Chapter 78

Caden smiled, noticing Alicia's belief. “You can look for him later. There’s no rush.”

It took Alicia a moment to realize she'd been tricked. She rolled her eyes.

Caden glanced nearby. “Still time to argue? Mrs. Gray's leaving. Didn't you just defend her? Won't you take credit?”

Alicia turned toward the door. Randolph and Rachel were exiting, appearing very close. Moments before, Rachel had looked miserable; now, she beamed at a simple gesture from Randolph. Alicia's expression hardened.

“Taking credit now would be disastrous, wouldn't it?” Caden said. Randolph clearly delighted in her happiness. Rachel, lost in her joy, wouldn't listen to Alicia's advice.

Caden smiled. “You catch on quickly.” Alicia felt constrained. A single touch from Randolph had undone all the hardening Rachel's bullying had caused. Alicia laughed at herself. Before the divorce, Joshua's guilt-driven attempts to cheer her had brought genuine happiness. Did she appear equally foolish to those who knew the truth?

Taking a deep breath, she sought out the temporary actors. Grabbing a bag of ice, she approached the group near the back door. The man in blue rose.

“How did we do?” she asked.

Alicia smiled. “Very well. Your performance exceeded expectations.” She quickly assessed the woman in white; her face was still flushed.

“Use this ice pack,” Alicia said, handing it over.

The woman smiled shyly. “It's nothing. It was hard, but it didn't hurt.”

Seeing their eager, sincere expressions, Alicia smiled. She'd promised $10,000 each, but her satisfaction led her to add $5,000 more, giving each $15,000. She transferred the funds directly.

They erupted in joy, hugging and kissing her gratefully.

“You're doing charity work? You’re amazing!” Alicia chuckled.

“My mother did charity work,” she said proudly. “Honestly, I'm much stingier.”

The woman in white, who clearly loved money, hugged and kissed Alicia again. The woman in pink joined in. When the man leaned in, Alicia raised a hand. “Let’s not get carried away.” He smiled shyly. “I’m sorry. I’m just so happy.”

Alicia had other obligations. “I have to go.”

Across the street, Rachel watched from the jewelry store. She saw the young people jumping with excitement.

“What are you looking at?” Randolph asked. “Come here and pick something out. I’ll buy you anything.”

Rachel pointed. “Randolph, look at that.”

Annoyed, but intrigued, he looked.

“Aren’t they the ones who caused trouble earlier?”

“Yes,” Rachel replied. “Why are they in party uniforms?”

They realized the earlier ruckus had been orchestrated. Randolph's expression darkened; he'd been mocked.

“Who organized this?” he growled. “The party host?”

“I think it was Alicia,” Rachel replied, remembering Alicia transferring money.

Randolph hadn't expected it.

“What do you have against me?” he asked, grim-faced.

Rachel was equally confused. She’d always liked Alicia. Today seemed excessive.

Randolph regained his composure. “She’s Joshua’s ex-wife. A hidden agenda?”

Rachel replied, “She’s close to him. What motive could she have?”

“You never know,” Randolph said disdainfully, unwilling to pursue it. “Alicia isn't as naive as she seems. I’ll ask Joshua. And you, be careful around her.”

Rachel agreed. “Understood.”

Randolph patted her hand. “Come on, let’s pick out more jewels. You’ve had a hard day.”

As Alicia retrieved her belongings, she passed Randolph and Rachel. Randolph maintained a polite expression.

“Miss Bennett, you’re alone. Let me take you.”

Alicia saw the forced smile and felt wary. “Thank you, Mr. Gray, but I’ve arranged a carriage.”

Randolph wouldn't let it go. He needed answers.

“Cancel it. What’s the problem, Ms. Bennett? I offer, and you refuse?”