Chapter 247:

Caden appreciated talent, and Yolanda certainly possessed plenty of it. Alicia smiled, happy for him. "That's wonderful," she said. "I've heard so much about the Moss family's achievements. They're truly impressive." Caden nodded thoughtfully. "Dorian is aging, and Yolanda hasn't been well. I have to put other projects on hold for now." Alicia resisted questioning Yolanda's condition. She'd learned to avoid probing Caden's personal life, fearing it might pull her back into past emotional turmoil. Yet, to say she didn't care would be a lie.

"Hello, Caden," Alice said, a thought striking her. She nudged him. "Could you remind the housekeeper to feed Cade tomorrow morning?" "Sure," he replied, taking her hand. Her hand was slender and soft, though he noted calluses on her fingertips. "What's the reason for these rough spots?" he asked, gently tracing her fingers. Alice examined her hand. "Too much paperwork lately." He raised an eyebrow. "Are you left-handed?" Alice nodded. "My father disliked my left-handedness. He tried to correct it when I was young, but it felt more natural to use my left hand."

She paused, her thoughts drifting. Before her divorce, she'd felt constrained, striving to meet others' expectations. Opening her gallery had changed everything. For the first time, she felt truly herself. Turning to Caden, her gaze was warm. "Thank you, Caden." He chuckled softly, leaning down for a tender kiss. When they parted, her eyes sparkled. "Don't forget about Cade, okay?"

Caden sighed, staring at the ceiling. "Maybe I should change my name," he muttered, half-joking. Alice laughed softly, curling into her blanket and falling asleep.

The next morning, Alice found an anonymous package on her desk. Assuming it was an online order, she unwrapped it. Inside was a sleek, compact smart device, approximately half a meter tall. Recognizing it as one of Caden's company's latest releases, she smiled, assuming it was for testing. Her smile vanished instantly. The device projected a disturbing video onto the wall: a woman being abused by a group of men.

Alice blushed, her heart pounding. She quickly switched it off, her hands shaking, relieved to be alone. The thought of someone else seeing it filled her with mortification. Anger surged. She dialed Caden's number. He was in a meeting, but answered immediately upon seeing Alicia's call. "Caden, you sick bastard!" she yelled.

Silence followed. Alice's voice, though not on speakerphone, seemed to echo in the room. Caden's employees froze, pretending to be engrossed in their work. Caden quickly ended the call, his expression strained as he headed into the living room. "Now, where were we? Keep going."

Meanwhile, Alice's fury subsided. She saw a message from Caden: "I'm in a meeting. I'll deal with this when I'm done." The directness made her pause. His anger seemed to be waning as realization dawned. Something didn't fit. She knew Caden too well to believe he'd send such a thing, even if his tastes were unconventional. Puzzled, she examined the package and noticed the sender's details were erased. She called the receptionist, learning it arrived via courier. As the call ended, her phone rang. An unknown number. Cautious, she answered.

A soft, mocking voice filled the receiver. "Did you like the gift, Mrs. Bennett?" Alicia's heart sank; it was Yolanda. Yolanda continued, apologetically, "I couldn't attend your party yesterday due to illness. I'm very sorry." Alicia's jaw tightened, but her voice remained calm. "You don't need to apologize, Yolanda. I didn't invite you."

Yolanda laughed softly. "Did you like the gift?" Alice's stomach churned as she recalled the video. Maintaining composure, she asked, "What are you getting at?" "Oh, isn't it your role to please Caden?" Yolanda's words were dripping with insinuation. "You haven't been with him long, and you're quite young. I thought some... resources might help you learn. Caden would be delighted as well."

Alice's lips curled into a cold smile. "Are you speaking from personal experience, Miss Moss?" Yolanda replied calmly, "No, not at all. But you reminded me of the girl in the video. I was struck by the resemblance, though your potential seems greater. I'm sure you'll eventually surpass her." Her tone was soft, yet venomous.

Alicia's voice remained firm. "If you have something to say, Yolanda, say it. There's no need to pretend." She knew the video was just the beginning. Yolanda laughed mockingly. "You are a clever woman; do I really need to explain it to you? Women like you cling to virtue as if it were all they have." Her voice softened, but her words stung. "After all, what else do you have to offer?"

Alicia picked up on the threat. "So, are you saying that if I don't comply, I'll end up like the woman in that video?" "Miss Bennett," Yolanda purred, "You are very clever."

Now it was Alice's turn to laugh, defiantly. "Miss Moss, I suggest you enjoy what you've earned. You've been a great help to Caden, and you've clearly succeeded in many ways. Congratulations. But let me be clear: if you intend to break the law, I am not a coward. I will defend myself."