Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
She raised her head stiffly and managed a strained smile. “I’m treating my client to a business dinner.”
Caden glanced at her sideways. He could feel the distance she put between them. Their unresolved issues made the presence of Yolanda even more uncomfortable, leaving little to say. Alicia was relieved that Caden did not make any inappropriate remarks in such a setting.
However, she couldn’t ignore Yolanda’s intense gaze. Yolanda’s eyes were piercing, as if she wanted to see right through Alicia.
Alicia was uncertain about the nature of Caden and Yolanda’s relationship, but she was sure that Yolanda had feelings for him.
When the elevator reached the top floor, Alicia purposely lagged behind to let them exit first.
Yolanda instinctively pulled at Caden’s sleeve. She then turned back and offered a sweet, harmless smile as she said goodbye to Alicia’s assistant. Meanwhile, her eyes lingered on Alicia’s face for a moment.
Alicia returned her gaze without any emotion.
After a few steps, Yolanda withdrew her hand. This action helped her avoid any unpleasant words from Caden. She then casually asked, “Caden, do you know the older lady from the elevator earlier?”
Caden did not respond directly. Instead, he commented, “She’s younger than you.”
This momentarily took Yolanda by surprise. Her expression subtly changed. She knew he remembered that woman’s birthday, which suggested he knew more than just her name. Moreover, he had started a conversation in the elevator. This was unusual for someone who typically avoided interactions with women, Yolanda thought.
She smiled and said, “I’m surprised you remembered my birthday.”
Caden took his seat at the dining table. Casually, he mentioned, “I glanced at your profile when it was filed. I remember all the recent new employees.”
The restaurant emitted a warm ambiance as Yolanda sat down.
Yolanda sat down, removing her scarf and placing it beside her. She smiled warmly and asked, “Did Ms. Bennett also work at Blizzard Group before?”
Caden’s eyebrow arched, his gaze on Yolanda growing colder. Acknowledging Alicia was something he didn’t mind, but he preferred to keep it from Yolanda to avoid complications.
“Let’s focus on today’s work,” he suggested, then began to order from the menu.
Yolanda’s smile tightened slightly. She harbored a faint suspicion about his relationship with Alicia, stirring a hint of jealousy, though she knew such feelings were beneath her status. “Alright,” Yolanda responded gracefully.
Alicia excelled at keeping her professional and personal lives separate. Meeting with the client, her focus remained entirely on work. She entertained, discussed projects, toasted, and drank, ensuring the evening went smoothly.
Naturally, she had a few drinks. Given her low tolerance and mild allergy, she was careful not to overdo it and began politely declining further drinks.
The client, however, already slightly inebriated, proved challenging. He was adamant about continuing their drinks.
Her assistant, overwhelmed, couldn’t drink any more. Taking a deep breath, Alicia resolved to keep up. “Mr. Hoffman, it’s rare to see you so cheerful. I’ll keep pace until you’ve had your fill.”
Caden, having finished his meal and preparing to leave, stopped. He glanced over briefly, then instructed Yolanda, “Wait for me in the car.”
Yolanda’s eyelashes fluttered, and she whispered, “OK.”
Caden then walked over to Alicia.
Yolanda, fists clenched, retreated to the restroom. As Alicia reached for another drink, a hand suddenly stopped her. Her glass shook slightly.
Turning around, Alicia was surprised to see a familiar face, causing her heart to constrict.
The tipsy Mr. Hoffman quickly sobered up, exclaiming, “Mr. Ward?”
Caden, with no visible emotion, returned the glass Alicia had been holding to the table. In a calm yet commanding tone, he asked, “What kind of party requires this much drinking?”
Alicia’s expression darkened, and she subtly nudged Caden, silently signaling him not to interfere with how she handled the situation. His high status often led him to dismiss others, but Alicia knew she would have to manage the fallout from this.
The group of men at the table quickly responded, “No more, Mr. Ward. We were only teasing Ms. Bennett. She hasn’t had much to drink,” they chimed in. Caden had introduced them to Alicia, and now it was clear he was standing by her side. It was evident to everyone that something was unfolding between them. Offending either Caden or Alicia over drinks wasn’t worth it.
Alicia stared at Caden, but he remained impassive, his eyes avoiding hers completely. She could feel his anger, but she couldn’t understand the reason behind it.
Bryant suggested they wrap up the dinner. While Alicia continued to entertain, Caden took her wrist firmly and instructed, “Go throw up that drink you just had.”
Alicia tried to free her hand but couldn’t. Feeling powerless, yet trusting Caden’s intentions, she complied without resistance. She directed her assistant to keep the evening running smoothly before excusing herself to the restroom.
In the restroom, she quickly purged the alcohol and was rinsing her hands when the stall door opened, and Yolanda emerged. Alicia caught Yolanda’s reflection in the mirror. The sound of water running stopped.
Yolanda adjusted her scarf in front of the mirror, and as Alicia’s eyes shifted to the logo on the scarf, her heart sank. It was the scarf she had once given to Caden-now worn by Yolanda.
Alicia remembered the thrill she felt when she bought the scarf, her heart fluttering with excitement and anticipation. But life had a way of being unpredictable. That very day, she had a heated argument with Caden.
She tried to console herself. After all, it was just a scarf. She had already given it to Caden; it was his to do with as he pleased. Yet, she couldn’t shake off the image of him handing it over to Yolanda. Perhaps he had carelessly tossed it to her, mockingly dismissing Alicia in her presence.
Though Yolanda knew nothing of the scarf’s significance, the way Alicia kept glancing at it spoke volumes. Alicia couldn’t tear her eyes away, and noticing this, Yolanda smiled and asked, “Oh, do you admire this scarf as well, Ms. Bennett?”
