Chapter: 701

He observed her quietly for a considerable time.

A surge of emotions filled his eyes.

Ciara settled into the car and asked, “Why didn't you go up to see Alicia?"

Caden averted his eyes and extinguished his cigarette. "I was there."

"Just now?" Ciara sounded confused.

"Yes."

"Did you two have an argument in that short span?"

Caden asked, "Why are you here at this hour?"

Ciara explained, "Shelia has been making life difficult for her. You're aware of that, right? You brat. You ignore her issues, and I end up stepping in. Alicia and I orchestrated tonight's plan. You should have seen Shelia's reaction. It would have made you smile."

Caden's expression hardened. "This was your idea?"

"Alicia thought of it."

Suddenly, the sound of a car engine filled the air. Caden glanced in the rearview mirror; it was Alicia driving away.

He experienced a sudden sense of Loss.

"Forget it."

He ignited the car engine.

Ciara looked perplexed. “What's really happening between you two? What do you mean by ‘forget it'?"

At that moment, a girl came running toward them.

It was the same model from earlier.

She stood by the window, handing a bag to Ciara. "Ma'am, here are the costumes and accessories you lent me."

Ciara declined them. “Just dispose of them."

The girl smiled and offered her a business card. "Ma'am, next time you need someone, call me. I'll offer you a discount."

With that, she left.

Caden's frown deepened. "Did you summon her here?"

Ciara leaned forward, her eyes narrowing as she pressed Caden to explain the details of the argument.

As he revealed the details, her expression turned stormy. "I never told Alicia that I hired an actress to pretend to be pregnant! She only found out when Shelia showed up!"

Caden's jaw tightened, his expression cold and unreadable.

Ciara's voice sharpened, cutting through the tense silence. "Jumping to conclusions without knowing the whole story? Didn't I raise you better?"

Caden's eyes flickered to the rearview mirror, but Alicia's car had long disappeared from sight. His heart raced, frustration gnawing at him.

With a clenched jaw, he spun the car around, determined to catch up to her.

Ciara watched him, noting the growing tension in his features. She could see it clearly now-how much Alicia mattered to him.