Caden remained silent, giving Alicia the floor.

Alicia observed the exchange with a neutral expression. Just as she was about to respond, Caden cut in and said, “Yes, we're together. In fact, we're getting married this year."

Alicia was taken aback.

Lucilla appeared troubled, biting her lip. “I'm sorry, I wasn't aware of that."

Caden paid her no attention, walking over to take Alicia's hand.

Undeterred, Lucilla asked, “If things don't work out, would I have a chance?"

The sound of the door closing was the only reply she got.

Alicia glanced at their interlocked fingers, silently accompanying him.

In the elevator, Caden let out a sigh of irritation. “What a nuisance."

Alicia Laughed.

Caden stroked the back of her hand. “What's so funny?"

With a playful tone, Alicia said, “Mr. Ward, not only are your flirtations lacking, but your acting leaves much to be desired."

Caden was momentarily taken aback.

After settling into the car, Caden asked, "How did you figure out I was only pretending with Lucilla?"

Alicia buckled her seatbelt. "If she truly valued ethics and cared about not damaging relationships, she wouldn't offer herself in exchange for financial help."

The inconsistency in her character was glaring.

“But your flaw is more evident," Alicia added. "If Lucilla really annoyed you, you wouldn't have allowed her to linger around you for days, nor would you have accompanied me to visit her in the hospital."

Alicia had her suspicions initially, but such behavior didn't align with Caden's usual demeanor, prompting only a faint suspicion in her heart.

It wasn't until Caden declared their relationship to Lucilla that his true motives surfaced, confirming Alicia's suspicions.

Caden remained silent, concentrating on the road.

Alicia played with some rose petals in her hand. “Caden, you don't need to stage these scenarios."

Caden kept his gaze fixed on the road, his face thoughtful. “I just want to make us official."

Perhaps the label wasn't so important.

He simply wanted to test whether she would stay in Warrington and confirm her feelings for him.