Chapter: 858

She bolted upright on the bed. The space beside her was already empty.

Alicia got dressed and sent Caden a message: “Are you on the plane?"

"I've already landed," came his reply.

"Really? That's good, then. Why didn't you wake me up?"

"I shook the bed so hard it almost broke, but you didn't even stir."

Alicia rolled her eyes at his reply. "Liar!"

Later, when Alicia went out to start her day, she found Hank waiting for her by the car.

"You didn't accompany Caden to Terriland?" she asked in surprise.

Hank opened the car door for her. "Mr. Ward asked me to stay in Warrington and drive you between work and home."

Alicia was pleased by Caden's thoughtfulness, but she still said, “This seems overkill, don't you think? Warrington is perfectly safe. I think you're better off assisting him over in Terriland."

“Mr. Ward has taken a special security team with him," Hank said.

“I am here on his behalf, and my task is to handle any trouble you might face in his absence."

Only then did Alicia remember that Yolanda and Corey were in Warrington too.

With Caden gone, there was no telling what those two might do next.

“Ms. Bennett," Hank continued, his tone more serious this time. “Mr. Ward instructed me specifically that if anyone bothers you, no matter who they may be, you are free to use his name to stand your ground and fight back. I was told to assure you that you don't have to worry about the consequences."

It meant that Caden would clean up the aftermath once he returned.

Alicia nodded. "I understand."

A week went by without any news from Caden.

Alicia knew Terriland was a dangerous place, and communication could be a challenge. Not wanting to distract him from whatever purpose he had for going there, she refrained from initiating contact.

The entertainment headlines were filled with staged airport photos he had arranged beforehand, tricking Corey and the public into thinking he was attending an event in another city, instead of leaving the country.

Throughout that week, Alicia was busy running between the two companies. By the time she retired for the day, she was drained and exhausted.

One day, she left the gallery with a stiff neck and a parched throat.

She walked to a nearby vending machine and bought a bottle of water.

It was then that a newly opened shop caught her attention - a 24- hour adult toy store.

Frowning, Alicia went in to see what it was about. She had barely looked through the products when her eyes were drawn to a familiar- looking mannequin.

Her breath caught in her throat, and anger surged in her chest.

The mannequin had the face of Caden's mother!

Alicia quickly moved to shut down the power in the store, bringing all activities to a halt.

The mannequin, a rough and hurried construction, was a replica of Corey's new Q Robot.

If not him, then who could be responsible?