Chapter 75

Caden gave Alice a scornful look. “Are you trying to snatch another kiss from me?” he mocked.

Alice met his disdain with equal sharpness. “Now you admit it? I always knew you had ulterior motives.” All the attention he’d given her that night had been wasted. Instead of reciprocating his kindness, she’d betrayed his trust, proving that old habits die hard.

Pushing back her hair, she said firmly, “I have important things to do. I’m done wasting my time with you.”

He immediately began scanning the crowd for Rachel. Alice was about to leave when Caden interrupted. “I understand what you’re trying to do today. Even though she can’t help you, I can.” She remained unconvinced, especially since she hadn’t even told Monica about her plans. How could Caden know?

“Thanks, but I’ll pass,” she replied firmly.

Caden chuckled, noticing her defiance. “You have a great opportunity before you, and yet you choose to ignore it. Don’t expect my help later.”

Alice’s competitive spirit flared. “I appreciate your concern, but please stay out of my business.” She reminded herself to avoid the underhanded tactics of her past.

From a distance, she saw Rachel approaching. Grabbing her drink, Alice prepared to cross the room.

“Why the rush? Take care of my business first,” Caden said.

He took a sip of his drink and frowned; it was tasteless. Alice felt a wave of annoyance. Looking down at her glass, she asked, “Is your drink tasteless?”

Caden examined his glass. “It’s just warm water.”

She paused, then calmly suggested, “Would you like something with a little more flavor?”

His gaze dropped to her lips. An unspoken understanding passed between them, and Alice smiled. They seemed to be thinking alike. Caden reluctantly agreed. “It’s not a bad idea, but in this environment, it might not be convenient for you, Miss Bennett.”

Alice smiled reassuringly. “It will be quick.”

Caden straightened. “Whatever.” Instead of leaning in for a kiss, Alice took a sip of her drink, then decisively spat it into his glass—a gentle, purposeful action that seemed perfectly natural.

Caden stared silently at the now pinkish water.

Alice wiped her lips and said casually, “You can drink it now. It’s completely bland, just like you like it.” With that, she gracefully exited the room.

Caden let out a frustrated laugh. Once he was gone, Gerry strolled over, casually picking up a sandwich. “What was going on with you and Alice?”

“We had a little argument,” Caden replied flatly.

Gerry commented with amusement, “You have a lot of time on your hands.” He took a bite of the dessert, its sweetness catching him off guard, causing him to cough.

Instead of reaching for his drink, he reached for Caden’s. “Let me have a sip.”

Caden pushed the glass away with a frown. “Buy your own drink.”

“Why can’t we share a drink? What’s the problem?” Gerry asked.

“I’ve already drunk from it,” Caden said, giving him a withering look.

“I don’t care,” Gerry insisted, “We’ve been sharing drinks since we were kids. Come on, I’ll get you another one later.”

Without a word, Caden drained the glass.

Gerry was speechless. Then, he gulped and asked, “What’s so special about that drink you’re keeping?”

The memory of Alice’s contribution hit Caden with a wave of nausea. He hadn’t even been thirsty; he just hadn’t wanted Gerry to have the drink. What had he been thinking?

He placed the glass on the floor and walked away silently.

A waiter approached, and Gerry casually ordered water. Looking at the crystal-clear liquid, he was confused. Why was this glass so clear, while Caden’s was pink?

Turning to the waiter, he asked, “Do you serve different types of water here?”

Perplexed, the waiter replied, “Sir, the only difference is the temperature, not the taste.”

“Really?” Gerry took a sip. The taste was unremarkable. So why had Caden been so protective of his drink?

Meanwhile, Alice approached Rachel, who didn’t even acknowledge her. Rachel’s gaze was elsewhere—on Randolph at the wine cabinet with another woman. Their body language suggested undeniable intimacy.

Rachel snapped out of her daze. Avoiding eye contact, she asked, “Mrs. Bennett, when did you arrive?”

“I just got here. You seemed upset, so I thought I’d stay with you,” Alice replied kindly.

Rachel attempted a smile, then looked back at the couple sadly.

Realizing Alice had noticed, Rachel didn’t hold back. “She’s an old flame of Randolph’s. There’s nothing between them now, but they’ve been very close. He often asks her for help. Today, she had him choose wine for her elders, and they’ve been together for quite a while.”

Alice didn’t mince words. “It doesn’t look like they’re just choosing wine.” Their body language spoke volumes. They laughed and talked easily; they looked like a couple.

Rachel’s jealousy simmered, but her pride prevented a scene. She endured in silence.

When the woman finally chose her wine, Randolph paid with his card. That was Rachel’s breaking point. She walked over to them.

“Randolph.”