Chapter 156

Caden, engrossed in work at home, received a call from Jerald. Alicia, lying beside him, prepared for her lessons. Hearing Jerald's voice, she discreetly retreated to the soundproof balcony to give Caden privacy. She hoped to concentrate on her preparations, but Caden's focus soon wavered. His thoughts drifted back to the room, and unable to resist, he glanced inside.

Although she couldn't hear the conversation, Alicia clearly saw Caden's expression. His occasional lip movements indicated responses, but his demeanor remained largely unchanged. However, her long acquaintance with Caden allowed her to perceive his displeasure; Jerald's words were harsh. Alicia knew Jerald's temperament well—regardless of Caden's success, he remained the unappreciated son. True to form, Jerald's scolding escalated to physical violence, the blows seemingly delivered without regard for Caden's well-being.

Alicia absently flipped through her book, her attention returning to the room when Caden hung up. He appeared calm, quickly resuming his work. Uncertain of his mood, Alicia avoided direct questions, busying herself with various tasks—fiddling with a vase, examining the bookshelf, and filling a glass with water. Caden remained focused, not looking up. Alicia watched him silently, assuming it was nothing serious; otherwise, he would have shown his temper. Her worry about his mood seemed unwarranted; she shouldn't care.

Feeling like an intruder, she began cutting fruit. After taking a bite, she leaned against the wall, glancing at the desk only to find Caden gone. Puzzled, she wondered where he had gone when she felt a presence behind her.

"What are you looking for?" Caden's deep voice echoed.

She turned, clearly displeased. "Can't you make some noise when you walk?"

"Am I walking too quietly, or are you just too distracted to notice?" Caden asked nonchalantly, picking up a piece of fruit and popping it in his mouth. "Why are you sneaking around?"

"I'm not lurking," Alicia replied.

Caden savored the mango, then lifted Alicia onto his lap at his desk, inviting her to feed him. Accustomed to his ways, she readily obliged, offering him piece after piece. When Caden joined an audio conference, his mouth quickly filled with fruit. Before he could chew, Alicia shoved another piece in, creating a rapid-fire feeding frenzy.

Keeping a deadpan expression, Caden commented, "Aren't you just going to shove the whole plate in my mouth?"

Alice was speechless, realizing her haste when she noticed mango juice staining her chin. She slowed down, taking a piece for herself. Caden, hands full, prompted her to wipe the juice from his chin with a tissue.

Caden cocked his head. Alicia blinked, reminding him, "There's juice on the corner of your mouth."

Caden muted the microphone and looked at her. "You don't need a tissue. Just use your mouth."

A blush crept onto Alice's cheeks. Although she initially refused, Caden pulled her closer. "Why not? Are you worried that your tongue might accidentally get in my mouth?"

"Of course not! Do you think I lack self-control?" Alice retorted.

"Not exactly," Caden replied.

"It's good you should know that," Alice said.

"You really have no self-control. Sometimes I don't even have to lift a finger. Just one look at you and you get nervous," Caden teased.

Alice's cheeks burned. She whispered, "What are you talking about?"

Caden smiled. Determined to prove him wrong, she leaned over and licked the juice from his lips. Caden ceased his teasing and turned up the meeting volume.

Alice was puzzled when she heard someone speaking. "When did the meeting start?"

Caden looked at her. "It started when I brought you here."

Alice instinctively covered her mouth. "Have you heard everything we said before?" she asked, looking him in the eye.

Caden chuckled, concealing his muted microphone. "Yeah."

Mortified, Alice tried to escape, but Caden held her between the desk and his chest. "Keep feeding me. There's still fruit on the plate."

Unable to resist, Alice playfully punched him, whispering, "Let me go!"

Caden replied, "If you don't feed me, I'll have you right here."

Alice was speechless. She couldn't believe his boldness in front of his employees, yet she knew him capable of such extravagance. Reluctantly, she agreed, turning the microphone back on. She was once again speechless, shoving a large piece of fruit into her mouth with determined resolve. Caden choked slightly, causing someone to ask worriedly, "Mr. Ward, are you okay?"