Chapter 24
Chapter 24:
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Gerry let out a chuckle. “You know I didn't mean that.”
Even though she had been making fun of Caden moments ago, the idea of Alicia and Caden having some sort of romantic relationship seemed absurd to her. The idea of two people who seemed to butt heads at every turn, but shared a kind of forbidden tension, was oddly amusing. Who wouldn't find that scenario entertaining?
But Caden had a peculiar problem: he found it impossible to develop feelings for someone who constantly clashed with him. As for Alicia, the idea of getting involved with her ex-husband's older brother was simply out of the question.
“Let’s go eat,” Gerry decided to change the conversation. “You're not feeling very well, so eat something and go home soon.”
Alice agreed.
He brought up the subject of the stained seat again. “I’ll take the car and have all the seats replaced,” I suggested.
Gerry, known for his meticulous attention to detail, normally didn't tolerate such things. However, he had just started collaborating with Alicia and was genuinely impressed by the song she had recorded that night. The stain didn't bother him. “It's not a big deal. “I’ll have someone else take care of it later.”
Alice didn't let it go. "That's not right, Mr. Hopkins. I have to make it up to you properly."
Seeing her determination, Gerry finally gave in. “Fine, I’ll deduct the cost from your payment. Is that okay?”
Alice agreed without hesitation. “Sounds good to me.”
With that settled, Alice turned her attention to Caden. “How much do I owe you for the jacket?”
Caden didn't show any change in expression. “It's a limited edition. You can't put a price on it. Consider it in favor.”
Alice immediately felt uncomfortable.
"I'd rather give it back to you. It's better to sort things out right away."
Caden looked at her directly. “If we break it down, there’s really no exact way to calculate it.”
She opened her eyes in surprise. She stared at him, replaying the events in her head.
She had already paid him for helping her with the effects of the drugs, for borrowing her jacket twice, and for the kiss in the car. Everything was settled.
Alicia opened her mouth to respond, but Caden cut her off. “They can’t be fixed that easily.”
Alicia was speechless. From the beginning, she had made the decision to push herself on him, and paying him was something she had decided on her own. If Caden really wanted to challenge her, she wouldn't be able to argue with him.
Feeling insecure, Alice dropped the conversation and focused on her food.
Gerry cocked his head, looking at them intently. “What's that supposed to mean? What kind of games are you two playing?”© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.
Caden gave a short reply. “Just eat your food.” Sometimes, his mood was unpredictable. When his behavior turned cold, it became difficult to approach him.
Sensing the change, Gerry decided to put aside his curiosity and quietly said to Alice, “Don't pay attention to him. He's just being naughty. Who cares about a limited edition coat? He's got more money than he knows what to do with. “Losing a jacket means nothing.”
Alice responded with a polite smile.
Gerry motioned for him to come over. “Hey, eat here. “I’ve got some juicy gossip about him.”
Caden looked in her direction, showing little interest.
Alice leaned in close, eager to hear the gossip. Who wouldn't want to hear some secrets about Caden?
Gerry lowered his voice just enough for Alicia to hear. “He likes married women.” He made sure Caden could hear him.
Alice opened her eyes in surprise. “Really?”
Alicia never expected Caden to be attracted to married women. She couldn't help but glance in his direction. Her face flickered between disgust and sympathy. A moment later, something suddenly clicked, and her expression froze.
She remembered that time in Caden's office. He had made a comment about liking sisters-in-law who were married.
Caden scoffed, “Come on, laugh. Why don't you laugh?"
Alice looked down and continued eating in silence. After the meal was over, Gerry arranged for someone to look after his Rolls-Royce. He had some urgent business and needed to leave. Before he left, he said to Caden, “You can argue, but it's late. Make sure Alice gets home safely. “It’s not safe for her to be alone at this hour.”
Caden didn't answer, but when Gerry left, he called a taxi.
Alice had just settled into the taxi when her phone range. The number was local but unfamiliar. Out of habit, she answered, “Hello?”
To her surprise, Joshua's voice rang out.
"My father is in critical condition and has just been taken to the intensive care unit."
Alicia froze for a second, instinctively turning her eyes to Caden, who was sitting next to her. Caden remained impassive.
Without ending the call, Alice asked: "And what do you expect from me?"
Joshua's voice sounded tired. "Alicia, we may have had our differences, but we were once very close. Can you come see my father one last time tomorrow?"
Alicia didn't respond immediately. She understood that Joshua was trying to manipulate her into action. He wanted Jerald to believe that he was a devoted son to the end.
After a moment, Alice replied coldly, “It’s no use.”
Joshua seemed prepared for his answer. “He insists on seeing you. If people start talking about you not showing up, and your condition worsens, I'm not sure you'll be able to bear that guilt.”
Alicia let out a cold laugh. “So now you're putting it all on me, Joshua?”
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