Chapter: 817

“Hmm. I'm not sure about aloof, but you certainly look tempting.”

She shot him a look, playfully swatting his shoulder. "Be serious.”

"I am being serious." His eyes softened. "No matter how put-together you look, I can't forget how you were last night."

Alicia felt her cheeks warm.

This rascal's mind was clearly still lingering on last night.

Realizing there was no point in asking him for honest feedback, she gave up, opened the door, and stepped out of the car.

Caden found himself puzzled.

How had he become so,, vulgar?

At twenty, he was immersed in the world of finance, knowledgeable about the most profitable yet controversial industries - many of which involved sex.

He had confronted his natural impulses and seen countless explicit images, yet he couldn't fully grasp why these industries were so profitable.

Was attraction between men and women really so impulsive?

But now he understood.

It wasn't that he lacked interest in women — it was simply that he hadn't met the right person.

Since experiencing the allure of Alicia, he often felt that she was the missing piece he'd been searching for.

Blake, on the other hand, was keenly aware of his own Limitations.

After being “intimidated” by Caden a few times, he learned to suppress his feelings.

Most men, after all, were rational.

If they couldn't win a woman's heart, they focused on improving themselves.

Investing in the gallery was a smart move; it let Blake grow his business without compromising his own creative work.

Alicia trusted him, and their partnership brought life to the gallery.

One day, Blake stepped into Alicia's office. “Alicia, there's an important guest here to see you personally," he announced.

She'd been meeting with notable clients lately, but she hadn't expected today's visitor to be Corey.

Corey wasn't there for a major deal; he simply wanted to buy a painting.

Yet, after browsing the gallery, nothing captured his interest.

Finally, he approached Alicia. “Ms. Bennett, would you be willing to paint something personally for me?"

Though Alicia was an artist, she didn't sell her work.

Initially, she was hesitant to break this rule, but Corey held a greater influence than even Caden at home.

It didn't seem wise to refuse.

“Of course," she replied with a warm smile. "But keep in mind, my paintings are purely decorative; they don't carry much collectible value."

Corey chuckled at her modesty. "Ms. Bennett, you're so humble. Your mother is a renowned artist abroad, after all."