Chapter: 697

Without another word, he spun the steering wheel and sped toward Alicia's company.

Alicia had no clue that Caden was back.

After their heated argument, they had almost completely cut ties. But when Alicia attended the social gathering, she couldn't resist sharing a post on social media. Gerry saw it, snapped a screenshot, and immediately sent it to Caden, asking if Alicia was no longer allergic to alcohol.

Caden didn't reply, but the moment he saw it, his chest tightened.

By that afternoon, he was already speeding back.

The gallery had long since stabilized, and Alicia's reputation preceded her-everyone knew she couldn't drink. It had been ages since she even touched a drop of alcohol.

But tonight? She drank like she had nothing to lose.

What kind of event-or what kind of client-was she willing to risk her life for?

As Caden drove, his knuckles whitened on the steering wheel, his jaw set tight.

Meanwhile, Alicia staggered back drunkenly into the company.

It was late; the building was quiet, the employees long gone. Seizing the rare moment, Shelia trailed closely behind, her gaze sharper than ever.

Alicia returned to her office, where Ciara was waiting for her.

"She's here," Alicia whispered conspiratorially. "Is everything ready?"

Ciara gave a slow nod.

Alicia continued, "In a minute, I'll cut the power to the building. If you're scared of the dark, there's a nightlight in my lounge.”

Ciara took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"I've seen worse, trust me. I'll stay right here and watch your back."

Alicia's lips curved into a small smile.

Moments later, there was a knock at the door.

After giving Alicia one last meaningful look, Ciara hid in the lounge, leaving Alicia alone at her desk.

Alicia got into position, resting her head on her hand, eyelids fluttering shut as she called out, "Come in."

Shelia opened the door, eyes flashing maliciously when she saw Alicia slumped over her desk, seemingly dozing off.

Since Caden had been gone for so long, Shelia had grown increasingly impatient-and she was hell-bent on venting her anger on Alicia.

Without hesitation, she pulled a knife from her coat and slowly approached Alicia's sleeping figure, her movements slow and calculated.

But just as she was inches from the desk, the room was swallowed in darkness.

Thick curtains blocked out every trace of light, plunging the office into a pitch-black void. Shelia froze, an eerie chill creeping up her spine. It was so dark, she couldn't even see her own hand in front of her face.

Panic surged in her chest, and she instinctively stepped back, desperate to flee.

Then, Alicia's voice rang out, soft but laced with something sinister.

"Shelia... don't you want to kill me anymore?"

Shelia's heart leaped into her throat."A-Alicia?" she stammered.