Chapter 98
Alicia deflected Caden’s pointed question with a playful remark. “I’ll be kissing many more in the future.”
Caden pressed further. "Do you also use breath spray before kissing Joshua?"
Speechless, Alice felt the conversation veering into dangerous territory. Determined to change the course, she kissed him.
Caden inhaled sharply. “My wound is still fresh, and now this?”
"You talk too much," Alice complained, annoyed by his incessant chatter during their kiss. Kisses, she thought, should be simple, unspoken moments.
When the kiss ended, the intense heat between them dissipated. A lingering sensation remained on her lips. "My safety tomorrow is your responsibility," Alice declared. "Keep an eye on my location and intervene if anything seems amiss."
Caden raised his head indifferently. “Am I supposed to be your bodyguard for a kiss? That's like expecting a free ride for a handshake.”
Alicia ignored his comment. After all, he had summoned her. He likely reasoned that the more desperate one appeared, the greater their potential loss.
As she left, Caden still tasted her kiss, a sensation difficult to ignore.
Later, Hank entered, noticing the marks on Caden’s lips. He stopped abruptly. "Mr. Ward, what happened to your lips?"
Unconsciously touching his lips, Caden saw a faint red stain and quickly wiped it away. “It's nothing.”
Hank looked at him knowingly. "It seems things are progressing well between you and Miss Bennett."
Caden’s mood instantly turned frosty. “Are you gathering information for Ciara again?”
Hank quickly clarified, “Not at all. I'm simply impressed by your willingness to put aside your prejudices for your own well-being; it's quite rare.”
Caden took a deep breath, reflecting on his journey from a precocious child starting school at age two to becoming CEO of Blizzard Group. He’d faced countless challenges, but none as complex as navigating his relationship with Alicia. He often considered deepening their connection but hesitated, unsure of his ability to maintain composure.
Hank, remembering their pending business, steered the conversation back to work. “Mr. Ward, you've been examining Mr. Yates’ account transactions. Any plans for action?”
Caden replied nonchalantly, “Alicia has expressed interest in those transactions.”
Puzzled, Hank asked, "Are you targeting Mr. Yates as well?"
“Yes,” Caden confirmed. “Alicia’s long relationship with Joshua makes her far more than a pawn.”
Hank's concern was evident. "Mr. Ward, are you using Miss Bennett in this endeavor?"
Caden paused, then replied noncommittally, “Not exactly.”
Hank decided to keep the matter confidential, mindful of Alicia’s formidable personality and the potential for conflict. "I'll keep this confidential to avoid a direct confrontation from her."
Caden felt a pang of apprehension, recalling Alicia’s unpredictable outbursts. He changed the subject. “What time should we go to the hotel for dinner?”
Meanwhile, Lilliana, disguised in a baggy outfit and sunglasses, approached the reception area of Joshua’s company. The receptionist, initially unaware of her identity, greeted her politely. "Hello. Do you have an appointment?"
Lilliana removed her sunglasses and asked dryly, "Do I look that ordinary?"
Recognizing the future Mrs. Yates, the receptionist quickly apologized. “I'm sorry, Miss Green. It was the sunglasses…”
Lilliana, noticing the receptionist's attire, grew icy. "Is this how you dress for work? Does this reflect the company culture?"
Confused, the receptionist stared at her standard business suit. Lilliana, losing interest, put her sunglasses back on and snapped, “You’re fired.”
Stunned, the receptionist followed Lilliana, pleading, “Miss Green…”
At that moment, Joshua, having finished his work, entered the unfolding scene. His secretary quickly informed him: "Mr. Yates, Miss Green has arbitrarily dismissed about ten employees."
Joshua's expression hardened as he headed to his office, where Lilliana sat, radiating authority. The secretary, silenced by Lilliana’s gaze, began to retreat.
“Why are you leaving? Come in,” Lilliana insisted.
Perplexed, Joshua signaled for the secretary to leave. Lilliana slammed her fist on her desk. “Didn't you hear me? Come in!”