Chapter: 346

Caden's expression turned stern.

She expected an apology from him?

Regardless of right or wrong, did he really need to apologize for something so minor?

He stated icily, "I've never been good at apologizing."

"Then we have nothing more to discuss," she declared, attempting to retract her foot.

Caden held on firmly, pressing on her delicate bones. “I might not excel at apologies, but I'm familiar with using a bit of force. Shall we proceed?"

After his warning, he increased the pressure.

Alicia immediately experienced a sharp pain and numbness in her joint, crying out, "Caden, release me!"

Caden relaxed his grip, but his tone remained strict. "Explain now."

Alicia internally cursed him repeatedly.

She then explained tersely, “Joshua deceived me by claiming Rachel wanted to meet. When I arrived at the Yates Mansion, he dragged me into the bedroom and locked me up."

Caden, unsatisfied with the explanation, pressed further, "Why did he lock you up?"

“Why else? He was aware of our relationship," she responded.

Initially, Joshua was merely suspicious.

His suspicions turned to rage after a call from Caden.

Caden then noticed her neck, asking pointedly, “Did he hurt you?"

Alicia pressed her lips tightly together, still haunted by the fear.

“He didn't succeed."

Caden's concern deepened. "Did you manage to escape through the window while resisting?"

Alicia clarified, "Not exactly, but that essentially summarizes what happened."

Caden fell quiet.

After the oil had been absorbed, he wiped off the residue with a tissue.

Alicia recognized this as an uncharacteristic gesture resembling an apology, but she was not ready to accept it.

Once Caden pulled back, she dug through her purse and pulled out some cash.

Caden eyed the money. "What's this for?"

"It's your tip."

With precision, she slipped the cash into his collar as one might tip a male escort. “Your massage skills are rough and unrefined, but this is the going rate. You won't be shortchanged."

Caden was left speechless.

She was compensating him as if for a service, now even for applying the oil, pushing his boundaries further.

Perhaps he had been overly lenient with her.