Chapter: 851

Caden's voice held an edge. “Weren't you the one who practically pushed me toward Yolanda earlier?"

Alicia's expression darkened. "Is that really what you think? I wanted you to confront her and deal with the situation, not avoid it."

"I tried. She's impossible to reach — like talking to a brick wall."

Ignoring her seems to be the only way." He paused, his gaze fixed on her. "So, what would you suggest?"

Alicia turned away, the frustration still simmering beneath the surface. "I don't have the energy to deal with you right now.”

After a pause, she muttered, "Why don't you just marry her and keep me as your mistress? After all, I'm just as helpless. You mistreat me, and yet I can't stop caring about you. How obedient and foolish I am."

Caden's lips twitched in amusement. “You're insatiable. I'll have to strive to meet your desires. But then, what am I supposed to say when I go home and can't play the part with Yolanda? Should I tell her about you and let you take the blame?"

Furious, Alicia slapped his mouth lightly. "Why do you always twist everything like that? You're incorrigible!"

Caden caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her fingertips. Alicia, ticklish, tried to pull away, resisting his affection.

He didn't want to argue any Longer.

Both of them were hurt by their words, and he knew she felt the sting as much as he did.

Softening, Caden asked, "What will it take for you to have dinner with me tonight?"

Without a second thought, Alicia replied, "Give yourself a light slap."

Caden raised an eyebrow. There was no way he'd slap himself — it was too humiliating, regardless of the force.

“Why don't you do it?" he offered, certain she'd be too soft-hearted to actually go through with it.

But to his surprise, Alicia didn't hesitate. Her slap landed sharply, the sound echoing in the room.

Caden was left momentarily speechless.

"One more," she said, her tone firm.

Caden scowled. “Can't you think of a different punishment? Or maybe we save this energy for later. in bed?"

Alicia's smirk turned icy. He still thought he'd be getting into bed tonight?

Not a chance.

"The second slap doesn't need to be on your face," she replied coolly.

Her gaze dropped meaningfully, eyeing him in a way that made him break into a cold sweat.

After a pause, he surrendered. "Fine. Go ahead. Slap my face again.”

Alicia didn't hold back, delivering a quick second slap.

Caden took it without a word, then sat quietly on the sofa.

Alicia reached into her bag, pulling out the dress he'd bought for her. It was chic and beautiful, reflecting his thoughtful taste.

As she slipped it on, she noticed it matched his outfit - a perfectly coordinated look for the evening.

Her frustration softened, almost entirely gone, as she glanced at him.

Caden, unfazed by the red marks on his face, casually flipped through her work documents, as if nothing had happened.