Chapter: 235

Finding it difficult to explain, she opted to leave her bag outside, hoping to alleviate Hank's concerns.

Hank trusted her and didn't take the bag. Instead, he knocked on the CEO's office door to announce her.

Both Caden and Alicia understood the purpose of their meeting clearly In a mix of persuasion and insistence, Caden had Alicia sit on his lap.

Feeling a bit anxious but holding her ground, Alicia cautiously inquired, "Have you decided to accompany me to the Gray family's place?"

Caden responded with a sneer, “Just because you're on my lap, you think I'm easily persuaded?"

Alicia paused, her gaze fixed on his Lips.

She leaned closer to him.

As their lips were about to meet, Caden tilted his head, his lips brushing against her cheek as he asked, “Do you know what I want?"

Striving to maintain composure, Alicia replied, "A kiss should suffice."

Wondering about his intentions, she looked into his probing dark eyes.

"Aren't you worried I might take things further?" Caden probed deeply.

With instinctive confidence, Alicia responded, “You won't."

"And why is that?" he pressed.

"You once said you wanted my willing participation," Alicia recalled firmly. Assertively, she added, "You won't coerce me."

Caden chuckled at her assertiveness, his breath warming her face and sending a shiver through her.

He mused, “How many men can truly be trusted? What if I renege on my word?" He then reminded her teasingly, "Remember, I've been a troublemaker since my youth. Don't forget you once lost to me in our past challenge."

Alicia was overwhelmed, feeling her heart pounding under his intense stare.

Instinctively, she attempted to pull away.

Caden drew her close into his arms.

In the next instant, he kissed her, catching her off guard.

She was clearly at a disadvantage in this moment.

Feeling his dominance, she inhaled deeply, trying to compose herself, though he quickly released her.

He looked at her closely, noticing her reaction.

Breathless, Alicia's lips parted as she drew in air sharply.

Looking puzzled, she met his eyes.

“Did you expect I might kiss you before you arrived?" Caden inquired.

Alicia, caught off guard, stuttered a denial. "No-"

Caden moved even closer, his intense gaze making the moment seem infinite.

"Previously, you tasted quite plain, but today you're surprisingly sweet," he observed.

Alicia, at a loss for words, blushed deeply, recalling the fruit- flavored breath spray she had used earlier.