Chapter 196

"Alice?"

Caden was certain he'd heard correctly. What was she doing here? After Gerry's repeated invitation, Caden finally conceded, "I'll be there soon." He had little with him, just a jacket, and hurried out.

Ciara, already anticipating his departure, asked curtly, "Going to bed so early?" Caden remained silent. Ciara pressed, "You're going the wrong way. Your room is inside. Why are you heading towards the door?"

He replied briefly, "I'm going to bed early," then closed the door behind him.

The bar music was deafening. Alicia sat in a booth, engrossed in her phone, occasionally glancing to ensure Monica's safety amidst the dancing crowd. Gerry, knowing Alicia didn't drink alcohol, fetched her a cola.

"Thank you," Alice replied. "Don't worry, Mr. Hopkins. I'm fine."

Gerry checked his phone. "Still working?"

"No," Alice admitted, "I was just bored."

"But you've been like this for a while. Anything specific on your mind?" Gerry inquired.

Alice remained silent, her phone now switched off. She couldn't concentrate on her studies or enjoy herself; her recent argument with Caden replayed relentlessly in her mind. It bothered her that he seemed to view her solely as a sexual partner, and she couldn't understand why this bothered him so much. Would she have accepted a date if he'd suggested one? She felt conflicted. Meanwhile, Gerry ate contentedly, oblivious to her turmoil.

Suddenly, he stood, waving. "Caden, join us!" Alice jumped, looking up.

Caden, in a black shirt with his jacket over his arm, cut through the noisy crowd. His height and striking features stood out under the bar's bright lights, exuding an almost magnetic presence. He approached their table.

Alicia quickly averted her gaze, leaning back, hoping to avoid his notice. But Gerry's enthusiasm thwarted her efforts. He turned to Caden, saying, "I was going to drink alone, but then I saw Alicia. Thought it would be more fun with more people, so I invited you."

Caden didn't recognize Alicia. He sat down, seemingly ignoring her.

Gerry prompted, "Aren't you going to greet her?"

Caden replied coldly, "No."

Alice was taken aback.

Gerry clicked his tongue, looking between them. "What's the problem? Does it really have to be like this?" He opened a bottle, taking a swig as Caden joined him, his gaze elsewhere. As Caden drank, their eyes met briefly.

Sensing the awkwardness, Gerry attempted to lighten the mood. "Want to play a game later?"

Alice looked up. "No, you have fun."

Gerry gestured towards his phone. "You're here. Forget studying. You don't come to bars often. Let me show you a game." He then linked his wrist with Caden's.

Alicia tensed, unsure how to refuse Gerry's insistence. Caden looked at their joined hands, his expression unchanged, revealing no emotion. Neither made eye contact; the tension was palpable.

Gerry continued talking incessantly; Alice barely understood the game's rules.

"Got it?" Gerry asked excitedly. "Use this strategy to beat Caden. Keep your glass full."

Alicia forced a smile, disinterested. "I'll pass. I don't feel like it."

"Don't worry, I'll teach you tricks to win," Gerry insisted. Alice was momentarily speechless. Could he be any louder?

Fortunately, Monica returned, much to Alicia's relief. She whispered for help. "Monica, I want to go."

Monica, slightly intoxicated and cheerful, announced loudly, "Do you want to go?" Alice winced at Monica's volume. Of course, Gerry heard.

"Why so soon? Caden just arrived."

This was precisely why Alice wanted to leave, but she remained silent, unwilling to exacerbate the situation with Caden. She'd given up arguing with him.

Monica didn't want to leave. Despite the alcohol's effect, she was insistent, holding onto Alicia tightly. Seeing this, Alicia felt compelled to stay and watch.

The bar held many attractive women, and soon several approached Gerry. One bold woman sat beside Caden, asking for a drink.

Caden didn't rebuff her. He casually lowered his glass to hers. She leaned closer, pressing against him, attempting conversation.

"Hey, do you have a girlfriend?"

Caden neither pushed her away nor invited her closer. "Do you really want to know? You're already in my arms, aren't you?"

The woman giggled. It wasn't just his looks; it was his charismatic, dangerous aura that captivated her. She moved even closer, taking his drink. "Let me try this," she murmured.

Leaving a lipstick mark on the rim, she returned the glass.

"Not that good," he retorted playfully. "I'd rather taste the drink from your lips."

Alicia kept her gaze down, unable to block out their voices. Was Caden quiet because she was kissing him? Were they kissing? The thought tightened her throat.