Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
This stirred inappropriate thoughts in him, darkening his expression.
Hank noticed Alicia too and hesitated before suggesting, “Mr. Ward, should we offer Miss Bennett a lift?”
Caden averted his eyes and firmly declined, “No.”
Hank held the steering wheel tightly, observing Alicia as she waited by the roadside for a ride. Nearby, a few pedestrians were covertly snapping pictures of her, whispering among themselves.
Surprised, Hank turned to Caden, “Mr. Ward, it looks like they’re secretly taking pictures of Miss Bennett.”
A wave of discomfort washed over Caden.
His initial thought was the possibility of an inappropriate photo of Alicia circulating.
He glanced upward.
Alicia, already apart from the group, stood alone and aloof. Her expression soured as she considered retreating into the adjacent greenery, clearly disturbed and intimidated by the crowd.
With a stern voice, Caden commanded, “Drive over there and confiscate their phones.”
Hank caught on immediately.
As Alicia was about to flag down a taxi, a Maybach abruptly pulled up in front of her, blocking her path. Hank exited the vehicle and, with authority, demanded that the group hand over their phones.
He then erased all the photos they had taken, right in front of Alicia.
Alicia, initially shocked, soon relaxed into a smile and said, “Thank you, Hank.”
Hank modestly declined the praise. “Mr. Ward’s orders. Where are you heading, Miss Bennett? I can offer you a lift.”
Alicia glanced toward Caden.
Reclining in the back seat, Caden was absorbed in his phone, his sharp profile radiating indifference.
She hesitated for a moment, then said, “Thanks for the offer, Hank, but I’m not sure it’s on your route. I’m headed to the Yates Mansion.”
Hank replied with a hint of surprise, “Actually, it is on the way. Mr. Ward is also going there.”
Alicia was rendered speechless.
She wondered why Caden, who harbored such disdain for his father, would visit the mansion.
Finding herself without an option, Alicia climbed into the car.
Her long skirt, reaching her calves, proved cumbersome as she sat, prompting her to adjust it along with the straps of her dress due to concerns about her neckline.
Caden caught a glimpse of this adjustment.
“There’s nothing to see. Why bother covering up?” he remarked casually.
Irritated, Alicia responded sharply, “Lack of display doesn’t mean I can’t choose to cover up. By your logic, you should be wandering around naked since you’re hardly impressive.”
Hank was taken aback by the exchange. He thought to himself, Am I really getting all this drama for free?
Caden’s smirk was evident. “You’re quite changeable. Just last night, you expressed how much you missed me, and now, look at your demeanor.”
Hank found the unfolding drama fascinating, thinking to himself about the unique content unfolding before him. Alicia inhaled deeply. “I’ve already explained, that was just a typo!”
Caden responded with indifference, “Oh, was it?”
Frustration mounted within her. He always had a way of being maddening.
Caden retrieved his phone and swiftly accessed the previous night’s chat history.
Alicia felt uneasy. “What are you doing?”
“I’m just taking a screenshot to see if others will believe it,” Caden answered nonchalantly.
“Who are you planning to send it to?” Alicia asked, her anxiety mounting.
If it were Gerry, it wouldn’t have been an issue, but Caden’s answer was, “Joshua.”
Shock hit Alicia, her heart racing. This could sabotage everything!
She considered grabbing the phone but remembered a previous incident in the office and controlled herself.
“Then do what you think is best. Rumors about us won’t hurt me,” Alicia said, forcing a smile. “Being linked to Mr. Ward could actually work in my favor.”
Caden thought back to the previous evening and cracked a smile. With a flick, he locked his phone and casually remarked, “It’s sent.”
Alicia’s smile wavered, and she clenched her teeth. “Be sure to let me know his response. I’m quite curious.”
“Will do,” Caden confirmed.
Choosing silence, Alicia turned away.
Hank caught a glimpse of Caden’s expression-a mix of amusement and irritation. He had never witnessed such a juvenile side to Caden. Caden always became more talkative around Alicia, as if each meeting were a celebration.
