Chapter 122:
Alicia didn’t know how to respond.
Once Caden was done, he picked Alicia up and carried her to the bathroom to clean up. They hadn’t gone all the way, but both of them were exhausted, their bodies drenched in sweat.
Alicia soaked in the bathtub while Caden took a shower on the other side of the transparent glass partition. The distance between them was small, with just the thin partition separating them.
Caden turned off the water and began applying soap to his skin.
Alicia rested her head against the edge of the tub and spoke clearly. “Actually, the reason I came today was to talk about our collaboration.”
Caden responded, “I know.”
Alicia looked at him, speaking seriously. “We need to sign a contract.”
Caden listened attentively, maintaining his usual composed demeanor. “What do you want to include?” he asked.
Alicia tapped her fingers along the glass, tracing random shapes as she spoke. “For our collaboration, we need to have aligned goals. If one of us needs support, the other should provide it without hesitation, as long as it’s reasonable. There must be no tricks or deceit, and we must avoid any potential for blackmail.”
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Caden paused briefly and asked, “What kind of needs are you talking about?”
Alicia answered directly, “To handle Joshua, of course.”
“I see.” He gave her a simple nod. “That works for me.”
Alicia continued, “The entire arrangement must stay confidential. No one else should find out.”
“Understood,” Caden stated.
Alicia kept drawing larger patterns on the glass. As her lines grew larger, her eyes caught sight of something unexpected.
She blushed and quickly looked away.
“As for compensation, just let me know what you think, and I’ll offer what I can.”
Caden raised an eyebrow. “Why would I need compensation from you?”
She hesitated for a moment. “The arrangement isn’t equal. You’ll probably end up contributing more, so I can only try to compensate you financially.”
Caden didn’t respond right away. He rinsed the soap off his body and put on a robe.
Without warning, he opened the glass door.
Alicia was caught off guard by the sudden movement. She instinctively slid deeper into the water, allowing the bubbles to hide her chest.
Caden’s eyes fell on the bite mark along her collarbone. “I don’t need any compensation.”
Alicia understood that Caden wasn’t lacking money, but she still felt guilty. “You’re already at a disadvantage in this partnership. And, well, whenever we’re in the mood… it’s always you putting in all the effort. What if you get tired of it and start complaining?”
Caden was momentarily at a loss for words.
After a brief hesitation, he asked, “Do you actually think I’m at a disadvantage when we’re intimate?”
“What else could it be?” she replied.
He wiped some of the water from his hair, seemingly in thought.
Suddenly, curiosity struck him. “Have you ever read those romance novels about domineering CEOs?”
Alicia shook her head in response.
The sudden movement made her feel light-headed, and she quickly cupped her face to steady herself.
“Those books are for teenagers. I was too busy with my studies to read them,” she said.
She looked at Caden curiously. “Have you read them?”
Caden avoided answering directly. “You should try reading one sometime. It might help you see that it’s okay for women to rely on men a bit more. Life doesn’t always need to be so stressful.”
He knew she had been struggling financially.
And now, despite all that, she was trying to offer him compensation.
Caden stepped out of the bathroom, leaving her alone. Alicia climbed out of the tub, rinsed away the bubbles, and got dressed.
They had discussed the terms of the contract, which outlined their collaboration for the next year.
Caden, however, made some adjustments to the final clause. He added, “During the collaboration, Party A may make any request, and Party B must comply without hesitation. In personal matters, Party B has the right to seek intimacy from Party A at any time, and Party A cannot refuse except under special circumstances.”
Alicia frowned and asked, “Isn’t this just a sex trade?”
Caden took a sip of water. “Of course. Considering how much you seem to want my body, it fits. Earlier on the sofa, when you—”
Alicia couldn’t respond to Caden’s comment. He had really no need to bring up those details.
The terms were clearly in her favor, and Caden didn’t seem to mind, so Alicia decided there was no reason to hesitate.
She picked up the pen and signed her name.
Caden spoke again. “Our private relationship must stay a secret.”
Alicia paused, sensing that something was off. Even so, she nodded and said, “I understand.”
This arrangement wasn’t a typical relationship. If anyone found out, it could have consequences for him in the future.
Alicia wasn’t planning on making anything public anyway.
With everything settled, she began preparing to return to the hospital.
Caden walked her to the door. “When you were living with the Yates family, what exactly did you tell Joshua to stop him from touching you?”
Alicia hesitated, feeling like he was questioning her honesty. After a moment, she reluctantly answered, “I told him I was on my period.”
Caden’s response was curt. “I see. Just so you know, if you ever use that excuse on me, I’ll make sure you regret it. I’ll make it so you can’t get out of bed.”
Alicia was left at a loss for words.
How did she manage to get caught up in his threats again?
As she was stepping out, a ringing sound came from her pocket.
Alicia reached into her pocket. “Great timing,” she muttered.
However, the call turned out to be bad news.
Her landlord’s voice sounded agitated. “What’s going on over there? There’s water flooding the apartment below yours! Get over here and open the door right now!”
