Chapter: 766

Without blinking, Caden responded, “It's always better to be safe than regret it later."

Alicia made a soft attempt to free her hand, but it stayed firmly in his grasp.

His fingers slipped down naturally, weaving themselves between hers.

Alicia let out an objection. “Caden.”

Caden glanced down at her. "I drove for an hour, flooring the gas to arrive twenty minutes early, just to see you sooner. Can't this be my reward?"

The dim night softened the edges, but his sincere expression remained captivating.

Alicia found herself unable to meet his gaze for more than a moment.

Refusing to let herself be charmed, she switched topics, asking, “How exactly did you figure out where the event was?"

“You forgot to turn off your location sharing," Caden answered simply.

“Oh wow... uh, okay. So, I'm guessing you got quite the show," she added, slightly embarrassed.

Caden had a knack for appearing right at the most opportune moments.

Caden let out a chuckle. "Skipped the drama, just caught Blake being his usual awkward self."

Well... alright.

Alicia couldn't quite figure out what all the fuss was even about.

As soon as they stepped into the restaurant, Alicia said that she needed to go to the restroom to wash her hands.

With a serious look in his eyes, Caden asked, "Are you trying to say I'm dirty?"

Alicia hadn't anticipated this misunderstanding and felt her lips twitch. "Isn't it normal to wash your hands before eating? Are you not going to?"

“So, you're saying you think I'm dirty?" he repeated with mock seriousness.

Alicia didn't give in to his attempts to sway her. “Yes.”

Caden studied her for a moment, but surprisingly, there was no trace of anger on his face.

"You wanted the truth, didn't you?" Alicia added. "Are you satisfied now?"

Without waiting for a response, she headed directly to the restroom.

By the time she returned, Caden had already taken the liberty of ordering their food.

Caden politely invited Alicia to select whatever she preferred.

A quick glance over the table showed Alicia that everything was to her taste.

“That is enough for now." Alicia chose not to place any additional orders and simply said, “I'll just eat whatever you ordered.”

Her thoughts were occupied with the upcoming gallery event, prompting her to request some pertinent information from Caden.

She then proposed a possible course of action, saying, "I'm managing the gallery now. Give me his business card, and I'll talk to him."

Caden replied, "I have already spoken with him. I merely wanted to see you when I mentioned it."

Alicia's eyes narrowed slightly as she inquired, "Caden, you wouldn't be plotting with him against me, would you?"