Chapter 85

Alicia's face clearly showed irritation. Had Caden not taken advantage of her earlier, she might have readily agreed. After all, what was the problem with feeding someone soup? It would only take ten minutes. However, she knew Caden—a cunning fox—and suspected it would take at least half an hour. Suppressing her frustration, Alicia tried to maintain an even tone. “You’ve tormented me enough. Are you still not satisfied? We’re both busy, so eat quickly, give me what I want, and let’s part on good terms, okay?”

Caden replied sharply, "If the situation were reversed, would you let me off the hook so easily?"

Alicia was shocked. She couldn't help but imagine herself in his position. If she ever had the upper hand, forcing him to swallow his pride and beg for mercy… Normally, he exuded arrogance, constantly looking down on others. However, under her threat, he would have no choice but to obey. The thought made her want to laugh.

But reality returned, and seeing Caden's imposing face only intensified her irritation. He was enjoying this; she felt like the punchline. She clenched her fingers, the last vestiges of hesitation preventing action.

Caden nonchalantly commented, “You’ve worked so hard to get what you want. Are you really going to throw in the towel now, at the finish line?” His voice, though low and soothing, held underlying tension, seemingly adding fuel to the fire.

“Do you have any idea what I’ve done? I’ve been running around for over an hour just to please you. Can’t you at least show a little appreciation?” she asked.

Caden smiled. “Sorry, but friendliness isn’t my thing.”

Alice was speechless. He said it with such conviction. That was Caden.

Suddenly, he looked toward the kitchen. “If you don't hurry, the soup will get cold, ruining the flavor. You’ll have to make it again.”

Alicia clenched her jaw. Noticing her stubbornness, Caden calmly pulled out his phone and sent her another email. “I’ve already given you two-thirds.”

Alice pursed her lips, reluctantly heading to the kitchen. Fortunately, there was only one bowl of soup left. It wouldn't take long.

As she looked at the fragrant pear soup, regret washed over her. Making this soup to relieve his cough hadn't been her original plan. She’d simply felt sorry for him, knowing he had a cold and lacked care. Her intention had been a simple act of kindness.

Now, it seemed she'd invited trouble. The more she tried to care for Caden, the worse his attitude became.

Determinedly, she pushed the soup toward him, took a spoonful, and awkwardly brought it to his mouth. “Open up,” she ordered.

Caden commented, “You look like an evil maid tormenting a disabled old man.”

Alice countered, “If you were really disabled, I would become your male caregiver.”

“Why would you do that? Are you planning to beat me up?”

“No, I’d just take it out and piss in your mouth.”

This time, she was speechless. Where did that come from? she thought. He really lacked manners.

With time running out, she held the spoon to his mouth. “Eat it.”

Caden sighed. “Is this how you feed someone? What happened to your so-called politeness? I thought you took lessons for that.”

“I learned that from Joshua. What does that have to do with you?” Alice snapped.

Caden's expression darkened. “Oh, of course. He’s your beloved man,” he said grimly.

This time, she bit her tongue.

“So Joshua is the reason you want information about Randolph? That information won’t benefit him at all,” Caden added.

Alicia felt her heart racing. She sensed irritation in Caden, but couldn't pinpoint its source. Acting as if he knew nothing, he said pointedly, “I’m just worried that Randolph might use it to threaten Joshua. I want to help him navigate these problems.”

A wave of guilt washed over her as she studied his expression. Their relationship was already strained, and helping Joshua would only worsen it. Her mood darkened; her hand trembled, and she felt the urge to withdraw.

But then Caden ordered, “Keep feeding me.”

Surprised by his authoritarian tone, Alice felt a chill. She stirred her soup hesitantly.

As she was about to pick up the spoon, Caden added, “Feed me with your mouth.”

Alice was surprised. “Huh?”