Alicia had just arrived home when she picked up the phone to reassure Monica of her safety.

Upon hearing her voice, Monica’s relief was palpable. “Caden didn’t bother you, did he?”

Alicia glanced at her bandaged arm and replied softly, “No.”

It was Joshua who had confronted her.

To steady her nerves, Alicia drank some water.

“Monica, tomorrow I’m heading to the Yates Mansion.”

Monica’s response was sharp. “Why?”

Alicia briefly outlined her plan.

She noticed Joshua’s persistence, which oddly played to her benefit at the moment. In her quest for swift and effective evidence gathering, involvement was essential.

Monica’s concern was evident. “What if something unexpected happens? You’re completely on your own.”

Alicia let out a small chuckle. “Staying away doesn’t make life any easier. It’s worth the risk.”

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She knew she had to escape the vicious cycle of revenge. The longer it persisted, the more detrimental it became for her friends.

Monica, coming to terms with Alicia’s decision, offered her help. “What can I do to assist?”

After a brief pause, Alicia responded, “Could you find me a few books?”

“What kind of books are you looking for?”

After the call, Alicia showered, but in the process, she accidentally aggravated a burn blister. The pain was sharp and reminded her of the restaurant incident.

When the police had arrived that night, chaos had erupted as the crowd dispersed. Only Caden had stepped forward, soothing her burn with ice from a plate calmly.

His simple act had profoundly affected her, providing unexpected comfort amid the turmoil.

Back in the present, she applied more ointment to her arm.

That night, as she lay awake, the events replayed in her mind. Restless, she eventually sent a message to Caden: “Thank you a lot.” Only after sending it did she realize the typo.

Panic set in as she tried to recall the message, but in her frantic state, she accidentally deleted it.

Overwhelmed, she sighed heavily and massaged her temples.

Caden’s message came after a brief pause: “Think about me? What exactly?”

Finding it hard to breathe, Alicia managed to reply, “Sorry, it was a typo. I meant to say thanks a lot.”

“Why didn’t you just correct it then?” Caden asked.

“I ended up deleting the message by mistake,” Alicia explained.

“That seems like a clichéd way to admit feelings,” Caden texted back.

Alicia’s eyes widened in surprise.

Admit feelings?

Caden had a knack for saying things that overwhelmed her.

Even through the digital screen, she could almost envision his teasing smirk.

He was both charming and exasperating.

Alicia rubbed her warm cheeks, silently chastising herself. She reassured herself it was just a typo—everyone made mistakes.

Once she regained her composure, she responded, “Thanks for taking care of my arm tonight.”

“A single sentence? Is that all the thanks I get? Seems insincere,” Caden replied.

She understood his point.

“I’ll make sure my thanks aren’t just words. Count on it,” she replied.

Caden initially smiled at her message.

But then a sudden memory crossed his mind, and his smile faded. He tossed his phone aside, feeling bored.

Alicia’s next message vibrated his phone. “Send me your address, and I’ll mail you a thank-you gift.”

“No need. Keep it,” Caden responded.

Alicia was taken aback.

She felt an inexplicable chill.

What was happening?

Didn’t he want a gift?

His unpredictability left her baffled.

Concerned he might use this against her later, Alicia decided to send a gift anyway, arranging for overnight delivery to his office.

The following morning arrived.

Caden woke up at six, already having worked for hours when Hank arrived.

“Mr. Ward, your breakfast is ready,” Hank announced, placing the food and a bag on the table. “There’s also a package from a local pharmacy. Are you feeling okay, Mr. Ward?”

Caden looked up, curious. “Who sent it?”

“It’s confidential—no details available,” Hank replied, opening the package. He revealed a box of medicine, and the label made him freeze in surprise.

Hank widened his eyes in astonishment. “Mr. Ward, it’s risky to use this medication without caution. It could be harmful!”

Caden’s gaze shifted slowly from Hank to the box of Viagra in front of him.

He, too, was shocked.

It was the same Viagra Alicia had given him that evening.