Chapter 288:

Frustrated, he flipped his phone face down, closed his eyes, and pinched the bridge of his nose.

The following afternoon, Alicia returned to Warrington. Several days on the road had taken a toll on her diet, leaving her with an upset stomach. She decided to cook a light dinner.

As she prepared the meal, her thoughts drifted to that stubborn man. After a brief hesitation, she called him.

Caden answered cheerfully, "What's up, busy philanthropist?" His light, teasing tone only fueled Alicia's resentment.

"Have you had dinner?" she asked.

"No," he replied.

"Would you like to come over for dinner?"

A pause followed. Then Caden said, "Are you trying that old trick again, Alicia? Do you think I'm that easy to fool?"

Alicia didn't respond immediately. Finally, she exhaled and said, "Suit yourself."

She bought fresh ribs and made rib soup. Even after she finished eating, Caden hadn't arrived. She filled a bowl for Cade, her dog. As Cade happily ate, wagging his tail, a smile spread across her face.

"You're definitely cuter than Caden," she murmured.

No sooner had she spoken than she heard the door unlock. The man who entered, far less adorable than her dog, stood in the doorway. Caden looked surprised; he hadn't expected her to actually cook dinner.

The aroma of the rib soup wafted towards him, stirring his hunger. He'd brought takeout from an upscale restaurant—visually appealing and fragrant, yet it paled in comparison to Alicia's homemade soup.

Silence hung between them. After washing his hands, Caden approached the dining table. He saw only an empty bowl, realizing he wasn't expected to share the meal. His face fell as he opened his takeout container and began eating alone.

Soon, Cade finished his meal. Alicia gathered her dishes and started washing them. From the corner of his eye, Caden watched her move around the kitchen.