Chapter: 537

Her eyes widened at the sight before her. “Oh my!" she exclaimed in shock.

Keeping his composure, Caden replied calmly, “I'm sorry about this. I'll handle it."

The owner looked at the bed, her face contorting with distress.

"These sheets are pure silk and cost a fortune!"

"I'll compensate you tenfold," Caden replied, instinctively reaching for his checkbook, only to realize it wasn't on him. In a swift gesture of assurance, he unclasped the luxurious watch from his wrist, valued at over 9 million dollars, and handed it to her. "Please accept this as collateral."

The owner's eyes widened slightly as she recognized the exclusive brand.

Sensing the man's affluence and the authenticity of the watch, she smiled subtly and pocketed it.

"Well then," she said with a wink. "Feel free to make as much of a mess as you'd like!"

Caden was left speechless; he hadn't expected her to take it that far.

The owner, who had some basic medical knowledge, checked on Alicia.

With a reassuring nod, she turned to Caden. "She's stable; her fever is going down. But it's chilly tonight-she shouldn't stay in wet clothes. You'll need to change her quickly."

Caden nodded, his expression determined yet slightly hesitant.

The owner gave him a once-over, her eyes glinting with curiosity.

"You don't look like you've done much laundry," she observed with a teasing smile. "Ever washed sheets before?"

Caden raised an eyebrow. "You don't have a washing machine here?"

"Oh, I do," she replied with a hint of amusement. "But do you know how to operate it?"

Caden was momentarily at a loss for words. Then he retorted, “Do I seem incapable to you?"

The owner smirked. "Well then, go ahead."

She had encountered plenty of pampered men who lacked even the most basic skills.

Before leaving, she reminded him, “Just don't put her underwear in the machine."

“Okay," Caden responded, his voice uncertain.

It was indeed his first time handling a woman's underwear, but it proved simpler than he had anticipated.

The inn's accommodations were basic, and the weather was harsh. It took ages for the water to get hot.

Impatient, he decided to wash them in cold water.

It was a struggle; the fabric was delicate and scant, making it hard for his large hands to handle gently.

When he finished and hung them to dry, he noticed the elastic had stretched out.

Considering Alicia's slender waist, he worried they might not stay on when she wore them.

Caden paused for a moment, contemplating the situation.

Given they were enduring the harsh conditions of the snowy mountains and the inn didn't sell underwear, they'd have to make do.

Alicia slept soundly for a whole day and night, not stirring until the following evening.