Chapter 79
"That's not what I meant," Alicia explained. "I just didn't want to interrupt your time with Mrs. Gray."
Randolph replied firmly, "We've been married forever. You wouldn't be interrupting anything. Come on, let's go!"
Alice felt trapped, but then noticed Caden leaving with Gerry and others. She briefly looked his way, desperately hoping he would approach and rescue her. However, he remained indifferent, looking away and pretending not to see her. Alice was speechless.
Rachel then said, "Come, Miss Bennett. You bought me some jewelry today, and I still owe you a meal." Alicia noticed Rachel's rosy cheeks and lovestruck expression. Something felt wrong; she suspected Randolph and Rachel were plotting something. Alicia had her own plans, but if things escalated, everything could go awry.
Just as she searched for a way to refuse, Gerry's voice called from the doorway, "Alice!" His voice was a welcome relief. "What is it, Mr. Hopkins?" Alice asked, turning towards him.
He approached, saying, "Come with me. Hank's already driving."
Seizing the opportunity, Alice quickly told Randolph, "Excuse me, Mr. Gray, but I have a business matter to discuss with Mr. Hopkins. Let's have that meal another time. It's on me."
Randolph glanced at the distant Gerry. Aware of Gerry's influence, he didn't press the issue.
Alice swiftly joined Gerry, giving him a thumbs-up. Gerry raised an eyebrow. "What have I done to deserve that?"
Alice smiled. "You just showed up at the right time."
Gerry looked at Randolph and Rachel. "Did they give you a hard time?"
"No, but thanks anyway," Alice replied.
"For a ride?" Gerry said, opening the car door. "You're thanking the wrong person. This is Caden's car, and he sent me to get you."
Alicia looked up. Caden sat in the backseat, observing her impassively. She'd dealt with him enough; his cunning no longer intimidated her. Without hesitation, she got into the car.
Gerry took the passenger seat. "I had a bit to drink, so I couldn't drive. Plus, I didn't realize you weren't with us when we left. Caden reminded me."
Alicia forced a smile. "Thank you, Mr. Ward."
Caden replied nonchalantly, "No problem. It was nothing." He was a master of appearances, effortlessly playing the role of a polished professional when not scheming.
Alicia realized Caden must have noticed her predicament earlier and sent Gerry back for her. She lightly touched her nose. "Is your cold feeling better?"
Caden raised an eyebrow. "Miss Bennett, I'm impressed. You can really show concern for someone else." Alicia instantly regretted the question.
Caden smirked. "So, do you want me to get better or not?"
Alice pursed her lips. "Do you want the truth?"
"Either one is fine with me."
"Well, you may not like the truth."
Caden chuckled. "Looks like you got what you wanted. I don't feel so good."
Alice moved away slightly. "Don't pass it to me."
Gerry intervened, "Can't you two just go a minute without arguing?"
Caden flipped through documents casually. "With you and Hank around, we only exchanged a few words. When we're alone, things have even come to blows."
Alicia froze, understanding the double meaning. Caden smiled knowingly. Beneath his calm exterior, something sinister lurked.
"Really, Caden?" Gerry shifted, incredulous. "How could you hit a woman?"
Caden's gaze locked on Alicia. "Did it hurt?"
Alice's ears reddened. She remained silent, scratching her head awkwardly.
Gerry misinterpreted the situation, assuming Caden had mistreated her. In a serious tone, he said, "Stop giving Alicia a hard time. I need her to write songs for me."
Caden smiled but remained silent.
Concerned, Gerry asked, "Alice, is your cold getting better?"
Alice agreed. "Yes, thank you for asking, Mr. Hopkins."
"No problem," Gerry replied, pausing. He looked between them intently. "How did you both catch a cold at the same time?"
Alice didn't know how to respond.
Caden smiled with satisfaction. "What a coincidence, huh?"
Gerry's suspicion grew. "Wait a minute…" she narrowed her eyes, focusing on Caden's lips. "Caden, that mark on your lip… could it be…"