Chapter: 131

"I did," Caden confirmed.

Alicia felt reassured.

Caden, always proud and generous, seemed to have brought an abundance of gifts.

Before she could voice her thoughts, Caden anticipated her needs.

"Would you like me to lend you a couple of boxes to save face?"

Alicia laughed softly.

She acknowledged his insight. “It's clear why you're Mr. Ward. You understand everything."

Caden smiled slightly. “I might help, but my favors aren't free.”

Alicia stood taller, reaching for her phone.

Caden quickly interjected, “It's not money I'm interested in."

If not money, then it must be something else.

Caden seemed poised to make an unwelcome request.

Alicia prepared herself, preferring to endure embarrassment rather than comply.

As she was about to enter the mansion, Caden spoke up. "I'm only asking for a few words."

Alicia stopped, wary. "Are you being generous?"

"Sometimes," he replied casually.

"What exactly do you want me to say?" Alicia inquired.

Caden gave her a pointed look. "Miss Bennett, with your eloquence, can't you offer a kind word when seeking a favor?"

Alicia paused, momentarily taken aback.

Was that all?

After a brief hesitation, she smiled. “Thank you for your assistance today, Mr. Ward. I owe you a meal sometime."

Caden responded with a nonchalant gesture of rolling up his sleeves.

"That'll suffice."

Relieved, Alicia turned towards the trunk.

“Where are you headed?" Caden inquired.

"I'm going to fetch the gifts."

"They're not in the car. I have them with me," he informed her.

Confused, Alicia looked at him. "You have them with you?"

"Yes, I came with goodwill," Caden asserted.

Speechless, Alicia followed him, her expression turning sour. "You tricked me!"