Chapter 218:

Alicia's assistant couldn't conceal her smile. "We understand our place, Mr. Tingey. Your time is valuable; I'm sure you wouldn't want to waste it on us."

Mr. Tingey grimaced. "She lacks support and connections. How long can she really survive in this industry? I can't wait to see her fail."

Alice's assistant resisted the urge to retort, remaining silent, aware of Alice's illness. She turned and left.

Caden, having overheard, looked away and entered his car. Yolanda, sensing his unease, softly asked, "What's bothering you, Caden?" They'd just returned from a crucial meeting with a research manager and a lengthy dinner discussion, yet unresolved issues lingered. Yolanda, ever helpful, offered, "I'll investigate this further when we get back and try to find a solution quickly."

Caden started the engine, his expression unreadable. "This isn't your problem."

Yolanda briefly recalled her first encounter with Alicia. Alice had appeared quite disheveled—unexpectedly so. "When I first met Miss Bennett," Yolanda commented, "I assumed she was merely a spoiled heiress. But I was wrong. She's truly dedicated to her career. That's unusual for someone of her background."

Caden's expression darkened. He'd offered Alice resources, but she'd refused, choosing to confront those unscrupulous men alone. What a waste of effort. Without a word, he left the garage. Mr. Tingey's vehicle was ahead; Caden maintained a safe distance.

At a traffic light, Caden texted. Within minutes, a sports car cut through traffic and collided with Mr. Tingey's car. Mr. Tingey emerged, cursing. The sports car's driver retrieved a stick and struck Mr. Tingey hard in the waist. Mr. Tingey screamed, "Who are you?" but was met only with more blows, targeting softer areas of his body. The blows weren't fatal, but excruciatingly painful. Caden watched the scene unfold with a detached expression.

Meanwhile, Alice, having consumed significant alcohol and experienced an allergic reaction to her medication, required hospitalization. She spent her first day heavily medicated, sleeping continuously. The IV was removed on the second day, and she returned to work. Selecting paintings for the gallery proved demanding. Alicia contacted each artist, securing copyright agreements. Amidst this, Hank visited, but realizing her workload, departed quickly.

Back at the office, Hank reported to Caden, who listened intently, his expression unchanging, before reviewing the gallery's paperwork. He'd initially intended to help, but the documents revealed she'd nearly accomplished everything independently. He'd invested his savings in the company, and his recent efforts had secured contracts with nearly all the artists, leaving only a few with questionable motives. Caden realized he couldn't interfere. He closed the folder with a sigh. "So, what are you busy with now?" he asked.

Hank considered. "Preparing for the future, I suppose. After all, who would complain about too many customers?"

Caden glanced at the hallway scene he'd witnessed earlier, pursing his lips. "Stubborn as they come," he muttered.

Hank remained silent, thinking he could say the same about Caden. He reminded Caden, "Mr. Ward, considering Miss Bennett's condition, do you still plan to go to Averibon the day after tomorrow?"

Caden replied coldly, "Why wouldn't I?"

Hank pressed, "What if Mrs. Bennett needs your help?"

"She wouldn't want me at her funeral. Do you really think she needs me now?" Caden said, a tightness in his chest as he removed his tie.

Hank muttered, "You two aren't even in a relationship, and yet you act like a quarrelsome couple."

Caden's expression hardened. "What did you say?"

Hank quickly backpedaled. "Let me get you a cup of coffee." He left hastily.

Later, Alicia, in her hospital bed, spoke with Monica. "I've seen Caden," Monica reported. "He's doing great. The staff loves him."

Alice replied, "That's great. Have you been busy? I haven't seen you in days."

"Let's catch up the day after tomorrow," Monica said. "I'll pick you up."

"Okay," Alice agreed. "What would you like to eat? I'll make a reservation."

Monica, looking exhausted, listed several dishes. Then, she asked, "Alicia, are you really done with Caden?"

Alice felt a pang of sadness. "Yes. He has someone else now."

Monica pressed, "So if he was still single, would you want to get back with him?"

Alicia hesitated, speechless. Deep down, she'd realized her continued love for him when she apologized. She'd even considered reconciliation, but his circumstances had worsened. It seemed fate had other plans. She doubted she deserved true love.

Monica didn't pursue the matter. After the call, she entered her house. As the door closed, a shadow emerged from a corner, leaving a strange mark on the door.