Chapter: 357

"There's a problem. he replied with a deliberate pause. "His cash flow has dried up."

Alicia's lips curled into a slow, almost wicked smile. Karma certainly hadn't wasted any time.

"So, how's he taking it?" she asked, her tone bright with amusement.

Caden casually sank into the chair, crossing his legs as if he had all the time in the world.

“I'm starving," he said lazily, “and too tired to talk. Let's eat first, and then we'll chat."

Alicia stared at him, fighting the urge to roll her eyes. Was this really how he wanted to play it?

Sighing, she plopped down into the chair opposite him.

"Do I suddenly look appetizing to you now?" Caden teased, arching a brow.

She went silent for a beat, then drawled, "Sure, whatever you say."

As if on cue, the arrival of their meal broke the tension. The elegant containers, sealed tight, still managed to release tantalizing aromas that filled the room.

Despite herself, Alicia swallowed involuntarily and reached for her utensils.

She dug in, and without even taking a bite, Caden leaned forward slightly and told her everything she wanted to hear.

Alicia's eyes gleamed with interest, the corners of her mouth lifting ever so slightly. "So, if Joshua wants to keep his little empire from crumbling, he's going to have to swallow his pride and beg for help-anywhere he can find it. Correct?"

Caden nodded, watching her closely.

Something in her shifting mood stirred a flicker of unexpected sympathy within him. “Feeling better now?"

Alicia, unable to hide the sparkle in her eye, obviously wasn't in a sour mood anymore.

She picked up a piece of chicken, struggling to hide her growing smile. "I guess."

He leaned in with a knowing grin. "Want to feel even better?"

She blinked, curiosity piqued. “You're planning to make your move now, aren't you?"

Caden hesitated, considering.

It was tempting, very tempting. A few well-placed moves and Joshua would be cornered- but ending things now would also cut their little agreement short.

That wouldn't do.

"Not yet," he replied thoughtfully. "We don't have enough to nail him down. Going in too soon would be a mistake." He set his fork down and met her gaze, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "But if you just want to make things difficult for him, then it'll be a piece of cake."

Alicia's interest flared. "What exactly do you have in mind?"

She leaned forward instinctively, her lips glistening softly in the dim light, a touch of sheen making them all the more inviting. For Caden, they were far more tempting than the food laid out before him.

His gaze dropped, lingering on them for a moment too long.

Alicia noticed.

Her expression stiffened, though she tried to mask it, and she silently placed the half-eaten chicken wing onto his plate.

Caden blinked, momentarily at a loss for words.

He could do it-he could show more care, especially since she was still recovering from their earlier intimacy.