Chapter 60

Sheila flinched, uneasiness washing over her. She worried Caden might have overheard her, but Jerald's presence reassured her. What could Caden do? She would play along.

Smiling, she said, “Caden, it’s pouring. Why don’t you stay awhile? Skip the office and have dinner with Jerald.”

Expecting a refusal, she was surprised by his simple, “Okay.”

She stared, momentarily stunned. He raised an eyebrow. “Were you expecting me to refuse?”

Sheila forced a smile. “No, no. I’m just…glad you’re staying. It’s so weird.”

Caden stood stone-faced, seeing through her pretense. Impatient, he returned to the guest room without comment.

Alice hobbled to her room, examining her bruised knee. It wasn’t serious, but a bruise was forming. She sighed. Karma seemed swift for her, but why had Caden faced no consequences for his actions?

She found some clothes left from before the divorce and headed to the bathroom, overwhelmed by Joshua's belongings. Her stomach churned. She closed the door and sought another room.

The upstairs rooms were private; she chose one at random. Pushing open the door, she froze. Caden stood by the bathroom door, in his underwear, hands at his waist, about to lower them when he saw her.

He stood still, his sharp eyes fixed on hers. Alicia stood stunned, unable to look away from his almost perfect physique. She was speechless, mesmerized by his impeccable form, a shame considering his personality.

For a moment, she remained frozen. When it was clear she wouldn't avert her gaze, he slowly pulled up his underwear. “Enjoying the view?” he joked.

Alice blinked, returning to reality. He smirked. “Just watching, huh? It’s more fun if you touch.”

Her face flushed. She quickly looked at his face. “What are you doing here?”

He shrugged nonchalantly. “Is this your room?”

She didn’t answer; it wasn’t. She’d chosen a room at random. Running into him was pure coincidence.

Ignoring the tension, Caden gently opened the bathroom door. His deep, suggestive voice filled the room. “Since you’re here, would you like to take a shower together?”

Her mind raced, reliving past encounters. She’d gotten away with it twice. Giving in again meant no turning back.

Alice shook her head. “Go ahead. I don’t feel comfortable with another person around.”

He turned toward the door. Approaching footsteps reached his ears. She hesitated; it was likely a maid. Her instincts led her to quickly close the door again. Being trapped with Caden would create rumors. This wasn't a hotel; it was the Yates Mansion, rife with gossip. Joshua discovering this would be disastrous.

A knock came at the door.

"Mr. Ward, the clothes you ordered have arrived," the maid called.

Alice stepped back, making room for Caden. She grabbed a towel, wrapped it around her waist, and called, “Leave them at the door.” The maid complied, and the hallway fell silent.

Only then did Caden open the door to retrieve the clothes.

Leaning against the wall, Alice asked curiously, “Why bother with the towel if you weren't going to let her in?”

Caden looked at her. “To protect me from you.”

Alice blinked, speechless.

Without hesitation, Caden tossed the clothes aside and removed his towel. His physique again caught her attention.

He cleared his throat. “And now you're not protecting yourself from me?”

Caden scoffed. “Think before you speak. Do you expect me to shower with a towel on?”

Again, Alice was speechless.

Caden walked to the bathroom, his voice indifferent. “I’ll shower first, then it’ll be your turn.”

Alice hesitated. "I think I'll go back to my room."

Caden raised an eyebrow. “Oh? In that case, are you okay with everyone assuming we’re hooking up?”

Her face flushed.

“I’ll be careful,” he muttered, touching his nose.

He smiled. “If you’re really worried, jumping out the window might be your safest bet. Why are you so nervous around me? Are you too trusting?”

His irritation grew. Instead of leaving, he sat stubbornly, wanting to see who would succumb to temptation first.

Tiredness weighed on her. She’d been on edge since arriving at the Yates mansion. The rhythmic shower and silence lulled her. A yawn escaped.

The wet clothes clung to her skin, making her feel hot and sleepy. Her eyes grew heavy, and soon she couldn't keep them open.

Just as sleep claimed her, a sharp pain woke her. She gasped, finding herself in the tub. Caden knelt beside her, tending to her injured knee.