Chapter 175

Alicia sat down to eat breakfast. Caden, his expression serious, pulled up a chair. As she lifted her fork, Alicia slapped her hand away. “Do you think you can just eat? If you’re hungry, make yourself something.”

Caden was momentarily speechless. It was the first time anyone had treated him with such contempt. His pride prevented him from swallowing his anger. He leaned back, arms crossed, and stared at her. “Joshua may not get his hands on that two hundred million dollars, but he’ll surely find other ways to fund his business. Do you want me to ask you for money?”

Alicia stopped chewing. The offer was tempting. She looked at him closely. “I have some funds, but would you truly flourish under me?”

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

Confident in Caden's abilities, and amused by the image of Joshua pleading, her irritation dissolved. She slid her plate toward him. “Go ahead. Eat.”

Caden didn't move. “No, thanks. I need my omelet.”

Ever adaptable, Alicia stood. “I’ll get it ready now.” A smile played on Caden's lips. “But you said you were short on time?”

“Wait,” Alicia replied, quickly beginning to cook. Meanwhile, Caden calmly sipped his coffee and ate his sandwich.

Returning with the omelet, Alice found the table empty. She looked around in confusion. “You didn’t want the omelet?”

"I've changed my mind."

Caden wiped his mouth with a napkin and left the room. Alicia clenched her jaw. “You asked for an omelet, I made it for you, and now you refuse to eat it? What’s wrong with you?”

As Caden put on his coat, he nonchalantly replied, “Our agreement never specified that I had to have an omelet for breakfast.”

Alice's frustration peaked. "Caden, you idiot!"

He smiled. “I'm always a jerk.”

Turning to the tail-wagging pup, she called out, “Eat here. Won’t you come with me?”

Still angry, Alicia protested. “Why does the puppy have to fire you? You can’t give him orders.”

“Do you need my help or not?” Caden replied coldly.

Alice was speechless. She moved quickly, grabbing the puppy. “Go away!” she snapped.

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

Once Ciara arrived in Warrington, she settled in quietly, avoiding disturbing Caden. Caden made time to visit her, hiring maids and a chauffeur.

"I'll get you a bodyguard in the next few days," he added, removing the blood pressure monitor, checking the readings—all normal—and handing it to a nearby maid.

Ciara watched him closely. “You seem to like the local cuisine.”

Caden sensed her probing, but chose not to reveal anything about Alicia, unwilling to give Ciara false hope. "I have some work to do, so I'm leaving now," he said. "I'll be busy tomorrow, but I'll visit you the day after tomorrow."

Ciara hesitated, then spoke: “Yolanda contacted me. She’s aware that I’m in Warrington long-term and wants to look after me.”

Caden deadpanned, “That’s your business. Handle it as you see fit.”

“But she's coming for you,” Ciara said dryly. “Naturally, I want your opinion. Who will it be? The woman you’re currently with or her?”

“It's your decision,” Caden replied indifferently.

Ciara smiled knowingly. “So, there's someone else here with you.”

Caden paused. Then, raising an eyebrow, he asked, “When have I ever implied that?”

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

"You misunderstood me."

Caden stood and instructed the maid, “Let her rest for a bit and then take her to enjoy the music. Make sure she keeps herself busy.”

Ciara was speechless.

Walking down the stairs, Caden got into his car and asked Hank, “Has Alicia contacted you?”

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

Caden remained silent. They had not spoken since their disagreement earlier that day, and with morning approaching, he wondered if she had secured the invitation. Mr. Wade didn't know her, and the guests were notable figures. Who could she turn to for help?

Then Hank recalled, “We tried the proposal Ms. Bennett presented the other day, and the response has been quite favorable. We are just waiting for her approval to begin mass production and launch.”

Caden raised an eyebrow. “He certainly has a knack for this.”

Hank nodded with a smile. “Miss Bennett really does have a gift.” Everyone understood her abilities when she was in school.

That night, Caden found Alicia busy in the study. At first, he didn't disturb her, but as midnight approached and she hadn't retired, his concern grew, and he knocked.

Alice quickly covered the papers on her desk and looked up, her eyes red and tired. "Forks?"

Caden stood at the door. “Eleven a day. It’s about time.”

Alice replied coldly: "I'm on my period."

“Is that so?” Caden walked in. “Let’s go check it out.”

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

"No."

“How come you can do it twice a day, but I can't postpone it?” Alice replied. “If you're feeling uneasy, why don't you go for a walk? Or, if that’s not enough, I can arrange a home delivery service.”

Caden was speechless. His expression hardened, and without another word, he abruptly left the room.