Chapter 484

Caden stopped, gripping Blake's arm before forcefully pushing it away. "Get out."

Blake remained silent, watching Caden stride toward the CEO's office. As Caden reached the door, Blake smirked, daring him to speak. "Go on, say whatever you want. She's already tense. Push her a little, and my opportunity will come." But Caden shut the door without looking back.

Blake moved closer, peering through the window—only to have the blinds snap shut. "Childish," he muttered.

Inside, Caden tossed a bag onto the sofa. His voice was cold and sharp. "There's always something unpleasant around here."

Alicia kept her head down, ignoring him. Caden approached, his gaze lingering on her face. "So, you can chat and laugh with Blake, but you go silent when I'm around?" he taunted, his voice low.

Alicia tightened her grip on a folder, then looked up, her expression calm, her tone sharp. "Is there a problem?"

Caden's expression remained unreadable. "I wanted to catch you in the act—and here we are. What do you think?"

Alicia's lips twitched. Jerk, she thought. She tried to remain composed, but her frustration escaped. "Catch what, exactly? Mr. Langstaff just asked about dinner."

"With him?" Caden's tone was mocking.

Alicia's annoyance flared. "I was going to agree, but your timing ruined it."

Caden sneered. "So you'd actually eat with him? Haven't you been thinking about me all afternoon?" His smugness was infuriating.

Fury flashed in Alicia's eyes. He'd left her waiting all afternoon on purpose? How many times would he play this game? The frustration and doubt that had been building all day culminated in a heavy weight on her heart. Her face hardened as she reached for her handbag, preparing to leave.

But before she could, Caden pulled her into his arms. "Let me go, Caden!" she protested, struggling against him. Her emotions overwhelmed her; once she began to speak, her grievances poured out uncontrollably. Turning her face away, she fought back tears.

Caden held her tightly, his expression softening as he saw her vulnerability. He swallowed harsh words he'd prepared and said, more gently, "I wasn't with Yolanda today. I met her parents to make plans. I wanted to announce our relationship over dinner tonight."

Alicia, still seething, barely registered his words. "What relationship are you even talking about?"

Caden's expression hardened. "You tell me. What do you think this is?"

She glared at him. "I don't know. All I know is, whatever this is, it's worse than being friends with benefits, worse than being a mistress. At least then, if you treated me like this, I could just find someone else!"