Chapter: 415
He was deep in thought.
When Alicia reappeared, her mood seemed subdued and listless.
She didn't rush to leave. Instead, she joined Caden and sipped from the same glass of water he had just used.
Noticing her low spirits, Caden inquired, "What's the matter? Has losing one match really taken all your energy?"
Alicia shook her head.
"It's not about winning or losing." She hadn't planned on sharing, but Caden's question stirred a sense of injustice in her. "Why did he deceive me?"
Caden remained composed. “What he did was wrong, but consider it a lesson. You haven't really lost anything.”
Alicia scowled. "You're not my teacher. Why are you giving me a lecture?"
“So, what should I say?" Caden responded. “Would you like me to console you?"
Alicia fell quiet.
That would indeed be odd.
Offering advice was typical of Caden.
Alicia took another sip of water and then recalled an earlier incident. "Did you notice when he had me in a chokehold?"
"Yes," Caden replied.
Alicia's fear was still palpable. "It seemed Like he had something against me. His grip was so tight. If no one had intervened, I might have been seriously hurt."
She tried to maintain a casual tone, but the fear was evident.
Caden is such a jerk. He didn't come to help. How heartless, she thought.
She could feel the intensity of Caden's stare, which put her under considerable pressure.
Unable to contain her frustration, she shot him a fierce look. "You wish I was dead, don't you?"
Caden responded, "You're tough to shake off. I doubt you'd go down easily."
He had delayed intervening because he wanted to see if Alicia could escape the hold by herself.
When he realized she couldn't, he was just about to step in but was beaten to it by the other people.
Alicia's lips pursed in annoyance.
She was visibly upset by his comments.
Feeling hurt and disappointed, she no longer wanted to be near him and rose to leave.
Caden reached out and pulled her back.
"A chokehold isn't unbeatable. Let me show you how to escape it."
Alicia was not in the mood. "I'll have my coach teach me some other time."
"She can't show you what I can." Caden stood her up. "Try putting me in a chokehold, and I'll demonstrate."
Alicia gave him a sideways glance.