Chapter 537:

Alicia gently pulled her hand away, but her expression froze as she noticed a sharp gaze through the car window. Looking up, she saw Caden standing at the entrance, his eyes fixed on them. Alicia’s heart sank. Something had gone wrong. While she and Blake hadn't been particularly close, being seen together through rain-streaked windows was a different matter entirely; it could easily lead to misunderstandings.

Alicia swung open the car door and stepped out. Noticing Caden's looming presence, Blake immediately grabbed an umbrella and followed. "Alicia, be careful not to get soaked!" he called, but his words went unheard.

Outside, Alicia met Caden's stormy gaze and instinctively slowed her approach. "When did you get back?" she asked, her mind racing to cope with the unexpected tension.

Caden's expression hardened. Seeing Blake trailing behind with the umbrella, he asked coldly, "Should I have returned?"

Alicia was speechless. Caden had a volatile temper, often manifesting as passive-aggressiveness. Not wanting to escalate the situation, she replied, "I waited for you, but you didn't show up. Mr. Langstaff happened to be leaving, so I accepted a ride with him."

Caden let out a mocking laugh. "Wait for me? I called, but you didn't answer. Now I get it. You were too busy with your shareholder."

Alicia frowned. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Standing beside Alicia, Blake, holding the umbrella, looked displeased. "Caden, can't you stop blowing things out of proportion? Alicia just—"

"I'm talking to my girlfriend. Why don't you mind your own business?" Caden interrupted coldly. "Get lost."

Blake fell silent, stealing a sideways glance at Alicia. Alicia's expression darkened as she turned to Blake, her voice tight with restraint. "Mr. Langstaff, you should head back." Her words were heavy with suppressed frustration.

The atmosphere crackled with tension. Blake suggested, "Alicia, why don't you get into Caden's car first? I'll explain everything to him."

Alicia hesitated. However, Caden's deep voice cut through the silence. "Get in the car." He was eager to see what tricks Blake might try.

Feeling suffocated by the escalating drama, Alicia complied; after all, they were at Joy Mansion—no one dared cause a scene here.

Once Alicia closed the car door, Blake looked at Caden and asked, "Why did you come so late?"

Caden's disdain was unmistakable. With a sneer, he responded, "In what capacity are you asking me that?"

Blake took a steadying breath, his voice calm yet firm. "Your attitude is just like that of your overbearing uncle."