Chapter 194:


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    She stood still, overwhelmed. As memories of the past few months with Caden flooded back, her anguish grew.


    She tried to calm herself, dismissing it as something unimportant. So what if he had hidden agendas? She had hers too.


    He sought her out physically because it highlighted his need for medication, while she relied on his help to manage Joshua.


    But…All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Throughout their intimate time together, he had been nothing but kind to her. Could he really be devoid of any real affection? Not even a little?


    Alice struggled to shake off the bitterness that was gathering in her heart.


    How absurd. How could someone like Caden easily develop feelings for her? He didn''t like her, did he?


    His closeness was only to avoid medication.


    With a sarcastic smile, she took several deep breaths. She felt relieved that she had discovered the truth before her feelings grew too much.


    Their arrangement wasing to an end, and parting ways after sorting everything out seemed manageable. However, breaking the routine of being constantly together could prove to be quite a challenge.


    Shortly after, Caden concluded his meeting and walked in. He closed the door and asked in his usual tone, “Have you taken a look at the product file?”


    By then, Alice had regained herposure.


    He approved and passed it to her to check.


    Caden nced briefly at the file, then noticed the handkerchief on the desk.


    “Is this for me?” She recognized the brand as a man''s and examined it casually. “You are very generous.” Alice studied his handsome features.


    “I''m not as generous as you,” she replied, with a warm smile but cold eyes.


    Caden didn''t look at her. Instead, he handed her the scarf back. “Put it on me. Let’s see if it fits.”


    Alice took the scarf and was silent for a moment. Finally, she stood on tiptoe to help him.


    Their proximity inevitably led to physical contact.


    Breathing in her scent, he pulled her close and kissed her easily.


    She tense momentarily, her thoughts wandering during the kiss.


    Caden let go of her, his gaze intense. “What''s going on?”


    Alicia felt upset. Having discovered her secret, she struggled to maintain the same level of intimacy with Caden as before. The words were about toe out of her mouth. She looked down.


    Abruptly, he confessed, “Caden, I went through your drawer without asking.”


    He didn''t seem affected. "You don''t need my permission."


    “I found your medical records,” she blurred out. “I know about your illness.”


    Caden''s expression became more serious. He had always intended to hide his illness. Their physical chemistry had been remarkable, and she was the only one who had such an effect on him. Truth be told, it confused him and was somewhat embarrassing.


    Now that she knew, she no longer bothered to hide it. "SW? What are you trying to say?”


    Alice respected his sincerity. At the same time, she acknowledged that her suspicions had been correct.


    He asked, “Will you continue working with me?”


    Caden was not naive. Alicia had always been transparent with her emotions, and he was aware of how she felt about him. However, he felt that those feelings were insignificant.


    “I n to continue, but I won''t force you,” Caden replied matter-of-factly.


    Alice remained silent, her lips pursed. Now that the secret was out, he was direct. “If it''s okay with you, we can carry on as usual. “I will satisfy your needs without conditions.”


    Alice suddenly felt like a stranger.


    Then, he realized his mistake. His previous kindness and attention had been nothing more than a facade for his motives.


    The tough Caden before her was her true self. Instinctively, she refused. "No. I don''t want that. Isn’t this like being kept by you?”


    Caden burst outughing.


    “So what do you want?” he asked, his toneden with sarcasm. “A degree?”


    She opened her mouth to respond, but he cut her off. “That won''t happen. Be realistic.”


    His ruthless words stabbed Alice''s heart. She felt hurt and ashamed. The atmosphere between them turned cold and bitter.


    “You''re thinking too much. I''ve had a title before. It doesn’t mean much,” Caden said, unfazed.


    "So what''s bothering you?" he added, his voice growing increasingly distant.


    Alice clenched her fists, standing her ground. “Am I worried? Didn’t I just say I don’t want to continue this with you?”


    Caden found his reaction amusing. He studied her closely, watching her emotions grow more turbulent by the second.


    Unable to bear the tension, Alice turned away.


    He spoke bluntly: “You like me and you enjoy our time together. Why make thingsplicated for yourself?”


    Alice felt a sharp pang in her chest. She struggled to maintain herposure.


    “I recognize your abilities, but to say that I like you? That’s going too far,” he replied firmly. “Don''t overestimate yourself.”


    Caden scoffed, his patience thinning. “You''re so stubborn.”


    He sensed that she was not being truthful, and that irritated him. His tone became even sharper. “You''ve already been hurt once with Joshua. Why are you still so naive? Wouldn’t we be better off with a no-strings-attached arrangement?”


    Alicia fluttered her eyshes as she looked at him, a mix of frustration and sadness in her eyes.


    He had made it clear: their rtionship could only be casual. A deeper rtionship was not possible.


    Her eyes filled with tears, but her expression was firm.


    “Enjoying being intimate with you doesn''t mean I like you. Understand that,” Alicia rified, her voice firm. “This is purely physical. If I want intimacy, it doesn''t have to be with you. There are plenty of others who could take your ce.”


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