Alicia had been playing cards for two hours and was starting to get bored. She decided to switch to a different game, hoping for a change of pace.

Her luck improved right away. She won the first two rounds without much effort.

During the third round, a tall figure appeared behind her. The presence was strong and impossible to miss. Alicia didn’t need to look to know it was Caden.

He walked past her and sat down, replacing the player across from her.

Alicia picked up her cards and gave him a light smile. “Mr. Ward, are you finally done with your busy schedule?”

Once Caden was settled in, he picked up each card with grace, exuding an air of refinement. Despite this, he fit into the casual environment effortlessly. “I wasn’t busy. I just didn’t feel like seeing you,” he replied calmly.

Alicia’s lips twitched in response.

Neither of them mentioned the theme song right away.

“What happened to Lilliana’s face?” Caden asked nonchalantly, as if it were a trivial matter.

Alicia kept her explanation brief, given the other players around them. “She lost her temper and ended up hitting her face on my hand,” she said casually.

Caden paused for a moment before laying down a five. Alicia didn’t hesitate. “Four twos,” she announced as she placed her cards on the table.

Caden lifted his gaze and stared at her, his voice dropping. “Miss Bennett, I played a five.”

Unfazed, Alicia responded, “So what? Is it bigger than four twos?”

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The silence that followed was deafening, leaving the other player visibly uncomfortable.

Caden flicked his card onto the table and passed his turn.

Alicia threw down a three.

Caden responded with a ten, trying to keep the game moving.

Alicia placed her cards down, smirking as she declared, “I’ve got four of a kind.”

The player next to her leaned in and whispered, “Uh, Miss, you just threw down a Four of a Kind. Aren’t I supposed to be your common enemy?”

Calmly, Alicia responded, “I’m aware of that.”

The player glanced between Caden and Alicia, feeling awkward. “What a strange way to flirt,” he muttered under his breath.

Alicia’s mouth twitched, but she didn’t respond directly to him. Turning to Caden, she said, “Let’s keep it simple. Whoever finishes their cards first wins.”

Caden understood that Alicia wasn’t focused on the game itself. He played another card, signaling his agreement to her terms.

Alicia quickly laid down her best cards, barely managing to win the round. She clapped her hands together and said, “So, the songwriting deal is done then.”

Caden gave her a half-smile before flipping his cards face down on the table.

The player looked confused. “What cards did you have? She barely had anything left, and you still couldn’t beat her?”

When the cards were revealed, the player stared in shock. “A straight flush? Why didn’t you play it?”

Alicia didn’t know how to respond. She had been quietly pleased with her win, only to realize that Caden had let her have it. Suddenly, the victory felt meaningless.

After the player left, a waiter came to clear the table and served two cups of coffee.

Alicia lifted her cup and looked directly at Caden. “Why did you let me win on purpose?” she asked.

Caden’s long silence made Alicia assume he wasn’t interested in replying. Then, his lips curved into a slight smile. “Even if you beat me, it doesn’t mean you can beat Lilliana.”

Casually and sharply, Alicia replied, “Mr. Ward, you seem quite proud of her.”

“She has earned my pride,” he replied calmly.

“Oh, so it’s her abilities that impress you,” Alicia said with a hint of sarcasm. “I thought you were only buying her company to get back at Joshua.”

Caden raised an eyebrow, unfazed by her remark. He accepted her words with ease and responded slowly, “Both.”

Alicia was caught off guard by his honesty. “Have you been sleeping with his mistress?” she asked.

“For now, just his wife,” Caden replied without hesitation.

A strange feeling stirred inside Alicia. She quickly corrected him, “I’m no longer his wife. We’re divorced.”

Alicia attempted to change the subject, but her blushing ears betrayed her. She couldn’t shake the memory of that night, no matter how hard she tried.

Caden noticed the small reactions she made. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he observed her. She blushed so easily, and yet she had the nerve to lie about something as bold as a hymen repair. The irony brought him a small sense of amusement.

“Why the sudden divorce? Weren’t you just making a big deal about that cheap ten-dollar ring a few days ago?” he asked.

Alicia found herself speechless. His remark cut deep.

The ring had been nothing more than a cheap token. It was barely worth ten dollars, now just a painful reminder of her failed marriage.

Lowering her eyes, she spoke softly. “Since we’ve wrapped up business, I’m leaving.”

Caden’s eyes followed her as she stood up to go.

Just then, he noticed Joshua’s car pulling up outside. Caden uncrossed his legs and stood up. Without a word, he made his way toward the door.

Joshua had come to pick up Lilliana after work. When he saw Alicia leaving the cafe, he drove over to the entrance.

His initial plan had been to simply offer her a ride.

However, as soon as he rolled down the passenger window, Lilliana reacted first. She threw her cup of coffee straight at Alicia.

The coffee splashed over Alicia’s chest, drenching her thin clothes and leaving her looking completely disheveled.

Joshua’s expression darkened as he took in the scene. Lilliana sneered, “Oops, my mistake, Miss Bennett. I thought you were the trash can.”

The malice in her tone was unmistakable.

Alicia frowned, trying to clean herself up, but it was a hopeless effort.

Joshua gripped the car door handle, ready to step out. But he froze when he saw Caden walking toward them.

Caden approached Alicia.

He took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders, covering the soaked area completely.

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