Chapter 536:

Alicia blinked in surprise, instinctively stepping back.

“Thanks, Blake, but I’m okay.

It’s just a little rain.”

Blake knew how Alicia felt about such gestures, so he tucked his jacket away and opened the car door.

“Come on, get in.

I’ll drive you home.”

Alicia hesitated, glancing down at her soaked clothes, but then climbed into the car.

Once inside, Blake handed her his jacket.

“Here, dry off a bit.

Don’t want you catching a cold.”

Instead of drying herself, Alicia draped it over her shoulders.

She brushed the rain from her face and said softly, “Sorry you had to witness that.”

Blake sighed.

“The Ward family’s always been like this—status-driven, highly educated, and a bit obsessed with appearances.

I’ve noticed Caden treats you well, though.

It’s rare; a lot of guys from his world don’t take relationships seriously.

But Caden… he’s different.”

Alicia’s expression softened.

“Caden’s achievements are his own.

They probably don’t have much to do with his uncle and his outdated mindset.”

Blake gave a thoughtful nod.

“True, but the Ward family owes a lot of its success to Benedict.

Sure, Caden built Blizzard Group, but in the beginning, his uncle’s support gave him an edge.

Without it, he might not have risen so quickly.”

Alicia paused, realizing Blake had a point.

Caden was only twenty-five, after all.

Talent aside, a bit of backing had likely made all the difference.

Alicia took a steadying breath, her voice calm.

“I get it.

He’s just looking out for Caden in his own way.

I may have crossed a line today.

I’ll apologize when the time’s right.”

Blake shook his head.

“Don’t blame yourself.

Caden’s a grown man; he can decide what’s best for himself.

Elders have no business interfering.”

Noticing Alicia’s silence and the distant look in her eyes, Blake felt a pang of concern.

“Did he say something hurtful? Or… try to harm you?”

Alicia shook her head.

“No, nothing like that.”

Seeing her lips turn pale from the chill, Blake switched on the heater.

“Let me take you home.

Getting soaked like this isn’t good for you.

Take a warm bath and unwind once you’re back.”

Realizing she hadn’t fastened her seatbelt, he leaned over to buckle it for her.

Alicia flinched slightly, intending to stop him, but he had already done it.

She looked away, gathering herself.Property © of .

“Mr.

Langstaff, I appreciate the thought, but there should be boundaries.

Small gestures like this aren’t necessary.”

Blake chuckled, masking a hint of disappointment.

“It was just a friendly gesture, Alicia.

Don’t overthink it.”

Alicia glanced out the window.

“Let’s go, Mr.

Langstaff.”

Blake hesitated, his gaze lingering.

For the first time, he saw her differently—drenched, vulnerable, yet stunningly graceful.

The sight stirred feelings he’d long kept suppressed.

Unable to let the moment pass, he leaned in slightly.

“Alicia, your hair’s dripping.

Want to dry it off?”

Alicia was momentarily taken aback, caught by the gentleness in his eyes.

She knew the implication behind that look, and it made her uneasy.

“Mr.

Langstaff… I think I’d better go home on my own,” she murmured, her tone distant.

Blake’s face fell, surprised.

Panic flashed across his face as he saw her reaching for the door handle.

He instinctively took her hand.

“Alicia, I didn’t mean it that way.

I’m sorry if I crossed a line.”

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