Chapter 230:

The expensive medicine worked its magic. After two days, Alice's pain vanished completely. Caden remained cautious, however. He jokingly compared himself to a child in a candy store, unable to indulge, aware of his own strength and the potential for harm. A few more days wouldn't hurt.

That night, they sat in their small room, half-watching a film projected on the wall, their attention elsewhere. Outside, a fierce storm raged, accompanied by flashes of lightning. Alicia noticed Caden's restlessness and quietly closed the curtains, blocking out the light. He was on the phone, his responses brief: “OK.” Alicia lowered the film's volume.

"Did the money arrive?" Caden asked after hanging up. "Okay, thanks."

Alice inquired, "What kind of money is so important, Mr. Ward? Are we talking tens of billions?"

Caden pulled her close, a slight smile playing on his lips. "It's not that much. Just a little over fifteen million dollars."

Alice sensed his concern, her curiosity piqued. "Is the company in trouble?"

"It's not my money," Caden replied. "It belongs to you."

Alice was stunned. "Mine?" The sum was a fortune. "Is this from the product I worked on last time? A bonus?"

Caden chuckled. "If it were a bonus, it would be much larger."

"Then what is it?" Alice pressed.

Caden raised an eyebrow. "Do you really think I'll just tell you like that?"

Without hesitation, Alice kissed him. Caden deepened the kiss, losing himself in the moment. Finally pulling away, he whispered, "This is the first payment into your company's account since you opened your gallery."

Alicia was surprised. "But I had an accident, and I didn't do the paperwork. How is that possible?"

"I took care of everything," Caden said, his eyes sincere. "This money is yours, earned through your hard work. It may not be a huge amount, but more projects are coming. Be patient."

Alicia smiled, tears welling. She hadn't achieved this alone. Past betrayals and her own stubbornness had bred distrust, but Caden's understanding had guided his support toward her financial independence.

As they watched the film, the thunder intensified. Caden, uneasy, seemed reluctant to commit to anything amid the storm. Alice tried to soothe him, taking his hand, rubbing it gently, and enveloping him in her arms. She spoke of happy things, distracting him from the storm.

Caden understood. "It's just thunder. Nothing serious," he assured her.

Alice looked at him intently. "I know what you're afraid of."

The thunderstorm reminded him of the day his mother died—a memory that had haunted him ever since. Caden maintained a neutral expression. "Focus on the movie. It's almost finished, and you haven't seen a moment of it."

Alicia settled into his lap, relaxing against him. Caden looked at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Does your back still hurt?" he asked softly.

Alice's cheeks flushed, her gaze shifting. "I don't like rainy days either. After my parents' accident, it rained constantly."

"What's wrong with you? Can you only talk when you're on my lap?" he teased, though he hadn't intended to pressure her. His charm was undeniable. She knew he was struggling with his own emotions.

Alice remained silent but leaned down and kissed him. Caden responded, the heat between them intensifying. With newfound courage, Alice whispered, "Caden, I want him."

Caden gazed into her clear, serious eyes, a tightness in his chest. "Why do you suddenly feel capable of this?"

Alice knew he sensed the change in her. "Is this something you want, too?"

Caden paused. "Not really. Miss Bennett, show me what you've got."

Alicia was shocked, her mind racing. She looked down, her hips swaying slightly. "You're going to jump out of your pants," he joked playfully. "Don't you want this, Mr. Ward?"

"No," he replied calmly.

Alice forced a smile, quickly leaving his lap and heading for the door. Caden frowned, confused. "Where are you going?"

Alice wasn't angry; she was seeking the innkeeper. Caden watched her enter the innkeeper's room, remaining inside for over ten minutes before emerging, bundled in her coat. Caden's curiosity was piqued. "Did you get any advice?"

Alice slouched as she re-entered, removing her coat to reveal a dress. His gaze intensified. She looked stunning. Even a simple outfit exuded charm. She tried to appear confident, but a blush crept onto her cheeks.

"She sells these, so I picked one that fits," she said, pulling out a cat-eared headband and placing it on her head. "What do you think? Do you like it?"

Caden remained silent, his expression tense, his breathing heavy. Alice braced herself, realizing her teasing had gone too far. Unsure of her seductive skills, she wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, "Do you like it?"

Caden's voice was low, laced with frustration. "You're driving me crazy, you hussy."

Alicia pressed her face against his neck, feeling his warmth. Outside, the storm raged—rain, snow, and thunder combining to create a charged atmosphere. Inside, the room grew warmer.

Alice spoke softly, between breaths: "From now on, when there is thunder and rain, I want to be the only one on your mind."

Caden paused, finally understanding his own boldness that night.