Chapter 319

Just before dinner, the landline in the living room rang. Ciara deliberately asked Caden to answer it. He held the receiver, silent at first. Soon, Alicia’s voice, light and airy, filled the room. “Mrs. Ward, we’re at the door.”

Days had passed since he’d last heard her voice; it felt like an eternity. Caden pressed his lips together, his eyes narrowed, revealing no emotion. Alicia hesitated, then asked, “Mrs. Ward? Can you hear me?” He remained silent, then hung up without a word.

Caden knew that if he spoke, Alicia would flee. He couldn't risk that. Without delay, he headed for the door. From behind, Ciara called, “You brat! It’s freezing outside! At least bring a jacket!”

“I don’t need one,” Caden replied, continuing his hasty exit.

Meanwhile, Alicia sat in her gallery office, staring at her phone, lost in thought. Since Ciara purchased the painting, Alicia had sensed something amiss—Ciara’s enthusiasm had been excessive, too abrupt. So, tonight, she’d sent the painting with her assistant. The call was a test; coincidentally, Caden answered. He didn’t speak, but Alicia knew it was him—a strange, instinctive certainty.

Watching the fireworks outside her window, a soft chuckle escaped her lips. She never imagined employing such cautious tactics against Caden. The truth was, she missed him. Even so, she refused to repeat past mistakes.

When Caden stepped outside and found Alicia absent, he knew she'd outmaneuvered him. She was as shrewd as Ciara.

Half an hour later, Alicia’s assistant and the others returned to the gallery. Alicia distributed holiday gifts, including cash bonuses, and sent them home to rest. Her assistant hesitantly asked, “Ms. Bennett, aren’t you going home?”

“I’m heading back too. Thank you for working late on Christmas Eve,” Alicia replied.

Her assistant giggled. “It wasn’t tiring at all. Plus, you gave us five times the pay! I’m absolutely thrilled!”

Alicia left the gallery with them.