Chapter 542:

Blake contacted Alicia, concerned about the situation. Leaning against the table, Alicia felt lost, unsure how to explain the mess. After a tense silence, she said, "Don't worry, Mr. Langstaff. I won't let you pull out your shares. Just focus on what you need to do."

Blake's concern was evident. "Did you and Caden fight?"

"No," Alicia replied calmly. Personal matters weren't for public discussion; she didn't want to involve Blake further. "It's just a minor argument."

As she spoke, Caden's anger flared. He strode over, snatched the phone, and tossed it aside. Without warning, he lifted Alicia and threw her onto the sofa. Before she could react, he silenced her with a fierce kiss, reopening the fresh wound on her lip. The pain, combined with his violence, pushed Alicia past her breaking point. She slapped him hard.

Caden froze, his head tilting slightly. His expression was chilling. Alicia's breath caught; the stinging palm a sharp reminder of her forceful slap. The pain was insignificant compared to the shattering of his pride—she'd struck him for an insignificant shareholder. He looked at her, his stern eyes locking with hers. Her anger remained etched on her face. Their stubbornness collided.

Through gritted teeth, Caden said, "I expected more from you, Alicia."

With a trembling voice, Alicia replied, "Get lost!"

The phone, vibrating on the sofa, had disconnected. Blake tried calling again. Caden threw Alicia aside, grabbed the phone, and smashed it. The crash made Alicia shudder; it could have been fatal.

He didn't retreat to the guest room, but stayed in his study all night. Silence stretched between them; neither slept. At dawn, Alicia rose. Passing the study, she saw Caden emerge, his face cold and unreadable. Their eyes met, the tense atmosphere thick with their unresolved anger and resentment.