Chapter: 780

“How could you sleep that long if you were not weak?"

“I've been to five cities this month, made appearances at eight events, and ironed out endless issues with projects. I count myself lucky I didn't drop dead from the lack of sleep last night," Caden retorted.

"Okay." Alicia's reply carried a teasing tone.

She understood well whether Caden was weak or not.

Her aim was simply to infuriate him a bit in front of Blake.

What troubled Caden was precisely Blake's presence and Alicia's habit of revealing everything.

Hadn't she been on her best behavior just a month prior?

Now, it seemed even private jokes were on the table.

Caden casually picked up a magazine and started flipping through it.

Trying to appear indifferent, he asked, “Has Blake expressed his feelings to you?"

Alicia nearly coughed up her water at the abrupt question.

“Why would he do that to me?"

Caden answered, “Haven't you noticed his feelings for you?"

Alicia said, "I haven't seen any signs that he's interested, but you seem off."

“Be careful around him," Caden warned with a serious tone. "He's not what he seems."

He turned the magazine page into a personality analysis chart.

"Sneaky, manipulative, deeply planning, all behind a mask of politeness that hides his true self." Caden described before adding, "That sums up Blake pretty well."

Alicia stared at him in silence for a few seconds.

She chose not to confront Caden about his motives directly but instead asked, "Did you reach out to me yesterday because of Mr. Langstaff?"

Was he feeling insecure because they were traveling together?

Caden looked down, concealing his feelings.

He naturally wouldn't admit the reality.

Instead, he asked another question. "When Jerald faced those issues that day, did you feel good for me?"

Alicia's eyes sparkled briefly. “That was your affair. Why would I rejoice?"

Caden's mouth turned up in a smile. “Thanks. The dessert that day was exceptional."

After taking a short break, Caden made time to take Cade back to his apartment.

Alicia didn't confront him on this decision. Sometimes, when she found the time, she would visit the puppy.

Over time, she began spending more and more time there, until Caden developed plans to have her stay overnight.

That day, Caden had her stay late, and with the rain pouring outside, Alicia found herself unable to leave.

"I've stocked up on brand new toiletries for you. You won't lack for anything." Caden embraced her, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek.