Chapter 106

Alice smiled, a satisfied glint in her eyes as she pocketed the money. Her bank account was considerably healthier, and the pleasure was evident. Caden watched, his thoughts drifting to the Bennetts' extravagant lifestyle—even their dog wore a gold chain—and then to Alice's current delight at such a small sum.

Alice's mind sharpened. "You knew Mrs. Reyes was cheating, right?"

Caden simply nodded. Piqued, he asked, "How did you win?"

"I can alter cards."

Alice's eyes widened. "Magic? Like turning twos into threes?"

Caden met her gaze. "Are you serious?"

Of course, he couldn't manipulate cards. He'd simply observed women cheating, calculated the odds, and won a few rounds by luck. With a deadpan expression, he advised, "You might need some help."

Alice was speechless, frustration simmering. She muttered under her breath and stalked away.

Meanwhile, Rachel, intent on making amends, prepared a lavish lunch. Randolph returned, eager to share a drink with Caden.

"Mr. Ward, your first visit. Did you enjoy yourself?" Randolph asked.

Caden declined the drink. "Mrs. Gray is admirable and shrewd," he stated neutrally. "I've learned much today."

Randolph, initially oblivious to the sarcasm, looked confused before realization dawned. He glanced accusingly at Rachel, whose face had fallen. "What have you done to Mr. Ward?"

Rachel's nervousness was palpable. "Randolph, it's a misunderstanding."

Randolph, believing Caden offended, slapped Rachel.

Alice's jaw tightened. She watched, horrified, as Rachel, beaten in front of everyone, covered her face, tears streaming down her cheeks. Randolph, unfazed, continued praising Caden, draining a glass of wine.

Caden frowned slightly. "Mr. Gray, please enjoy your meal. Don't worry about me."

A hush fell over the room. After Randolph and Rachel left, Alice slid beside Caden, whispering, "You're much younger than Randolph. Why is he so intimidated?"

Caden replied distantly, "He's not afraid. He inflates his ego by belittling women."

Alice recognized the pattern. Rachel's affection only fueled Randolph's inflated sense of self-importance.

"Why provoke them?" Alice asked, curious.

Caden looked at her. "Are you sympathizing with Rachel again?"

Alice shook her head. "You're unpleasant."

"Unfriendly or naive," Caden replied coldly. "Don't forget why you're here."

Alice gasped. "How did you know?"

Caden ate calmly, his expression unreadable. "What do I know?"

Alice was speechless. His sly smile made her wonder if he knew she was trying to glean secrets about Randolph from Rachel.

Puzzled, Alice asked, "Did you study psychology abroad? The kind where you read minds?"

Caden replied with a straight face, "I've mastered mind reading."

Alice was half-convinced, cursing herself inwardly. "So, what was I thinking?" she challenged.

"You called me an imbecile."

Alice felt a surge of admiration. "Mind reading exists!"

He'd accurately read her thoughts. Caden gestured for a maid.

"Mr. Ward?" she asked.

"Anything here to improve intelligence?" He looked at Alice. "This lady could use some."

Alice kicked him under the table. He didn't react. She gasped, her toe throbbing.

Seeing the maid hesitate, Alice said, "Kebabs, please. Well-done and spicy."

But a chubby boy snatched the skewers. Alice recognized Ted.

"Mrs. Reyes's son," Alice said, licking her lips. "Those kebabs smell delicious. What a pity."

Caden glanced over. Ted sat with Mrs. Reyes, happily eating. Mrs. Reyes watched Alice, her teeth gritted in envy.

"Ted," Mrs. Reyes began, "if someone harassed me, would you defend me?"

Ted replied seriously, "Of course, Mommy! You're my favorite."

She leaned in, whispering, "So..."