The unwanted wife’s unexpected comeback

Chapter 165: ????? Monica blinked curiously, her expression clearly showing confusion. "Alice, how cyou don't seem worried at all?" Alice replied without hesitation: "What is there to worry about?" "You mentioned that Joshua always finds a way. I've been thinking about it and you're right. He seems to always be one step ahead, and he probably has sbackup plan. Does that mean everything we've done so far will cto nothing?" Alice smiled. "But I've almost gathered all the evidence I need. Even if I make it public, it won't change anything. "I'll still bring him down." Seeing how calm and collected Alicia was, Monica felt her own anxiety ease.

Unable to resist, Monica complimented her. "You've changed a lot lately. You're much more serene and assertive." Alice felt a little nervous, with a hint of shyness. “Is it because of him?" Monica asked curiously.

Alicia was shocked. She immediately knew who Monica was referring to. She parted her lips, ready to explain, but the words seemed tangled in her thoughts.

How was I going to introduce Caden? Their relationship was strictly contractual. As soon as Joshua fell, their relationship would be over. "Maybe," Alice replied, her uncertainty palpable.

Lately he had found calm.

Caden was undoubtedly the reason for this new sense of security.

The evidence she had seemed gathered trivial in the face of the influence of these formidable players. If Joshua decided to escalate the situation, she could be in serious trouble. However, with Caden as her steady support, the situation felt totally transformed.

Monica smiled at her, deciding not to try further. As long as Alicia was happy, nothing else really mattered. The day Caden was due to return, I contacted Alicia in advance.

"Are you available tonight?" she texted him.

Alice, who had just finished her class, began to gather her belongings and replied, "Of course." Caden replied, "I'll be landing at eight tonight. Be at the apartment when I get there." Alicia stared at the screen for a moment, took a deep breath, and turned off the phone.

She thought the music teacher sitting next to her could see the screen, but fortunately he was too engrossed in the conversation to notice anything amiss. Alice responded here and there, although her thoughts were already elsewhere.

Caden had been out of town for several days on a business trip. The tapart had stretched out long enough that she was sure she was in for a sleepless night.

When they reached the school gate, the music teacher greeted Alice enthusiastically. "Goodbye, Miss Bennett. "I have to pick up a birthday present for my husband." Alice smiled and waved back.

A thought crossed her mind: should she be planning something for Caden too? He had supported her in many ways since they started working together. Cooking was starting to feel repetitive, and she couldn't contribute much to her work. She bit her lips, her thoughts wandering.

She struggled to think of something Caden would truly appreciate. After what seemed like an eternity, an idea finally occurred to her, and her face lit up.

This is perfect! Once Caden got off the plane, he looked at his phone.

There was an unread message from Alice: "I've planned something special for you." Her imagination began to wander, wondering what he was up to. He had told her clearly earlier to wait in the apartment. Now I mentioned a surprise.

What else could it mean? His thoughts spiraled, leading him to vivid assumptions about what might be waiting for him. He imagined Alicia stepping out of her usual comfort zone, dressed in something he always admired, her delicate figure enhancing the allure in his mind... A wave of anticipation hit him, catching him off guard. With the bustle of the airport around him, he had to restrain himself from giving anything away. He smoothed his trench coat, hiding his thoughts, and called out to Hank, "Geta bottle of water." With suitcase in hand, he sent a message to Alice: "I just landed. Where are you?" His response was almost immediate: "Exit A." Caden raised an eyebrow and narrowed his eyes, slightly surprised. "You're that far ahead?” he replied, half in disbelief. His mind was already brimming with tantalizing visions.

Meanwhile, standing at the exit, Alice looked at her message with a confused look on her face, unsure of what she was expecting. Although she had planned a surprise, it was nothing particularly daring.

"Cquickly. It's very cold out here," Alice wrote, waiting impatiently.

Caden shoved his phone into his pocket and started toward the exit. When Hank returned with the water, he stood there, confused, looking around. Where had Caden disappeared to? Outside, the area was packed, filled with people coming and going, creating a constant hum of activity. Caden's eyes scanned the crowd, but Alicia was nowhere to be found in the sea of faces. Despite the crowd, Caden's tall stature and imposing presence made him easily stand out.

Alice saw him almost immediately. She ran up to him, shouting, "Sir!" Hearing her voice, his heart gave a sudden jolt. He turned to her and saw her approaching. She was wearing two neat braids, a long black cotton coat, and her face partially hidden behind a mask. With playful energy, she raised a cardboard sign in the air.

"Sir, are you looking for accommodation?" he asked with a smile under his mask.

"Our cozy family-run inn is just a ten-minute walk from here. For just five hundred dollars a night, you can enjoy everything included, such as relaxing massages and even a games room." Caden stood there, speechless.

He locked eyes with hers, those bright eyes that shone behind the mask, holding her gaze for much longer than he intended as he tried to process what was happening. This was his big surprise.

A role-playing game. His big idea for a surprise was... a role-playing game.

What the hell... role-playing game? Caden's anticipation quickly faded.

Just as he opened his mouth to say something, Hank appeared, running. "Mr. Ward."

Hank looked at Alicia but didn't recognize her, mistaking her form someone trying to get publicity. He politely waved her off. "We're not interested. We're not interested. Alice stood firm, unfazed. “Two people get fifty percent off!” Hank stood still, clearly shocked.

Hank's eyes locked with Alicia's for a brief second, and then it hit him.

Without missing a beat, he glanced at Caden and then took a wise step back, taking the suitcase from his hands.

Caden stood still, staring blankly at Alicia. "Do you have any romantic themed rooms? I'll book one of those." Alice blinked, momentarily stunned, unable to find the words.