Chapter 128

Alice was inexplicably shocked. The valet, noticing her reaction, removed his jacket and offered it to her. Alice, feeling uncomfortable, returned it. "I don't want you to be cold," she said.

“It’s alright. I’m not cold,” the valet replied. “You can give it back next time we meet.” Alice insisted on returning the jacket. At that moment, her phone rang. Seeing it was Caden, she felt a surge of anxiety and quickly gestured for the valet to be quiet. He complied.

Stepping back, Alice answered, "What's wrong?"

“Are you done?” Caden asked flatly.

"I'm still busy," Alice replied. "I'm at the hospital."

Caden narrowed his eyes, observing her standing by the road with the valet's jacket draped over her shoulders. His tone sharpened. “Why are you still there? It’s late.”

“I’m just taking care of things I mentioned,” Alice replied, glancing anxiously at her watch. “What do you need?”

"Nothing," he replied curtly.

“Then why did you call?” Alice asked, annoyance evident in her voice. “I’m busy.”

Caden let out a cold sneer. “Do you have plans tonight?”

Alice knew instantly what he meant. It was too late to avoid him. "Yes, I'm planning on spending the night at the hospital."

Caden's face hardened. "Alice, look across the street," he instructed.

Alice frowned. “What?” she asked before looking. He had already spotted the black Maybach. The family emblem made her heart pound; the license plate confirmed her fears. Caden was visible in the car window, holding his phone, looking at her.

Alice froze, then quickly feigned nonchalance. "What's across the street? I can't see anything. I have to go."

“Stay here,” Caden ordered.

She fell silent. There was no logical reason for her fear, yet his words felt like a knife to her throat. He remained on the line.

Caden's voice grew colder. “Do I have to come myself?”

She replied without hesitation: “I’ll go. Stay there.”

The call ended. Alice returned the jacket to the valet, quickly excusing herself, and then started walking toward Caden's car. They were only a few feet apart; he walked slowly, mentally preparing himself.

Once she composed herself, she approached the car. But Caden's sharp gaze seemed to crumble her resolve. Alice thought it ridiculous. Why was I afraid of him?

Despite her thoughts, her hand instinctively moved towards the back door.

Caden glanced at her. “Get in the front.”

Alice hesitated. “I prefer the back. It's more spacious.”

“Are you afraid of me?” Caden asked.

She didn't answer. Of course, she wasn't. Alicia withdrew her hand and confidently sat in the passenger seat.

Caden remained silent, starting the car and driving away.

Alice asked hesitantly, "Did you see everything?"

Caden kept his eyes on the road, his expression unreadable. “Are you afraid I saw something you didn't want me to see?”

Alice felt an inexplicable fear, though she couldn't identify its source. Still, she held firm. “There was nothing in our agreement requiring loyalty. What I do personally shouldn't be a problem, right?”

Caden agreed, surprisingly calm. Alice felt a mixture of surprise and relief. They were business partners, not romantically involved; he had no reason to be concerned about her personal life.

The car stopped briefly. “I’m getting something,” Caden said, his expression neutral.

Alicia agreed, choosing not to ask.

Reaching the apartment, Alicia turned to Caden. “Have you eaten?”

“Yes,” he replied, handing her a pair of women's slippers. “Take a shower.”

Alice looked into his eyes. A fierce wildness burned within them. That intensity seemed to roar, fueled by desire. An uneasy feeling washed over her, and she quickly looked away, heading to the bathroom.

Mid-shower, Caden entered. He approached, undressing until completely naked. Alice blushed, stepping back, instinctively shielding herself.

“Caden, what are you doing…?”

Before she could finish, his kisses silenced her, the sound of running water a backdrop to their embrace. The shower's spray continued, steam filling the space, obscuring their intertwined figures. After forty minutes, Caden stopped. He lifted Alice, flushed, carried her to the bed, and gently laid her down. Then he produced what he'd bought earlier.

Alice trembled. Her vision cleared slowly, but she heard a faint tinkling sound. What was that? Were they…wrists?

Caden pressed his body against hers, grabbed her wrists, and secured them with something cold. Alice's eyes focused; they were handcuffs.