Chapter: 746

After some time, Ciara emerged, clearly distressed.

Alicia greeted her with a smile, “Mrs. Ward."

She then stood and opened a box. "I made some light desserts myself. They have low sugar. Please try them and see if they suit your taste.”

Ciara's frustration eased somewhat upon seeing Alicia's thoughtful gesture.

"Forget it. It's Caden's loss for not coming back," Ciara thought.

Ciara sampled one and couldn't resist complimenting, "You really have a talent for this, Alicia. They're delicately sweet, fragrant, and the texture is just right.”

Alicia blushed modestly.

Ciara then noticed that each dessert was a different color, indicating a variety of flavors.

She set aside the honey and peanut ones.

Those were Caden's favorites.

During lunchtime, Caden was meeting with an important author.

Gerry had been keen to obtain the rights to a popular novel from this author, and Caden successfully managed the deal over lunch.

Once the meeting concluded, he went directly back to Joy Mansion.

The maid heard him arrive and greeted him cheerfully, "Mr. Ward, you're back."

As Caden walked in, he caught the scent of food from the dining room.

They were already eating.

Alicia glanced over instinctively.

Their eyes met.

Ciara said sarcastically, "Oh, you're back already? You had an early lunch, didn't you?"

Caden was left speechless.

He had previously sulked on the phone with Ciara, insisting he would dine out.

But in fact, he hadn't eaten anything during the meeting, having saved his appetite to dine with Alicia, so he hurried back.

He was sensitive about such matters, and even though he hadn't eaten, he needed to keep up appearances. “Look at the time. It's nearly afternoon. You eat so late."

Ciara scoffed at his stubbornness.

The maid smiled and said, "Mr. Ward, have you had anything to eat? If not, I can set another place for you."

Caden, maintaining a serious expression, seized the moment.

“Since you insist, I suppose I'll join Grandma for a while."

Ciara was at a loss for words.

Could Caden be any more stubborn?

Caden took a seat next to Alicia.