Caden said, “Yes, I’m new around here. I heard you’re pretty skilled, so I wanted to verify it.” The man immediately sensed the hostile undertones in Caden’s voice. He recognized that Caden was no ordinary contender, and if a confrontation were to happen, it was uncertain who would come out unscathed.

Opting to defuse the situation, the man quickly dressed. “I’m tied up right now, and today’s session is over. Maybe some other time.”

Just as he was about to leave, Caden blocked his path. His piercing gaze fixed on him. “Did Alicia do something to upset you?”

The man shuddered slightly. He responded defiantly, “No, we’re on good terms.”

Caden’s expression turned sly. “Then why the harsh treatment towards her?”

The man faltered. Despite his fear of Caden, he refused to back down. “Why does she have to draw all the attention? She’s new here, and already she’s outshining everyone. I didn’t intend to hurt her today. I just wanted to give her a small lesson on keeping a lower profile.”

Caden let out a laugh. “And who appointed you to teach her a lesson?”

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He began rolling up his sleeves, the tension in the room palpable.

The man’s eyes widened in fear. “What are you planning to do?”

Caden replied, “It’s been a while since I’ve had a good workout. You seem like a perfect practice opponent.” After washing his hands, Caden noticed Alicia outside, looking bewildered.

He frowned briefly, then casually dried his hands. “Didn’t I ask you to wait in the car?”

Alicia had overheard the altercation. The realization that Caden had defended her stirred conflicting emotions within her, feelings she hadn’t fully processed yet.

After a moment of silence, she moved closer to him. “Well… is he alright?”

Caden looked at his reddened knuckles, his expression detached. “He bullied you, and you’re concerned about him?”

Alicia blurted out instinctively, “I’m not concerned about him. I’m worried you might face repercussions. What if there are consequences?”

Caden’s features softened slightly. “It’s fine. His injuries are minor. I’ve already called for an ambulance.”

Alicia exhaled a sigh of relief.

Soon after, medical personnel arrived to take the man away.

Alicia caught a glimpse of the scene and was taken aback.

“Fuck! You call that minor?” she burst out, her voice rising in alarm before she caught herself and lowered it, giving Caden a stern look. “His face was covered in blood. You call that ‘minor’?”

Caden put his arm around her as they climbed into the car. “He’s still breathing, isn’t he?” he said nonchalantly.

Alicia couldn’t suppress a laugh. She understood that Caden had everything under control. Despite his rough handling of the man, there was nothing she could change about it. Deep down, she actually felt a sense of satisfaction.

As they settled into the car, Caden guided her gaze to look at him. “Did you just swear?”

Alicia blinked. “So what if I did?”

“Impressive,” he commented, a slight smirk forming. He rarely heard her use such language. “Swear again.”

Without hesitation, and in a playful tone, Alicia said, “Caden, you stupid asshole.”

Caden was momentarily speechless.

Alicia then sat on his lap, gently applying ointment to his knuckles. His punches had been powerful, and his skin had cracked, but he hardly noticed the damage.

Caden felt no pain, yet Alicia insisted on caring for his wounds. He allowed it.

After she finished applying the ointment, Alicia said, “All done. Now go drive.”

As she attempted to slide off his lap, Caden gripped her hips and pulled her back. “Feeling sympathetic toward me? Are you not angry anymore?”

Alicia replied awkwardly, “You defended me. It’s only natural I’m concerned.”

Caden flashed a smile.

Silently, he released her.

He moved to the driver’s seat, while Alicia looked on anxiously. “Are you sure you can drive with that hand?” she asked.

Caden replied with a smirk, “I could drive with one hand tied behind my back.”

She was left speechless.

After the unsettling event at the studio, Alicia could no longer bear to stay there. Caden arranged private sessions with a coach for her.

Exiting the elevator, Alicia thought about what was left in their kitchen. “We’re out of groceries. How about tomato pasta for dinner?”

Caden simply nodded in agreement.

Upon entering their apartment, Alicia was shocked to find the room scattered with jewelry boxes. Caden casually tossed his jacket onto her.

“It’s almost Christmas. These are gifts from clients. They’d just collect dust in storage, so I thought you might like to choose something to wear,” he said.

Alicia felt doubtful. She peeked inside one of the boxes. Even the least expensive item was valued at over $100,000.

During her two-year marriage to Joshua, she had lived frugally. The opulence before her now seemed excessive. She sighed and said, “These could be worth my entire savings. Your clients really are extravagant.”

Caden responded, “I only work with those who aren’t shy about showing off their wealth.”

Alicia laughed softly and then carefully stored the jewelry in the cloakroom.

Later that evening, Caden embraced her from behind, placing soft kisses along her neck.

Alicia’s eyes glistened with moisture and tenderness as she savored the moment, gazing at him dreamily.

Caden’s heart fluttered.

She really was fond of him.

It seemed she couldn’t keep anything from him, could she?

His emotions surged, leaving soft marks on her skin. The phone next to Alicia vibrated.

She intended to ignore the call but inadvertently answered it.

Realizing it was Hank on the line, Caden quickly covered her mouth.

However, in her panic, she bit his hand.

Hank, oblivious to the commotion, continued, “Mr. Ward, Mrs. Ward has arrived in Warrington.”