Chapter 417

After their argument, a flight attendant hesitantly approached. "Excuse me, sir, madam, would you like a drink?" The argument paused as both men settled. Alicia simply requested warm water; the flight was short. Having missed breakfast, Caden ordered a substantial meal, rich in carbohydrates and protein.

Alicia glanced at him. "Is that enough?"

Caden raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"You slept for over ten hours last night, and nothing much happened. Do you really think eating meat will alleviate your weakness?"

Alicia then turned to the flight attendant. "Could you bring some vitamins for Mr. Ward?"

The flight attendant looked puzzled. "I'm sorry, ma'am, we don't provide vitamins."

Blake chuckled, amused by the situation. The flight attendant blushed, slightly embarrassed. "Shall I bring another drink instead?"

Caden, maintaining a straight face, replied, "No need. There will be plenty of vitamins once we land."

The flight attendant remained silent, unsure how to respond. Blake, deciding against pressing the matter, stood up. "I'll see if I have any vitamins in my bag." He didn't, of course; his goal was to subtly tease Caden. "If I don't find any, would you like some multivitamins? They're great for boosting energy."

Caden was speechless. After Blake left, Caden whispered, "Am I really that weak in your eyes?"

Alicia calmly sipped her water, considering his question before replying, "How could you sleep that long if you weren't weak?"

"I've been to five cities this month, attended eight events, and handled countless project issues. I count myself lucky I didn't collapse from lack of sleep last night," Caden retorted.

"Okay," Alicia replied, her tone teasing. She knew Caden's state perfectly well; her aim was simply to provoke him slightly in front of Blake. What truly bothered Caden wasn't Alicia's teasing, but Blake's presence and Alicia's openness. Hadn't she been so reserved just a month ago? Now, even their private jokes were on display.

Caden casually picked up a magazine and began flipping through it. Affecting indifference, he asked, "Has Blake expressed his feelings to you?"

Alicia nearly choked on her water. "Why would he do that?"

Caden replied, "Haven't you noticed his feelings for you?"

Alicia paused. "I haven't seen any signs of his interest, but you seem…off."

"Be careful around him," Caden warned, his tone serious. "He's not what he seems." He turned the magazine page, landing on a personality analysis chart. "Sneaky, manipulative, deeply calculating, all behind a mask of politeness—that sums up Blake pretty well."