NovelUpdateChapter 455: As Alicia turned to lead the way, she felt a gaze lingering on her back.
She glanced over her shoulder and saw Caden watching her intently.
In the sweltering summer heat, Caden's casually worn custom shirt exuded an air of relaxed confidence.
As he strode over, Alicia couldn't help but smile.
"I thought you weren't coming?" Seeing him now filled her heart with joy and warmth.
Caden noticed the blush creeping onto her cheeks, a clear sign of her attraction, and raised his eyebrows slightly.
"I was just having dinner nearby and thought I'd swing by to see how you handle big clients.” His teasing tone made Alicia playfully pinch his waist, only to discover it was solid muscle beneath her fingers.
She really wanted to know how many times a day he needed to train to achieve this level of definition.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtLeading Alicia into the private room, Caden spotted Corey admiring the sunflower painting, a gentle smile gracing Corey's lips and warmth flickering in his eyes.
Such a sight was rare for him.
Caden pondered silently, thinking that perhaps Corey had a special someone in his heart.
But the painting's style didn't seem like something that would win a woman's heart.
Was it for a child, maybe? Corey had been involved with a few women but had never settled down.
The likelihood of him having a child was slim, and if he had, the media would have reported it by now.
When Corey spotted them entering together, he quickly put away the painting, and the warmth in his expression faded.
"Mr.
Ward, I see you're here too," he said, forcing a smile as he donned the familiar mask of the business world.
"I never quite believed the rumors about you two being inseparable, but seeing it in person today, I must say, I'm impressed.
The man who once claimed disinterest in women seems to have found himself utterly captivated." Caden responded with cool indifference, "I'm more surprised by you, Mr.
Hampton.
Since when did you develop an interest in paintings?" Corey shot back with a clever reply, "Who could resist when Ms.
Bennett has such exquisite taste? Each piece here is a masterpiece that resonates with my heart.
It's a rare occasion to find something you truly appreciate." Caden settled into his chair before turning to Alicia.
"Did you give Mr.
Hampton a discount?" Alicia smiled knowingly.
"Of course." She had anticipated the dinner would be a dull affair, fraught with tension, but Corey was genuinely there just to enjoy a meal.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Caden conversed with him effortlessly as if they were old friends reuniting after years apart. As dinner drew to a close, Corey raised his glass for a toast.
Alicia smiled and picked up her own glass.
"Sorry, Mr.
Hampton, but I'm allergic to alcohol, so I'll have to toast with water ve instead. m Corey shrugged it off, downing his drink in one swift gulp.
Alicia took a delicate sip of her water.
Corey caught sight of her movements and quickly lowered his gaze.
With the meal complete, the three of Lone them rose from the table, leaving one by one white exchanging lighthearted chatter and laughter.
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
