Chapter 430:

Alicia’s face flushed crimson. Embarrassed, she muttered, “Can you stop talking?” Then, with a quiet smirk, she whispered, “Maybe next time, we can switch it up a bit.”

Caden’s eyes darkened with interest, his jaw tightening slightly. “That might just be the end of me,” he murmured. Alicia’s blush deepened. She’d never used anything like it before, and the thought felt both curious and uncertain.

“It sounds painful. I don’t think I can handle it,” she admitted, flustered.

“You’re tough as nails; you can manage it. Maybe you should handle that side,” Caden said, understanding her hesitation. He chuckled. “Are you scared?” he teased gently. “If you are, then you don’t have to try it. Why push yourself if you’re uncomfortable?”

Alicia felt a wave of relief. He was right; there was no need to overthink it. If she didn’t like it, she didn’t have to use it.

As they settled into the car, Caden pulled her close, his voice low. “But something tells me… you still want to try it, don’t you?”

Alicia huffed. “It’s not that I want to use it. I just thought we shouldn’t waste it since we bought it.”

Caden chuckled, raising an eyebrow. “It’s only a few bucks, Alicia. Since when are you so frugal?”

Frustrated, Alicia blurted, “Do you always have to mess with me?”

Seeing her flushed cheeks, Caden laughed, leaning in for a kiss. Alicia pushed him away, crossing her arms. “You’re clearly more experienced. So why didn’t you buy it? Why did I have to?”

Caden shrugged. “I hadn’t planned on buying it at the time.”

Alicia’s eyes narrowed. “So, you really didn’t want to use it? You jerk.”

Caden, often amused by her, chuckled. “It’s just the quality,” he explained. “I don’t trust the supermarket brands. I’ll pick some up from the pharmacy later.”

Alicia paused, realizing he had a point, her expression softening. Before she could respond, Caden added, “There’s a brand with a better feel.”

She was speechless, her cheeks pinking again.

When they arrived at Joy Mansion, Ciara was nowhere to be seen. They found Aylin, her maid. “Oh, she took Jasmine for a walk with the birds,” Aylin replied warmly. “Ever since those birds joined the family, Mrs. Ward has been in such good spirits. The last time I saw her this happy was when you were born, Mr. Ward.”

Alicia chuckled. “Seems like the birds are more of a treasure than you are, Mr. Ward,” she teased, grinning at Caden. “And honestly, I think they might be cuter, too.”

Aylin instinctively checked Caden’s expression. Normally, such comments wouldn’t be well-received, but Caden seemed unfazed. He handed Aylin a bag. “Aylin, let’s make pies together.”

Aylin beamed. “Mr. Ward, does this mean you’re staying for dinner?”