Chapter: 57

Caden seemed intrigued. "With your personality, I expected you to turn Joshua's world upside down."

Alicia felt a sharp ache in her chest, followed by overwhelming fatigue.

She opened the window slightly to let some fresh air in.

The wind stung her eyes. “I don't have the strength to fight him, and there's no need."

Her words came out firm, but her voice was so gentle that even a stranger could sense the lingering emotion and attachment.

A sardonic smile appeared on Caden's lips.

"He's tough, but now that Gerry is backing you, at least you've been able to release some of that frustration."

Alicia turned to face him. "“Lilliana's song hasn't even been released yet. It's too soon to talk about victory or defeat.”

“Why pretend to be modest? Wasn't Gerry's support for you clear enough today?" Caden raised his eyebrows, sarcasm spilling from his eyes.

Alicia froze for a moment.

She felt irritated by his hostile tone. "What do you mean by ‘support for me'?"

The way he said it made it sound like there was some kind of secret arrangement.

Caden casually responded, “Oh, I must have misunderstood."

That remark made Alicia's blood boil.

He acted like he hadn't said much, but in truth, he had already said everything.

If Alicia argued, she knew she had no solid ground. If she didn't, the anger inside her would continue to simmer.

She let out a sharp sneer. "You must be quite skilled at this, Mr. Ward. Do you often use your charm to close business deals?"

He raised his eyebrows slightly. “Not often, just when the situation calls for it."

Alicia found herself momentarily speechless.

Unable to stop herself, she asked, "Caden, do you really have no sense of shame?"

Caden laughed at her question. “Did you leave me with any dignity when you manipulated me, Miss Bennett?"

Alicia thought back to what she had done.

Her expression softened slightly. "You were the one who started it!"

“Really, now?" He asked with a hint of amusement, “Was it me who opened the door for you at the private cinema that night?"

Alicia went quiet. She was completely thrown off by the sudden change in topic.

Without missing a beat, he added, "And was it me who undid my own belt?"

Alicia's eyes went wide with disbelief. She quickly tried to cut him off. "Shut up!"

Caden continued in a leisurely tone, “And it was me who took off my pants and held my-"

Without hesitation, Alicia lunged forward and clamped her hands over his mouth.

She practically threw herself at him. “I said stop talking!" she said through gritted teeth.