Chapter: 144

She hesitated. It had to be one of the maids. Her instinct took over, and she immediately closed the door again.

Getting caught in this situation, soaking wet and in the same room as Caden, would create all sorts of rumors.

This wasn't a hotel. It was the Yates Mansion.

The family thrived on gossip, and if Joshua heard about this, it would spell disaster.

As if reading her thoughts, a knock came from the door. The maid's voice followed.

“Mr. Ward, the clothes you ordered have arrived."

Alicia stepped to the side in shock, giving Caden room.

Without a word, he grabbed a towel, wrapped it around his waist, and called out, "Leave them at the door."

The maid acknowledged, "OK," and soon the hallway fell silent.

Only then did Caden open the door to grab the clothes.

Alicia, leaning casually against the wall, asked with curiosity, “Why bother with the towel if you weren't going to let her in?"

Caden glanced at her. "To protect myself from you."

Alicia blinked, momentarily speechless.

Without hesitation, Caden tossed the clothes onto a nearby surface and removed the towel.

His toned chest, chiseled abs, and lean figure immediately caught her attention again.

She cleared her throat, trying to regain composure. “And now you're not protecting yourself from me?"

Caden sneered, “Think before you speak, alright? You expect me to shower with a towel on?"

Once more, Alicia had no words.

Caden walked toward the bathroom, his voice indifferent. "I'll shower first, then you can have your turn."

Alicia hesitated before saying, "I think I'll just head back to my room."

Caden raised an eyebrow. “Oh? In that case, you're fine with everyone assuming we're involved?"

Her face flushed, caught off guard.

“I'll be careful," she murmured, touching her nose.

Caden's lips curved into a smile. "If you're really worried, jumping out the window might be your safest bet."

He then asked, "Why are you so nervous around me? Overconfident much?"

Her irritation grew. Rather than leaving, she stubbornly sat down.

She wanted to see who would give in to temptation first.

As she sat there, fatigue began to weigh her down.

From the moment she had arrived at the Yates Mansion, she'd been on edge. Now, listening to the rhythmic sound of the shower and the quiet of the room, her body gave in. A yawn escaped her Lips.

Her wet clothes clung to her skin, making her feel overheated and drowsy. Her eyes grew heavy, and soon she couldn't keep them open.