Chapter 84

Alicia started and spun around. Caden had silently moved behind her. His gaze was as cold as ice.

Feeling a surge of guilt, she almost dropped her cup. Forcing a smile, she asked, “Didn’t I ask you to stay in the kitchen? What are you doing here?”

Caden replied ominously, “If I hadn’t come, would I have discovered the big surprise you’ve prepared for me?”

Alicia was speechless. Though her prank had been impromptu, she remained cautious. She managed to catch herself, however, sensing the icy tension radiating from Caden. With a reluctant sigh, she poured the toilet water down the drain, stood up straight, put her hands behind her back, bowed her head, and remained silent.

Caden towered over her, his broad chest making him even more imposing. His expression hardened, resembling a strict schoolteacher reprimanding a misbehaving student. Alicia remained silent and obedient, but her defiant posture betrayed her unwillingness to back down. She stared at his hand.

“Why are you still holding that cup?” he asked. “Are you going to refill it when I leave you alone?”

Alicia’s lips twitched as she threw the cup aside. She knew Caden was angry, but years of knowing him had desensitized her to his worst moods. Her curiosity prevailed. “How did you know I was planning a prank?”

Caden felt a wave of nausea recalling the scene. Initially unsuspecting, a gut feeling had urged him to check on Alicia. Seeing her fetching water from the toilet, his expression darkened. He was relieved he’d arrived when he did. He wondered what would have happened otherwise. Honestly, she was looking forward to the pear soup; her obsessive cleanliness would have made her vomit for days had she accidentally consumed it. His voice icy, he said tersely, “Wash your hands thoroughly before returning to the kitchen.”

“You still haven’t explained how you knew!” Alice commented.

Caden snapped, “Your stupid eyes gave you away!”

“Your eyes are even sillier!” Alice retorted angrily.

After the incident, Caden scrutinized her every move, and Alicia remained wary. She maintained control of her behavior. Soon, the shrimp were finished cooking; Alicia even managed a dipping sauce. The dish was a vibrant mix of color, aroma, and flavor. Caden watched her skillful movements, aware of the time and practice she’d dedicated to this routine—all for Joshua.

Picking up a plate, Alicia quickly recoiled, realizing the rim was too hot. Caden effortlessly intervened, lifting the plate with one hand. Alicia touched her ear and retrieved the cutlery. The dining table was small; they sat at a comfortable distance.

Hungry, Alicia dove into her food, eating slowly, gracefully, and confidently. With a shrimp in her mouth, she looked at the motionless Caden.

“Why aren’t you eating?” he asked tentatively. “Is it not to your liking?” He’d seemed satisfied earlier, while she cooked. Maintaining a neutral expression, he asked, “Is it too hot?”

Alicia moved the food around in her mouth, blowing lightly. “Forks,” she said.

“So tell me: if I put my hand on the plate, would it burn?”

Alice found his question strange, cocking her head in confusion. Instinctively, she looked at her hands—they were empty. Then it hit her. “Oh, I’m just used to serving myself.”

Her comment unexpectedly softened Caden’s demeanor. He stood and took the cutlery. Noticing Caden savoring his food, Alice saw her opportunity. “When will you give me the rest?”

Caden continued eating calmly. “The work isn’t finished yet. There’s no need to hurry.”

Alice counterattacked: “But you promised you wouldn’t sleep with me!”

Caden looked up slightly. “I wasn’t saying that. I was referring to the pear soup.”

Alice was momentarily speechless. Frustrated, she exclaimed, “Can you please stop giving me mixed signals?”

Caden replied calmly, “Which of my words misled you? Did I say anything that alluded to sex?”

Alice replied, “You knew exactly what you were suggesting.”

“I can’t speak for that, but your mind certainly seems to wander,” Caden replied after a leisurely sip of soup. “But I understand. With my abilities, it’s only natural that women can’t resist me after we’ve been intimate.”

His comment left Alice speechless. Did that imply numerous past relationships? She gripped her fork tightly. “Have you been with many?”

Caden smirked. “What do you think?”

Alice studied his handsome face. He looked like a playboy, possibly with illegitimate children and STDs scattered across the globe. The fact that she’d lost her virginity to someone so potentially vile made her uncomfortable.

When he brought the pear soup, her movements were clumsy. “Eat this and then pay off your debt to me,” he said impatiently.

Noticing his irritated expression, Caden remained motionless. “I’m too exhausted,” he replied.

Alice frowned. “What do you mean by that?”

“Feed me,” he said.