Chapter: 631

His face was unreadable.

He silently watched the interaction.

Alicia, maintaining her smile, graciously refused the man's offer.

His tone was warm and inviting. "I have no ulterior motives in offering you the jewelry, Ms. Bennett. I simply wish to be friends. I understand you spent 200 million dollars today perhaps to get back at Mr. Ward, which really wasn't necessary or worthwhile."

Alicia responded, "The gift is too generous, and I must decline it. Furthermore, our business interests don't align, so I doubt we'll have much chance to work together in the future."

The man presented her with his business card.

“I'm currently looking to invest in fine art. Might I have an opportunity, Ms. Bennett?"

Alicia lowered her gaze.

She handled him as she would any client. "You flatter me. Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to offer you that opportunity."

Seeing an opening, the man extended his hand courteously.

“Ms. Bennett, I look forward to our potential cooperation."

Just as Alicia was about to shake his hand, Caden's icy tone cut through. “If you're so keen on collaboration, perhaps you'd be interested in working with me?"

They both turned their heads.

Caden was approaching with purposeful strides.

He reached for Alicia's arm, gently pulling her aside.

This placed her a bit away from the man.

With Caden's presence, the mood shifted. The man's demeanor became markedly more reserved. "Mr. Ward, have you finished your business?"

Caden smiled. "I seem to have arrived at an inconvenient moment. My apologies if I interrupted your flirtation."

Alicia stood behind Caden, clenching her teeth.

“Caden's words are sharp enough to slice through the glass. He's such a pain," she thought.

Feeling the intensity of Caden's presence, the man apologized, “I'm sorry, Mr. Ward. Ms. Bennett is so captivating that I was compelled to offer her the gemstone to win her favor."

Alicia said, "The gemstone is mine. I'm going to pay for it now."

Caden said slowly, “I've already paid for it."

Alicia paused.

She looked at him, puzzled.

Caden, however, was focusing on the man opposite him.

“The necklace only cost 3 million dollars to produce. Has the standard for impressing women dropped this low?" Caden's smile was scornful. "You might want to use that 200 million dollars to woo someone less expensive."

Alicia was at a loss for words.

Caden was so sharp-tongued.

It was surprising he hadn't been murdered by women.