Alicia calmly dried her hands and replied with an indifferent expression, “Not really. Men’s scarves aren’t my style.”
“Fair enough,” Yolanda responded smoothly. “But it’s not just about scarves. Everything should be a good fit. Forcing things together just because you desire them only wastes time and effort.”
Alicia immediately grasped the underlying message. Locking eyes with Yolanda, she replied firmly, “You might be reading too much into this. I assure you, I have no interest in anything that belongs to you.”
Yolanda chuckled softly. “What are you implying, Ms. Bennett? I must admit, I’m a bit lost.”
Alicia smiled faintly, recognizing Yolanda’s knack for pretense. Clearly, Yolanda excelled in the art of keeping appearances.
Not wanting to keep Caden waiting any longer, Yolanda gracefully retrieved a business card from her purse and offered it to Alicia. “At dinner, Caden mentioned you’ve designed a new product for his company,” she said, maintaining her composed smile. “I work with him. If there are any issues with the products in the future, I would appreciate your guidance, Ms. Bennett.”
Alicia glanced down as she accepted the card.
The name on the card read Yolanda Moss, a top-level engineer in chip development who had been specially invited by Blizzard Group.
Alicia responded modestly, “I appreciate that, Miss Moss, but I hardly think I’m qualified to advise someone of your caliber. The project was just a small side venture of mine.” Yolanda didn’t answer immediately.
It seemed a thought had just occurred to her as she asked, “Ms. Bennett, do you happen to know why Caden returned to the country?”
It was clear Yolanda already knew the answer-a boast thinly veiled as a question, an implicit challenge. Remaining unruffled, Alicia answered, “Caden and I aren’t close enough to discuss such matters.”
“Is that so?” Yolanda replied, momentarily surprised by Alicia’s calmness. Regaining her composure, she added politely, “Since it’s a secret, perhaps I shouldn’t say more. Goodbye, Ms. Bennett.”
Alicia watched her leave but didn’t follow. Her gaze drifted back to the business card in her hand. On impulse, she pulled out her phone and looked up Yolanda online.
Exiting the restroom, Alicia intended to contact her assistant but noticed a message from Caden: “Come out and find me.”
Confused by his request, she chose not to reply. Lost in thought, she returned to the restaurant to meet her assistant.
“Are you unwell?” her assistant asked with concern. “You seem a bit off.”
Alicia shook her head and offered a reassuring smile. “I’m fine. Thank you for tonight. You should head home and get some rest.”
Her assistant sighed with relief and nodded.
After saying their goodbyes, Alicia looked around but didn’t see Caden anywhere. However, as she descended the stairs, she finally spotted him.
Amidst a sea of luxury cars and bustling people, Caden stood out effortlessly. He was a few meters away, engaged in conversation with Yolanda. Yolanda held a steaming cup of hot drink, smiling as she took a sip, but immediately winced as the liquid scalded her.
Startled, she spilled the drink all over her clothes, her composure giving way to panic.
Caden frowned as he swiftly removed the scarf from around Yolanda’s neck, using it to wipe the hot drink off her hands to prevent any burns.
Yolanda’s eyes reddened instantly; she bit her lip to endure the pain, looking utterly distressed. After a few moments, Caden finished cleaning her hands and tossed the scarf into a nearby trash can. He paused, something nagging at him. The scarf looked familiar.
Alicia watched his actions from a distance, her eyes flickering as she observed his seemingly indifferent disposal of the scarf. Deciding not to linger, she turned away, distancing herself from the unfolding drama.
Just as she was about to leave, Caden noticed her. He narrowed his eyes slightly before turning back to Yolanda.
“Have the driver take you to the hospital to get that checked,” he instructed.
Yolanda’s voice trembled. “Caden, what about you?”
“I have things to handle. Don’t worry about me,” he replied, signaling the driver, who promptly opened the car door for Yolanda.
After seeing the client off, Alicia noticed Caden approaching her. He seemed determined, and she realized there was no escape now.
“Didn’t you see my message?” Caden asked.
Alicia kept her gaze lowered. “I saw it. What do you want?” Her cool, distant reply seemed to irritate him. Just days earlier, their conversations had been flirty and filled with laughter, but now she acted as if he were a stranger.
“Nothing serious; just wanted to catch up,” Caden said, his eyes subtly scanning her exposed neck and arms. He was relieved to see no signs of an allergic reaction.
He then prodded, lowering his voice, “Did the investment go through okay?”
Alicia nodded. “Yes, it did.”
Caden frowned, his impatience growing. “Is your neck stiff? Why won’t you look at me? Look up.”
She remained silent, her gaze fixed downward. Feeling frustrated, Caden reached out, trying to tilt her chin upward, but Alicia swiftly stepped back, dodging his touch.
His face darkened immediately. “What is that supposed to mean?” Caden demanded.
Alicia was surprised by the intensity of her own reaction. Ever since she saw Yolanda, she had been deeply upset, acutely aware of her lingering feelings for Caden and the presence of another woman. She tried to console herself, to distance herself, to convince herself it didn’t matter.
Yet, when Caden touched her, her facade crumbled.
She pressed her lips together, looking away as she said, “I’m sure you don’t want the others to get the wrong idea, Mr. Ward.”
Caden sneered in response.
“What wrong idea?” he retorted coldly.
Alicia was at a loss for words, her lips still tightly pressed. She was haunted by the memory of his concern for Yolanda and how he had dismissed her gift as if it meant nothing. Standing before him now, she felt utterly humiliated.
Trying to leave, Alicia turned to get into the car, but Caden caught her wrist and pulled her back sharply.