Chapter 12:

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Caden's gaze shifted to Hank, his eyes hard as steel. The silence that followed was suffocating, seeing into every corner of the room like a thick fog.

Hank could feel the tension tightening in his chest, and a chill ran down his spine. Swallowing, he straightened his posture and stammered,

"I'm sorry, Mr. Ward. It was my mistake. You have full authority to handle this as you see fit."

Caden's lips moved in a slight, scornful smile.

“Hmm, no end-of-year bonus for you, Hank. Good thing, since I’ve been thinking about upgrading my car.”

Despite the cold comment, Hank kept his composure and obediently launched into his brief report on the day's failed meeting.

He lowered his voice as he got to the fine details.

"Mr Joshua Yates, however, sent some rather generous gifts and deposited a hefty sum into our account. He said it was just a small gesture to ensure that Lilliana's future is safe and sound."

Joshua's obvious attempt to secure a favor made Caden chuckle quietly.

It also reminded him of the look on Alice's face before she left that morning. What could she be up to now?

A glint of anticipation flashed in Caden's eyes as he finally spoke again.

"This woman, Lilliana..."

I have paused deliberately, giving Hank a meaningful look.

Hank, ever attentive, obediently acknowledged.

«She made her debut in show business thanks to the financial support of her family. For a while she remained unnoticed, but last year she hit the jackpot with a hit song and shot to fame overnight. Since then, her popularity has continued to grow. I will compile all the details about her career and send them to you by email shortly.»

Caden remained impassive, almost bored.

"Since you've already bought your ticket, I won't waste the opportunity. Tell Joshua: I'll make sure his precious lover is well taken care of."

Now that she had the ring, Alicia took Monica out for a lavish dinner at one of the city's finest restaurants. The two clinked crystal glasses together merrily, the crackling sound echoing throughout the room.

Monica wrinkled her nose in disgust.

“I would never have imagined that Lilliana would stoop so low as to become someone’s mistress.” She rolled her eyes before adding: “And getting pregnant before getting married? If her fans find out, there will be a full-blown scandal!”

Alicia took a measured sip of her drink and a slight, knowing smile curved her lips.

“She's playing with fire,” he mused quietly. “And she'll get burned in the end. She got pregnant too early. When she gives birth, it will be impossible to hide it. Sooner or later, she’ll slip up.”

However, Monica was still seeing things with indignation, her eyes shining.

really going to let those two bastards get away

desire for revenge behind. Her

couldn't care less about their relationship, but Lilliana drugging me

her shirt sleeves, as

and I'll gather some of my men to deal with

head. “I have my own ways

so composed in the face of adversity, couldn't help

fighting with Caden, you were so alive, with your fiery spirit and your competitiveness. “Now it seems like

help but giggle at Monica's words, immediately thinking of her

went according to plan, those present in the meeting room would have been in for a big surprise. Caden's expression must have been priceless, dark as a storm cloud,

but smile

Alice?” Monica's eyes narrowed

her composure, suppressing the mischievous smile

to me while I was eating, that's

Monica blinked in confusion.

are you eating with your armpit

buzzed in her hand. She looked down to

"Nice photography skills."

rolling

message appeared almost

"Satisfied with the size?"

could imagine his trademark

lips and

small. Honestly, it's

and another message appeared on his

yeah? Well, it's still better than my pathetic brother. “It took me two minutes to break what he

and her eyes widened as she realized the

and a rush of

onto the table, but the words remained in her mind. Her pulse quickened in irritation as she

Ward. I've had

at a

his whiskey glass reflected off his sharp features and his lips curved into a

Hopkins, his ever-inquisitive friend, raised an eyebrow from

looking at now?

the phone and setting it aside with

flirting with a married woman," he replied lazily, as if he were talking about something

sat up suddenly, his eyebrows raised

are you so

to empty his

Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, giving him a raw, magnetic appeal that was

despite his striking appearance, women rarely stayed by his side. His aloof nature made him seem

Gerry leaned

enough to get through that… peculiar condition of

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