Chapter: 668

Caden knew that if he had said a word, Alicia would have run without hesitation. He couldn't risk that.

Without wasting time, he headed straight for the door. From behind, Ciara called out, "You brat! It's freezing outside. At least bring a jacket!"

“I don't need one," Caden replied without stopping.

Meanwhile, Alicia sat in her gallery office, staring at her phone and contemplating.

Ever since Ciara purchased the painting, Alicia had sensed something was off, Ciara's enthusiasm had been too much, too sudden.

So tonight, she had decided to send the painting through her assistant instead.

The call was a test, and by coincidence, Caden answered.

He didn't speak, but Alicia knew it was him.

It was an odd kind of instinct.

As she watched the fireworks outside her window, a soft chuckle escaped her.

She never imagined she would use such cautious moves against Caden.

The truth was, she missed him.

Even so, she refused to fall into the same mistakes again.

When Caden stepped outside and realized Alicia wasn't there, he knew she had outsmarted him.

She was just as sharp as Ciara.

Half an hour later, Alicia's assistant and the others returned to the gallery. Alicia handed out holiday gifts, including some cash, and told them to head home and rest.

Her assistant hesitantly asked, "Ms. Bennett, aren't you going home?"

"I'm heading back too. Thank you for working late on Christmas Eve,"

Alicia said.

Her assistant giggled. "It wasn't tiring at all. Plus, you gave us five times the pay! I'm absolutely thrilled!"

Alicia left the gallery with them.

She asked, "When you delivered the painting to Joy Mansion, who signed for it?"

Her assistant lowered her voice. "It was Mr. Ward."

Knowing a little about the history between Caden and Alicia, she sighed. "You should've gone yourself. He's still as handsome as ever."

Alicia smiled faintly.

“There are plenty of handsome men out there."

"Not Like him! Mr. Ward is on another level," her assistant exclaimed.

Clasping her hands together, she added dreamily, "I just hope I find a boyfriend who's even half as handsome as Mr. Ward."

After making her wish, she paused and corrected herself and laughed.

“Okay, if that's too much, I'd settle for a male model with a tenth of his looks!" Then she laughed heartily, the sound filling the air.