Chapter 352:

For a second, Alicia froze, her breath catching in her throat.Property © of .

Then, with a stubborn tilt of her chin, she turned away, quickening her pace.

But Caden wasn’t one to be ignored.

He caught up to her easily, his presence commanding as he said in a low voice, “Alicia, let’s talk.”

Without responding, Alicia attempted to step aside, trying to bypass him.

But Caden moved with her, blocking her path without touching her.

His broad chest stood like an immovable fortress in front of her.

She inhaled deeply, tilting her head up to meet his intense gaze.

“What do you want? Just say it and be done.”

“It’s freezing.

Let me take you home first,” Caden said, his voice steady as he slid his coat off and gently draped it over her shoulders.

“Are we really that close?” Alicia’s voice turned sharp as she brushed his hand away, her cool tone matching the biting wind.

Caden’s eyes darkened, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior.

He had just declared they weren’t close—not even close enough to break up—yet now, here he was, pleading with her.

How the tables had turned.

“We’re not close, I get that,” Caden murmured, swallowing his pride.

“But can you give me a chance? Let me apologize properly.”

His voice dropped, softer now, almost vulnerable.

“Is that too much to ask?”

Alicia held his gaze for several seconds, her eyes hard, before she scoffed.

“An apology? From Mr.

Ward?” Her mocking tone cut through the air.

“I don’t think so.

It’s late.

Let’s just go our separate ways.”

She spun on her heel, ready to leave, but Caden reached out, his fingers curling around her wrist, pulling her back toward him.

“Let go,” Alicia hissed, yanking her arm, but his grip only tightened, keeping her rooted there.

Anger flashed in her eyes.

“Caden, I’m trying to be civil, but if you keep pushing, I swear I’ll cuss you the hell out.” Instead of backing off, her fiery outburst seemed to soothe him.

“Go ahead,” he said, surprisingly calm.

“Say whatever you need to.

I can handle it.”

Her lips parted in shock, disbelief flickering in her eyes.

“I never thought I’d see the day you’d be this docile.”

Caden was at a loss for words.

Her remark stung deeply.

Born into wealth, he was accustomed to being the object of women’s affection.

He had never needed to pursue anyone.

Well… That wasn’t entirely accurate.

Except for Alicia.

Suddenly, memories of their intimate moments flashed in his mind, causing him to swallow hard.

Reluctantly, he asked, “Then… could you give me a chance?”

The words came out strained.

He felt deeply embarrassed.

Alicia caught his intense gaze.

She was seething with anger but had no way to vent it.

Who would have guessed Caden was like this? The colder she treated him, the more his passion seemed to grow.

He seemed to recognize no limits.

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