Chapter 69

A forced smile touched Alice’s lips. “You seem to have had a lot of practice at this, Mr. Ward.” She reflected that Caden’s thrill-seeking felt deliberate, methodical. He’d likely had many partners before. A pang shot through her chest, but she quickly dismissed it. They were just two adults seeking pleasure; no need to complicate things.

As she tried to leave the car, she realized Caden’s grip hadn’t loosened. His body felt distant, his gaze hollow and unreadable. “So, shall we continue?”

His expression remained neutral, but his fingers lingered on her skin. "Not exactly against it," he replied.

Alicia pulled her hand away. “Joshua will be here any minute.”

A crooked smile curved Caden’s lips. “Wouldn’t it be more interesting if he came in with us?”

Alice was speechless. How disgusting, she thought.

She noticed fresh blood staining her shoulder bandage. After a pause, she removed it and retrieved her trousers, using a clean cloth to wipe away the blood.

Caden frowned. “What the hell are you doing?”

"You're bleeding again," Alice said, gently pressing the cloth to the wound.

Caden, always fastidious, scoffed humorlessly. “And you’re wearing those pants again? Why not your underwear while you’re at it?”

She caught a piece of pink and white cloth on her finger and instinctively handed it back to him. "You're disgusted," she murmured.

Caden let out a low, mocking laugh. “Funny, you didn’t seem to mind when you lifted your legs earlier, making it easier for me to pull them off.”

Alice found no reply. She’d intended to apply ointment, but now all she wanted was to escape. Her face burned with humiliation.

The moment she pulled away, Caden’s eyes fell on a noticeable stain on her pants. Raising an eyebrow, he remarked, “Miss Bennett, have you by any chance been through a storm?”

Alice adjusted her clothes, replying softly, “No, I didn’t.”

“Then explain this.” He pointed to the wet spot, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

Alice’s breath hitched as she shifted her gaze, uncomfortable. "It must have been the rain."

Caden’s smile widened. He casually wiped his fingers with a tissue. “What a downpour, huh? It even managed to soak my fingers.”

His gaze returned to Alicia. "Miss Bennett, you may be feeling pretty happy right now, but what about me?"

Alicia stiffened, her eyes dropping. It had been…intense. He probably had reason to be dissatisfied; twice, he’d been interrupted.

His tone softened. “So, what do you want to do?”

Caden’s eyes darkened, noting her compliance. How many men can truly resist? he mused. The more submissive a woman, the more tempting it is to push her further.

“Next time, if the opportunity presents itself, I’ll decide then.” His voice, deep and rough, held a seductive undertone. “Whatever it is that I want, will you let me have it, Miss Bennett?”

Alice’s heart pounded.

“Absolutely not.” Unsure of his intentions, she hesitated. “A little should be more than enough.”

Caden chuckled softly. “You like things to be fair?”

His eyes drifted to her slender fingers. “Very well.”

Alice’s cheeks burned as she pulled her hands away and fled the car.

The rain had eased. Her lingering tension gave way to a sense of calm.

As Caden left, Alicia walked under her umbrella and saw Joshua’s car approaching. He exited, his gaze piercing, as if seeing right through her.

Alice, having redressed, stood erect, facing his scrutiny with calm confidence. He noticed the bloodstain on her pants. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his brow furrowed.

Alice put a hand on her stomach, her expression resigned. “It’s that time of the month.”

Joshua frowned. “Then why are you out? Don’t we have any medicine at home?”

“We don’t have pads,” she explained.

"You could have asked the maid to bring you some."

“Are you talking about Georgia?” Alice murmured softly. “She’s not fond of me. I didn’t want to upset her.” Joshua accepted this without question.

"Get in. I'll take you back."

After dropping her off at the Yates family home, Joshua remained in his car.

Alice asked, "Are you going out again?"

"Yeah." He felt he could do little for Alicia during her period. It made more sense to spend time with Lilliana.

Before leaving, he handed her a card.

“Here’s $500,000. Tell me when you need more and I’ll transfer it to you,” he said, gently brushing her cheek. “Be good. I’ll give you whatever you want.”

A wave of cynicism washed over Alicia. The money had originally been hers. Joshua had the audacity to use his own money to control it. She accepted the card.

“Make sure you drive carefully,” he said quietly.

He studied her closely. She looked exactly the same as always. He lifted his chin and kissed her.