Chapter 122

Alice didn't know how to respond. Afterward, Caden lifted Alicia and carried her to the bathroom to clean up. They hadn't fully consummated their encounter, but both were exhausted, their bodies slick with sweat.

Alicia soaked in the tub while Caden showered on the other side of the transparent glass screen. The thin partition barely separated them. Caden turned off the faucet and began lathering.

Alicia leaned her head against the tub's edge and spoke clearly. “Actually, I came today to discuss our collaboration.”

Caden replied, “I know.”

Alice looked at him, her expression serious. “We need to sign a contract.”

Caden listened intently, maintaining his composure. “What stipulations do you want to include?” he asked.

Alice tapped the glass, tracing random shapes. “To collaborate effectively, we must share common goals. If one of us needs support, the other must provide it reasonably and without hesitation. There must be no deception or blackmail.”

Caden paused. “What kind of needs are you referring to?”

Alicia answered directly: “Managing Joshua, of course.”

“I understand.” He nodded. “Sounds good to me.”

Alicia continued: “The entire agreement must remain confidential.”

“Understood,” Caden said.

Alice continued drawing larger patterns on the glass. Her eyes caught something unexpected, causing her to blush and quickly avert her gaze.

“Regarding compensation, tell me your thoughts, and I’ll offer what I can.”

Caden raised an eyebrow. “Why would I need compensation from you?”

She hesitated. “The arrangement isn't equal. You'll likely contribute more, so I want to compensate you financially.”

Caden didn't immediately respond. He rinsed the soap from his body and donned a robe. Without warning, he opened the glass door.

Alice was startled. Instinctively, she submerged herself deeper, letting the bubbles conceal her chest. Caden's eyes fell upon a bite mark on her collarbone. “I don't need any compensation.”

Alicia understood Caden wasn't short of money, but she still felt guilty. “You're already at a disadvantage in this society. And, well, whenever we’re intimate… you always put in the most effort. What if you tire of it and complain?”

Caden was momentarily speechless. After a pause, he asked, “Do you really think I'm at a disadvantage during intimacy?”

“What else could it be?” she replied.

He wiped water from his hair, appearing thoughtful. Then, curiosity struck him. “Have you ever read those romance novels about dominating CEOs?”

Alice shook her head, the sudden movement making her dizzy. She quickly covered her face. “Those books are for teenagers. I was too busy studying,” she said, looking at him curiously. “Have you read them?”

Caden avoided a direct answer. “You should try one sometime. It might help you see that it's okay for women to be a little more dependent on men. Life doesn’t always have to be so stressful.”

He knew she’d had financial problems, and now, despite everything, she was offering him compensation.

Caden left the bathroom, leaving Alicia alone. She got out of the tub, rinsed, and dressed. They had discussed the contract terms outlining their collaboration for the coming year. However, Caden made an adjustment to the final clause, adding: “During the collaboration, Party A can make any request, and Party B must comply without hesitation. In personal matters, Party B has the right to request privacy from Party A at any time, and Party A cannot refuse except in special circumstances.”

Alice frowned. “Isn’t this just a sex trade?”

Caden took a sip of water. “Of course. Considering how much you seem to desire my body, it makes sense. Earlier on the couch, when…”

Alicia couldn't respond; she didn't need to rehash those details. The terms clearly favored her, and Caden didn't seem to mind, so she signed.

Caden spoke again. “Our private relationship must remain secret.”

Alice paused, sensing something was amiss, but nodded. “I understand.” This arrangement wasn't typical; discovery could have future consequences for him. Still, she had no intention of making it public.

With everything settled, he prepared to return to the hospital. Caden walked her to the door. “When you lived with the Yates family, what exactly did you say to Joshua to stop him from touching you?”

Alice hesitated, feeling his questioning of her honesty. Reluctantly, she replied, “I told him I was on my period.”

Caden's response was curt. “I see. Just so you know, if you ever use that excuse with me again, I'll make sure you regret it. I’ll make it so you can’t get out of bed.”

Alice was speechless. How had he fallen for her threats again?

As he was leaving, a bell rang in his pocket. Alice reached into her pocket. “How timely,” she murmured. The call, however, brought bad news. The landlord’s agitated voice boomed, “What's going on down there? There's water downstairs. Come here and open the door right now.”