Joshua made a surprise proposal.

This shocking announcement hit the news, and the netizens, who had been targeting Lilliana, soon redirected their attention. They began digging into Joshua’s past, searching for any trace of his relationship history, and ultimately uncovered that he had been married and divorced.

So much hidden information came to light. In essence, Lilliana’s scandal faded into the background. Joshua took the brunt of the online backlash for her.

Caden’s gaze shifted to the screen. He let out a light scoff.

“What a truly touching love story,” he remarked.

Alicia found herself staring at the screen, almost entranced by the unfolding events. The display soon changed to a video. It featured Joshua’s heartfelt confession. He crafted a story about how he and Lilliana met and fell in love.

Then Joshua revealed a dazzling diamond ring and gently placed it on Lilliana’s finger. The camera zoomed in, capturing the moment with clarity.

Alicia’s eyes filled with tears, and her breathing turned shaky.

Caden turned to look at her, his indifferent gaze taking in her fragile expression.

Alicia lowered her eyes, trying to mask her emotions. “It’s just a proposal. What’s so touching about it? Honestly, it feels a bit cliché. That diamond ring looks like a rip-off. It’s super expensive but not really worth it.”

Caden’s expression remained devoid of any emotion. He casually responded, “That brand of diamond ring is priceless.”

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Alicia’s eyes reddened further, and she laughed bitterly. “I guessed correctly. Joshua’s lost a fortune.”

Caden sneered at her words.

“It’s not really a loss, though,” he said. “At least when he married you, he didn’t spend a single penny.”

Alicia fell silent at his remark.

“Oh, wait, he did spend a little,” Caden added slowly. “He bought you a silver ring for a few bucks.”

The room grew eerily quiet, amplifying Alicia’s heartache as she processed everything happening around her.

Alicia poured herself a glass of wine, trying to appear calm as she asked, “Would you like a drink?”

Caden remained silent, showing no interest in her offer. Alicia didn’t expect his response and lifted the glass to her lips.

She knew she was slightly allergic to alcohol and usually got drunk quickly, which was why she rarely indulged. Today, the wine was particularly strong.

As she drank, it caught in her throat, causing her to cough immediately. Her face flushed bright red, and tears welled up in her eyes, though they didn’t fall.

Caden’s expression darkened. He looked at her with a hint of disdain. “If you’re so eager to die, why not just drink it all at once?” he remarked.

Alicia chose not to respond to his taunt.

After catching her breath, she realized she needed to slow down, so she began to sip the wine slowly, taking generous gulps.

Caden watched her as she drank the wine like it was water.

After three glasses, the signs of Alicia’s allergic reaction became obvious. Small red patches appeared on her neck, revealing the distress her body was under.

Caden frowned and firmly pressed down on her hand as she reached for another glass.

Alicia sluggishly lifted her head, gazing at him through her intoxicated haze.

“What the hell are you doing?” he asked.

“Stop drinking!” he insisted.

Alicia weakly tried to pull her hand free, but she couldn’t match his strength.

“Let go of me, Caden!” she snapped, her voice thick with frustration.

Caden responded, “If you want to drink yourself to death, do it somewhere else. Dying here would only make me a suspect.”

Alicia narrowed her eyes, glaring at his hand as if contemplating her next move.

Caden felt an unsettling tension in the air.

Before he could pull back, Alicia suddenly opened her mouth and bit down hard on his hand.

She was clearly releasing her pent-up frustration with that fierce action.

Even someone as patient as Caden couldn’t help but flinch slightly. “You really act like a dog, biting anything that comes close.”

Despite his comment, he kept his hand right where it was.

Alicia continued to bite until her jaw began to ache, finally releasing her grip. She stared blankly at Caden’s bleeding hand, and unexpectedly, tears streamed down her cheeks.

In a clumsy yet gentle motion, she leaned forward and licked the blood from his hand. Choking back her emotions, she murmured, “I’m so sorry.” Her soft tongue brushed against the wound, triggering an unbearable itch that made him wince.

Caden’s frown deepened as he swiftly pulled his hand away.

Alicia slumped forward over the table, feeling defeated.

Outside, fireworks exploded in the night sky. Purple bursts lit up the darkness, casting a glow on Alicia’s pale face.

Alicia had once shared with Joshua that purple fireworks were her favorite. But Joshua had never bothered to set them off for her. Everything she had once hoped for, everything he owed her, he now freely gave to someone else.

Caden never imagined he would find himself in such a situation.

With Gerry passed out and Alicia having an allergic reaction, Caden knew he had a challenge on his hands.

He instructed someone to take Gerry away. When he turned back, he saw Alicia dry-heaving. She retched repeatedly but couldn’t bring anything up, fumbling around the table in a dazed state.

Caden approached her and asked, “What are you looking for?”

“I’m looking for tissues,” she muttered.

Alicia glanced up at him before weakly leaning against his chest, wiping her mouth on his shirt.

Caden was at a loss for words. He regretted coming back.

Noticing the red rashes covering her exposed skin, he realized her allergy was severe. He hesitated for a moment, but then decided to lift her up.

Just as Caden carried Alicia, Hank arrived after parking the car and witnessed the scene unfolding.

Hank was taken aback. He was fully aware of Caden’s aversion to women. He offered politely, “Mr. Ward, let me handle this.”

Caden replied in a flat tone, “There’s no need. Just drive the car to the entrance.”

Hank responded, “Yes, sir.” However, he secretly pulled out his phone, preparing to take a picture. Just as he was about to capture the moment, Caden shot him a stern glare.

Hank quickly raised his phone, pretending to check his hair in the reflection. “I wasn’t taking pictures of you two. I was just making sure my hair isn’t messy.”