Chapter 157

Caden finished the fruit and stated firmly, "Forks. Continue." Alicia observed silently for the remainder of the meeting. Chain operated with mechanical precision, his thoughts seamlessly translating into speech. He identified each problem with ease, immediately proposing solutions. Such keen intellect and skill naturally drew attention, a quality Caden embodied more than most. Alicia found herself drawn to him, a fact she hadn't fully acknowledged. Caden was accustomed to such attention.

However, Alicia's presence in that charged environment tested his resolve. Despite his usual self-discipline, he faltered. He leaned close, whispering in her ear, “Be careful with me, Mrs. Bennett. I’m getting hard.”

Alicia stood motionless for a moment, then lowered her gaze. Her cheeks flushed as she looked up again. Caden recognized his effect on her. He ended the meeting prematurely to regain control.

Alicia finally relaxed, breathing deeply. “I didn’t know you were so sensitive,” she said. “All I did was look at you.”

Desire gleamed in Caden’s eyes. “Think about it,” he murmured. “How long has it been since we last slept together?”

Alicia considered this. He began counting on his fingers. Their last encounter, a transgression of rules, counted as three. Yesterday's absence made today their fifth day apart.

“It’s only been five days,” she replied.

Caden’s smile broadened. “Five days may not seem like much, but once you’ve experienced it, everything changes. Try going five days without something your body craves.”

Alicia raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious. “Are you that desperate? Before we were together, did you indulge yourself nightly?”

Caden’s jaw tightened. The urge to possess her nearly overwhelmed him, but he remembered his evening commitments. He suppressed his frustration.

“It’s the weekend. I’ve ordered a dress for you. It will arrive soon; you’ll wear it to the banquet.”

Alicia nodded slightly. “Was it expensive?”

Caden met her gaze directly. “I’m not like Joshua. When it comes to you, I don’t hold back. Money is not an issue.”

The mention of Joshua stung, and Alicia’s smile faltered. “I don’t want you to be like him. But I still want you to have what he has.”

Caden, initially unfazed, scoffed. “What does he have that I don’t? A clueless mother, a psychotic father, and an impulsive fiancée?”

Alicia looked into his eyes. “Your father doesn’t hit you for no reason,” she said calmly.

Caden froze. Alicia’s calm expression made him reconsider, but he maintained his composure. A tightness settled in Alicia’s chest.

“I’m not pitying you,” she said. “I just don’t understand why you let Jerald treat you like that.”

Caden had reasons, yet he questioned why he was enduring this. “I have my reasons. Jerald is still useful to me, and his insults don’t affect me,” he said calmly.

“They don’t affect you at all?” Alicia asked.

Caden didn’t answer, his gaze intense. Seeing his nervousness, Alicia said, “Never mind. Forget I said anything.”

Caden’s grip tightened. In a cold tone, he said, “Knowing that I share his blood makes me sick.”

A sharp pain pierced Alicia’s chest. She couldn’t fathom the depth of Caden’s plans, the secrets he kept, the horrors he’d faced growing up. His childhood must have been filled with suffering and loss; his father’s neglect and his mother’s early death leaving an indelible mark. How could he not crave affection?

In a low voice, he began, “When I fell into the pool in the…”