Alicia decided not to lend Joshua any money. Moreover, the evidence Caden had mentioned would soon be made public. Joshua was facing public humiliation and the threat of losing everything.

That was exactly what he deserved.

Alicia paused in a quiet corner, gathering her thoughts. Caden glanced at her, his laughter cold. “Are you frightened, or do you pity him?”

Alicia snapped out of her thoughts. “Would I have gone to such lengths if I felt pity for him? I’m not out of my mind, am I?” She rolled her eyes in exasperation.

Though it seemed the issue was settling down, the sudden appearance of Lilliana made Alicia uneasy. Over the past two years, Joshua had deeply invested in the Green family. Lilliana, in love and carrying his child, was unlikely to walk away from him easily.

Alicia’s expression turned serious. “This is going to be a tough, long haul…”

Caden, sensing her concern, responded, “This is my concern now. You don’t need to worry.” He reassured her, his tone steady.

Alicia wasn’t the only one with grievances against Joshua. Caden also had unresolved issues with him.

Alicia was momentarily surprised, but then she understood what he meant. Their mutual need for revenge no longer bound them.

Suddenly, the atmosphere around her felt charged, and her first instinct was to flee. “Now that everything’s settled, I think we should wrap this up.”

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Caden looked at her intently.

She lowered her gaze. “For what it’s worth, thank you.”

Without a word, Caden took her chin gently in his hand, forcing her to meet his eyes.

Alicia’s eyelashes fluttered.

She turned her face away. “Why are you squeezing me? It’s painful.”

“Did I apply too much pressure?” Caden asked. “What have you done to feel this guilty?”

Alicia stood motionless, almost as if to make a point. “I’m not guilty. Let go, or we might be seen.”

Caden’s eyes grew cold. “Am I making you uncomfortable? Why are you so worried about being spotted?”

Alicia was momentarily stunned. “Hasn’t it always been this way between us?”

They had always kept their relationship a secret. Their agreement was nearing its end. They would part ways cleanly, pretending nothing had ever happened.

Wasn’t that for the best?

Caden paused before slowly releasing her. “That’s right.” He touched the new bite mark on his lip and said casually, “What would I do if someone got the wrong idea? How would I ever get married?”

Alicia fell silent for a moment. She hesitated before responding, “It won’t last too long.” That was when Caden understood the reason behind her downcast expression.

He smirked. “What now? You used me, and now you want to dump me?”

Alicia felt a wave of discomfort. “What do you mean? We agreed to follow the contract, right?”

“It’s over now,” Caden declared lightly. “So, what’s next?”

Alicia’s throat tightened. His tone was nonchalant, his eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint. This wasn’t affection; it was more like he was teasing a pet. She cleared her mind.

“There’s no ‘what next.’ We stick to the plan.”

Caden sneered. “Can you really let go that easily?”

Her heart sank. She nodded stiffly.

“There are many other opportunities out there. Why hold on to what isn’t right?”

With those words, she took a deep breath and left without a backward glance.

Caden remained where he was, his smile tinged with scorn.

Alicia walked into the hall and accidentally ran into Monica.

“Did you see Joshua?” Monica asked, her voice filled with excitement. “His face was all marked up from slaps, and he slunk away with Lilliana like he was ashamed. What a spectacle! Who did that to him?”

Alicia blinked, on the verge of confessing. However, Monica quickly added, “It was Caden, wasn’t it?”

Alicia didn’t correct her. “How did you guess?”

“Who else would have the courage to do something like that? Joshua fears trouble, but Lilliana does not. Still, she was quiet just now. Who else in this room holds such influence besides Caden?”

Alicia couldn’t help but smile. She looked up and spotted Caden. Mr. Wade was leading him and Gerry into a room, with a group of people carrying snacks and drinks following them. Alicia turned her gaze away, lost in thought.

She leaned on Monica. “Monica, can I stay at your place tonight? I’ll cook for us, alright?”

Monica noticed her weariness. “You look really tired. Don’t worry about cooking. Let’s go out and eat something delicious.”

Alicia said, “But I’d like to cook for you.”

Monica raised an eyebrow, puzzled. “Didn’t you always dislike cooking?”

Alicia fell quiet. She used to hate it because she had been too concerned with pleasing Joshua, who was finicky and preferred expensive meals. Her efforts usually went to waste.

But in recent months, cooking for Caden had been different. He was easygoing and appreciated whatever she made. He always cleaned his plate. She even started to feel like she was a good cook.

“Let’s go out to eat,” Alicia said, trying to sound more upbeat. “I have a lot to share with you.”

As the art exhibition wound down, most of the attendees had departed. Alicia was ready to leave.

The door to the room where Caden and the others were having drinks was open. She could hear the lively chatter, including Gerry’s enthusiastic voice.

“I’ve finally got my chance!” he shouted. “Now, you have to go up and kiss whoever walks by first, no matter who!”

Hearing this, Alicia and Monica froze.