Chapter: 248

Clad in a sleek black suit that highlighted his broad shoulders and long legs, he carried himself with an effortless elegance that spoke of quiet authority.

His healthy complexion, set against the dark fabric, only heightened his striking masculinity. His deep-set eyes were sharp and discerning, as though he could see things no one else could.

"No need," Caden replied smoothly, his voice calm but commanding. He stepped forward, his gaze locked solely on Alicia. “I can eat anywhere," he added casually.

Alicia, who had just begun to rise from her seat, found herself instinctively sitting back down, her pulse quickening unexpectedly.

With her back to him, she could still feel the weight of his presence, every beat of her heart growing louder in her chest.

She thought he'd be a no-show.

The other women exchanged glances, excitement flickering in their eyes.

After all, who wouldn't be captivated by such a man? Caden was one of the most handsome men in Warrington, his allure drawing admiration from women of all ages.

They toyed with the idea of flirting with him, a thousand thoughts sparking, though none dared voice them aloud.

Rachel, in particular, was eager to greet him, but Caden paid her no mind.

He walked straight past her, his long stride purposeful, and took the seat beside Alicia without hesitation.

Alicia sensed his presence immediately, though she kept her face impassive, shifting her chair a fraction away from him.

Caden's eyebrow quirked at her subtle movement.

Mrs. Reyes's curiosity got the better of her. "Mr. Ward, do you know Alicia?"

Without so much as a glance in Mrs. Reyes's direction, Caden replied coolly, "She's my former sister-in-law."

A stunned silence followed.

Everyone knew Joshua was Caden's half-brother.

As for Alicia... Well, she was indeed Caden's former sister-in-law.

Yet there they were, sitting together so naturally, their proximity comfortable yet somehow unsettling.

The tension was palpable, though no one could put their finger on why.

Unspoken questions lingered in the air, but Caden's imposing demeanor warned them to keep quiet.

Without warning, Caden extended his leg, hooking it around the leg of Alicia's chair and pulling it firmly back toward him.

Alicia blinked in surprise, momentarily speechless.

Caden remained utterly unbothered, his tone dry as he said, "Still as stubborn as ever. How much have you won?"

Instinctively, Alicia moved her hand to shield the drawer, a reflexive gesture that only deepened the amusement in Caden's eyes.

Alas, she was too slow. With a swift movement, Caden reached the drawer first, opening it to peer inside.

His eyes skimmed over the scattered chips, a smug grin forming on his lips as he let out a low chuckle.

"Did someone break into the drawer?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.

“Where are all your chips?"

Alicia huffed in annoyance, her arms crossed defensively. "No one broke in. I lost them!"