Chapter 289:

The familiar setting momentarily eased his feelings. But then he noticed Alicia discarding the leftover rib soup. He frowned.

“Did you make any for me?”

Alicia turned, meeting his gaze. “I did,” she replied steadily.

Caden’s expression hardened. “Why didn’t you let me know?” he demanded.

“You didn’t ask,” she responded. “Besides, you already brought dinner. Why would you think about eating my soup?”

Silence stretched between them. Alicia then took the leftovers outside to feed the stray animals.

Caden was surprised by Alicia’s unexpected return. He was undressing for a bath when the door opened, revealing his completely exposed physique. A flicker of amusement crossed Alicia’s face before she quickly averted her gaze.

“You’re not alone, you know,” she chided. “Show some decency.”

Caden shrugged nonchalantly. “Who knew you’d come back?”

An awkward silence filled the room. Her lingering presence, unusual given her typically hasty departures, felt unexpected. She remained stoic, ignoring him. But Caden didn’t hesitate. He strode toward her.

Alicia, usually so composed, felt unsettled by his boldness. Her eyes darted away. He stopped before her, letting the tension hang heavy in the air. Then, with casual confidence, he brushed past her and closed the door.

Alicia stood dumbfounded. She understood his tactics; he was flaunting his nakedness to provoke her—a classic Caden move, relying on his impudent charm. Exasperated, yet intrigued, she glanced at the robot, an idea forming. Turning back to Caden, she said steadily, “How about we sleep together tonight?”

Caden, startled, questioned his hearing. Alicia, known for her fierceness, not flirtation, making such a proposition was astonishing. Yet, Caden was always up for a challenge.