Chapter 2 Just Friends

Nadine gazed at the woman who tried clinging to Caden.

As Nadine remained silent, Caden quickly explained, "Nadine, this is Milly Hayes. She's the friend I told you about on the phone. We ran into each other last night. Both of us had a bit too much to drink, so we stayed at the hotel."

Nadine sensed something more complex in Caden's relationship with Milly.

Caden had revealed his impotence on their wedding day, suggesting a marriage of convenience.

Despite her disappointment, Nadine had accepted the situation, knowing that their marriage was merely an alliance of their families.

She had treated Caden with compassion since they got married. Caden had always seemed appreciative and kind, but now, his actions felt like a betrayal.

"Ran into each other? Quite a coincidence," Nadine observed, studying Milly, who calmly stood close to Caden, not even considering how inappropriate it was that she had held the hand of a married man earlier.

Caden quickly added, "Nadine, believe me. We're just friends, like buddies."

Nadine scoffed softly, "Buddies?"

Unperturbed, Milly chimed in, "Yes, we're good friends. What else would we be?"

Nadine was not naive. Their intimate hand-holding suggested more than a friendship.

Milly's brazen attitude only heightened Nadine's discomfort, leading her to ask herself. When did this start? Had Caden been lying to her ever since?

As Nadine pondered their past, finding no signs of deceit, Milly's sly grin deepened. "You're Nadine, aren't you? Caden's mentioned you. I think I saw you at the hotel's rooftop elevator last night."

Upon hearing Milly's remark, Nadine felt her heart flutter with unease.

She recalled the moment before entering the elevator, hearing Caden call out.

Was it her name or... Milly's he called with such passion?

"You were at the hotel last night? What were you doing there?"

Caden's tone sharpened as he grasped Nadine's hand, his demeanor defensive and confrontational.

Nadine worried about his reaction. Would he resort to violence if he knew she was with another man?

She urged, "Caden, let's discuss this at home."

She didn't want to disclose last night's events in front of Milly.

Caden hesitated, but Milly interjected, "Caden, why don't you bring the car around? I should leave now."

He complied, leaving Nadine and Milly alone.

Milly gazed at Nadine, a knowing smile on her lips. "How's Mr. Harper's physique?"

Nadine felt a jolt of shock but kept her composure. "I don't know what you mean," she replied.

Milly's chuckle hinted at insinuation. "No need to be shy. With Caden's... situation, it's natural you'd seek out another man."

Was Milly trying to provoke her?

Nadine's unease deepened.

Milly didn't stop there. "I saw everything. You and Mr. Harper were quite intimate, kissing and embracing passionately. He seemed pleased with you. Maybe you two... are a good match."

Nadine pondered why Milly hadn't told Caden directly. Was Milly unsure if the woman she saw was her, or was this an attempt to trap her in a lie?

Nadine's tension eased slightly at this realization. Without solid evidence, she could firmly deny any accusations. She would have time to explain to Caden later.

With this in mind, her response to Milly was cool and direct. "Miss Hayes, one should be careful with their words."

Milly, seemingly expecting this, leaned in and whispered provocatively, "You did it, yet fear the gossip?"

Unwavering, Nadine met Milly's challenge. "Unless you were hiding under my bed, you can't know what happened or didn't."

Before Milly could retort, Caden's car pulled up. Milly quickly switched to a flirtatious demeanor, playfully chiding, "What took you so long?"

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Caden apologized and opened the car door for her.

Milly slid into the front seat, forcing Nadine into the back.

As the two in front conversed, Nadine disengaged, pulling out her phone.

A news alert caught her eye. "Rocshire's New Elite Warren Harper's Engagement to Rylee Brooks Threatened by Another Woman?"

The news had spread quickly.

Opening the article, Nadine saw a prominent photo of Warren, followed by her own.