Chapter: 254

Their gazes locked. He didn't need to say more-she got the message.

In a silent exchange, Alicia's eyes seemed to ask, “Can I push them even further?"

Caden's gaze flickered with a subtle challenge, his eyes silently conveying, "Up to you."

Alicia silently asked, “Will you back me up?"

He didn't answer, just tilted his head, resting it against his hand, rubbing his temple in that familiar, casual way.

It wasn't exactly a "Yes," but she understood.

Before Mrs. Reyes could slip away, Alicia stopped her in her tracks.

Mrs. Reyes's irritation flared. “What more do you want?"

Alicia's Lips curved slightly, but her words cut sharp, “You and Mrs. Gray ganged up on me. How do you plan on compensating for the emotional distress you've caused?"

Mrs. Reyes's eyes widened, momentarily caught off guard. "Why, you-"

Alicia didn't give her a chance to finish. Her voice was cool, almost bored. “Apologize to me."

Caden, observing the scene, raised an eyebrow, glancing at Alicia with a mix of exasperation and disbelief.

"She's hopeless," he thought, inwardly shaking his head.

Mrs. Reyes's apology was stiff, her face tight with barely suppressed frustration, but she muttered the words before storming off.

Rachel followed closely behind.

The two women whispered hurriedly as they scurried away.

Alicia exhaled, feeling a small surge of satisfaction.

She dropped down beside Caden, letting out a sigh. “If you hadn't shown up when you did, I might've been left with nothing."

Caden sneered, his tone biting, "Weren't you so tough just now, telling me we'd never cooperate again?"

Alicia hesitated for a moment, caught off guard.

"You were late. I thought you weren't coming."

"And if I hadn't shown up, would you have just let them walk all over you?" Caden leaned in slightly, his voice quieter but no less intense. "Why do you always come at me with so much fire when you can't even fend for yourself?"

Alicia averted her gaze, her voice softening. “You're different from them. I just wanted to push them a little. If I truly offended them... I'd be the one suffering."

Caden let out a soft huff, shaking his head in disbelief.

Different? How was he any different?

The thought drifted across his mind, but he quickly brushed it away.

Without a word, he pulled out his phone and transferred the money he had won earlier into her account.

Alicia blinked in confusion. "Why are you giving me money?"

He didn't look at her, only shrugged. “That money passed through your hands. It's bad luck."

This time, she was the speechless one.