Chapter 137

As Alicia's face turned purplish-blue, Joshua released her, pushing her away. Breathing heavily, he looked at her with disgust. "Do you really think Caden cares about you? He's even more ruthless with women than I am. You'll soon regret your decisions."

Alicia's vision blurred as she gasped for air. By the time she could breathe again, Joshua had slammed the door behind him. She struggled to her feet, attempting to open the door, only to find it locked.

Leaning weakly against the wall, she heard a commotion outside, followed by a departing car. Looking out the window, she watched Joshua's car disappear. Realizing no one was coming to unlock the door, she understood their intention to confine her.

Her hope extinguished, Alicia's fear of Joshua vanished. She opened the window, closed her eyes, and jumped.

Meanwhile, Caden sat in his Blizzard Group office. He put down his phone, paused, and returned to his work. After a moment, he told Hank, "Schedule a meeting for thirty minutes from now."

Hank, confused, replied, "Mr. Ward, didn't you say you had plans today and told everyone to leave early?"

Without looking up, Caden replied flatly, "Go away. Don't bother coming to work tomorrow."

Hank flinched at the coldness in his voice. He couldn't understand the boss's sudden irritability. He left to prepare for the meeting.

The meeting dragged on until 9 p.m., with executives departing one by one. Caden returned to his office, focusing on organizing key projects. Moments later, Hank arrived with takeout. "You must be hungry, Mr. Ward. I brought you something to eat."

Caden didn't look away from the screen. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

Hank, sensing something was amiss, moved the container closer. "Mr. Ward, what's bothering you?"

Caden paused, searching for the source of his frustration. He recalled the earlier phone call—Joshua's mockery and Alicia's refusal to speak. A bitter laugh almost escaped him. Why would he care, regardless of their situation?

"Nothing," he muttered, his growing hunger intensifying his irritation. He frowned. "Take the food. Eat somewhere else."

Seeing Caden's seriousness, Hank quickly picked up the takeout. He knew Caden hadn't eaten properly all day. With the mounting workload, Hank worried Caden might break down if he didn't care for himself.

Hank took a bite of food and called Gerry for backup.

Around ten o'clock, Gerry arrived, curious to witness Caden's anger. He found Caden calm and composed.

"Hank said you were in a bad mood. Why are you so calm?" Gerry asked. "I expected to find you venting."

Caden had always maintained his composure, regardless of the problem's size.

Caden picked up his coat. "If you're that disappointed, I can always use you as a punching bag."

Gerry was speechless. Caden hadn't eaten all day, and his empty stomach was cramping, yet he had no appetite. Gerry offered him a glass of wine, unaware of his hunger. Caden drank it immediately.

Their long friendship told Gerry something was wrong. "Are you under a lot of pressure?" he asked. Caden put down the empty glass, which Gerry promptly refilled.

"Is it Jerald favoring Joshua? Or are you thinking about your mother? But isn't her death anniversary still far off?"

Gerry bombarded him with questions, but Caden remained silent. Changing tack, Gerry asked, "Did the girl you like reject you?"

Caden glared. "Would it kill you to stop being so nosy?"

Gerry couldn't hide his excitement. "There it is! A reaction! Did I hit the mark?"

He tried to comfort Caden. "Come on, she's just a woman. What's the problem? If you're so upset, I'll find you someone better!"

With a gesture, he summoned the manager, who promptly brought a group of attractive young women. Caden saw their makeup and lost interest in his drink.

Gerry urged them closer. "Serve Mr. Ward. Whoever makes him smile gets a $50,000 tip."

The women swarmed Caden. He frowned, lost in thought. One tried to feed him. Caden remembered Alicia's words: their agreement didn't require loyalty. He wasn't wrong. He wanted to give in, but couldn't. His body refused to cooperate; his old habit had returned.

Frowning, he pushed the woman away and ran to the bathroom to vomit. Gerry, sensing something was seriously wrong, followed.

By the time Gerry reached the bathroom, Caden had rinsed his mouth. Except for a slightly distant look, he remained composed and elegant.

"Are you okay?" Gerry asked, concerned.

Caden wiped his mouth. After a pause, he replied, "I'm fine. But stop trying to fix me. It makes me sick."

Gerry felt relief, but remained puzzled. "What kind of strange business is this?" he mused silently.

Caden stayed with Gerry until nearly dawn, then went home. The bright light inside made him squint, then his gaze fell on Alicia, lying on the couch.