Alicia settled at the table and began her breakfast. Caden, looking serious, grabbed a chair and joined her.

As he reached for his fork, Alicia knocked his hand away. “You think you can just eat? If you’re hungry, prepare something yourself.”

Caden was momentarily speechless. This was the first time anyone had shown him such contempt. His pride was too great to swallow.

He leaned back, arms folded, and fixed his gaze on her. “Joshua might not be able to lay his hands on those 200 million dollars, but he’ll surely find other ways to fund his business. Do you want him asking you for money?”

Alicia stopped chewing. The offer was tempting. She looked at him closely. “I’ve got some funds, but would he really humble himself before me?”

“I have my ways,” Caden replied, his brief words carrying weight.

She trusted that Caden could manage it. Imagining Joshua pleading amused her, dissolving her irritation.

She slid her plate toward him. “Go ahead. Eat.”

Caden didn’t budge. “No thanks. I need my omelet.”

Ever flexible, Alicia rose to her feet. “I’ll whip it up now.” A smile tugged at Caden’s lips. “But you said you were short on time?”

“Just wait,” Alicia responded, quickly setting to work. Meanwhile, Caden sipped his coffee leisurely and polished off her sandwich.

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When Alicia returned with the omelet, she found the table already empty. She looked around in confusion. “Didn’t you want an omelet?”

“I’ve changed my mind.”

Caden used a napkin to clean his mouth and left the room.

Alicia clenched her jaw. “You request an omelet, I make it, and now you refuse to eat? What is going on with you?”

As Caden slipped on his coat, he responded casually, “Our agreement never specified that I must eat an omelet for breakfast.”

Alicia’s frustration peaked. “Caden, you jerk!”

He just smirked. “I’m always a jerk.”

Turning to the puppy wagging its tail, he called it over. “Come here. Aren’t you going to see me out?”

Still angry, Alicia protested. “Why should the puppy see you off? You can’t order him around!”

“Do you need my help, or not?” Caden responded coolly.

Alicia was at a loss for words. She moved quickly, picking up the puppy. “Just go!” she snapped.

Caden, who had been in a sour mood all evening, felt his spirits lift as he watched her leave.

Once Ciara arrived in Warrington, she settled in quietly, making sure not to bother Caden. He made time to visit her and arranged for maids and a driver to take her out.

“I’ll secure bodyguards for you in the next few days,” he added, taking off the blood pressure monitor, checking the readings—all normal—and handing it to the nearby maid.

Ciara watched him intently. “It seems you’re enjoying the local cuisine.”

Caden realized she was fishing for information, but he chose not to disclose anything about Alicia, unwilling to give Ciara any false hopes.

“I have tasks to attend to, so I’m leaving now,” he said. “I’m occupied tomorrow, but I’ll visit you the day after tomorrow.”

Ciara hesitated, then spoke, “Yolanda reached out to me. She’s aware I’m in Warrington for the long haul and wants to look after me.”

Caden responded without expression, “That’s your affair. Handle it as you think best.”

“But she’s coming because of you,” Ciara stated sharply. “Naturally, I want your input. Who will it be? The woman you’re currently with, or her?”

“It’s your decision,” Caden replied, his voice indifferent.

Ciara gave a knowing smile. “So, there is someone else here with you.”

Caden paused briefly. Then, lifting an eyebrow, he asked, “When did I imply that?”

“You didn’t give me a straight answer when I asked you to choose. It’s obvious you feel guilty,” Ciara said.

“You got me wrong.”

Caden stood up and instructed the maid, “Allow her some rest, then take her out to enjoy some music. Make sure she stays engaged.”

Ciara was left speechless.

Descending the stairs, Caden got into his car and asked Hank, “Has Alicia reached out to you?”

Hank looked confused. “Why would Ms. Bennett contact me?”

Caden remained silent.

They hadn’t spoken since their disagreement earlier in the day, and with tomorrow nearing, he wondered if she had secured the invitation. Mr. Wade wasn’t acquainted with her, and the invitees were notable figures. Who could she possibly ask for assistance?

Then Hank remembered, “We tested the proposal Ms. Bennett submitted the other day, and the feedback has been quite favorable. We’re just awaiting your go-ahead to begin mass production and launch.”

Caden’s eyebrow rose. “She certainly has a knack for this.”

Hank agreed with a smile, saying, “Ms. Bennett does have a flair.”

Back when Alicia was at school, everyone understood her capabilities.

That night, when Caden returned to the apartment, he found Alicia busy in the study. At first, he didn’t disturb her, but as midnight approached and she still hadn’t retired to bed, his concern got the better of him, prompting him to knock on the study door.

Alicia quickly covered up the papers on her desk and looked up, her eyes red and weary. “Yes?”

Caden stood in the doorway. “Once a day. It’s time.”

Alicia responded coldly, “I’m on my period.”

“Is that so?” Caden stepped inside. “Let’s see about that.”

Quickly, Alicia said, “Maybe we could do it twice tomorrow instead?”

“No.”

“How come you can have it twice a day, but I can’t push it back?” Alicia retorted. “If you’re feeling unsettled, why not go for a walk? Or, if that won’t suffice, I could arrange for a home service.”

Caden was at a loss for words. His expression hardened, and without another word, he left the room abruptly.