Chapter 187

Alice felt she'd chosen the worst possible time to arrive. It was her first time seeing Caden with another woman. Their agreement—no meddling in each other's personal lives; their business was concluded; they weren't in a relationship—flashed through her mind. So, she shouldn't interfere, right?

Trying to calm herself, Alice sought a seat, though her gaze kept drifting around the office, her unease growing with each passing moment.

Hank ushered the woman toward Caden's desk. "Mr. Ward, you're here."

Caden looked up, frowning. "I asked for a bodyguard. What the hell is this?"

The woman, undeniably beautiful yet intimidating, remained unfazed by his harsh tone.

Hank leaned in, whispering, "I felt the same way at first, but…" He cleared his throat. "She's… larger than you."

Caden was startled. He looked back at the woman. "A man?"

Hank shook his head. "No, I meant… muscle mass."

Caden was speechless.

Hank prompted the woman to demonstrate her abilities. She removed her coat, revealing musculature rivaling any bodybuilding champion. In plain clothes, she looked like a female bodybuilder. Her appearance with and without the coat was surprisingly different.

Caden's demeanor softened. "Please put your coat on." He glanced at his file, pausing on his name. "Jasmine."

"Yes, Mr. Ward," Jasmine replied. Caden paused. "Very well."

Her name, face, and physique seemed to belong to three different people, but ultimately, her ability to protect Ciara was paramount. After Caden's approval, Hank escorted Jasmine out.

Ciara was staying at the Joy Mansion, and Jasmine would begin her twenty-four-hour security detail the next day, excluding sleeping hours.

Outside, Jasmine quickly noticed Alice, sitting quietly, her long hair flowing, her profile striking. Hank, noticing Alice's gaze, was momentarily taken aback.

"I'll go myself," Jasmine said. "You can tell Mr. Ward he has a guest."

Hank had intended to ignore Alice, since Caden hadn't acknowledged her presence, and he preferred Jasmine remain unaware of any connection between them. However, Jasmine's expression suggested she knew more than he thought.

"Do you know her?" Hank asked.

"I know who she is," Jasmine replied. "Part of a bodyguard's role is recognizing important people."

Hank looked impressed. "Come in. Mr. Ward is waiting," Jasmine said before walking away.

Instead of warning Caden, Hank went straight to Alice. "Miss Bennett, Mr. Ward is available now. I can take you to see him."

Alice was surprised. "Already?"

Hank looked confused. "What do you mean?"

Alice scratched her forehead. "I saw you escort a woman inside. Did Caden finish things that quickly?"

Hank's expression changed. "You've misunderstood. She's a bodyguard Mr. Ward hired for Mrs. Ward. There's nothing personal between them."

He felt relieved. Alicia's observation had prevented a potentially serious misunderstanding. If Caden lost control, Hank would bear the consequences.

After leading Alice into the office, Hank quickly left.

Alice observed Caden. His office demeanor was starkly different from his demeanor at home—all business, stiffer than his suit.

Noticing her, Caden continued signing documents, asking bluntly, "Why are you here?"

Alice placed her notes on his desk, explaining her purpose.

Caden glanced at the notes and decided, "I'll improve a batch of products and release them as a limited edition."

Alice internally agreed; the improved version would command a higher price, the customization adding emotional value. Then she remembered to ask, "Shouldn't you discuss this with others?"

"It's not expensive," Caden replied.

Alice agreed, momentarily forgetting her own considerable wealth.

Seeing Caden engrossed in his work, Alice prepared to leave.

Caden looked up. "Where are you going?"

"It's still early," Alice replied. "I'm going to the mall."

He paused, gathering his things. "Wait for me."

Alice was confused. "Are you leaving work now? Isn't it a little early?"

Caden smirked. "What good would it do to work myself to death?"

Alice was momentarily speechless. Then, boldly, she said, "Quite a lot, especially since you've included me in your will."

This time, Caden was speechless.

He turned off the lights and left with her.

"Are you sure you want to come with me?" Alice asked. "Aren't you worried about your family seeing us together?"

"My grandmother respects my privacy. She won't interfere as long as I don't introduce anyone publicly as my girlfriend."

Alice felt a pang of envy; Ciara was as kind as her own mother.

"Is Ciara planning to stay here permanently?" he asked.

"It depends on your mood."

"Then you'll have company for Christmas." Alice couldn't hide her satisfaction.

Caden looked at her. "You're welcome to come."

Alice was surprised, feeling a little shy.

Then Caden added, "That way I won't have to hire an extra cook."

Alice was speechless.