending an event in another city.

Throughout the week, Alicia juggled her responsibilities at both companies, leaving her drained and exhausted. One day, she left the gallery with a stiff neck and a parched throat, purchasing a bottle of water from a nearby vending machine.