Chapter 217:

A weight of regret pressed down on Caden. He knew Alicia harbored feelings for him, and he could only imagine her hopeful anticipation while preparing her gift. Yet, he'd dismissed her thoughtful gesture as worthless. His face hardened as he handed the scarf to Hank.

"Here, take this," he said, his voice devoid of warmth.

Hank accepted the scarf awkwardly, its weight feeling oppressive. "But sir, Miss Moss bought this specifically for you."

"I don't want it," Caden snapped. "If it's useless to you, throw it away or use it to clean yourself."

Frustration welled within him. He wondered if Alicia's unusual behavior the previous night stemmed from their misunderstandings. Usually so perceptive, she'd remained silent at crucial moments. If she felt hurt or jealous, why hadn't she spoken? Instead, she'd opposed him at every turn. Determined to put the matter behind him, Caden resolved to move on.

Following Caden's instructions, Hank made a reservation at a trendy restaurant. During the drive, Caden ordered a detour. Curious, Hank asked, "Are we stopping to pick up anything, sir?"

Caden replied indifferently, "No, there's less traffic on this route."

Hank glanced at the navigation screen. "But the recommended route isn't congested, and this adds about twenty minutes."

Caden shot him a sharp look. "Do I have to repeat myself?"

Stunned, Hank remained silent. Caden was, after all, his boss.

Halfway to their destination, Caden stopped the car. He entered a high-end men's boutique, leaving Hank waiting. Hank couldn't help but notice a signature handkerchief in the window. He blinked, surprised. What was Caden doing?

Minutes later, Caden emerged wearing an identical scarf to the one he'd discarded. Hank stared, incredulous.

"What's that look?" Caden asked, his gaze icy. "Do you want one too?"

Hank shook his head, confused. "Miss Bennett bought you one, which you threw away. Miss Moss bought you another, which you gave to me. Now you've bought yourself one. Mr. Ward, what's going on?"

Caden replied flatly, "I don't feel well."

Hank was speechless. Caden possessed a talent for brutal honesty.

Meanwhile, Alice was immersed in her work at the gallery. The early stages of preparation had been incredibly busy and rewarding. Her past successes had attracted numerous clients, and everything was exceeding expectations. She attributed it to luck—until that night.

Alice had already consumed five glasses of wine when a customer refilled her glass. As he topped it off, his hand brushed her thigh. Alice instinctively pulled away.

The man frowned. "Mrs. Bennett, drinking too much isn't good for your health. I heard you're somewhat allergic to alcohol, even with medication it's risky. Why go to such lengths?"

Though unprepared for such a situation, Alice knew how to handle lecherous men. Maintaining her composure, she smiled calmly. "Mr. Tingey, I wouldn't want to spoil the mood, and I'm aware of the unspoken rules." She raised her glass. "Cheers, Mr. Tingey."

She drank the entire glass in one gulp, preferring to endure the wine rather than participate in his advances. Mr. Tingey watched, disappointment etched on his face. He picked up his pen, a smug smile playing on his lips.

"I've been one of your biggest investors since you opened the gallery, Miss Bennett. Is drinking the only way you can show your gratitude?"

He signed the contract. Alice knew compliance would unlock tens, possibly hundreds, of millions in investment, freeing her from endless socializing. But the sight of him stirred nausea. She knew the deal was off.

Putting down her glass, Alice turned to her assistant. "Please show Mr. Tingey to his carriage. I'll be right out."

Mr. Tingey wouldn't let her go. "Mrs. Bennett," he said, his voice laced with arrogance, "is this hypocrisy really necessary?"

Alice turned, her expression cold. "Do you want me to vomit in your face?"

Mr. Tingey recoiled, startled. Alice gave him a mocking smile before retreating to the bathroom. The reality of the evening hit her. She'd drunk excessively, feeling violently ill. She vomited until her face paled and her throat burned. By the time she finished, her vision was blurry from intoxication.

After washing her hands, she stumbled toward the exit, supporting herself against the wall. She saw Caden approaching with Yolanda. They looked like the perfect couple. He glanced at her, his expression cold and indifferent.

Self-conscious of her disheveled appearance, Alice tried to stand tall, but her head swam. She leaned against the wall, fearing collapse. As they passed, Yolanda whispered, "Caden, shouldn't you be helping Miss Bennett?"

Caden didn't hesitate. "Ignore her," he said flatly, his tone cutting.

Alice's last flicker of hope extinguished. Disappointment and bitterness threatened to consume her.

Caden and Yolanda left for the parking lot. Alice's assistant had just dismissed Mr. Tingey, maintaining the calm demeanor Alice had taught her. Mr. Tingey, however, wasn't finished.

"Alice is pretty, but not very clever," he commented condescendingly.

Caden heard this, glancing in Alice's direction. Unaware of Caden's presence, Mr. Tingey continued his arrogant speech to Alice's assistant. "But that coldness—that's what makes her attractive. Let her know that if she changes her mind, she's always welcome to come to me."