Chapter 416

He was fortunate to wake up in time to catch Alicia's flight. As she settled into her first-class seat, Caden confidently entered the cabin. She immediately sat up straighter. He chuckled.

"Are you that scared of me?"

Alicia didn't respond, but shifted from the edge of her seat, trying to appear unfazed. Caden sat down beside her, his demeanor calm.

"Don't worry. I'm not some lovesick puppy, obsessed with you."

Alicia's expression remained unreadable. "Do you actually believe that?"

Caden raised an eyebrow. "You have my weakness in your hands. So why are you still afraid of me?" Alicia remained silent. Caden handed her a bag.

"I'm just returning your clothes."

Alicia accepted it without comment. "Alright, you can go now."

Caden teased, "Why did you leave a suit for me?"

Alicia offered a sarcastic grin. "What do you think?" She had morning errands, but his firm grip had prevented her escape, forcing her to leave her coat with him.

"You're quite the performer," Alicia said, amusement coloring her voice. "If I weren't so seasoned, your 'can't live without me' routine might have actually made me cry."

Caden clicked his tongue. "Must you always be so sarcastic?"

Alicia shrugged. "Isn't that what draws you to me?"

Caden couldn't disagree. His attraction wasn't based on compliance; it was her sharpness and wit that captivated him.

Just then, Blake approached with a flight attendant, who was there to take their meal orders. Blake had come to check on Alicia. When he saw Caden, his expression darkened.

"Mr. Ward, why do you have so much free time?"

Caden responded casually, "What else is there to do on a plane, knit you a sweater?" Blake was speechless.

Sensing the tension, Alicia asked, "What's going on between you two?"

Blake, ever direct, answered, "Yesterday, I bought you a coat, and Caden said he'd deliver it. But this morning, I found it discarded in the trash."

Alicia was silent. Caden remained unapologetic, his tone calm.

"That coat didn't suit Alicia's style. Throwing it away was a polite gesture."

His comment was a clear insult. Blake's face reddened.

"That was from the top brand in the local store. At least I got Alicia something. What did you contribute?"

Caden flashed a sly smile and turned to Alicia with a meaningful look. "Ms. Bennett, what did I bring you last night?"

Alicia met Caden's mischievous gaze. "A nightmare, and a performance that nearly brought me another."

Caden was momentarily speechless.