Chapter: 22

“Why? She's incredibly popular, sings beautifully, and if she endorses your products, she'd make you a fortune."

Caden narrowed his eyes slightly, picking up on her Little schemes, but he was curious enough to play along. "You think so? I do, too."

Alicia stood up, dusting off her hands as if the conversation just now had no bearing on her. “ALL done. Now, hand over my ring."

This time, Caden didn't hesitate.

He obediently placed the ring in her outstretched palm.

However, just as she was about to withdraw her hand, he suddenly seized her wrist and pulled her sharply towards him.

The movement was so sudden that she barely had the time to gasp before he leaned in close, his breath warm against her neck.

Then came the sharp sting. Alicia's body tensed as a shocked gasp escaped her lips. "Ugh!"

But the pain wasn't the worst part-it was the teasing way his lips and teeth grazed her skin that sent a shiver down her spine, leaving her breathless and disoriented.

This jerk!

Caden finally released her with a satisfied smirk, the light bite nothing more than a wicked reminder of who was in control. For now.

Alicia pressed her hand against the bite mark, her cheeks flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment.

Her eyes shot daggers at him, but her fury only seemed to amuse him.

"What's with the violent reaction? Don't tell me Joshua never bit you like that."

Alicia ground her teeth in frustration, but she knew better than to engage.

When it came to shameless provocations, Caden would always have the upper hand. So, instead of taking the bait, she grabbed her bag and turned to leave in one swift motion.

Behind her, Caden reached for the phone, casually dialing the intercom. Moments later, Hank entered the room, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Mr. Ward, you called?" Hank asked, unsure.

Without even looking up, Caden responded coolly, “Get me a rabies vaccine."

Hank blinked in disbelief. "Uh... what?"

Alicia, already at the door, couldn't help but laugh under her breath.

She glanced at Hank and said, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "Make it two while you're at it."

Two could play this game.

Hank hesitated, staring between them before backing out of the room, clearly bewildered.

Of course, no real rabies vaccine would be fetched. Hank returned with something far less dramatic-just a vial of glucose.

Alicia discarded the used syringe with a graceful flick of her wrist, then looked back at Caden, her expression calm but cutting.

"Take care, Ms. Bennett," Caden said tauntingly. "And when you finally succeed in dragging Joshua back into your mess of a life, do let me know-I'll be sure to stop by and offer my congratulations."

Alicia, unfazed, met his gaze nonchalantly. "You know, Mr. Ward, instead of meddling in my life, maybe you could use the time to improve your... elementary bedroom skills. Truly, it's embarrassing.”

At this, Caden's expression hardened, the playful glint in his eye fading into darkness, replaced by something far more dangerous.

Elementary skills?