Chapter: 404

Bleary-eyed, he silently regarded the woman cradled in his arms.

Feeling somewhat responsible, Alicia asked softly, “Did I wake you?"

Her voice carried a gentle timbre.

Caden was always stunned by that tone.

He turned his attention to the laptop screen.

The department heads had all responded affirmatively, "Sure thing, Mr. Ward."

He fixed an intense gaze on her and smiled. “Even Hank wouldn't dare touch my things without permission. You're quite bold.”

Alicia hastened to clarify, saying, "I didn't look at anything else, I promise. I just wanted to help a little. You retrieved my mother's painting for me, and this is the only way I can think of to repay you..."

Caden's eyes sparkled playfully. "So, how should I credit this plan when I present it tomorrow?"

Alicia blinked, taken aback for a moment.

Caden gently grasped the back of her head, bringing his face close to hers. "Should I introduce it as the work of my partner or my girlfriend?"

Alicia's eyelashes fluttered in surprise.

"You're not fully awake yet, are you?"

Girlfriend? What girlfriend?

Her heart thudded audibly, echoing in her ears.

She was incredibly flustered.

Noticing her urge to escape, Caden's playfulness intensified. He relished the moment.

"Which part?" he teased.

He slid his hand down, opened her coat, and firmly grasped her slender waist through her soft sweater.

He leaned in closer.

"Me, or here?"

Immediately, Alicia's face flushed deeply red.

She shivered slightly.

Her body instinctively reacted to his presence.

Terrified by the desire in his eyes, she suggested, "If you're not going back to sleep, let's go upstairs. I."

Her words were cut off by Caden's kiss.

His intense kiss enveloped her senses.

Quickly, she found herself utterly vulnerable.

Yet Alicia remained aware of their surroundings. She nudged him gently, cautioning him, "Someone might see us."

“There are no vacant spots near us. Nobody will come this way."