Chapter: 42

How generous of her.

For someone worth billions, being paid a hundred for his time felt ridiculous.

Even so, Caden accepted the money.

“Don't forget to call me the next time you need something like this," he remarked.

This time, Alicia was left speechless.

Caden's eyes rested on her. "Did you and Joshua avoid kissing when you were together?"

Alicia felt the sting of his question but kept her expression steady.

"We kiss every day. Three times a day, without missing a beat."

Caden let out a chuckle.

"Really? Because your technique is terrible."

Alicia remained calm, though his comment cut deep. “We've been fighting a lot, and we haven't kissed in a while. I'm just out of practice."

"Is that so?" Caden Laughed harder, clearly entertained.

Alicia held back her frustration, refusing to let his words bother her any further.

“We're even. You're not exactly an expert at kissing either."

Caden didn't argue that remark.

Not long after, he received a call from Lilliana's agent. The agent informed him that Lilliana had a minor issue at the hospital and would need a few days to recover.

Showing now concern, Caden responded, “For the delayed endorsements, follow the contract. Handle the compensation accordingly."

The agent hesitated, clearly surprised by the lack of sympathy.

Dealing with ruthless businessmen meant no compassion could be expected from their end.

The sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of the aging apartment complex.

Alicia stepped out without a glance back, her heels clicking softly on the pavement as she walked away. Inside the car, Hank watched her retreating figure.

With a wry smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, he broke the silence. "Mr. Ward, you like Miss Bennett, don't you?"

Caden's face remained impassive, his expression as unreadable as ever.

"Have you been drinking? What's with the bullshit?"

Hank cleared his throat awkwardly, feeling the shift in the atmosphere. "But, if you didn't like her, then why did you kiss her?"

A slight crease formed between Caden's brows as he turned his head just enough to catch Hank's eye in the rearview mirror. “If the moment calls for it, I could kiss anyone-even you.”

Hank blinked, thrown completely off guard. "Huh?"

Caden, uninterested in Hank's confusion, shifted his gaze toward the worn building before them.

The place was old-not exactly dilapidated, but far from comfortable, with peeling paint and windows that had seen better days.

Compared to Joshua's luxurious villa, this was a stark contrast-a far cry from the life Alicia had once known.