Chapter 173

Caden said, "Yeah, I'm new around here. I heard you're pretty skilled, so I wanted to check it out." The man instantly sensed the hostility in Caden's voice, recognizing him as a formidable opponent. The potential for a violent confrontation hung heavy in the air.

To de-escalate the situation, the man hastily dressed. "I'm tied up right now, and today's session is over. Maybe another time."

But Caden blocked his exit, his gaze unwavering. "Did Alicia do something to upset you?"

The man, though slightly shaken, responded defiantly, "No, we are on good terms."

Caden's expression turned sarcastic. "So why the harsh treatment of her?"

The man hesitated, his fear evident, yet he refused to yield. "Why does she have to get all the attention? She's new here, and she's already outshining everyone. I didn't mean to hurt her today. I just wanted to teach her a little lesson to keep a lower profile."

Caden laughed. "And who appointed you to teach her a lesson?"

He began rolling up his sleeves, the tension palpable.

The man's eyes widened. "What are you planning to do?"

Caden replied, "It's been a while since I've had a proper workout. You look like a perfect opponent to practice against."

After washing his hands, Caden noticed Alicia outside, looking perplexed. He frowned momentarily, then wiped his hands casually. "Didn't I ask you to wait in the car?"

Alicia had overheard the argument. Caden's defense of her stirred conflicting emotions within her.

After a moment, she approached him. "Well… is he okay?"

Caden looked at his reddened knuckles, his expression distant. "I bullied him, and you care about him?"

Alicia blurted out, "I'm not worried about him. I'm worried about the repercussions. What if there are consequences?"

Caden's features softened. "It's okay. His injuries are minor. I've already called an ambulance."

Alicia breathed a sigh of relief.

Shortly after, paramedics arrived. Alicia's eyes widened in shock.

"Fuck! You call that minor?" she exclaimed, her voice rising before she regained control, fixing Caden with a stern look. "His face was covered in blood. You call that 'minor'?"

Caden put his arm around her as they entered the car. "She's still breathing, right?" he said nonchalantly.

Alicia laughed. She realized Caden had everything under control. Despite the man's rough treatment, there was nothing she could change. Deep down, she felt satisfied.

As they settled in, Caden looked at her. "Did you just swear?"

Alicia blinked. "So what if I did?"

"Impressive," he commented, a slight smile playing on his lips. "She swears again."

Without hesitation, Alicia said playfully, "Caden, you stupid asshole."

Caden was momentarily speechless.

Alicia climbed onto his lap, gently applying ointment to his knuckles. Her punches had been powerful, cracking his skin, but she barely registered the damage. Caden felt no pain, but Alicia insisted on tending to his wounds.

When she finished, Alicia said, "That's it. Now go drive."

As she tried to slide off, Caden held her hips, pulling her back. "Do you feel sympathy for me? Are you not angry anymore?"

Alicia replied awkwardly, "You defended me. It's natural for me to be worried."

Caden smiled, then silently released her.

He walked to the driver's seat, while Alicia looked at him anxiously. "Are you sure you can drive with that hand?" she asked.

Caden smirked. "I could drive with one hand tied behind my back."

She was speechless.

Following the studio incident, Alicia couldn't bear to return. Caden arranged private training sessions for her.

Exiting the elevator, Alice considered her kitchen. "We're out of food. How about some pasta with tomato sauce for dinner?"

Caden simply agreed.

Entering her apartment, Alicia found it filled with jewelry boxes. Caden tossed her jacket aside casually.

"It's almost Christmas. These are gifts from clients. They would just gather dust in the warehouse, so I thought you might like to pick out something to wear," he said.

Alice felt overwhelmed. Even the least expensive piece was worth over $100,000. Her frugal years with Joshua seemed a lifetime ago. She sighed. "This could be worth all my savings. Your clients are truly extravagant."

Caden replied, "I only work with those who are not ashamed to show off their wealth."

Alice laughed softly and put the jewels away.

Later, Caden hugged her from behind, kissing her neck.

Alice's eyes glistened with tenderness as she gazed at him dreamily. Caden's heart skipped a beat.

Her emotions were palpable. The phone beside Alicia vibrated. He attempted to ignore it, but answered without thinking.

Realizing it was Hank, Caden quickly covered his mouth. In her panic, she bit his hand.

Hank, oblivious, continued, "Mr. Ward, Mrs. Ward has arrived in Warrington."