Chapter: 497

Was this typical for the wealthy?

Feeling slightly envious, the guard decided to keep the package for himself.

His own dog would surely enjoy such a fine treat.

After securing the package, the guard noticed Alicia entering the building.

He cheerfully called out to her, "Ms. Bennett, it's been a while since we last saw you."

Alicia stopped briefly.

She nodded and said, “Hello. I've come to collect something."

Thinking she was referring to the dog food, the guard was about to go fetch it when he noticed she didn't stop at the desk but continued inside.

He made a sound of confusion.

Alicia had returned to retrieve a painting.

Since moving out, she hadn't managed to pull herself together or muster the courage to return, nor did she want to reach out to Caden.

Therefore, she picked tonight to reclaim what she left behind.

Before heading over, she discreetly checked with Gerry, who confirmed that Caden had been camping out at the office lately. He was confident Caden wouldn't be at the apartment.

As she stood at the door, she felt sure it was empty, yet she still paused to take a deep breath.

She automatically tried the fingerprint lock, but it failed to activate.

Slightly confused, she realized the fingerprint recognition had been deactivated. After pausing to think, she typed in the password.

The system beeped twice.

The password was wrong.

A wave of disappointment washed over Alicia.

Had he changed the password?

Or had she made a mistake entering it?

She pulled her hand back as though stung by a thorn.

Why would he change it? Was he trying to wipe away all reminders of her?

She scoffed at herself.

Forget it. She'd get in touch with Caden later about the painting.

Just then, the door unexpectedly swung open from the inside.

Startled, Alicia's gaze shot upward.

She froze.

Caden was there in a white shirt, the top few buttons undone, radiating a casual yet distant air.

She hadn't anticipated him being home.