Alicia was taken aback when Caden started a conversation with her.

She raised her head stiffly and managed a strained smile. “I’m treating my client to a business dinner.”

Caden glanced at her sideways. He could feel the distance she put between them. Their unresolved issues made the presence of Yolanda even more uncomfortable, leaving little to say. Alicia was relieved that Caden did not make any inappropriate remarks in such a setting.

However, she couldn’t ignore Yolanda’s intense gaze. Yolanda’s eyes were piercing, as if she wanted to see right through Alicia.

Alicia was uncertain about the nature of Caden and Yolanda’s relationship, but she was sure that Yolanda had feelings for him.

When the elevator reached the top floor, Alicia purposely lagged behind to let them exit first.

Yolanda instinctively pulled at Caden’s sleeve. She then turned back and offered a sweet, harmless smile as she said goodbye to Alicia’s assistant. Meanwhile, her eyes lingered on Alicia’s face for a moment.

Alicia returned her gaze without any emotion.

galnσvє𝓵s.𝓬𝓸m – your update hub

After a few steps, Yolanda withdrew her hand. This action helped her avoid any unpleasant words from Caden. She then casually asked, “Caden, do you know the older lady from the elevator earlier?”

Caden did not respond directly. Instead, he commented, “She’s younger than you.”

This momentarily took Yolanda by surprise. Her expression subtly changed. She knew he remembered that woman’s birthday, which suggested he knew more than just her name. Moreover, he had started a conversation in the elevator. This was unusual for someone who typically avoided interactions with women, Yolanda thought.

She smiled and said, “I’m surprised you remembered my birthday.”

Caden took his seat at the dining table. Casually, he mentioned, “I glanced at your profile when it was filed. I remember all the recent new employees.”

The restaurant emitted a warm ambiance as Yolanda sat down.

Yolanda sat down, removing her scarf and placing it beside her. She smiled warmly and asked, “Did Ms. Bennett also work at Blizzard Group before?”

Caden’s eyebrow arched, his gaze on Yolanda growing colder. Acknowledging Alicia was something he didn’t mind, but he preferred to keep it from Yolanda to avoid complications.

“Let’s focus on today’s work,” he suggested, then began to order from the menu.

Yolanda’s smile tightened slightly. She harbored a faint suspicion about his relationship with Alicia, stirring a hint of jealousy, though she knew such feelings were beneath her status. “Alright,” Yolanda responded gracefully.

Alicia excelled at keeping her professional and personal lives separate. Meeting with the client, her focus remained entirely on work. She entertained, discussed projects, toasted, and drank, ensuring the evening went smoothly.

Naturally, she had a few drinks. Given her low tolerance and mild allergy, she was careful not to overdo it and began politely declining further drinks.

The client, however, already slightly inebriated, proved challenging. He was adamant about continuing their drinks.

Her assistant, overwhelmed, couldn’t drink any more. Taking a deep breath, Alicia resolved to keep up. “Mr. Hoffman, it’s rare to see you so cheerful. I’ll keep pace until you’ve had your fill.”

Caden, having finished his meal and preparing to leave, stopped. He glanced over briefly, then instructed Yolanda, “Wait for me in the car.”

Yolanda’s eyelashes fluttered, and she whispered, “OK.”

Caden then walked over to Alicia.

Yolanda, fists clenched, retreated to the restroom. As Alicia reached for another drink, a hand suddenly stopped her. Her glass shook slightly.

Turning around, Alicia was surprised to see a familiar face, causing her heart to constrict.

The tipsy Mr. Hoffman quickly sobered up, exclaiming, “Mr. Ward?”

Caden, with no visible emotion, returned the glass Alicia had been holding to the table. In a calm yet commanding tone, he asked, “What kind of party requires this much drinking?”

Alicia’s expression darkened, and she subtly nudged Caden, silently signaling him not to interfere with how she handled the situation. His high status often led him to dismiss others, but Alicia knew she would have to manage the fallout from this.

The group of men at the table quickly responded, “No more, Mr. Ward. We were only teasing Ms. Bennett. She hasn’t had much to drink,” they chimed in. Caden had introduced them to Alicia, and now it was clear he was standing by her side. It was evident to everyone that something was unfolding between them. Offending either Caden or Alicia over drinks wasn’t worth it.

Alicia stared at Caden, but he remained impassive, his eyes avoiding hers completely. She could feel his anger, but she couldn’t understand the reason behind it.

Bryant suggested they wrap up the dinner. While Alicia continued to entertain, Caden took her wrist firmly and instructed, “Go throw up that drink you just had.”

Alicia tried to free her hand but couldn’t. Feeling powerless, yet trusting Caden’s intentions, she complied without resistance. She directed her assistant to keep the evening running smoothly before excusing herself to the restroom.

In the restroom, she quickly purged the alcohol and was rinsing her hands when the stall door opened, and Yolanda emerged. Alicia caught Yolanda’s reflection in the mirror. The sound of water running stopped.

Yolanda adjusted her scarf in front of the mirror, and as Alicia’s eyes shifted to the logo on the scarf, her heart sank. It was the scarf she had once given to Caden—now worn by Yolanda.