Chapter: 509

Caden massaged his temples. “Fine, choose a restaurant. I'll take you there."

Yolanda's face lit up with delight.

"Thank you, Caden," she responded warmly. She picked up her tablet and quickly made a reservation using a restaurant booking app.

While Caden returned to his paperwork, Yolanda chose the highest- rated restaurant, unconcerned about the menu but eager to spend time with him.

After confirming the booking, she settled into the sofa, sneaking glances at Caden.

She thought she was subtle, but Caden caught her observing him.

He put away his pen decisively. "Let's leave now."

Yolanda, caught off guard by his prompt readiness, stammered, "Now? So quickly?"

"Yes," he confirmed curtly.

Caden often found the presence of women unpleasant. During work and while he maintained his focus, it was bearable, but in quieter moments, his discomfort was palpable.

Yolanda rushed to grab Caden's coat, but he was quicker, donning it smoothly.

As she hesitated, pulling back her hand, Caden addressed her health concerns with a cool detachment. "From now on, let's handle work- related issues via call or video chat. You needn't come to the office."

Yolanda's expression dimmed slightly. “It's really not that far for me."

“I'd prefer it this way," Caden responded firmly, his voice tinged with a sternness that discouraged further discussion.

Yolanda nodded, masking her disappointment with a forced smile.

“Understood, Caden."

She regained her composure and followed him to the car, opting to sit quietly in the back seat.

Once warned about overstepping in the office, she chose silence over conversation, merely observing the car's plush interior.

Her attention was drawn to a scarf tucked in the backseat drawer—a brand-new men's scarf.

Excitedly, she asked, holding the scarf delicately, "It's quite chilly, may I use this scarf?"

Driving and focused on the road ahead, Caden responded nonchalantly, dismissing the scarf's importance. “It's yours."

Thrilled, Yolanda draped the scarf around her neck, carefully setting it in place, unaware of its significance to Caden-forgotten by him, it was a gift from Alicia.

The evening progressed to a dinner at a luxurious top-floor restaurant, chosen by Alicia for its opulence, hoping to impress her investors with her dedication.

Aware of the often alcohol-laden business dinners, she had the foresight to bring an assistant skilled in handling such situations.

As they boarded the elevator from the basement, Alicia cautioned her assistant, “Pace yourself with the drinks. If I give you the sign, stop immediately. Your health isn't worth risking."

Her assistant questioned, “Aren't you allergic to alcohol?"

"I've taken some pills to manage it. It's only a minor allergy, nothing serious."

"I've got this, don't worry," her assistant confidently replied.

The elevator halted at the first floor.

Upon looking up, Alicia locked eyes with Caden standing outside.