Chapter: 731

Alicia explained, "I borrowed your jacket three times, each time owing you a favor. You're well aware of this tactic, aren't you?"

Caden found himself at a loss for words.

Now, Alicia wore a blank expression.

“If things turn out well with Mr. Langstaff, I'll be sure to thank you for your inadvertent assistance today."

Caden was left speechless once more.

Alicia then returned to the hall and apologized to Blake, explaining that she had accidentally misplaced his jacket.

She handed him her assistant's business card.

"Give her your address, and after I buy a new jacket, she'll deliver it to you."

Blake chuckled, appreciating how clearly she set boundaries.

Understanding that she didn't want to owe him, he accepted it.

"Alright."

Alicia felt relieved by how agreeable he was.

He was so polite and gentlemanly.

Compared to him, Caden seemed like such an unruly jerk.

After the birthday party concluded, the guests started to trickle out.

As Blake stepped through the door, he spotted Caden leaning casually against a pillar, one hand resting in his pocket, observing him with an unreadable expression.

Blake halted in his tracks. “Mr. Ward."

Beneath the glow of the lights, Caden's demeanor was enigmatic.

“Do not you think calling me Mr. Ward is a bit too formal, my distant nephew?"

Blake felt the veins on his forehead throb in response.

Blake was taken aback by how quickly Caden recognized him.

They hadn't interacted much over the years, only catching glimpses of one another during family gatherings in their childhood, where they silently exchanged looks amid the adults' conversations.

Their relationship had never been particularly close.

In fact, Blake was two years Caden's senior.

However, given the intricacies of family hierarchy, Caden technically held the title of uncle, albeit a distant one.

Young men often placed great importance on such titles.

As a child, Blake had never really regarded Caden as an uncle, and Caden had never paid him much mind.

Yet now, after all these years, they found themselves face to face once more, drawn together by a woman.

Caden regarded him with a smile. "So, what's your impression? Isn't my future wife stunning?"

While Blake typically wore a friendly smile, he found it hard to manage one in Caden's presence. “You are overthinking it. My admiration for Ms. Bennett is solely based on her skills and abilities."