Chapter 431:

Caden raised an eyebrow. “I’ve eaten here before. Why the excitement?”

Realizing she’d overreacted, Aylin laughed. “It’s just that you’re hardly home, and when you are, you leave right after eating. Mrs. Ward always talks about you with me afterward.”

Caden waved her off casually. “Get back to your work.” After washing his hands, he turned to Alicia. “Show me how to make pies.”

Alicia demonstrated, and Caden quickly mastered it. “Isn’t there something more challenging?” he asked, unimpressed.

With a smirk, Alicia replied, “If you’re that bored, why not build a tower with these ingredients?”

Caden smiled humbly. “Thank you, but I don’t think I have the skill for that.”

Watching them, Aylin sighed with a soft smile. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen Mr. Ward this relaxed. Does it indicate something?”

Caden shot her a look. “You need to stop reading those cheesy romance novels, Aylin.”

Aylin rolled her eyes.

Over an hour later, Ciara and Jasmine returned from their walk. Approaching the house, they heard Alicia’s voice from the side room, playful exasperation coloring her tone. “Caden, are you out of your mind? Be gentler!”

Ciara, instantly understanding, quickly held Jasmine back with a knowing smile, gesturing for silence. She sensed it best not to interrupt.

Inside, Caden’s mildly annoyed voice responded. “I am being gentle enough. Any gentler, and this won’t work.”

“You’ve already made a mess of it!” Alicia replied, frustrated.

There was a brief silence, followed by a sharp sound as something hit the table. Alicia’s voice rose. “Did you hear that?”

Ciara held her breath, exchanging an awkward look with Jasmine. Both thought things were getting out of hand.

Caden’s voice remained calm. “Yes, I heard. I’m adjusting.”

After a short pause, Alicia’s exasperated voice continued, “That’s too much! It’s about to spill over—take some out before it overflows!”

“Is this a little bit too much for you?” Caden asked.

“Can you stop messing around?”

“Alright, alright. I’ll take some out.”

Ciara, embarrassed, couldn’t bear it any longer. “They’re going way too far! There’s even a child in the house. Aren’t they worried he might come downstairs and see?”

Jasmine stifled a laugh. “But look at Mr. Ward — he’s so compliant! I never realized he was so quick to compromise.”

Ciara snorted. “Men always are in those situations. Once their pants are back on, they’re a different person.”

Jasmine frowned, puzzled. “But… something feels off. Shouldn’t there be more noise if that’s what they’re up to?”

Ciara paused, her curiosity piqued. Moments later, she heard Alicia’s cheerful voice. “Aylin, you’re amazing! Your technique is even better than mine!” Aylin’s humble response followed. “Thank you, Ms. Bennett. You’re too kind.”

Ciara’s eyes widened in shock.