Chapter: 751

How could he throw out such flirty lines so effortlessly?

Her fingers absently traced the necklace around her throat.

Though she admired it, she wasn't willing to accept it without paying.

“Thank you for helping me get this gem. I'll send you the payment when I return."

Caden smiled, "You obviously like it. Why not just keep it?"

“Jewelry carries a lot of meaning, and given our situation, it's hardly appropriate."

"And what kind of relationship would make it okay? If Blake gave it to you, would you take it?" Caden's gaze bore into hers, demanding a response.

Alicia's tone was flat, "Not at this moment, but who's to say? Mr. Langstaff is a fine man. I might fall for him any day now."

Caden's face remained neutral as he asked, "Can you fall for two men at once?"

Alicia's eyelashes flickered softly.

She couldn't tolerate his smugness any longer; it felt like he had her completely under his control.

It was as if breaking free from his hold would be impossible.

With her head bowed, she murmured, “Change doesn't come overnight, and people aren't meant to stay stuck forever."

Caden's brow furrowed in irritation.

Yet he held the irritation back and said, "Fine, we'll go at your pace."

Alicia could sense the impatience creeping into his voice.

"You don't need to put up with me. I'm difficult, fragile, and overly emotional. Even if I agreed to try again with you, it wouldn't last."

Without another word, she ripped the necklace from her throat and threw it at him.

She shoved him aside before turning to leave.

Caden remained rooted to the spot, lips pressed into a hard line, clutching the necklace in his hand.

He drew in a long, deep breath.

He remained where he was and did not follow her.

Shortly after Alicia left, Jasmine approached him.

“Mr. Ward, Mrs. Ward has asked me to check in on how things are progressing between you and Ms. Bennett."

Caden remained silent for a moment.

Finally, with a somber expression, he replied, "Tell her everything is going well."

Caden opened the door before him and took a seat, facing Ray directly.

Ray huddled into a tight ball, too intimidated to utter a single word.

They locked eyes for a while, and it seemed Ray's autism was on the brink of overwhelming him.

Caden inquired, "Do you have Like the lady from earlier?"