Caden’s new relationship was the latest buzz in town. While Alicia and he had kept their connection discreet, it had become an open secret among their social circle. Now, with Alicia appearing vulnerable, those who had issues with her previously were quick to seize the opportunity, eager for gossip.

Mrs. Reyes was particularly eager to get involved. After enduring humiliation at the Gray family’s event, Mrs. Reyes was noticeably tense. The finger-pointing from everyone had only added to her embarrassment. With Alicia now in a vulnerable position, Mrs. Reyes didn’t hesitate to rush to the school and stir up trouble.

Rather than confronting Alicia directly, Mrs. Reyes went to the principal’s office. In a prestigious private school, maintaining a good reputation was essential.

After giving it considerable thought, the principal decided to speak with Alicia.

“Ms. Bennett, Gerry spoke highly of you. With your connections, I believe you’ll easily secure another position. You’ve been exceptional these past few months, and as an apology, we’re prepared to offer you a generous compensation package.”

Alicia stood tall in front of the principal’s desk, ready for this moment since her split with Caden. The principal’s earnest approach was an unexpected relief. She nodded her head in agreement.

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“To prevent any disruption to the school, I will step down voluntarily.”

The principal was startled. “You don’t feel mistreated?”

“Not in the slightest,” Alicia smiled, her eyes shining. “I’m grateful for your recognition. Regardless of everything, I hope we can remain friends. Perhaps we could have dinner tonight?”

The principal was unprepared for such an amicable reaction. His favorable opinion of Alicia, combined with his feelings of guilt, made it difficult to decline her invitation. He even started thinking about a suitable gift for her.

After their conversation, Alicia didn’t stay on.

Alicia bid farewell to her students, ensuring there would be no confusion, and then left the school.

Outside the gates, Mrs. Reyes was engaged in conversation with several parents. Though her remarks weren’t overtly harsh, they were laced with sarcasm aimed at Alicia. The parents, familiar with Mrs. Reyes’s pretense, saw through it quickly and dismissed it with laughter.

As Alicia walked out with her belongings, the assembled crowd, now realizing her presence, could no longer maintain their act and quickly dispersed.

Mrs. Reyes, clutching Ted’s hand, looked pleased with herself. “Well, Ms. Bennett, aren’t you fortunate? Now you can stop working for crumbs. Actually, I’m in need of a maid. Interested?”

Alicia halted abruptly, her eyes meeting Ted’s for a fleeting moment. Ted, still haunted by their last encounter, trembled under her gaze and cowered behind Mrs. Reyes.

Mrs. Reyes, annoyed, pulled Ted forward, insisting he show no fear.

Alicia smiled and said, “I remember that Ted isn’t registered for any classes here. What brings you two to the school?”

Not about to admit she was there to taunt Alicia, Mrs. Reyes quickly fabricated an excuse. “I’m here to enroll him in some classes.”

Alicia responded with a calm smile, “You’ve come at just the right moment. I’ve recently obtained my swimming instructor certification. I could give him private lessons.”

She knelt down, looking at Ted with a warm expression. “How would you like to have some fun in the water, sweetie?”

The mention of water triggered Ted’s memory of a past traumatic experience, and he immediately began crying out loud. Mrs. Reyes, taken aback by his intense fear, rushed to comfort him. Ted clung tightly to her, his sobs growing louder.

Alicia, observing quietly, suddenly pointed at Ted’s bottom. “Mrs. Reyes,” she said, feigning surprise. “Ted wet himself!”

She then waved over a security guard. “I’m sorry, but it looks like someone had a little mishap here.”

Mrs. Reyes’s face reddened with embarrassment.

Mrs. Reyes flushed with embarrassment as she hurriedly covered Ted, snapping at Alicia, “Shut up!” Alicia stepped aside to give the security guard room. Humiliated, Mrs. Reyes checked Ted for any signs of wetness but found none.

Stunned by the realization that she had been fooled, she turned to confront Alicia, only to find that Alicia had already slipped away.

After Alicia’s resignation, the school promptly notified Gerry. He had just finished a meal at Joy Mansion and immediately headed to see Caden.

“Caden, there’s something I need to discuss with you…” As he swung the door open, he was taken aback by the presence of a woman and abruptly stopped speaking.

In the room, Caden was relaxing on the sofa, engrossed in a financial newspaper, while Yolanda, dressed in a loose sweater, was beside him, offering him fruit. While their interaction was not overtly affectionate, Yolanda’s gaze towards Caden was unmistakably suggestive, especially since they were alone, creating a subtly intimate atmosphere.

Gerry cleared his throat. “Sorry, seems I’ve come at an inconvenient time.”

Caden looked up, his expression impassive, and declined Yolanda’s offer of fruit. “You’re not disturbing anything. Come in.”

Noticing Caden’s polite refusal, Yolanda’s expression softened slightly. She placed the fruit tray down and said with a gentle tone, “It seems you two have matters to discuss. I’ll go spend time with Ciara.”

“Alright,” Caden responded.

Once Yolanda exited, Gerry approached Caden.

“What’s going on with Yolanda? She returned days ago, and yet nothing’s progressed. You haven’t even addressed the rumors circulating online. Are you just leading her on?”

Caden, with his usual neutral tone, replied, “What did you want to talk about?”

Gerry raised an eyebrow. “It’s about Alicia. Does that pique your interest?”