“You jerk!”

Caden wasn’t sure if she was angry about his roughness or about him using her nickname for the puppy. Either way, her voice sounded oddly sweet to him.

Water splashed more violently in the tub.

Alicia’s sense of shame had completely disappeared. Her emotions took over, and her body trembled as soft sobs escaped her.

Caden relished these moments. Watching her cry made her appear helpless as she clung to him tightly, desperate for any sense of stability.

It gave him the satisfaction of knowing he was the only one she could rely on.

The puppy noticed Alicia’s tears and sensed something wasn’t right. It paused its playful movements, tilting its head in confusion as it watched her.

Every now and then, Alicia caught its innocent, curious gaze.

Ⓜⓞⓡⓔ ⓤⓟⓓⓐⓣⓔⓢ ⓘⓝ ⓖⓐⓛⓝⓞⓥⓔⓛⓢ.ⓒⓞⓜ

Her face turned bright red, and she cursed Caden under her breath.

Caden freed one hand and motioned for the puppy to come closer.

Though only a week into its new home, the puppy was surprisingly obedient. It nuzzled into his fingers.

Caden gently covered its eyes. “Mommy’s a little shy. Don’t stare at her.”

After that day, everything went smoothly. Alicia’s abilities were undeniable, and with Caden’s support, everything went without a hitch.

In her free time, she often brought gifts when visiting Harley in the hospital.

Harley’s recovery after surgery was going well, and Alicia spared no expense. She made sure that Harley had the best care, from living conditions to medication.

Gina would drop by occasionally, feeling guilty every time she saw the cabinets filled with supplements.

“I haven’t contributed much. You shouldn’t be spending all this,” Gina said.

Alicia felt a pang of guilt too.

“Were you thinking of quitting before you agreed to help me?” she asked.

Gina laughed at the idea. “No, I’ve always been Lilliana’s punching bag. She made it clear that if I left, I’d never find another job as an assistant. With Harley’s medical bills piling up, I couldn’t afford to walk away from a job like this.”

When Alicia heard the term “punching bag” and thought about Lilliana’s attitude, she realized Gina must have endured so much.

Alicia felt a pang of sympathy for her.

“Once Harley is discharged, you won’t have to work this hard anymore,” Alicia said softly. “When all of this is over, the Green family won’t bother you, and you can find a job that truly makes you happy.”

Gina glanced at her with a hint of envy.

Alicia felt sorry for her.

It was clear that Alicia’s life was in a much better place now.

“Ms. Bennett, my situation isn’t your responsibility. You don’t need to feel sorry for me. I’m helping you because I want to. Besides, you saved Harley’s life. Anything I’ve done for you is nothing compared to that,” Gina said with a soft smile.

Alicia felt her throat tighten as emotion welled up inside her.

“Thank you,” Alicia said softly. She then offered more comforting words that seemed to ease Gina’s heart.

“I understand, Ms. Bennett,” Gina replied with a warm smile. It was then that she noticed the shopping bag beside Alicia.

She could recognize the logo.

It was from a home goods store she frequently visited for Lilliana’s personal items.

A tag dangled from the bag, revealing it contained men’s pajamas in a triple XL size.

Gina smiled knowingly. “Ms. Bennett, you should head home. Don’t keep your family waiting.”

Alicia followed her gaze to the bag and quickly turned red, feeling a bit embarrassed.

She hadn’t bought the pajamas specifically for Caden. He had casually mentioned needing new ones last time, so she grabbed a pair while shopping for other things today.

“Alright, I’ll head out now. Take care.”

“I will,” Gina replied.

To avoid drawing attention, Gina didn’t walk her out. Alicia hadn’t gotten far before she crossed paths with Joshua and Lilliana.

Lilliana was wearing sunglasses and looked irritated. On the other hand, Joshua’s expression was blank, and hostility showed in his eyes.

Joshua came to an abrupt stop when he spotted Alicia. Even behind her sunglasses, Lilliana’s resentment was clear.

Too much had happened between them recently.

Lilliana couldn’t hold back her temper and said, “Joshua, what a coincidence. We actually bumped into your ex-wife at the hospital.”

Joshua didn’t seem fazed.

“You said it yourself. She’s my ex-wife. She means nothing to me now.”

He tightened his grip on Lilliana’s hand. “Let’s go.”

Alicia kept her mouth shut. She couldn’t wait to get away from them.

But Lilliana wasn’t finished. She leaned in and hissed, “Alicia, you’re an orphan. So, you’re not here visiting family. Are you the one dying of cancer?”

Alicia’s gaze shifted to Lilliana’s swollen belly.

Alicia responded calmly, “You’re pregnant. Try being kind, if not for yourself, then for your baby.”

Lilliana stroked her belly and took a step closer.

Alicia met her gaze.

Lilliana’s smug attitude mirrored Joshua’s perfectly. “I underestimated you, Alicia,” Lilliana stated. “Who would’ve thought you’d end up with Caden?”

With the Yates family facing trouble, the Green family had been dragged into the mess. It was now under investigation for reasons they couldn’t explain.

Everything was spiraling into chaos.

Lilliana knew it was Alicia who had stirred Caden into action, and the thought made her want to tear Alicia apart.

Alicia was nothing more than a discarded woman. How did she manage to get Caden involved?

Alicia remained composed. “I’m far more capable than you think.”

Lilliana sneered. “Really? That’s hilarious. A woman who uses her body to climb the ladder actually thinks she’s something special.” She covered her mouth, laughing mockingly.