Chapter 16
Chapter 16:
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Alice had been playing cards for two hours and was starting to get bored. She decided to change games, hoping for a change of peace.
His luck soon improved. He won the first two rounds without much effort.
During the third round, a tall figure appeared behind her. The presence was strong and impossible to miss. Alicia didn't need to look to know it was Caden.
He walked past her and sat down, replacing the player in front of him.
Alice gathered her cards and gave him a small smile. “Mr. Ward, are you finally done with your busy schedule?”
Once Caden was settled, he collected each letter elegantly, exuding an air of refinement. Despite this, he fit into the casual atmosphere effortlessly. “I wasn't busy. “I just didn’t feel like seeing you,” he replied calmly.
Alice's lips moved in response.
Neither of them brought up the subject immediately.
“What happened to Lilliana’s face?” Caden asked casually, as if it were a trivial matter.
Alicia kept her explanation brief, given the other players around them. “He lost his temper and ended up hitting his face with my hand,” she said nonchalantly.
Caden paused for a moment before placing down a five. Alicia didn't hesitate. “Four twos,” she announced as she laid out the cards on the table.
Caden looked up and stared at her, lowering his voice. “Miss Bennett, I played a five.”
Unfazed, Alice replied, "So what? It's bigger than four twos?"
The silence that followed was deafening, leaving the other player visibly uncomfortable.
Caden threw his card on the table and passed his turn.
Alicia rolled a three.
Caden responded with a ten, trying to keep the game moving.
Alice put down her cards, smiling as she declared, “I have four of them.”
The player next to her leaned over and whispered, "Miss, you just threw a four. Am I not supposed to be your common enemy?"
Alice calmly replied, “I’m aware of that.”
The player looked between Caden and Alicia, feeling awkward. “What a strange way to flirt,” he mumbled under his breath.
Alice's mouth twitched, but she didn't answer him directly. Turning to Caden, she said, "Let's keep it simple. Whoever finishes their cards first wins."
Caden realized that Alice wasn't focused on the game itself. He played another card, indicating that he agreed to her terms.
Alice quickly put down her best cards, barely managing to win the round. She clapped her hands and said, “So, the deal to compose the song is done.”
Caden gave her a half smile before placing his cards face down on the table.
The player looked confused. “What cards did you have? He had almost nothing left, and yet you couldn't beat him?”
When the cards were revealed, the player was stunned. “A straight flush? Why didn’t you play it?”
Alicia didn't know what to say. She had silently rejoiced in her victory, only to realize that Caden had allowed it. Suddenly, the victory seemed insignificant.Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
After the player left, a waiter came to clear the table and served two cups of coffee.
Alicia raised her cup and looked directly at Caden. “Why did you let me win on purpose?” she asked.
Caden's long silence made Alicia assume that he wasn't interested in answering. Then, his lips curved into a slight smile. "Even if you beat me, it doesn't mean you can beat Lilliana."
Alice replied casually and abruptly, "Mr. Ward, you seem very proud of her."
“She has earned my pride,” he replied calmly.
“Oh, so it’s his skills that impress you,” Alice said with a hint of sarcasm. “I thought you were only buying his company to get back to Joshua.”
Caden raised an eyebrow, unfazed by his comment. He accepted her words easily and replied slowly, “Both.”
Alice was caught off guard by her sincerity. “Have you slept with your lover?” she asked.
“For now, just with his wife,” Caden replied without hesitation.
A strange feeling stirred inside Alice. She quickly corrected him: "I'm not his wife anymore. We're divorced."
Alice tried to change the subject, but her flushed ears betrayed her. She couldn't shake off the memory of that night, no matter how hard she tried.
Caden noticed the small reactions she made. A slight smile played on his lips as he watched her. She blushed so easily, and yet she had the nerve to lie about something as daring as a hymen repair. The irony gave him a small sense of amusement.
“Why the sudden divorce? Weren’t you making a fuss about that cheap ten-dollar ring a few days ago?” I have asked.
Alicia was speechless. Her comment had struck a chord.
The ring was nothing more than a trinket. It was barely worth ten dollars, and now it was just a painful reminder of her failed marriage.
Lowering his eyes, he spoke softly, “Since we're done with business, I'll be leaving.”
Caden's eyes followed her as she stood to leave.
Just then, I noticed Joshua's car pulling up outside. Caden uncrossed his legs and stood up. Without a word, he headed for the door.
Joshua had come to pick up Lilliana after work. When he saw Alicia leaving the café, he headed for the entrance.
His initial plan had been to simply offer her a ride.
However, as soon as she rolled down the passenger window, Lilliana reacted first. She threw her coffee cup directly at Alicia.
The coffee splashed onto Alice's chest, soaking her fine clothes and leaving her looking completely disheveled.
Joshua's expression darkened as he took in the scene. Lilliana scoffed, "Oh, I was wrong, Miss Bennett. I thought you were the garbage can."
The malice in his tone was unmistakable.
Alice frowned, trying to wipe herself away, but it was a futile effort.
Joshua grabbed the car door handle, ready to get out. But he froze when he saw Caden walking towards them.
Caden approached Alicia.
He took off his coat and put it over his shoulders, completely covering the soaked area.
Let me know if you need any further adjustments.
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