Chapter: 696

She leaned closer to Ciara and quietly shared a few words with her.

Ciara nodded, her expression confident. "That sounds like a solid plan. It is Shelia's Achilles' heel."

Then she added, "Allow me to take care of the model arrangements. I know the situation better, and it will be easier for me to handle Alicia could not help but feel a sense of relief at Ciara's eagerness, so she accepted the offer without hesitation."

Ciara wasted no time. By the end of the day, she announced that everything was set and was simply waiting for Alicia's instructions.

Alicia strategically spread the word about a late-night gathering, knowing it would draw attention.

After the event wrapped up, she played her part flawlessly, feigning inebriation as she stumbled out the door.

Her assistant rushed to her side, exclaiming, "Ms. Bennett, you really should not have had so much to drink. You know your limits!"

Alicia, taken aback by the outburst, automatically replied, "I am sorry. I promise I will not overdo it next time."

The assistant leaned in closer, whispering conspiratorially, “Ms. Bennett, remember, we are just putting on a show."

Alicia paused, momentarily shocked.

Then it dawned on her: she had not consumed any alcohol at all.

So why was she feeling this wave of guilt?

Alicia let out a soft laugh and checked the rearview mirror, confirming that Shelia was indeed tailing them.

She exchanged a meaningful glance with her assistant.

“Seriously? You're planning to head back to the office? It's so late! Why would you want to pull an all-nighter?" her assistant said.

Alicia muttered a vague response.

With a mock frown, her assistant slammed the car door shut. "Fine, then! Go back by yourself. I am not spending the night working with you!"

Without another word, Alicia hit the gas and sped away.

Shelia, laser-focused, accelerated to keep up with Alicia in her own vehicle.

Alicia's assistant slipped out from her hiding spot and sent a quick text: "She is on your tail. Stay alert, Ms. Bennett. I will catch up soon."

Just as she switched off her phone, an unsettling sensation washed over her, causing a shiver to creep down her spine.

Whipping around, she spotted a car pulling up alongside her.

The window slid down, revealing Caden's profile.

Then she caught a glimpse of Caden's profile.

A startled gasp escaped her lips.

"Mr. Ward... I was under the impression you were away on business. When did you return?"

Caden's eyes were icy, void of warmth.

“What gathering are you talking about?"

The assistant's mind raced, utterly caught off guard as she stumbled over her words. “I... I am not sure..."

Caden's expression shifted, darkening as a storm brewed in his eyes.