Chapter 152:


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    Recently, the weather in Warrington had turned quite cold with significant precipitation. Caden, concerned for Ciara''sfort, suggested that she postpone her visit until the weather improved.


    Ciara always trusted Caden''s judgment in such matters. Over the phone, he warned her, “It''s getting colder. Wrap up warm. You seem to be always wrapped up in work. Are you taking care of yourself? Are you eating well?”


    Sitting on the edge of the tub, Caden assured her as he checked the water temperature, “Don''t worry. “Everything is under control.”


    Curious about the background noise, Ciara asked, “What are you doing?”


    “I’m about to take a bath,” Caden replied, looking toward the door.


    Ciara observed, “It’s still daylight. Isn’t it too early to take a bath?” Caden just smiled silently.


    "Grandma, I have to go now," she ended the call, wrapped a towel around her waist and headed back to the bedroom.


    The bed was untidy but cozy, with Alice resting in the center of it.


    The nket around her waist barely concealed the intimate marks that adorned her legs and back. Caden''s eyes lingered on those red reminders of their passion.


    His touch wasn''t rough, but Alicia''s sensitive skin bore the marks of their encounters, marks that faded and then reappeared.


    These marks served as silent affirmations of their intense connection.


    “Are you still catching your breath?” Caden teased, his voice yful as he held her close, his chest pressing against her back. “Bath time.”


    Alice, her cheeks still glowing with warmth, buried her face in the mattress and bit her lip.


    "Let''s rest a little longer. You go ahead," he murmured, his voice hoarse with exhaustion.


    Caden acknowledged her exhaustion, but opted to carry her into the tub, determined not to let her overexert herself.


    As they settled into the tub, Alicia''s phone began to ring. Recognizing the tone, Caden handed her the phone without looking at it.


    The caller ID disyed a woman''s name. Alicia, recognizing the name, stood up abruptly, causing water to ssh over them both. Caden, soaked but attentive, watched her intently, waiting for her exnation.


    Alicia greeted warmly, “Hello,” as Caden joined her in the tub.


    Water cascaded over the edge, soaking the ground.


    Alicia spoke firmly into the phone. “Two o''clock, okay? Okay. I''ll be there on time. Thanks.” After hanging up, she found herself wrapped in Caden''s embrace.


    “Was this an interview?” Caden asked.


    Smiling widely, Alicia replied, “Yes, for a position as a music teacher at Los Academy. Mr. Hopkins rmended me to the headmaster, who seemed quite impressed.” As they settled into the cramped space of the tub, Caden couldn''t help but share her happiness, his own smile mirroring hers.


    “The Academy, huh? Lots of rich kids there. Think you can handle the noise?”


    Aliceughed. “The director offered me a good sry, so a little noise is a small price to pay.”


    Caden yfully sshed water at him.


    "And what is the sry?"


    “Twenty-five thousand dors before taxes,” Alice said, leaning toward him wearily.


    “I am delighted,” she continued. “I have not worked for a while, and I need to save a significant amount to open my art gallery.”Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Caden half-jokingly, half-seriously, frowned. “Really? “You could easily sweet-talk me with a little ttery.”


    Alice''s answer was gentle but firm. "I''d rather not depend on a man."


    Overwhelmed by her presence and softened by her touch, Caden found her irresistibly attractive.


    His hands moved underwater, pulling her closer.


    Alicia resisted, her strength was no match for his.


    Water erupted around her as she protested, “Caden, that''s enough! “We’ve reached our limit for today.”


    His gaze intensified, the impulse undeniable.


    “Isn’t this the perfect way to celebrate your new job?” he coaxed, the tension between them sizzling in the humid air.


    Alice repeatedly said no, biting her lip in protest as she struggled to free herself.


    Worried about hurting her, Caden offered apromise. “This one counts for tomorrow.”


    Alice paused, then countered firmly: “You broke the rules, so you must be punished. This should negate the next three times.”


    Cadenughed, incredulous at her audacity. “You''re incredibly greedy.”


    "If you don''t agree, let me go," Alice demanded, unwavering in her stance.


    Caden, using his cunning, targeted her weak points, but Alicia stubbornly resisted, gritting her teeth and refusing to give in to his advances.


    Unable to convince her, Caden finally capitted.


    “Okay,” he reluctantly agreed and leaned in to kiss her, but she turned her face away, rejecting the gesture.


    At that moment, the puppy, alerted by the noise, ran into the bathroom.


    Startled, Alice sshed into the water.


    “Why didn''t you close the door?” she said to Caden. The puppy, mistaking her sshing for y, wagged her tail excitedly and ran in circles around the tub.


    Caden, disgusted by the intrusion, waved dismissively at the pup. “Lucky, out.”


    Alice, catching the name, looked up sharply. “What did you just call him?”


    Caden, looking at her and then at the slight swell of her abdomen, replied with a soft chuckle, “Lucky. Isn’t that a pretty name?”


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