Chapter: 849

Just then, a familiar voice cut through the air from the doorway.

"I seem to have missed the red veins in Alicia's eyes," Caden remarked coolly. "But with Mr. Langstaff's blatant attentiveness, I can see how hard he's trying to drive a wedge between us."

Both Alicia and Blake turned, startled.

Caden stood in the doorway, impeccably dressed, his gaze sharp and laced with faint mockery that sent a chill through the room.

Blake paused, his confidence growing. “Alicia, go ahead with your work. I'll keep our honored guest company."

He spat the words with thick sarcasm, throwing a glance Caden's way.

Caden's gaze shifted toward him.

Alicia avoided looking at either of them. Instead, she cast her eyes down. “Alright. You two go ahead," she replied softly, feigning interest in the documents she held.

Blake stepped forward, motioning Caden to follow. "Shall we, Mr. Ward? Coffee or tea?"

Caden's reply was curt. “Leave.”

Unfazed, Blake smirked. "If you've got a problem with me, let's settle it in private. This is Alicia's company, her office. Who are you trying to scare off with that ‘leave'?"

Caden's eyes narrowed. "Why would I have an issue with you? What makes you think you're even worth my attention?"

Blake chuckled, undeterred. “Seems to me you're nursing a grudge deeper than your fancy pool at home." He threw an arm over Caden's shoulder. “Come on."

Caden glared, his posture tense, but Blake leaned in, his voice a quiet warning. “I'm the backbone of the gallery now. If you lay a finger on me, Alicia will definitely hate you even more."

Caden held back, gripping Blake's arm before firmly shoving it away.

"Get. Out."

Blake stayed silent, watching as Caden turned and strode toward the CEO's office.

As Caden reached the door, Blake smirked at him, as if saying, "Go on, say whatever you want. She was already tense. Push her a little, and my opportunity would come."

But Caden shut the door without a backward glance.

Blake edged closer, peeking through the window — only for the blinds to snap shut right in his face.

"Childish," Blake muttered to himself.

Inside, Caden tossed the bag he'd been holding onto the sofa, his voice cold and sharp. "There's always something unpleasant around here."

Alicia kept her head down, resisting the urge to react.

She pretended not to notice him.

Caden moved closer, his gaze lingering on her face. "So, you can chat and laugh with Blake, but you go silent when I'm around?" he taunted, his voice low.

Alicia tightened her grip on the folder in her hands and then Looked up, her expression calm but her tone biting. "Is there a problem?"

Caden's expression remained unreadable. “I wanted to catch you in the act -— and here we are. What do you think?"

Alicia's lips twitched with irritation.

Jerk, she thought.

She tried to stay composed, but as soon as she began to speak, her frustration leaked out. “Catch what, exactly? Mr. Langstaff just came by to ask what I wanted for dinner."