Chapter: 667

She smiled. "Alright, it's arranged. I'll send someone to collect the painting immediately."

Alicia responded, “It's no problem. I can have it delivered right to your doorstep."

Ciara playfully suggested, “I adore that painting. How about you bring it over yourself, Alicia?"

Upon hearing Alicia's name, Caden glanced up.

He poured himself a cup of freshly made tea and sipped it leisurely.

Alicia asked, "Sure. Where should I bring it?"

"Joy Mansion. Why don't you join us for dinner?" Ciara extended the invitation.

“Apologies, Mrs. Ward, but I already have plans. I'll take you out for a meal after Christmas," Alicia responded.

Ciara wasn't disappointed. “Alright, make it soon then. I'm looking forward to it."

After ending the call, Ciara looked over at Caden.

“Have you encountered Alicia recently?"

Caden drank his tea without showing any emotion. "Yes, but we didn't talk."

"You're so ineffective," Ciara remarked. "Alicia will bring the painting later. You will go out to receive it.”

Ciara teased him. “Don't tell me you're stumped by such a simple problem."

Caden responded with a stern tone, "If Alicia were that easy to fool, I wouldn't be in this situation."

Ciara raised an eyebrow and scoffed. “What situation? You can't keep your usual tough-guy act anymore, can you?"

Caden's expression darkened. "It's Christmas Eve. Don't push me to be disrespectful."

Ciara smirked. "Oh? Are you about to scold me now?"

“I could easily take care of your two pet turtles," Caden replied dryly.

Ciara went quiet at that.

Just before dinner, the landline in the living room rang.

Ciara intentionally asked Caden to pick it up.

He held the receiver, saying nothing at first.

Not long after, Alicia's voice came through with a light tone. “Mrs. Ward, we're at the door."

It had been days since he last heard her voice.

It felt like an eternity.

Caden pressed his lips together and narrowed his eyes, showing no emotion.

Alicia hesitated for a moment and asked, "Mrs. Ward? Can you hear me?"

Caden remained silent.

Then he hung up without a word.