Chapter 458:

Caden shook his head, amusement dancing in his eyes. "You've really been watching too much television," he teased. He'd planned a romantic evening with Alicia, but an urgent call from Hank dashed his hopes. A pressing company matter demanded his immediate attention.

Frustrated, Caden began to dress, his annoyance evident. Alicia, looking equally unhappy, pulled on her clothes, concealing the traces of their intimacy. "Will you be back tonight?" she asked, a hint of disappointment coloring her voice.

"Not sure," Caden replied, fastening his cufflinks. "If it gets too late, don't wait up—just go to bed."

She recalled his teasing earlier and smirked. "I won't wait for you. If you don't make it back, I'll go out with Monica and have some fun. That nightclub sends me special offers every week."

Caden finished buttoning his shirt and tossed her a card with a flick of his wrist. "My woman doesn't settle for cheap deals. Order the most expensive male escorts at full price and let them treat you like the queen you are."

Alicia, in a playful mood, picked up the card and grinned. "Thank you, Mr. Ward. I'll be sure to follow you well into the next life."

Caden gave her a sidelong glance. Even knowing she wouldn't actually pursue other men, the thought still irked him.

Alicia did meet with Monica, but instead of hiring escorts, they dined, drank, and danced the night away. After Monica went home, Alicia stopped at an ATM. Parked by the roadside, with the night air flowing through her open window, she texted Caden: "Are you off work yet?"

Ten minutes later, his reply: "Miss me already?" She was already out of the car by then, entering the Holt Group, a bag of snacks in hand, heading straight for the CEO's office.

She knocked; the door was slightly ajar. Through the gap, she saw Caden alone. "Come in," he called, his tone cool and composed.

Alicia entered. "Good evening, Mr. Ward." Caden looked up, his eyes darkening at the sight of her, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips. "Are you done playing outside?"

Alicia feigned exhaustion, though her neat appearance belied any intimacy with others. "Yes, yes. It was nothing special, though. None of those boy toys could match your skills, Mr. Ward."

She placed the snacks on his desk and settled onto his lap, a rare display of forwardness that proved effective. Caden's fatigue instantly vanished, replaced by excitement. He'd even forgotten his previous work. He buried his face in her neck, inhaling deeply. "How many boys did you play around with tonight?"

His morning shave was already showing a bit of stubble, tickling Alicia's skin and making her squirm in his embrace.