Chapter: 230

Eventually, Alicia broke the silence. "What's with the quiet?"

Caden, losing patience, stated bluntly, "I'm waiting for you to plead with me."

She paused, taken aback. "Who said I was going to plead?"

“You're indecisive because you need my support at the Grays’, correct?"

Caden pointed out sharply. “Randolph might be aware of something, so he poses a threat. You're looking for protection, right?"

Alicia responded defiantly, "You were the one who informed me about him. If he's out for revenge, you can't just step away."

Caden laughed off the seriousness.

To him, Randolph was irrelevant.

“Yes, he's a dangerous man. I'm utterly petrified," he said sarcastically.

Alicia was left speechless, her anxiety palpable as she fidgeted with the bedsheet.

Caden hit the mark precisely.

Alicia found herself at a loss for words.

Caden offered kindly, “Should I ask Joshua to accompany you?"

Alicia quickly interjected, "No!"

"Why not? What's the harm in letting him see your efforts?"

"I- I want it to be a surprise. He shouldn't know yet."

Caden mocked gently, “How touching."

Embarrassed, Alicia felt the conversation should end.

Why did she even call him? She knew he wouldn't just offer help.

"I'm hanging up," she muttered.

Unbeknownst to her, her tone sounded charming to Caden.

Caden's hearing seemed momentarily dulled.

He grabbed a bottle of strong wine at the bar counter and drank it quickly.

The alcohol seared his throat and ignited a warmth in his heart.

He was unable to quell this inner turmoil.

Meanwhile, Joshua stepped out of the shower in another house.

Lilliana wrapped her arms around him.

“Why are you home so late these days?" she questioned. "You're always at work, and you come home too late. We hardly spend time together," she lamented.

Joshua playfully pinched her.

"You're pregnant, try not to get too worked up."