Chapter: 789
Not wanting to share everything on her mind, she replied casually, "Yeah.. just a little disappointed. Want some coffee? It's a new blend. Not bad, actually.”
Caden took the cup from her and drank half in one go, unaware it was from the same spot she had sipped.
Almost instantly, his expression soured as he examined the label.
"Wait.. is this instant coffee? No wonder it tastes so terrible!"
Alicia burst out laughing, adjusting her dress as she glanced around.
"I'm going to check out some of the other products. Enjoy the coffee," she said with a grin before slipping away.
Caden quickly found a trash can and spit out what was left in his mouth, muttering to himself.
Moments later, Vince Watts, the president of the Watts Group, approached Caden with his daughter Kasumi by his side.
“Mr. Ward, there you are," Vince greeted warmly, his demeanor humble but confident. "I've reserved a table at the city's most popular restaurant. If you're available, I'd be honored to have you and Ms. Bennett join us for dinner."
Caden glanced at Alicia. "You should ask Ms. Bennett. If she's going, then I'll join."
Alicia felt her heart tighten slightly.
Across from her, Kasumi stiffened, clearly caught off guard by Caden's deference to Alicia. A flicker of unease crossed her face as she recalled her earlier comments.
Had Alicia mentioned them to Caden?
It didn't seem so — otherwise, Caden wouldn't still be here, speaking to them so calmly.
Without missing a beat, Alicia responded, “Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Watts, but we actually already have plans for this evening. Perhaps another time."
Vince looked surprised. “But Mr. Ward mentioned earlier he was available this evening," he replied, slightly anxious.
Kasumi clenched her jaw, her voice sharp with frustration. "Ms. Bennett, if you're dating Mr. Ward, you might want to think about the bigger picture here. This dinner is about business."
Vince quickly tugged Kasumi back, muttering for her to mind her words.
Alicia kept her expression composed, offering a faint smile. "In that case, we won't be talking business tonight. I'm sorry, Mr. Watts, but I'm not currently interested in investing in your product. Perhaps I'll reconsider when your next release comes out."
Both Vince and Kasumi were momentarily stunned.
Her? That wasn't what they were expecting. Shouldn't it be Caden who made the decision?
Vince was the first to gather himself, turning to Caden with a forced smile. "Mr. Ward, perhaps I misunderstood."
Caden met his gaze coolly. "What part was unclear?"
Vince forced a strained smile. In fact, he knew clearly what Alicia and Caden meant. But he just couldn't understand why Caden would side with Alicia.
Unwilling to give up, Vince explained further, “Your company previously gave me positive feedback on our product and indicated interest in further discussion. That's why I came today, hoping to talk about a potential collaboration, Mr. Ward."
Caden replied calmly, "Ms. Bennett is new to the industry and asked me to help her evaluate products. I recommended Watts Group out of respect for you, but unfortunately, we're not impressed with the quality."
Vince's gaze shifted to Alicia, clearly hoping for a chance. "I see. So, Ms. Bennett, are you interested in working with us?"
Alicia nodded politely.
Vince's eyes brightened. "Ms. Bennett, would you mind sharing what you found unsatisfactory about the product?"
At this, Kasumi shifted uncomfortably, unable to hold back her frustration, “Dad, she's doing this on purpose! She has a grudge against me and is trying to ruin the deal!"