Chapter: 337

They selected a competent instructor and signed up for multiple self-defense sessions.

They donned their workout gear, preparing to train.

Monica sensed Alicia's distress, attributing it to the recent stress.

“Picture Joshua as the punching bag. Hit it hard to let out your anger. Afterward, you'll feel ready to confront him Alicia eyed the punching bag, embracing the idea as a worthwhile approach."

Monica grabbed a pen and a piece of paper on which she wrote Joshua's name. Then she handed it to her friend.

Alicia, after a moment's contemplation, wrote Caden's name on a second sheet and placed it atop Joshua's.

"Let's hit them both," declared Alicia.

Visualizing the papers as Caden's face, she threw a forceful punch.

The strike was so potent that Monica trembled.

At that moment in his office, Caden experienced an unexpected shiver.

Looking outside, he noticed the sky had darkened once again.

Hank entered with a knock.

“Mr. Ward, haven't you eaten anything today?" Hank asked, aware of the demanding day Caden had endured and wary of his temper, yet knowing it essential that Caden eat.

Caden, no longer showing displeasure, asked Hank to make a dinner reservation.

Feeling somewhat relieved, Hank ventured cautiously, "Mr. Ward, have you had a disagreement with Ms. Bennett?"

Caden responded flatly, “Why would I quarrel with her?"

"You've not been home lately and seem out of sorts. Who else but Ms. Bennett could cause this?" Hank ventured a guess. "Did one of you make a mistake?"

Caden changed the subject. “How is the assignment I gave you progressing?"

“ALL in order," Hank assured him promptly.

Caden had instructed Hank to contact Randolph and ask the latter to disrupt Joshua's finances in the bank, as Joshua was gearing up for an IPO and urgently needed the funds. Randolph's meddling had put several plans on hold.

Hank couldn't help but gloat. “The Yates family must be in turmoil now."

Caden showed little interest, considering it merely another job done.

“A bigger surprise is coming," he murmured, hinting at a planned shock that Alicia had instigated.

With Alicia on his mind, Caden felt agitated once more, as smitten as a teenager in love.

Upon reaching the restaurant, Joshua's call came through.

“What's happening, Joshua?"

"You're quite the strategist, Caden," Joshua's voice carried a menacing undertone.

Laughing it off, Caden replied, "What's the trouble? Just a cash flow issue, right? Does that confound you?"

The underlying rivalry was evident.

Joshua, out of options for retaliation, was resigned but had a different inquiry.