Chapter 51

Alicia arrived home and immediately called Monica to reassure her. Hearing Caden's name, Monica's relief was palpable. "Caden hasn't bothered you, has he?"

Alicia glanced at her bandaged arm. "No," she replied quietly. It had been Joshua who had intervened. She drank some water to calm her nerves.

"Monica, I'm going to the Yates mansion tomorrow," she announced.

"Why?" Monica's response was sharp.

Alicia briefly explained her plan. She noted Joshua's persistence, which unexpectedly worked to her advantage. His quest for quick, effective testing required participation.

Monica's concern was evident. "What if something unexpected happens? You're completely alone."

Alicia chuckled softly. "Staying away doesn't make life easier. It's worth the risk." She knew she had to break free from the cycle of revenge; prolonged involvement would only harm her friends.

Monica, accepting Alicia's decision, offered help. "What can I do?"

After a pause, Alicia said, "Could you find me some books?"

"What kind?" Monica asked.

After the call, Alicia showered, accidentally aggravating a burn blister. The sharp pain reminded her of the incident at the restaurant. When the police arrived that night, chaos erupted as the crowd dispersed. Only Caden had stepped forward, calmly applying ice to his burn. His simple act had profoundly affected her, offering unexpected comfort amidst the confusion.

Back in her room, she applied more ointment to her arm. That night, as she lay awake, events replayed in her mind. Feeling uneasy, she texted Caden: "Thank you very much." She immediately realized the typo. Panic set in as she frantically tried to recall the message, accidentally deleting it in her haste.

Overwhelmed, she sighed and massaged her temples.

Caden's reply came quickly: "Thinking about me? What exactly?"

Breathless, Alicia typed: "I'm sorry, that was a typo. I meant to say thank you very much."

"Why didn't you correct it?" Caden asked.

"I deleted the message by mistake," Alicia explained.

"That seems like a cliché way to admit your feelings," Caden texted back.

Alicia's eyes widened. Admit feelings? Caden had a knack for saying things that overwhelmed her. Even through the screen, she could almost see his mocking smile. He was as charming as he was infuriating.

Rubbing her hot cheeks, she scolded herself. It was just a typo; everyone made mistakes. Regaining her composure, she replied, "Thank you for taking care of my arm tonight."

"One sentence? That's all the thanks I get? It seems insincere," Caden replied.

She understood his point.

"I'll make sure my thanks aren't just words. You can count on it," she replied.

Caden initially smiled at his message, but a sudden memory caused his smile to fade. He set the phone aside, feeling bored.

Alice's next message vibrated his phone: "Send me your address and I'll mail you a thank-you gift."

"No need. Keep it," Caden replied.

Alice was bewildered. An inexplicable chill ran through her. What was going on? Didn't he want a gift? His unpredictability left her baffled. Worried he might use it against her later, she decided to send the gift anyway.

The next morning arrived. Caden woke at six; he had been working for hours when Hank arrived.

"Mr. Ward, your breakfast is ready," Hank announced, placing food and a bag on the table. "There's also a package from a local pharmacy. Are you alright, Mr. Ward?"

Caden looked up, curious. "Who sent this?"

"It's confidential—no details available," Hank replied, opening the package. He revealed a box of medication, and the label made him freeze. His eyes widened in shock. "Mr. Ward, this medication is risky to use without caution. It could be harmful."

Caden's gaze slowly shifted from Hank to the box of Viagra. He was surprised. It was the same Viagra Alicia had given him the previous afternoon.