“Well, let me get straight to the point. About the medical project - I'm all for peaceful coexistence with you, Mr. Ward. But we'll be competing for resources from Warrington. May the best person win. If you're planning to sabotage me, that's on you. If I fall behind, I'll deal with it and won't blame you."

Caden couldn't help but appreciate her blunt honesty, but he could tell that she was laying it on thick.

"Ms. Bennett, you're overthinking this. I don't play dirty. I'm actually inviting you to Warrington to help speed up the project,” he said with a slight smile.

Alicia held back a scoff, her lips twitching slightly. She kept her voice even, though. “Well, thank you in advance, Mr. Ward."

“Don't mention it. It's still early. How about we find a quiet spot to sit and talk for a while?" Caden suggested, his tone casual.

Alicia leaned back in her seat, glancing around the Luxurious interior. “Your million-dollar car is plenty comfortable, Mr. Ward. I think we're fine right here."

Meanwhile, Hank, feeling a bit out of place in the midst of their formal exchanges, got momentarily distracted.

In his haze, he didn't realize that he almost ran a red light. When he noticed it, he slammed on the brakes just in time.

The sudden jolt sent Alicia forward.

Reflexively, she leaned into Caden's side.

Her hand shot out to steady herself and landed right on his firm abs.

Hank immediately apologized, his face reddening. “Sorry! I lost focus for a second and didn't see the light. Ms. Bennett, are you alright?"

Alicia straightened up quickly, a hint of embarrassment creeping onto her face.

Caden smirked, adjusting his shirt. "Well, well, looks like you've got a thing for this area of mine. Last time, you shocked me with a stun baton here, too."

Alicia's jaw tightened as she shot him a cool look. "You're mistaken, Mr. Ward. It was purely instinctual. I reached for the nearest thing in the moment."

Caden leaned back casually, his grin widening. "No need to be shy. If you're that fond of it, I wouldn't mind letting you explore it a few more times."

Alicia's smile faltered, her expression turning serious. "Boundaries, Mr. Ward. I'd appreciate it if you could exercise a little self- control."

Unfazed, Caden leaned back with a smirk. "Why does it concern me? I've always been single."

Alicia was caught off guard.

She blinked, speechless for a moment, before letting out a slow, frustrated breath. She looked out the window, her hands clenched tightly in her lap as she fought to keep her composure.

Finally, unable to hold it in, she rolled her eyes, her patience clearly worn thin.

Caden used the pretext of discussing the project to guide Alicia to a quiet beachside restaurant.

As they sat down, he placed the business proposal in front of her.

Alicia looked down at the document, her eyes scanning the technology research proposal.