Chapter 97:
Alicia remained silent for about ten seconds, leaving the atmosphere uncomfortably quiet.
Hank, although outwardly composed, was internally panicking, worried that Alicia might disconnect the call. After a brief pause, Alicia finally spoke.
“Caden has asked me to come over because of certain matters, correct?”
She was skeptical about Caden’s motives, but she knew Hank wasn’t foolish.
“It seems Caden has something significant to discuss,” Hank admitted, caught off guard by her directness.
“Mr. Ward didn’t provide specific reasons for the meeting. He just insisted that I ensure you’re here within twenty minutes.”
“Did he mention any particular topic?” Alicia inquired. Hank paused, then responded, “He referred to the Gray family.”
Understanding dawned on Alicia.
Lαtєst ch𝒶pt𝑒rs in gąlnovels.ċøm
She paused momentarily, contemplating.
To break the silence, Hank added somewhat jokingly, “While Mr. Ward isn’t planning a striptease, I’d be willing to perform one if that would ensure your arrival.”
Alicia chuckled at the comment but quickly became somber.
“It’s alarming how much Caden demands, pushing everyone to their limits.”
Hank felt conflicted.
The job was well-paying, but often challenging. He awkwardly reminded her, “Ms. Bennett, we only have twenty minutes, and five have already passed.”
“Alright, I’ll be there soon,” Alicia confirmed.
Hank was moved by her kindness, thinking no wonder Caden valued her presence.
Alicia arrived at the company in precisely eighteen minutes.
Hank greeted her with coffee. “Thank you, Ms. Bennett.”
Accepting the coffee, Alicia felt a twinge of guilt, pondering if her manipulations had caused Hank any issues.
“Mr. Ward is waiting.” Hank directed her onward.
Alicia nodded and proceeded.
As she passed through security, Hank glanced at the monitor and noticed something resembling a spray can in her bag.
“Ms. Bennett, is that pepper spray?” he inquired, unable to curb his curiosity about the array of items she carried, recalling how she always seemed well-prepared.
Ensuring Caden’s safety was paramount, no matter the circumstances.
Alicia was momentarily stunned, then awkwardly clarified as she touched her bag. “Oh, that’s not pepper spray.”
Finding it difficult to explain, she opted to leave her bag outside, hoping to alleviate Hank’s concerns.
Hank trusted her and didn’t take the bag. Instead, he knocked on the CEO’s office door to announce her. Both Caden and Alicia understood the purpose of their meeting clearly.
In a mix of persuasion and insistence, Caden had Alicia sit on his lap.
Feeling a bit anxious but holding her ground, Alicia cautiously inquired, “Have you decided to accompany me to the Gray family’s place?”
Caden responded with a sneer, “Just because you’re on my lap, you think I’m easily persuaded?”
Alicia paused, her gaze fixed on his lips.
She leaned closer to him.
As their lips were about to meet, Caden tilted his head, his lips brushing against her cheek as he asked, “Do you know what I want?”
Striving to maintain composure, Alicia replied, “A kiss should suffice.”
Wondering about his intentions, she looked into his probing dark eyes.
“Aren’t you worried I might take things further?” Caden probed deeply.
With instinctive confidence, Alicia responded, “You won’t.”
“And why is that?” he pressed.
“You once said you wanted my willing participation,” Alicia recalled firmly. Assertively, she added, “You won’t coerce me.”
Caden chuckled at her assertiveness, his breath warming her face and sending a shiver through her.
He mused, “How many men can truly be trusted? What if I renege on my word?” He then reminded her teasingly, “Remember, I’ve been a troublemaker since my youth. Don’t forget you once lost to me in our past challenge.”
Alicia was overwhelmed, feeling her heart pounding under his intense stare.
Instinctively, she attempted to pull away.
Caden drew her close into his arms.
In the next instant, he kissed her, catching her off guard. She was clearly at a disadvantage in this moment. Feeling his dominance, she inhaled deeply, trying to compose herself, though he quickly released her.
He looked at her closely, noticing her reaction.
Breathless, Alicia’s lips parted as she drew in a sharp breath. Looking puzzled, she met his eyes.
“Did you expect I might kiss you before you arrived?” Caden inquired.
Alicia, caught off guard, stuttered a denial. “No…”
Caden moved even closer, his intense gaze making the moment feel infinite.
“Previously, you tasted quite plain, but today you’re surprisingly sweet,” he observed.
Alicia, at a loss for words, blushed deeply, recalling the fruit-flavored breath spray she had used earlier.
Realizing how silly her preparations might seem, she firmly pushed him away, declaring, “Now that we’ve kissed, I’m leaving.”
However, Caden didn’t loosen his grip, intent on keeping her there.
Trapped in his firm hold, Alicia stopped resisting. As he moved to kiss her again, she shyly covered her eyes. Caden’s voice, soft yet clear, teased, “It seems you were quite eager for my kiss.”
His smile deepened her embarrassment.
Trying to restore her poise, she retorted, “I’d react like this with anyone.”
Caden, intrigued, questioned further, “Oh? How many men have you kissed?”
