Chapter: 838

Caden's expression darkened.

Corey continued, his voice steady. “Your girlfriend doesn't work for you, yet she's here, listening to our negotiation. Are you sure she should be?"

His words lingered, intentionally provocative.

Caden held Corey's challenging stare before responding, "Alicia, leave us."

Though her mind was racing, Alicia obeyed in silence, rising to leave.

As she closed the door behind her, her composed expression began to falter.

She couldn't hear the conversation inside, nor did she want to.

Alicia's thoughts spun. Corey's words had left a lasting echo.

Ever since he'd purchased that painting, there had been a fierce intent in his eyes, one that she couldn't ignore.

Today's visit felt like it centered around her.

What could he want from her?

Was it just the fact that she was with Caden?

That reason felt flimsy. Caden was too proud to simply hand over such a crucial advantage. There was no way he would easily relinquish his woman. But then again, anything was possible.

Corey's approach was relentless, and Caden had been distracted with other concerns lately.

If a woman could foster some sort of peace between them, perhaps it wouldn't be a terrible trade-off.

Would Caden actually agree to that?

Lost in thought, Alicia barely noticed she'd walked into the conference room. The sudden creak of the door startled her, pulling her back to reality.

Caden entered. He was alone.

Alicia blinked, feeling the unspoken tension settle between them. Her voice came out quieter than she intended. “Is the discussion over?"

Caden's gaze was intense, unreadable as it lingered on her.

The answer was clear, but she still felt compelled to ask, “Who did Corey want from you?"

The walls of the conference room were made entirely out of glass, which meant that people were free to watch them.

Among them was Corey, who was just about to leave. He paused and slipped into the shadows, his sharp gaze fixed on Alicia and Caden.

Caden ignored him and focused on Alicia. Her face was pale, her pupils slightly contracted. He couldn't tell for sure whether she was curious or scared.

"He wants you," he told her in a calm voice.

Alicia jolted in her seat, as if something had snapped in her mind.

She narrowed her eyes at Caden. "Did you agree to the deal?"

It wasn't until she finally spoke that she realized just how tense she was. Her voice had almost cracked.

"Why don't you ask me why he wants you first?"

“Because that sly fox would never tell the truth, anyway," Alicia replied almost instantly. “Whatever excuse he gave you, it's all a lie."