Chapter 431:

Caden raised an eyebrow.

“I’ve eaten here before.

Why the excitement?”

Realizing she’d overreacted, Aylin laughed.

“It’s just that you’re hardly home, and when you are, you leave right after eating.

Mrs.

Ward always talks about you with me for ages afterward.”

Caden waved her off casually.

“Get back to your work.” After washing his hands, he turned to Alicia.

“Show me how to make pies.”

Alicia demonstrated, and Caden picked it up quickly after watching her.

“Isn’t there something more challenging?” he asked, clearly unimpressed.

With a smirk, Alicia replied, “If you’re that bored, why not build a tower with these ingredients?”

Caden smiled humbly.

“Thank you, but I don’t think I have the skill for that.”

Watching the two of them together, Aylin sighed with a soft smile.

“It’s been so long since I’ve seen Mr.

Ward this relaxed.

Does it indicate something?”

Caden shot her a look.

“You need to stop reading those cheesy romance novels, Aylin.”

Aylin just rolled her eyes, unable to respond.

Over an hour later, Ciara and Jasmine returned from their walk.NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

As they approached, they heard Alicia’s voice from the side room, her tone filled with playful exasperation.

“Caden, are you out of your mind? Be gentler!”

Ciara, instantly understanding what was likely happening, quickly held Jasmine back with a knowing smile.

She gestured for Jasmine to stay quiet and not go in, sensing that it was best not to interrupt.

Inside, Caden’s voice responded, mildly annoyed.

“I am being gentle enough.

Any gentler, and this won’t work.”

“You’ve already made a mess of it!” Alicia replied, sounding frustrated.

There was a brief silence, followed by a sudden, sharp sound as something hit the table.

Alicia’s voice rose.

“Did you hear that?”

Ciara held her breath, exchanging an awkward look with Jasmine.

Both seemed to think this was getting a bit out of hand.

Caden’s voice remained calm.

“Yes, I heard.

I’m adjusting.”

After a short pause, Alicia spoke again, exasperated.

“That’s too much! It’s about to spill over—take some out before it overflows!”

“Is this a little bit too much for you?” Caden asked.

“Can you stop messing around?”

“Alright, alright.

I’ll take some out.”

Ciara couldn’t bear it any longer, feeling embarrassed.

“They’re going way too far! There’s even a child in the house.

Aren’t they worried he might come downstairs and see?”

Jasmine stifled a laugh.

“But look at Mr.

Ward — he’s so compliant! I never realized he was so quick to compromise.”

Ciara snorted.

“Men always are in those situations.

Once their pants are back on, they’re a different person.”

Jasmine frowned slightly, still puzzled.

“But… something feels off.

Shouldn’t there be more noise if that’s what they’re up to?”

Ciara paused, her curiosity piqued, and she perked up her ears.

Moments later, she heard Alicia’s cheerful voice.

“Aylin, you’re amazing! Your technique is even better than mine!” Aylin’s humble response followed.

“Thank you, Ms.

Bennett.

You’re too kind.”

Ciara’s eyes widened in shock.

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.

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