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.

let those two bastards get away with

left any desire for

but Lilliana drugging me is a different story. I won't forgive

clenched her fists and rolled up her shirt sleeves, as if

of my

her head. “I have my own ways of dealing

friend so composed in the face of adversity, couldn't help but sigh in admiration.

When you were fighting with Caden, you were so alive, with your fiery spirit and your competitiveness.

immediately thinking of her little plan from

plan, those present in the meeting room would have been in for a big surprise. Caden's expression must have been priceless, dark

couldn't help but smile at

Alice?” Monica's eyes narrowed

suppressing the mischievous smile that had threatened to

nothing. It just seemed funny to me while I was eating, that's

Monica blinked in confusion.

you eating

could respond, her phone buzzed in her hand. She looked

"Nice photography skills."

snorted, rolling her

appeared

"Satisfied with the size?"

through the text, I could imagine his trademark

lips and quickly typed a

small. Honestly, it's

and another message

better than my pathetic brother. “It took me two minutes to break what

widened

a beat and a

words remained in her mind.

Ward. I've had

lounging in a dimly lit booth at a chic bar, chuckled as he

sharp features and his lips curved into a devilishly charming

his ever-inquisitive friend, raised an eyebrow from across

now? You've

just shook his head, closing the phone and setting it aside with an amused glint

replied lazily, as if he

his

when are

didn't bother to respond, instead opting to empty

he swallowed, giving him a raw, magnetic appeal that was

side. His aloof nature made him seem untouchable:

Gerry leaned slightly towards

enough to get through

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