Chapter 207

After dropping Gerry off, Caden went to his nearby apartment. At the entrance, the security guard immediately recognized him and greeted him respectfully: “Mr. Ward, there’s a package waiting for you. Could you please sign for it?”

Caden frowned. “What package?” He wasn’t a regular online shopper. The guard, careful not to pry, handed it over. “I’m not sure what it is,” the guard said. “You might want to check.”

Caden examined the label. His phone number was on it, but the recipient’s name was Cade. He realized it was dog food Alice had ordered online. He briefly held the package before tossing it onto the counter. “Get rid of it or sell it. Keep the money,” he said, and walked away.

The guard waited until Caden was gone before picking up the package, his curiosity piqued. He was shocked. The package contained a luxurious brand of imported puppy food. Caden had discarded it so carelessly. Was this typical of the rich? Feeling a little envious, the guard decided to keep it. His own dog would appreciate such a treat.

After putting the package away, the guard saw Alice entering the building. He called out cheerfully, “Miss Bennett, we haven’t seen you for a while.” Alice paused. “Hi,” she said. “I’m here to pick something up.”

Thinking she was referring to the dog food, the guard was about to retrieve it when he noticed she hadn’t stopped at the counter but continued inside. Alice had returned for a painting. Since moving away, she hadn’t been able to bring herself to return. She’d also avoided contact with Caden. But tonight, she’d decided to retrieve her belongings. Before going, she discreetly checked with Gerry, who confirmed Caden had been at the office. She was sure he wouldn't be home.

Standing at the door, Alice believed the apartment was empty, but paused to take a deep breath before attempting the fingerprint lock. It didn’t activate. Confused, she realized fingerprint recognition had been disabled. After hesitating, she entered the password. The system beeped twice—incorrect. Disappointment washed over her. Had she changed her password? Or entered it wrong? She recoiled, as if pricked. Had he changed it? Did he want to erase all memory of her? She scoffed. Forget it. She’d speak to Caden about the painting later.

At that moment, the door opened from inside. Startled, Alice looked up. Caden stood before her, in a white shirt, the top buttons undone, exuding a casual aloofness. She hadn’t expected him to be home. His mind blanked momentarily. He forgot to turn around.

Caden studied her for a moment before asking coldly, “What do you want?”

Alice quickly recovered. “I’m here to pick something up,” she said, tensing her fingers.

“What exactly?” Caden asked, loosening his grip on the door, showing no sign of welcoming her inside. He seemed distant. Alice felt uncomfortable and looked down. “It’s my mother’s painting.”

Caden remained silent, his intense gaze fixed on her, heightening the tension. After a moment, Alice added, “There’s no need for me to come in. You could bring it to me.”

Caden broke their gaze and turned around, entering the apartment. “Bring it yourself.”

A tightness gripped Alice’s heart. She’d just calmed her nerves, and the last thing she wanted was to share space with Caden. However, she was determined to get the painting. After a brief hesitation, she entered. As she changed her shoes, she remembered her first visit—tricked by Caden, she’d bought condoms and blushed at this very door. Months had passed, and their relationship had cooled to the point where even conversation seemed unnecessary. Swallowing her sadness, she resolved to be quick and headed for the painting.

Caden had placed it high on a bookshelf. She needed a stool to reach it. Caden was lying on the couch, legs crossed, openly watching her. She looked thinner than he remembered. He felt annoyed and picked up a lighter, intending to light a scented candle. But then he remembered she’d made those candles and put the lighter down.

Alice carefully removed the picture. The frame was heavy, and she lost her balance as she lowered it. In that brief moment of instability, she held tightly to the painting, terrified of damaging it. Her knee collided with the stool. The solid wood stool made a loud bang. The sound caught Caden’s attention. Alice clutched her knee, biting her lip to endure the pain. Once the discomfort subsided, she limped over to return the stool, then headed for the door, holding the painting.

Caden’s expression hardened. “You’re just leaving like that?”