Chapter: 293

“Actually, the reason I came today was to talk about our collaboration."

Caden responded, "I know."

Alicia looked at him, speaking seriously. "We need to sign a contract."

Caden listened attentively, maintaining his usual composed demeanor.

“What do you want to include?" he asked.

Alicia tapped her fingers along the glass, tracing random shapes as she spoke. "For our collaboration, we need to have aligned goals. If one of us needs support, the other should provide it without hesitation, as long as it's reasonable. There must be no tricks or deceit, and we must avoid any potential for blackmail."

Caden paused briefly and asked, "What kind of needs are you talking about?"

Alicia answered directly, "To handle Joshua, of course."

"I see." He gave her a simple nod. "That works for me."

Alicia continued, “The entire arrangement must stay confidential. No one else should find out."

"Understood," Caden stated.

Alicia kept drawing larger patterns on the glass. As her lines grew larger, her eyes caught sight of something unexpected.

She blushed and quickly looked away. “As for compensation, just let me know what you think, and I'll offer what I can."

Caden raised an eyebrow. “Why would I need compensation from you?"

She hesitated for a moment. "The arrangement isn't equal. You'll probably end up contributing more, so I can only try to compensate you financially."

Caden didn't respond right away. He rinsed the soap off his body and put on a robe.

Without warning, he opened the glass door.

Alicia was caught off guard by the sudden movement.

She slid deeper into the water instinctively, allowing the bubbles to hide her chest.

Caden's eyes fell on the bite mark along her collarbone. "I don't need any compensation."

Alicia understood that Caden wasn't lacking money, but she still felt guilty. "You're already at a disadvantage in this partnership. And, well, whenever we're in the mood... it's always you putting in all the effort. What if you get tired of it and start complaining?"

Caden was momentarily at a loss for words.

After a brief hesitation, he asked, "Do you actually think I'm at a disadvantage when we're intimate?"

"What else could it be?" she replied.

He wiped some of the water from his hair, seemingly in thought.

Suddenly, curiosity struck him. “Have you ever read those romance novels about domineering CEOs?"

Alicia shook her head in response.

The sudden movement made her feel light-headed, and she quickly cupped her face to steady herself.

Alicia said, “Those books are for teenagers. I was too busy with my studies to read them."

She looked at Caden curiously. "Have you read them?"