Chapter 596:

He repeated his explanation, frustration coloring his voice. “It’s really just water on my pants.” Alicia gave a small nod. “Alright. I’ll ask Aylin to get some fresh clothes ready for you. Take your time coming in, both of you.” Blake’s expression twisted in reluctance, but he could only nod.

As soon as Alicia left, Blake’s demeanor hardened. He clenched his jaw and snapped, “Caden, you are downright despicable!” Caden raised an eyebrow, his tone unfazed. “Since you seem perfectly capable of walking on your own, I’ll get going.”

Stunned for a moment, Blake quickly retorted, “Do you think this will make me back down? Not a chance. You won’t get away with this.” Unfazed, Caden smirked slightly. “Plenty of people don’t like me, Blake. But you are the first who’s all bark and no bite.” Blake opened his mouth, but found himself lost for words.

Despite his earlier bravado, Blake’s pride suffered when he changed into dry clothes and looked at his soaked trousers. The humiliation hit him hard. Would Alicia really believe it was just water? The sheer embarrassment of his drenched appearance before the woman he admired left him deflated. Sulking, he retreated to his room and refused to come down, even when Aylin called him for dinner.

Perceptive enough to understand Blake’s retreat, Caden smirked. He felt quite satisfied. He savored his meal and later indulged in a few rounds of chess with Benedict. But Benedict’s mind was elsewhere.

“I really came back for your grandmother’s sake. Now that she’s improving, I’ll be going back soon.”

Caden nodded. “When is your flight?”

“In three days.”

Caden placed another piece thoughtfully. “Make sure to set some time aside. I’m planning a formal engagement ceremony with Alicia in two months. It’d mean a lot if you could be there.”

With a thud, Benedict accidentally knocked a chess piece onto the board, breaking the silence. Alicia, dozing on the sofa, stirred and turned her head.