Alicia’s grip tightened on the doorknob as she turned to face him, her expression fierce. “Who are you to end this? I haven’t broken any rules!”

“Why are you leaving then?” Caden asked, his voice flat. “The contract specifies you can’t deny certain requests.”

“But it also requires consent,” Alicia countered.

“You owe me for what you skipped out on last night,” he declared. “If you’re going to back out of your promise, then don’t expect the same from me as I received from Randolph yesterday.” Her fingers tightened further around the doorknob, nearly creaking under the pressure.

It was clear to her now—Caden was threatening her.

Why the sudden change in him?

“Is this breakfast so important to you?” she inquired, her patience wearing thin. “Or does my visit to the Yates Mansion yesterday bother you?”

His face remained a mask of indifference. “Exactly. You shouldn’t have gone to the Yates Mansion.”

“Why not? The agreement doesn’t require your permission for me to meet others or stay out, does it?”

“You’re free to stay with anyone except Joshua,” he stated coldly.

Updates loaded at g@lnoνe𝓵s․com

Alicia opened her mouth to respond, but he cut her off. “Remember our purpose here. I’m appalled by your actions.”

Alicia choked back her words.

What was the point in explaining? Would he even consider her side? He had already branded her as guilty.

Her resolve wavered. She began seriously thinking about terminating the agreement. With a final glance, she opened the door and stepped out.

The door slammed behind her, the sound echoing through the room, a sharp reminder that Caden had been hit by her defiance.

He stood there, enduring the chill that swept in from the corridor, rooted to the spot. His face darkened slowly.

Despite her lack of skills, Alicia’s temper was fierce, and dwelling on it only made his headache worse. With a deep breath, he turned and headed for a shower. As morning broke, he could feel the weight of the situation pressing on him.

Georgia noticed Alicia’s absence and, fearing the involvement of Joshua or the authorities, decided to venture out on her own to search for her.

No sooner had she stepped outside than someone from behind clamped a hand over her mouth and nose, dragging her into a shadowy corner.

A stocky man stood in front of her, his grip firm. “Stay quiet. I’m not here to harm you or steal. I just need to ask you something.”

Georgia, older and easily frightened, trembled uncontrollably.

The man struck her face, and she immediately fell silent, her body recoiling in shock. Blood filled her mouth, and some of her teeth loosened. She sank to the ground, clutching her head as her hands shook.

“Who was here last night?” the man demanded.

Georgia’s mind raced as she carefully considered her words. The man’s impatience was palpable. “Speak up!” he barked.

Hesitantly, Georgia murmured, “I—I don’t know—”

“You work for the family and you’re clueless?” he challenged, his tone sharp and threatening. “Be honest!”

Without warning, he struck her again, dislodging one of her teeth. Tears filled her eyes, and agony twisted through her. “A lady from a prominent family and Alicia—” she blurted out in pain.

The man quickly pulled out his phone. “Ma’am, are you listening?” he asked, pressing the phone to her ear.

Lilliana’s voice came through clearly, “What exactly was Alicia doing there?”

The man repeated the question to Georgia, who, struggling to stay coherent, managed to relay the story. However, she chose not to implicate her employer, shifting the blame entirely onto Alicia.

Lilliana’s anger momentarily turned to laughter. Her suspicions were confirmed. “Release her,” she commanded coldly. “Monitor Alicia closely from now on and keep me updated.”

Meanwhile, Alicia, having left the apartment, sought refuge in a hotel. Exhausted physically and mentally, she immediately fell asleep, her body craving rest.

She slept through the entire day, plagued by strange and unsettling dreams.

When she woke, the darkness of the room added to her sense of weariness. She felt drained, her body aching in places she hadn’t noticed before. Sitting on the bed, she rubbed her sore foot, which was painful but not debilitating.

Intent on treating Monica to dinner, Alicia’s plans were interrupted by an incoming call from an unknown number.

She answered, and the voice on the other end was instantly familiar.

“Ms. Bennett, it’s me.”

Alicia was caught off guard but quickly recovered. “Miss Mendoza?”

Gina’s gentle laugh came through the line. “Let’s keep it informal. Call me Gina.”