Chapter: 249

Caden's smirk deepened. "With your level of brilliance, even tic-tac-toe seems like a challenge. Why bother with cards?"

Alicia clenched her fists under the table, biting back a retort.

She fumed silently, "You jerk! I kissed you because I needed your help, not your lectures. You might as well have stayed away."

The tension in the room thickened, but a laugh from one of the women cut through the air. "Mr. Ward, you really came at the perfect time. Looks like Ms. Bennett's luck has run dry. Care to spot her some chips?"

As soon as she said this, Mrs. Reyes delivered a swift kick under the table, shooting the woman a pointed glare.

Teasing Alicia was one thing, but provoking Caden? That was dangerous territory.

Sure enough, Caden's sharp gaze flicked to the woman, causing her to freeze momentarily.

After an awkward pause, she forced a tight smile and quickly excused herself, mumbling, "I... I'll go grab some water."

As soon as she left, Caden casually took her vacant seat.

Mrs. Reyes, clearly taken aback, asked tentatively, “Mr. Ward, do you play cards as well?"

He shrugged nonchalantly. "Not really, but if someone's desperate enough to throw money at me, why not take it?"

His gaze slid to Alicia, eyes gleaming with amusement. “Wouldn't you agree?"

Alicia narrowed her eyes at him, her mouth pressing into a thin line before silently mouthing, "Idiot!"

Their obvious discord reassured Mrs. Reyes.

It seemed Caden wasn't planning on bailing Alicia out after all.

She allowed herself to relax slightly-her advantage was intact.

However, Caden's unexpected involvement had shaken up the dynamics.

She was now short of an ally and forced to play her cards more cautiously.

Despite this, the round still ended in her favor, leaving her with a sizable win.

Alicia watched closely, her brow furrowing in frustration. Caden, for all his nonchalance, was unnervingly calm. Was he really just here to take her money?

Something about it felt off.

Unable to resist, Alicia discreetly kicked him under the table.

Caden shot her a quizzical glance. “Why did you kick me?"

Alicia couldn't find the right words to say.

Mrs. Reyes's eyes settled on her.

Uncomfortable with the situation, Alicia clenched her jaw and shot a sharp look at Caden, "It was not on purpose. Sorry."

Caden responded, "Oh, I assumed you were asking for a card from me."

Once again, Alicia was left in silence.

Mrs. Reyes let out a soft laugh.

"Ms. Bennett, are you losing your grip?"