The car then fell quiet until Alicia’s phone interrupted the silence.
Answering in a gentler tone, Alicia spoke, “Monica, what’s going on?”
Monica’s voice came through, expressing dissatisfaction. “The outfit you chose isn’t working, Alicia. It’s too plain and won’t achieve the effect we need.”
Alicia, cautious that Caden might hear, edged closer to the car door. In a hushed tone, she confided, “The outfits you suggested are a bit too bold for me to wear publicly.”
Monica responded, “They show just a little neck and leg, and they’re only slightly shorter than your usual style. Didn’t you once say bolder is better?”
Under her breath, Alicia admitted, “Yet, I’m hesitant to display that much to him.”
Monica chuckled and replied, “Alright, I’ll leave it be. Honestly, your face alone is enough.”
Alicia brightened. “I’ve also got another strategy in mind.”
“Oh? What’s your alternative plan?” Monica inquired.
After ending the call, Alicia picked up a new book she had purchased. Leaning back, she lifted the book so that its title caught Caden’s attention.
The title read, The Trick of Manipulators. Caden found himself at a loss for words.
Noticing his interest, Alicia squinted and offered a playful smile. “Curious? Would you like to read it too?”
She slid closer, extending the book toward him. “How about we read it together?”
Caden’s gaze dropped. He struggled to focus on the text, but Alicia’s subtly exposed neckline was unmistakably visible.
Alicia didn’t realize she had exposed too much. She had intended to provoke Caden by showing him the book, aware of his disdain for duplicitous people. During his school years, Caden had been incredibly popular, attracting many admirers and inevitably creating rivalries.
Groups of girls would often gather around him, their laughter and chatter like birdsong. Known for his quick temper, Caden was unreserved in his criticisms, and manipulative individuals were usually the first to feel his wrath. His sharp remarks made others wary of approaching him flirtatiously or overtly.
Caden turned away dismissively. “I have no interest in such trashy reading material.”
Alicia, settling back into her seat with a smile, teased him, “It seemed like you were interested. Perhaps you’ve developed a taste for deceitful types now?”
In a measured tone, Caden responded, “And whom might you be attempting to charm with these tactics?”
Alicia shot back, “Definitely not you.”
“Good, that’s just what I wanted to hear,” he replied, his expression unreadable.
What a jerk!
As they neared the Yates Mansion, Alicia took the opportunity to engage in some quick reading. The author’s skill was apparent, presenting the material clearly and highlighting key points. During the brief drive, Alicia absorbed a great deal of information.
Upon reaching the mansion, she noticed the crowded driveway and expressed surprise.
“Why are there so many cars here?” Her curiosity piqued, she asked, “Is there a special event at the mansion today?”
Caden, ever detached, answered, “Jerald was discharged today. He came home this morning, and many relatives have come to visit.”
This caught Alicia off guard. She had known from Joshua that Jerald was recovering at the mansion but hadn’t realized it was happening today.
The gates stood open, welcoming a stream of guests bearing extravagant gifts, with tables piled high with packages.
Alicia glanced at the two books in her bag, pondering her next move.
Caden shut the car door behind them, his expression unreadable-neither welcoming nor dismissive.
Alicia approached Caden quietly. “I wasn’t aware your father was being discharged today, so I didn’t bring any gifts. Did you manage to bring something?”
Above them, leaves rustled, casting dappled shadows across Alicia’s face, highlighting her features in a soft and unique way.
“I did,” Caden confirmed.
Alicia felt a sense of reassurance. Caden, always proud and generous, seemed to have brought an abundance of gifts.
Before she could voice her thoughts, Caden anticipated her needs. “Would you like me to lend you a couple of boxes to save face?”
Alicia laughed softly, appreciating his insight. “It’s clear why you’re Mr. Ward. You understand everything.”
Caden smiled faintly. “I might help, but my favors aren’t free.”
Alicia straightened, reaching for her phone.