Chapter 157:
Caden finished chewing the fruit and gave a firm nod. “Yes. Continue.”
Alicia remained a silent observer throughout the rest of the meeting.
Caden operated with mechanical precision. His thoughts flowed seamlessly into his speech. He identified every problem with ease and immediately proposed solutions. Someone with such sharp intellect and skill naturally drew attention.
Caden embodied this quality more than most.
Alicia found herself drawn to him without even noticing. Caden was familiar with the way people looked at him.
However, holding Alicia close in the heated atmosphere tested his resolve, and despite his usual self-discipline, he began to falter.
He tilted his head and spoke close to her ear. “Go easy on me, Ms. Bennett. I’m getting hard.”
Alicia froze for a moment, then lowered her eyes without thinking.
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Her cheeks blushed as she glanced up again.
Caden understood the effect she had on him. He wrapped up the meeting early to stop himself from losing control.
Alicia finally relaxed, taking a deep breath. “I didn’t realize you were so sensitive. All I did was look at you.”
Desire sparked in Caden’s eyes. “Think about it. How long has it been since we last slept together?”
Alicia thought for a moment.
She started counting on her fingers.
The last time, he broke the rules, so their last encounter counted as three.
He had been too busy yesterday and didn’t come home, so including today, it had only been five days.
“It’s only been five days,” she replied.
Caden’s smirk widened. “Five days might not sound like much, but once you’ve experienced it, everything changes. Try going five days without something your body craves.”
Alicia raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious. “You’re that desperate? Before we got together, were you indulging every night?”
Caden’s jaw tightened slightly.
His impulse to have her right then almost got the better of him, but he remembered his commitments later that day. He pushed his frustration aside.
“It’s the weekend. I’ve ordered a gown for you. It’ll arrive soon, and you’ll wear it to the banquet.”
Alicia gave him a slight nod.
“Was it expensive?”
Caden met her gaze directly.
“I’m not like Joshua. When it comes to you, I don’t hold back. Money isn’t an issue.”
The mention of Joshua stung, and Alicia’s smile faded.
“I don’t want you to be him. But I still want you to have what he has.”
Caden didn’t catch on right away and scoffed.
“What does he have that I don’t? A clueless mother, a psychotic father, and an impulsive fiancée?”
Alicia looked him in the eye.
“His father doesn’t hit him without a reason,” she said calmly.
Caden froze for a moment.
Alicia’s calm expression made him reconsider his response, but he kept his composure.
Alicia felt a tightness in her chest.
“I’m not pitying you. I just don’t understand why you let Jerald treat you like this.”
Caden had every reason to fight back. Why was he putting up with it?
“I have my reasons. Jerald’s still useful to me, and his insults don’t affect me,” Caden said calmly.
“They don’t affect you at all?” Alicia asked.
Caden didn’t respond, simply looking at her with a hardened gaze.
Seeing as he seemed to be on edge, Alicia remarked, “Never mind. Forget I said anything.”
Caden’s grip tightened as he spoke in a cold tone.
“Knowing I share his blood makes me sick.”
Alicia felt a sharp pain in her chest.
She couldn’t understand the depth of Caden’s plans or the secrets he held.
She didn’t know what horrors he had faced growing up. It must’ve been filled with suffering and loss.
His father had never cared for him, and his mother passed away when he was still vulnerable.
How could it not leave a mark on him?
How could he not long for affection?
In a quiet voice, she said, “When I fell into the pool at the…”
