Chapter 4: The Dangerous Alliance
The café suddenly felt too small, the air too thick. Alicia’s mind was spinning as Caden’s words sank in. Neither of us is going to make it out alive. She glanced at Monica, who looked just as stunned, then back at Caden. His expression was unreadable, but the intensity in his eyes sent a chill down her spine.
“What do you mean, ‘bigger than that’?” Alicia asked, her voice trembling. “Who’s behind this? And why are they targeting us?”
Caden leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. “It’s not just about you or me. This is about power, money, and control. Someone’s playing a long game, and we’re just pawns in it.”
Monica scoffed, crossing her arms. “That’s a little dramatic, don’t you think? This isn’t some spy movie.”
Caden’s gaze shifted to Monica, his tone sharp. “You think this is a joke? Let me spell it out for you. Last night, Alicia was drugged and sent to my room. I was set up too. Someone wanted us together for a reason, and it wasn’t for a romantic evening. They’re trying to manipulate us—or use us—for something bigger. And if we don’t figure out what that is, we’re both in serious danger.”
Alicia’s stomach churned. She wanted to believe this was all some horrible misunderstanding, but deep down, she knew Caden was right. The text from the unknown number flashed in her mind: Be careful who you trust. She had no idea who to trust anymore—not Joshua, not Caden, maybe not even Monica.
“Okay,” Alicia said, forcing herself to stay calm. “Let’s say you’re right. What do we do now? How do we figure out who’s behind this?”
Caden’s expression softened slightly, as if he appreciated her willingness to cooperate. “First, we need to retrace your steps. Who knew you were meeting Joshua last night? Who had access to your phone or your drinks?”
Alicia thought back, her mind racing. “Joshua texted me, but… I didn’t tell anyone else. Except Monica.” She glanced at her friend, who immediately shook her head.
“I didn’t tell anyone,” Monica said firmly. “I swear.”
Caden nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Then it’s likely someone close to Joshua. Someone who knew his plans and used them to set you up.”
Alicia’s chest tightened. The idea that someone in Joshua’s family—or even Joshua himself—could be behind this was terrifying. But before she could respond, her phone buzzed again. She glanced at the screen and froze. It was another text from the unknown number.
Unknown: Tick-tock, Mrs. Yates. Time’s running out.
Alicia’s hands shook as she showed the message to Caden and Monica. Caden’s jaw tightened, and he immediately pulled out his own phone, typing something quickly.
“We need to move,” he said, standing up. “Now.”
Monica stood too, her protective instincts kicking in. “Whoa, hold on. You’re not just taking her somewhere without an explanation. What’s your plan?”
Caden’s eyes locked onto Alicia’s. “My plan is to keep her alive. And right now, that means getting her out of here before whoever’s behind this decides to make their next move.”
Alicia hesitated, torn between fear and logic. She didn’t know Caden, but something about his urgency felt genuine. And if someone was really after her, staying in the open wasn’t safe.
“Monica,” Alicia said softly, “I think I need to go with him. Just for now. I’ll call you as soon as I can, okay?”
Monica looked like she wanted to argue, but she finally nodded. “Fine. But if I don’t hear from you in two hours, I’m calling the police.”
Caden didn’t wait for further discussion. He grabbed Alicia’s hand and led her out of the café, his grip firm but not painful. As they stepped outside, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb. The driver, a stern-looking man in a suit, nodded at Caden as they climbed into the back seat.
Alicia’s heart raced as the car sped away from the café. She glanced at Caden, who was typing on his phone again, his expression focused. “Where are we going?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Somewhere safe,” Caden replied without looking up. “And somewhere we can talk without being watched.”
Alicia’s mind raced with questions, but she stayed silent, staring out the window as the city blurred past. After about twenty minutes, the car pulled into the underground garage of a high-rise building. Caden led her to a private elevator, which took them up to the penthouse.
The moment they stepped inside, Alicia’s breath caught. The apartment was stunning—modern, luxurious, and impeccably designed. But she didn’t have time to admire it. Caden turned to her, his expression serious.
“We need to talk about Joshua,” he said, cutting straight to the point.
Alicia frowned. “What about him?”
Caden hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully. “I’ve been looking into him. And what I’ve found… it’s not good. He’s involved in something dangerous, Alicia. Something that could get you killed if you’re not careful.”
Alicia’s chest tightened. “What are you talking about? Joshua’s not perfect, but he’s not a criminal.”
Caden’s gaze softened, but his tone remained firm. “I’m not saying he’s a criminal. But he’s in over his head. And someone’s using him—and you—to get what they want.”
Alicia shook her head, refusing to believe it. “You’re wrong. Joshua wouldn’t—”
Before she could finish, Caden’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his expression darkening. “We’re out of time.”
“What do you mean?” Alicia asked, her voice rising in