?<strong>Chapter 853:</strong>


    He was still the same frustrating Caden, yet he seemed transformed, almost modest. As she scrutinized him, Caden mistook her silence for lingering frustration.


    “You’re sick right now. Let’s skip the quarrels. We can call a truce until you’ve recovered. Then you can confront me however you like,” he said, his voice steady.


    Alicia epted the spoon and turned her attention back to her food. After the meal, she showered and returned to the bed, carefully applying ointment to a swollen and slightly torn bite on her leg. The sting made her gasp softly.


    Hearing the sound, Caden walked in.


    “What happened?” he asked, concern evident in his tone.


    Startled, Alicia swiftly pulled the nket over herself, but Caden was already by her side, his eyes narrowing as he noticed her injury.


    “Wasn’t the door locked? How did you get in?” she demanded.


    “I mastered unlocking over thirty types of smart locks by the age of eight,” he replied nonchntly.


    Alicia was momentarily at a loss for words, watching him with a mix of irritation and disbelief. As he noticed her tending to her wound, the initial worry in his expression faded. Instead, he gestured to the incense he had brought into the room.


    “I brought this,” he said, his tone casual but intent.


    He put down the incense, took the ointment from her and eased her back down.


    “There are more bites.


    Allow me to apply this.”


    Despite Alicia’s resistance, Caden was firm and didn’t allow her to refuse.


    She sighed deeply and gritted her teeth.


    He quickly returned to his usual ways.


    Caden applied the ointment with unexpected expertise, using his fingertips rather than a swab, gently massaging it into the swollen area.


    Alicia closed her eyes and tried again to close her legs, but they wouldn’t budge.


    “Stop the massage, it’s really unnecessary,” she protested.


    Caden replied, “I’m in no hurry to leave anyway.


    A good massage will ensure that the ointment is well absorbed.


    Otherwise it might be difficult for you to walk tomorrow.” Alicia fell silent.


    He dared to mention that? He had caused all this!


    To distract herself from the sensations caused by Caden’s touch, she picked up the box of incense and examined it.


    The incense was handmade and all the ingredients were clearly listed.


    She scowled.


    Why was there no mention of an aphrodisiac among its contents?


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