Chapter 506

Alicia noticed two personnel files in the passenger seat—mercenaries. "What's going on?" she asked. Hank, ever transparent, explained the situation. Alicia's mind raced. "How's Mrs. Ward progressing?"

Hank replied, "Corey hasn't made a move, so it's hard to predict." Alicia knew she could never accept Corey's proposition. She felt adrift, a piece of wood bobbing on uncertain waters. For the first time, she deeply missed Caden. It wasn't just the emptiness of his absence; she realized he was the only one who could manage this situation.

Alicia glanced at the mercenary files and formulated a plan. The mercenaries, now Caden's bodyguards, were traveling to Terriland. She intended to meet them, hoping to convince them to include her in their plans.

Caden received Alicia's message, knowing she'd be in Terriland within hours. Whether he replied didn't matter; she was confident she could reach him safely. Dusk settled over Terriland as her plane landed. Despite the heat, the beauty was undeniable. The sunset beach, trees fading into the distance, momentarily calmed the turbulence in her heart.

In the car, Alicia breathed deeply, comforted by the thought that Caden might have traveled this road. Her bodyguards remained vigilant. One, a crew-cut man, called upon arrival at the hotel. Caden's voice, though brief, was clear: "Your room is next to mine. Rest and wait for my call." The call ended abruptly, just as the bodyguard began to mention Alicia's presence. He gave her a puzzled look.

"It's fine," she reassured him, smiling. "I'll reach out later. You two rest."

The crew-cut bodyguard hesitated. "Shall I arrange a room for you?"

Alicia waved him off. "No need."

"Then where will you stay?" he asked, unsure.

The other bodyguard nudged him, grinning. "Isn't it obvious? She'll be staying with Mr. Ward. They're a couple, after all!"

The crew-cut bodyguard nodded, understanding. He grabbed Alicia's suitcase and headed for the room.

With Caden absent and dinner approaching, Alicia felt no need to rush. She called him; he answered promptly. "What's up?" His tone suggested he hadn't checked her message. He sounded busy, overwhelmed. Suppressing her initial plan, Alicia asked, "Nothing serious. Are you done with work? Will you be home tomorrow?"

"Yes, I'll be home. Are you missing me?" he replied. She heard the clinking of glasses and chatter in the background.

"Mr. Ward, who are you talking to?" someone asked.

Caden didn't respond. His voice softened, becoming more seductive. "Do you miss me?"