Chapter 53

A wave of awkwardness washed over Caden. He initially feared an inappropriate photo of Alicia was circulating.

Alice, now separated from the group, stood alone, her expression souring as she considered retreating into the nearby vegetation. Clearly, she felt disturbed and intimidated by the crowd.

In a stern voice, Caden ordered, "Hank, drive over there and confiscate their phones."

Hank reacted swiftly. As Alicia was about to hail a cab, a Maybach pulled up, blocking her path. He exited the vehicle and authoritatively demanded the group surrender their phones. He then deleted all the photos, right in front of Alice.

Initially shocked, Alicia soon relaxed, smiling and saying, "Thanks, Hank."

Hank modestly replied, "Mr. Ward's orders. Where are you headed, Miss Bennett? I can offer you a ride."

Alicia glanced at Caden, who leaned back in the backseat, absorbed in his phone, his profile radiating indifference. She hesitated, then said, "Thanks for the offer, Hank, but I'm not sure it's on your route. I'm headed to the Yates mansion."

Hank replied, a hint of surprise in his voice, "Actually, he's on his way. Mr. Ward is on his way, too."

Alice was speechless, wondering why Caden, who so despised her father, would visit the mansion. Seeing no other option, she got into the car. Her long skirt felt uncomfortable, forcing her to adjust it and the straps of her dress, concerned about her cleavage.

Caden glanced at her adjustments. "There's nothing to see. Why bother covering up?" he commented nonchalantly.

Irritated, Alice snapped, "Just because you can't see anything doesn't mean I can't choose to cover up. By your logic, you should walk around naked, since you're hardly impressive."

Hank, taken aback by the exchange, thought, Am I really getting all this drama for free?

Caden smiled. "You're quite changeable. Just last night, you expressed how much you missed me, and now, look at your behavior."

Hank found the unfolding drama fascinating. Alicia inhaled deeply. "I've already explained it to you, it was just a typo!"

Caden replied nonchalantly, "Oh, yeah?"

Frustration mounted within her. He always possessed this maddening quality. Caden accessed his chat history from the previous night.

Alice felt uncomfortable. "What are you doing?"

"I'm just taking a screenshot to see if others believe it," Caden replied nonchalantly.

"Who are you going to send it to?" Alice asked, her anxiety growing.

It wouldn't have been a problem if it were Gerry, but Caden replied, "Joshua."

Alice started, her heart racing. This could sabotage everything. He considered picking up his phone, but remembering a previous office incident, controlled himself.

"Then do what you think best," Alice said, forcing a smile. "The rumors about us won't hurt me. In fact, being linked to Mr. Ward might work in my favor."

Caden thought back to the previous night and smiled. He closed his phone and casually said, "Sent."

Alice's smile faltered. She gritted her teeth. "Don't forget to tell me his answer. I'm very curious."

"I will," Caden confirmed.

Alice fell silent, turning away. Hank caught a glimpse of Caden's expression—a mix of amusement and irritation. He'd never witnessed such a youthful side to Caden, who seemed far more talkative around Alicia, as if every encounter were a celebration.

Silence reigned until Alicia's phone rang. Answering softly, she said, "Monica, what's wrong?"

Monica's voice, expressing discontent, followed. "The outfit you've chosen doesn't work, Alicia. It's too simple and won't achieve the effect we need."

Wary of Caden overhearing, Alicia moved to the car door and confided in a low voice, "The outfits you suggested are too risky to wear in public."

Monica replied, "They only show a little neck and legs, and they're a little shorter than your usual style. Didn't you once say that bolder is better?"

Quietly, Alice admitted, "Still, I'm a bit hesitant to show him so much."

Monica laughed. "Okay, I'll let it go. Honestly, your face is enough."

Alice perked up. "I have another strategy in mind, too."

"Oh? What's your backup plan?" Monica inquired.

After ending the call, Alicia picked up a new book, holding it up so the title would catch Caden's attention. The title read: The Manipulators' Trick. Caden was speechless.

Noticing his interest, Alice narrowed her eyes and gave him a playful smile. "Are you curious? Do you want to read it too?"

He leaned over and handed her the book. "How about we read it together?"

Caden looked down. He tried to concentrate on the text, but Alicia's subtly exposed cleavage was unmistakably visible.