The warmth of Caden's kiss still lingered on my face, making my ears and cheeks burn. His words echoed in my mind, and I felt a comforting warmth spread through me. As much as Caden could be a bit childish at times, it was clear that he cared deeply for me. "Alright, I understand what you're worried about," I said, collecting myself and smoothing out his jacket. I patiently explained, "I've been looking after Jasper because he saved me. And as for what I said earlier ... well, he just woke up. I'll talk to him more about it when he's feeling better. Please, don't be jealous." "But he knows what our relationship is," Caden interrupted, his voice tinged with concern. "I just don't like how Jasper keeps getting close to you, expressing his feelings." Seeing the seriousness in his expression made me let out a helpless laugh. I shook my head, deciding to change the subject. "Let's not talk about Jasper anymore," I said, then shifted the conversation. "Have you noticed anything strange with Heidi since you told her about the plan?" Caden paused, his face growing more serious. "She hasn't done anything too unusual, but she's been acting the same as always—trying to get into the study and wanting me to go with her." His words made me uneasy, but I knew there was nothing more crucial right now than getting Heidi to slip up. I turned to him, speaking with conviction. "It seems like she's starting to make a move. But you might have to tolerate her a little longer. Try to give in to her requests as much as possible. The more she thinks she has you wrapped around her finger, the easier it'll be for her to make a mistake." Caden clicked his tongue, looking at me with furrowed brows, not quite understanding. He raised his hand as though to tap my head, but then stopped, lowering it and nodding. "Don't worry. I know what to do. But you need to keep your distance from Jasper." "I know." Heidi's POV: Another call from Everett came through. "Heidi, how many days has it been? When are you going to get the Azure Bay proposal?" Every time Everett called, a wave of dread washed over me, but I felt helpless. Right now, all I could do was respond meekly, "I've been gathering information from Caden. Just give me two more days. I'll have it for you—" "Two more days! Again with two days!" Everett's voice on the other end was laced with irritation. "How much time have I already given you? I need to see that proposal this weekend, or you'll regret it!" The line went dead with a busy signal, and I slowly put my phone down, anxiety growing in my chest. I knew exactly what kind of pressure Everett would apply. I had initially planned to win Caden's trust slowly, marry into the Eclipse Pack, and use that leverage against Everett. But now, that plan was falling apart. I couldn't wait any longer! With Caden out of the house and the study door unlocked, this was the perfect opportunity to get my hands on the proposal. I made up my mind and sneaked quietly out of the room, heading toward the study door. I turned the knob, finding it unlocked. Entering the study, I scanned the shelves and spotted a few binders on the second shelf. I quickly pulled them down, flipping through them with urgency, but found nothing. Time was running out. Caden had said he would be back for lunch. Then it hit me. I ran to the desk drawer, rifling through it, and finally found a sealed document at the very bottom of the third drawer. Inside was a single sheet of paper. Azure Haven Proposal. This was it! My heart raced as I quickly snapped a photo of the document with my phone. But just as I was about to send it to Everett, doubt crept in. I froze, staring at the "Send" button. If Everett wanted the proposal that badly, he likely wouldn't take immediate action against me, no matter how desperate he was. But sending it now would mean giving up a valuable bargaining chip. I pressed my lips together, holding the phone close to my chest, deciding to hold off on sending it for now. Just then, I heard the sound of keys turning in the lock. My heart skipped a beat. I quickly shoved the document back into the drawer and placed it back where it had been just as Caden opened the door. Our eyes locked. Caden raised an eyebrow, a slight frown forming. "Tessa, what are you doing in the study?" I quickly adjusted my expression, forcing a smile and trying to mask my panic. "Uh ... The nurse didn't come today, and I was getting bored at home, so I decided to tidy up a bit. I just finished cleaning the desk. If you don't want me here, I can leave right away."