Chapter: 791
Hearing her cry, Caden frowned but kept silent.
After a brief pause, he instructed Dorian to check on her.
He didn't reciprocate her feelings, but there was no reason for her to suffer on his account.
Hanging up, he turned to Alicia. “Let's go."
Alicia didn't ask who had called.
She knew Caden wasn't one to open up about his private matters, but this time, he looked at her thoughtfully. "Why don't you ever ask who calls or check up on me?"
Alicia didn't seem bothered. "Why would I need to?"
Caden raised an eyebrow. “Aren't you the least bit concerned it might've been a woman calling me?"
She shrugged, her expression light. “If you can resist temptation, why would I need to check up on you?"
Caden grew more serious. "But if you're so careless about me, maybe one day, another woman will really snatch me away from you."
Alicia was unfazed, meeting his gaze with a steady look. "Then it would be pointless for me to try controlling you if your heart already fell for her. Instead of worrying, I'd rather let you be free."
Caden was momentarily speechless, staring at her in mild disbelief.
Seriously? Was she so open-minded? He shook his head, smiling wryly.
As they stepped outside, a small commotion near the entrance caught their attention.
A tall man exited a sleek car, his striking features and confident demeanor radiating authority, with bodyguards closely following him.
Alicia glanced over, intrigued. "Who's this VIP?"
Caden followed her gaze. “Corey Hampton. He's a big player in tech, especially in digital intelligence."
Alicia hadn't heard of him, but she noticed the way Caden's expression changed slightly.
She knew that Corey and Caden had been classmates - rivals and allies who had eventually gone their separate ways, each dominating their own field.
“Why are all the top players so good-looking?" she mused aloud.
At that moment, Corey noticed them and approached with a warm smile.
“Mr. Ward," he greeted, extending his hand. His mature, chiseled features were strikingly handsome. "It's been a while.”
Caden shook his hand, then slipped an arm around Alicia's waist. "My girlfriend, Alicia," he introduced her simply.
Corey nodded politely.
Unlike Caden's relaxed nature, Corey exuded a steady composure and soon engaged him in a conversation about work.
With a casual smile, Caden asked, "So, what brings you to an event like this, Mr. Hampton?"
Corey chuckled. "You're far more impressive than I am, yet here you are."
Caden smirked. “Just trying to keep a woman happy. Is that your reason, too?"
Alicia nudged him lightly, a subtle reminder to watch his words.
Unaccustomed to such casual banter, Corey kept his response brief before excusing himself and moving on.