Chapter 12

Caden's gaze, hard as steel, shifted to Hank. The ensuing silence was suffocating, a thick fog permeating every corner of the room. Hank felt tension constrict his chest, a chill crawling down his spine. Swallowing hard, he straightened, stammering, "I'm sorry, Mr. Ward. It was my mistake. You have full authority to handle this as you see fit."

Caden offered a slight, scornful smile. “Hmm, no end-of-year bonus for you, Hank. Good thing, since I've been thinking about upgrading my car.”

Despite the cold comment, Hank maintained his composure, launching into his report on the day's failed meeting. He lowered his voice for the details. "Mr. Joshua Yates, however, sent some rather generous gifts and deposited a hefty sum into our account. He said it was a small gesture to ensure Lilliana's future is secure."

Caden chuckled quietly at Joshua's transparent attempt to curry favor. It also reminded him of Alice's expression that morning. What was she up to now? A glint of anticipation sparked in his eyes. "This woman, Lilliana..." he began, pausing meaningfully and giving Hank a knowing look.

Hank, ever attentive, responded promptly. "She made her debut in show business with her family's financial support. She remained relatively unnoticed until last year's hit song propelled her to fame. Her popularity has continued to grow since. I will compile details of her career and email them to you shortly."

Caden remained impassive, almost bored. "Since you've already bought your ticket, I won't waste the opportunity. Tell Joshua: I'll make sure his precious lover is well taken care of."

Alicia and Monica clinked crystal glasses at a lavish dinner. Monica wrinkled her nose in disgust. “I never imagined Lilliana would stoop so low as to become someone's mistress. And getting pregnant before marriage? If her fans find out, there'll be a scandal!”

Alicia took a sip, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “She's playing with fire,” she mused. “And she'll get burned. Getting pregnant so early... when she gives birth, it will be impossible to hide. Sooner or later, she'll slip up.”

Monica's indignation flared. "Are you really going to let those two bastards get away with this?"

Alice, however, seemed detached. Her voice was calm, measured. "I couldn't care less about their relationship, but Lilliana drugging me is a different story. I won't forgive that easily."

Monica clenched her fists, rolling up her sleeves. "Say the word, and I'll gather some men to deal with them."

“No need,” Alice laughed, shaking her head. “I have my own ways.”

Monica sighed, admiring her friend's composure. It reminded her of the old days. “You've changed since leaving that jerk. When you were fighting with Caden, you were so alive, fiery, competitive. Now it seems like the old Alice is back.”

Alicia giggled, thinking of her plan. Caden's expression in the meeting room would have been priceless, she imagined, dark as a storm cloud. The thought amused her.

“What's so funny, Alice?” Monica asked, her eyes narrowed.

Alice quickly composed herself. "Oh, nothing. It just seemed funny to me while I was eating, that's all."

Monica blinked. "Wait, are you eating with your armpit now?"

Before Alicia could answer, her phone buzzed. A text from Caden: "Nice photography skills."

Alice snorted. Another message: "Satisfied with the size?" She could practically hear his smirk. Infuriating! She typed: "Too small. Honestly, it's an eyesore."

Another message: “Oh yeah? Well, it's still better than my pathetic brother. It took me two minutes to break what he couldn’t after two years.”

Alicia's eyes widened, realizing the double meaning. Her heart pounded; heat rushed to her face. Frustrated, she dropped her phone, then furiously picked it up again and typed: "Don't flatter yourself, Mr. Ward. I've had hymen repair surgery."

Caden, lounging in a dimly lit bar, chuckled as he read her reply. The amber light of his whiskey reflected off his sharp features, his lips curving into a devilishly charming smile. Gerry Hopkins, his friend, raised an eyebrow. "What the hell are you looking at? That seductive smile again."

Caden shook his head, putting away his phone. "I'm just flirting with a married woman," he drawled, as casually as if discussing the weather.

Gerry sat up, incredulous. "Since when are you so desperate?"

Caden emptied his glass, his Adam's apple bobbing. Despite his striking appearance, women rarely stayed. His aloofness made him seem untouchable—cold, distant, like a demon carved from ice.

Gerry leaned closer. "And whose wife was charming enough to get through that... peculiar condition of yours?"

Caden's expression remained unreadable. "Maybe I was never sick to begin with." Romance held no appeal; a mere whim for which he lacked time and desire. Alice had simply been in the right place at the right time.

Soon, the bar filled with beautiful women. Caden instantly became the center of attention. A stunning woman approached, offering a flirtatious smile. "Do you mind if I have your number?"

Caden appreciated her beauty, but had no interest. "I'm sorry, but I already have a partner." He gestured to Gerry.

The woman, surprised, apologized and left. Gerry sighed. "Who are you calling 'partner'? You really are something else, Caden, using me as an excuse for your... impotence."

Caden offered a counter-proposition. "Your new movie is coming out next month, right? I'll ask Lilliana to write a song for free."

Gerry's expression softened. "That's better." But a suspicion lingered. Lilliana, the rising star, hadn't produced anything noteworthy since her hit song. He whispered, "Do you think Lilliana really wrote that song?"