Gerry let out a chuckle. “You know that’s not what I was getting at.”

Although he had been teasing Caden just moments ago, the idea of Alicia and Caden having any kind of romantic involvement struck him as absurd. The thought of two people who seemed to clash at every turn, yet shared a forbidden kind of tension, was oddly amusing. Who wouldn’t find that scenario entertaining?

But Caden had a peculiar issue: it was impossible for him to develop feelings for someone who constantly butted heads with him. As for Alicia, the idea of getting involved with her ex-husband’s older brother was simply out of the question.

“Let’s eat,” Gerry decided to shift the conversation. “You’re not feeling great, so eat something and head home early.”

Alicia nodded in agreement.

She brought up the issue of the stained seat again. “I’ll take the car and have all the seats replaced for you,” she suggested.

Gerry, known for his meticulous attention to detail, typically wouldn’t tolerate such things. However, he had just started collaborating with Alicia and was genuinely impressed by the song she recorded that evening. The stain didn’t bother him. “It’s no big deal. I’ll have someone take care of it later.”

Alicia wouldn’t let it go. “That’s not right, Mr. Hopkins. I need to make it up to you properly.”

Seeing her determination, Gerry finally relented. “Alright, I’ll just deduct the cost from your payment. Does that work for you?”

Alicia agreed without hesitation. “That works.”

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With that resolved, Alicia turned her attention to Caden. “How much do I owe you for the jacket?”

Caden showed no change in expression. “It’s a limited edition. You can’t put a price on it. Just think of it as a favor.”

Alicia immediately felt uneasy.

“I’d rather pay you back. It’s best to settle things right away.”

Caden looked directly at her. “If we break it down, there’s really no exact way to calculate it.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. She stared into his unwavering gaze, replaying the events in her head.

She had already paid him for helping her with the drug’s effects, for borrowing his jacket twice, and for the kiss in the car. Everything was settled.

Alicia opened her mouth to respond, but Caden anticipated this and cut her off. “They can’t be settled that easily.”

She found herself at a loss for words. From the very beginning, she had made the choice to push herself onto him, and paying him was something she had decided on her own. If Caden really wanted to challenge her, she wouldn’t be able to argue back.

Feeling uncertain, Alicia abandoned the conversation and focused on her meal instead.

Gerry tilted his head, eyeing them closely. “What’s that supposed to mean? What kind of games are you two playing?”

Caden gave a short response. “Just eat your food.” Sometimes, his mood was unpredictable. Whenever his demeanor turned cold, he became hard to approach.

Sensing the change, Gerry decided to drop his curiosity and quietly said to Alicia, “Don’t mind him. He’s just acting up. Who cares about a limited-edition coat? He’s got more money than he knows what to do with. Losing one jacket means nothing.”

Alicia responded with a polite smile.

Gerry motioned for her to come closer. “Hey, come here. I’ve got some juicy gossip about him.”

Caden glanced in their direction, showing little interest.

Alicia leaned in, eager to hear the gossip. Who wouldn’t want to hear some secrets about Caden?

Gerry lowered his voice just loud enough for Alicia to hear. “He’s got a thing for married women.” He made sure Caden could overhear.

Alicia’s eyes widened in surprise. “Seriously?”

Alicia never expected Caden to be attracted to married women. She couldn’t help but glance in his direction. Her face shifted between disgust and sympathy. A moment later, something suddenly clicked, and her expression froze.

She recalled that one time in Caden’s office. He had made a comment about liking sisters-in-law who were married.

Caden sneered, “Go on, laugh. Why aren’t you laughing?”

Alicia lowered her gaze and quietly resumed eating. Once the meal ended, Gerry arranged for someone to handle his Rolls-Royce. He had urgent business and needed to leave. Before heading off, he told Caden, “You two may argue, but it’s late. Make sure Alicia gets home safely. It’s not safe for her to be out alone at this hour.”

Caden didn’t reply, but after Gerry left, he flagged down a taxi.

Alicia had just settled into the taxi when her phone rang. The number was local but unfamiliar. Out of habit, she answered, “Hello?”

To her surprise, Joshua’s voice came through.

“My father is critically ill and was just taken to the intensive care unit.”

Alicia froze for a second, instinctively turning her eyes toward Caden, who was sitting beside her. Caden remained unmoved.

Without ending the call, Alicia asked, “And what are you expecting from me?”

Joshua’s voice sounded weary. “Alicia, we may have had our differences, but we were once close. Can you come see my father one last time tomorrow?”

Alicia didn’t respond immediately. She understood that Joshua was trying to manipulate her into acting. He wanted Jerald to believe he was a devoted son right up until the end.

After a moment, Alicia responded coldly, “It’s pointless.”

Joshua seemed prepared for her response. “He’s insisting on seeing you. If people start talking because you didn’t show up, and his condition gets worse, I’m not sure you’ll be able to handle that guilt.”

Alicia let out a cold laugh. “So now you’re putting everything on me, Joshua?”