Chapter 429:

The driver straightened immediately. "Not at all, Mr. Ward. My apologies."

Alicia smiled, still amused. Was she overthinking it? Could Caden truly be jealous over something so trivial? Caden suddenly expressed a craving for pies and suggested they stop at a restaurant, but Alicia had a better idea.

"How about a family cooking night at Joy Mansion? We can make pies with Grandma and Jasmine. It'll be fun."

Making pies wouldn't be too much trouble, especially with everyone's help. They could each make a few; soon, the kitchen would be filled with laughter and delicious aromas. The prospect of a lively family evening tempted Caden, and he readily agreed.

They headed to the supermarket to gather ingredients. Caden, however, enthusiastically loaded the cart with anything that caught his eye. Alicia raised an eyebrow. "Don't you think that's a bit much? We're just making a few pies."

Caden glanced at her as he added more items. "We'll be staying at Joy Mansion for a few days."

Alicia paused, looking thoughtful. "Do you want to go?" he asked, watching her reaction. She shrugged. It didn't matter much to her where they stayed. "Sure," she replied, smiling. "Besides, your grandma got some new pets recently. I'd love to see them."

Caden smiled. "A pair of birds arrived today. They're quite remarkable, raised with special care by a friend. They're intelligent and can sing. Grandma's very fond of them and specifically asked me to bring you by to see them."

Alicia's eyes lit up. "Then I absolutely have to meet them!"

Caden chuckled. "She treasures them so much that she barely lets anyone touch them. But don't be disappointed; I have something special for you to play with."

Distracted by items on the shelf, Alicia didn't immediately grasp his meaning. "When did you start keeping something 'special'?"

"Oh, since birth. I've had it for twenty-six years now. It can't sing, but it's smart enough to do tricks—it can change its size and texture. Amazing, isn't it? Plus, you can control it anytime," Caden replied, his eyes twinkling.

Realizing his meaning, Alicia instantly blushed and swatted him playfully with a green onion.

At the checkout, she noticed him glancing at the condoms. He looked at them for a moment but didn't pick any up. Remembering there weren't any at Joy Mansion, she figured he wouldn't want to be without them. But when he didn't grab a box, she wondered if he planned not to use any. That wouldn't do. With a small, reproachful smile, she casually added a box to their purchases.

Caden's gaze shifted to her, a slight smirk on his face. With people milling around, he held back any comment until they reached the parking lot. Then, he leaned in and teased, "So, you prefer this kind? Why didn't you say so sooner?"

Alicia sensed that Caden's words weren't just about the condoms. She glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean by 'this kind'?"

Caden picked up the box and held it up with a small grin. "Ribbed."

Alicia's cheeks flushed as she quickly snatched the box back. "I didn't look that closely—I just grabbed it!"

Caden smirked, unconvinced. "It's no big deal. Everyone has preferences. Besides, I've brought up much kinkier things before, and you've gone along with them."