Chapter 486:

Alicia’s smirk turned icy. He still thought he'd be getting into bed tonight? Not a chance. "The second slap doesn't need to be on your face," she replied coolly. Her gaze dropped meaningfully, making him break into a cold sweat. After a pause, he surrendered. "Fine. Go ahead. Slap my face again."

Alicia didn't hold back, delivering a quick second slap. Caden took it without a word, then sat quietly on the sofa. Alicia reached into her bag, pulling out the dress he'd bought for her. It was chic and beautiful, reflecting his thoughtful taste. As she slipped it on, she noticed it matched his outfit—a perfectly coordinated look for the evening. Her frustration softened, almost vanishing, as she glanced at him. Caden, unfazed by the red marks on his face, casually flipped through her work documents.

Alicia walked over, the hem of her dress swaying. Caden looked up, momentarily captivated. He'd known, upon first seeing the dress, that it was made for her. Her rose-tinted complexion made the fabric appear even more stunning than on any mannequin. The dress hugged her figure elegantly, leaving him breathless.

Alicia cleared her throat, snapping him out of his admiration. "Let's go."

Caden stood and pulled a small box from his pocket. "There's something I haven't given you yet." Alicia’s eyes drifted to the velvet box, her mind racing. A ring? The thought lingered, her gaze fixed on the box, emotions simmering beneath the surface. Caden's thumb hovered over the seam, about to open it, but he paused, noticing the intensity of her expression. A slight smile played on his lips. "Care to guess what's inside?"

Alicia's curiosity was piqued. "How would I know? Just show me already." She was eager to see what lay within, wondering about the style, the size—if it was a diamond, what kind. Questions swirled, quickening her heartbeat. Seeing her anticipation, Caden felt a sudden hesitation. Perhaps what was inside wasn't what she'd hoped for.

After a beat, he opened the box. Inside, a pair of lustrous pearl earrings glimmered, their pristine white surfaces gleaming. Alicia’s expression faltered; a hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes before she quickly masked it with a smile. "Earrings. Did you pick these out?" Though she tried to hide her reaction, Caden noticed the disappointment. "Yes," he murmured, brushing aside her hair. "Let me put them on for you."

Alicia nodded, leaning toward him as he gently secured the pearls. The evening's outfit was perfectly understated; the clothes and jewelry added just the right amount of elegance without being flashy. As Alicia composed herself, Caden lingered, his fingers tracing the curve of her hair. "Were you expecting a ring just now?" he asked.