Chapter: 177

Determined not to fall into his trap, she muttered defensively, "You were the one who kissed me first that day."

After saying this, she glanced around nervously, worried that someone might overhear them.

People occasionally walked by, casting curious glances in their direction.

Even so, she reassured herself that their conversation wasn't audible to others.

Caden seemed unfazed. In a steady voice, he said, "I doubt that a single kiss could make me this sick."

As he finished speaking, he stepped closer to her, reaching out to take the cookie from her plate.

Their clothes brushed softly against each other.

To anyone watching, everything appeared normal.

But Alicia knew that Caden was seizing the moment to tease her.

"Only a deep kiss could make me catch a cold like this, right?"

Caden played with the cookie in his hand, his eyes fixed on her increasingly flushed face. “And it must have lasted quite a while. Miss Bennett, do you remember how soft you were when I kissed you? How much of your sweet saliva have I tasted?"

Afraid he might say something even more provocative, Alicia quickly cut him off. "Please, shut up."

She didn't dare raise her voice, so her protest sounded more like a plea.

Caden smirked.

He was like a cat toying with a cornered mouse.

Just then, a man approached them.

"Mr. Ward," the man said politely. "It really is you! I thought I might have been mistaken. I'm..."

After introducing himself, he clinked glasses with Caden.

Caden shifted effortlessly into a serious demeanor, engaging in brief conversation.

While watching from the side, Alicia couldn't help but admire how smoothly he switched roles.

He was exceptionally adept at this.

After exchanging brief pleasantries, the man offered his business card to Caden and departed with a courteous nod.

Seizing the moment to make her escape, Alicia tried to slip away unnoticed.

But Caden stepped into her path, his tall figure blocking her exit.

“Leaving without taking responsibility?" he asked.

She glared at him, feeling quite infuriated.

Knowing he was difficult to deal with, she realized confronting him directly wouldn't work.

She needed to work on a different tactic. "Alright," she conceded.

“I'll get you something to eat."

Scanning the spread on the table, she intentionally selected some mild snacks.