Chapter: 519

She turned to leave, but Mr. Tingey wasn't ready to let her go. "Ms. Bennett," he called out, his voice laced with arrogance. "At this point, is it really necessary to keep up this hypocritical act?"

Alicia stopped, slowly turning to face him.

Her expression was icy as she said, "Would you like me to puke on your face?"

Mr. Tingey's eyes widened in shock, and he jumped up in fright.

Alicia offered him a mocking smile before walking away toward the restroom.

Once inside, the reality of the night hit her hard. She had forced down drink after drink, and her body was revolting.

She leaned over the sink, vomiting until her face turned pale and her throat burned from the acid.

By the time she finished, she was so drunk that her vision swam.

After washing her hands, she stepped out of the restroom, gripping the wall for support as she walked slowly toward the exit.

The corridor was growing increasingly crowded.

Out of the corner of her eye, Alicia caught sight of a familiar figure. She halted and looked over to see Caden approaching, Yolanda gracefully by his side. Together, they looked like the perfect couple.

He noticed her, but his gaze was cold and indifferent.

Alicia, fully aware of her disheveled state, tried to stand up straight, but the attempt made her head spin. She felt as though she could collapse at any moment, so she remained still, leaning subtly against the wall for support.

As they walked past her, engaged in soft conversation, Yolanda glanced back and whispered, “Caden, shouldn't you help Ms. Bennett?"

Caden didn't even hesitate. "Ignore her," he replied, his tone cutting.

Alicia felt her heart sink as she lowered her head.

Perhaps she had harbored a flicker of hope at first, but now it was extinguished, replaced by a swell of disappointment and bitterness that threatened to consume her.

Caden and Yolanda exited the restaurant and headed toward the parking garage.

Meanwhile, Alicia's assistant had just finished seeing Mr. Tingey off, maintaining the poised, polite demeanor Alicia had taught her.

Mr. Tingey, however, was not ready to give up.

"Alicia is beautiful but not very shrewd," he remarked, his tone condescending.

Caden overheard the comment and glanced in their direction.

Oblivious to Caden's presence, Mr. Tingey continued his arrogant rant to Alicia's assistant. "But that coldness of hers-that's appealing. Let her know that if she changes her mind, she's always welcome to come to me.”

Alicia's assistant could no longer feign a smile. “We understand our place. Your time is very valuable, Mr. Tingey. I'm sure you wouldn't want to waste it on us."

Mr. Tingey sneered, “She lacks support and connections. How long can she really survive in this industry? I'm looking forward to seeing her embarrass herself."

Alicia's assistant fought the urge to retort sharply.

Aware that Alicia was still not feeling well, she quickly retraced her steps without further delay.

Caden averted his eyes and entered his car.

Yolanda, sensing his discontent, gently asked, "What's troubling you, Caden?"

They had just come from a significant meeting with a research leader, followed by a prolonged dinner conversation, yet some issues had not been settled.