Chapter: 473

Suddenly, he stood and gestured. "Caden, over here!"

Alicia was startled.

Then she looked up.

Caden, wearing a black shirt and with his jacket casually slung over his arm, navigated the noisy crowd.

His tall stature and striking features were highlighted by the bar's vibrant lights, lending a captivating aura to his appearance.

He made his way directly to them.

Alicia turned her head and pulled back in her seat because she didn't want him to notice her.

But Gerry's excitement ruined her effort. He turned to Caden and said, "I was going to drink by myself, but then I saw Alicia. I figured it would be more fun with more people, so I invited you."

Caden completely ignored Alicia.

He took a seat, maintaining his focus elsewhere as if she didn't exist.

Gerry asked, “Aren't you going to say hi to her?"

Caden responded coldly, "No."

Alicia was momentarily taken aback.

Gerry clucked his tongue and asked, “What's this bad blood between you two? Does it have to be this way?"

He popped open a bottle, and Caden joined him for a drink.

As Caden drank, his eyes briefly met Alicia's.

Gerry tried to Lighten the mood, leaning in towards Alicia. "Want to play something later?"

Alicia looked up. "No. You guys have fun."

Gerry placed his hand over her phone. “You're here now. Forget studying. It's not often you come to a bar. Let me show you a game."

He then tugged her wrist towards Caden.

Alicia tensed up, unsure how to decline Gerry.

Caden looked at their joined hands, his face still showing no emotion.

Neither of them made eye contact.

The tension was noticeable.

Gerry kept talking nonstop, and Alicia hardly caught any of the rules.

"Understand?" Gerry was enthusiastic. "Use this strategy to beat Caden. Keep his glass full."

Alicia forced a smile, though she was uninterested. "I'll pass. I'm not into it."

"Don't worry. I'll show you some tricks to win."

She was momentarily at a loss for words.

Could he be any more noisy?