Chapter: 54

Alicia blinked in confusion. "Huh? Am I supposed to be menopause already?"

Gerry let out a chuckle and said, "You know that's not what I was getting at."

Even though he had been teasing Caden just moments ago, the notion of Alicia and Caden having any sort of romantic involvement struck him as absolutely absurd.

The very idea of two individuals who seemed to despise one another ending up together, mixed with a forbidden kind of tension, was utterly amusing.

Who wouldn't find that kind of scenario entertaining?

But Caden had a peculiar issue, one that made it impossible for him to develop feelings for someone who constantly clashed with him.

As for Alicia, the thought of getting entangled with her ex—husband's older brother was simply out of the question.

“Let's eat." Gerry decided to shift the conversation. “You're not feeling great, so eat something and head home early.”

Alicia responded with a nod.

She brought up the issue of the stained seat once more.

“I'll take the car and have all the seats replaced for you," she suggested.

Gerry, known for being a bit of a clean freak, usually paid close attention to such details.

However, he had just begun collaborating with Alicia and was really impressed with the song she recorded tonight, so it didn't bother him.

"It's no big deal. I'll just have someone handle it later."

"Alicia wouldn't let it go. That's not right, Mr. Hopkins. I need to make it up to you properly."

Realizing how determined she was, Gerry gave in. “Alright, I'll just deduct the cost from your payment. Does that work for you?"

Alicia agreed without hesitation. "That works."

With that resolved, Alicia turned her attention to Caden. “How much do I owe you for the jacket?"

Showing no change in expression, Caden replied, "It's a limited edition. You can't put a price on it. Just think of it as a favor."

Alicia immediately felt uneasy.

“I'd rather pay you back. It's best to settle things right away.”

He looked directly at her and said, "If we break it down, there's really no exact way to calculate it."

Her eyes widened in surprise.

She stared into his unwavering gaze and began to replay the events in her head.

She had already paid him for helping her with the drug's effects, for borrowing his jacket twice, and for the kiss in the car.

Everything was settled.

Alicia opened her mouth to respond, but Caden anticipated this and cut her off. "They can't be settled that easily."

She found herself at a loss for words.

From the very beginning, she had made the choice to push herself onto him, and paying him was something she decided on her own.

If Caden really wanted to challenge her, she wouldn't be able to argue back.