Caden narrowed his eyes. “Is that so?”

Alicia had already figured out what had happened. Joshua must have taken the painting from the safe without her permission.

“Just when I thought he couldn’t stoop any lower,” she muttered, her expression stern.

The thought of Joshua, the second son of the Yates family, resorting to theft disgusted her. This painting had belonged to Alicia long before her marriage. After her parents passed away, she had secured it in a bank safe. The only other person who knew its location was Joshua.

Caden raised an eyebrow. “Only you can open that safe deposit box. He wouldn’t have been able to get in without your permission.”

Alicia bit her lip. “It’s possible that he figured out my password.”

Caden frowned. “What kind of password would be that easy for him to guess?”

Alicia looked away, unable to answer. She cradled the painting in her hands, inspecting it for any signs of damage.

Caden decided not to press the matter further.

Alicia traced her fingers over the painting, imagining her mother creating each brushstroke. The image filled her mind as if she could see it happening right before her eyes.

She looked up at Caden, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and warmth.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

Caden smiled at her.

Spending the money was worth it just to see her smile like that.

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He glanced thoughtfully at the painting and asked, “Would you prefer to display it here, or store it back in the safe?”

Alicia hesitated for a moment. “Is it alright if I hang it up here?”

“Of course,” Caden replied.

Relieved, she began looking for an empty wall to hang it on.

Caden added, “This place feels safer than a bank, doesn’t it?”

“Right,” Alicia agreed with a smile. As she hung the painting, she asked, “How much did you spend on this piece?”

Caden replied bluntly, “Two hundred million dollars. You owe me, and you’ll repay me in bed.”

Alicia’s expression shifted several times. Her face flushed with a mix of shame and sadness.

“This painting belongs to me. Joshua sold it, which makes him a thief. I’ll make sure he pays you back every cent,” she declared with conviction.

Caden said playfully, “Ms. Bennett, you’re impressive. I can’t wait to see how you take your revenge.”

Alicia felt a surge of shyness at his compliment. “Oh, stop it!”

After hanging the painting, Caden stepped back, standing on the floor.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Caden,” Alicia said as she helped him down.

Caden looked into her eyes and asked, “Is that all I’m getting in return?”

Alicia felt warmth rush to her cheeks. She approached him quickly, rising onto her tiptoes to press her lips against his.

She stared into his eyes, her own filling with tears. For a moment, she wanted to ask him why he was being so kind to her.

His affection enveloped her like the sun on a chilly day, but she sensed that Caden’s kindness was intentional. She couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t entirely genuine. This only deepened her confusion. What could be the reason behind it?

Her thoughts swirled, and she pushed the matter aside, feeling flustered. She turned her attention to other tasks.

Caden smiled at her, remaining silent, wanting to preserve the moment.

As they admired the new painting in the apartment, Caden suggested, “Since we’re already doing renovations, why not update a few other things as well?”

Alicia furrowed her brow. “What renovations? We just hung a painting.”

“True, but that still counts.”

For a moment, she was at a loss for words. Since it was his apartment, she assumed he had the freedom to make any changes he wanted. She nodded in agreement. “It’s up to you. I’ll take care of the expenses.”

Caden wore a knowing expression. “Aren’t you curious about what I plan to change?”

Alicia almost replied that she didn’t mind, but as soon as she looked into his eyes, an uneasy feeling washed over her.

She hesitated for a moment before asking, “What are you planning to change?”

Caden raised an eyebrow. “I can’t say right now.”

She found herself at a loss for words. Then why bring it up?

With the apartment undergoing renovations, Alicia decided to stay with Monica while Caden chose to remain at the office. Since they were spending nights apart, they had little opportunity to meet. She focused on her classes and studies, and time flew by.

Every now and then, she heard bits of gossip.

Joshua had been busy preparing for his company’s listing, rushing around to manage various projects. The fatigue on his face was clear whenever he was photographed. In contrast, Caden’s news received significant attention. His company had launched new tech products and established a partnership with another leading group. In the photos, he radiated confidence without the need for retouching.

The contrast between the two was striking.

Alicia glanced at Caden’s face and instinctively smiled. Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching.

It was Monica.

Alicia quickly closed the page.

Monica noticed her flustered reaction. “What are you hiding? Were you watching something inappropriate?”

Alicia cleared her throat. “I was looking at male models.”

Monica leaned closer, curious. “Who? I want to see too.”

Alicia was at a loss for words as she casually scrolled. Articles about Joshua caught her eye.

Monica lost interest in the male models and remarked, “Finally, he’s hit rock bottom, just like we expected. Do you think Lilliana will actually marry him? I bet their wedding will be canceled!”

Alicia countered, “Joshua won’t let it end like this. He’ll ensure his company goes public as planned.”

“How can he do that?”

“He’ll figure it out. He always manages to find a way.”

Given Caden’s rising profile, Alicia realized that Joshua would stop at nothing to revive his company. He might lose to anyone, but not to Caden.

It would be intriguing to see who he sought out in desperation.

However, nothing would truly change. In the end, he would fall right into Caden’s trap.