Chapter 243:

Alice looked at Gerry, her expression composed yet unreadable.

“No.”

“Maybe he’s stuck in traffic?” Gerry suggested, defending Caden.

“It’s such a big event; he wouldn’t miss it. I’ll call him.”

Alice quickly intervened. “No need. If he can come, he will.” To mask her emotions, she added, “I’ll greet the guests.”

Gerry followed, about to inquire about a possible argument between Alice and Caden, when he saw a tall, striking man approach Alice with flowers.

“Miss Bennett,” the man greeted cordially, his eyes filled with admiration. “Congratulations.”

Gerry’s curiosity was piqued. Who was this man? He exuded an air of importance, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit and expensive watch. He was clearly wealthy. And now he was presenting Alice with a bouquet, his gaze intense. Gerry, intrigued, discreetly took out his phone to capture the moment.

Alice accepted the flowers graciously, thanking him. They chatted briefly, their interaction friendly and comfortable, but not overly familiar. Gerry found the perfect angle and took several photos. After their brief conversation, Alice placed the bouquet on the gift table. The man seemed to understand the subtle message. It was clear he had feelings for her; to Alice, it was a polite gesture.

Gerry immediately sent the photos to Caden with the text: “Why aren’t you here? Your rival in love has already made his move… with flowers!”

As he hit send, a commotion erupted at the entrance. Alice turned, curious. Caden entered, impeccably dressed in a suit. His presence silenced the gathering, drawing all eyes to him. He commanded the room’s attention. Alice took a deep breath, mirroring his composure, and greeted him with a serene smile.

Caden’s sharp gaze swept the room. The rose-bearing man stiffened, realizing he’d been outmatched, and discreetly retreated. Caden approached Alice, his steps measured. Maintaining a respectful distance, he presented her with a gift.

“Mrs. Bennett, I apologize for being late,” he said, his voice firm, his face neutral. But his eyes betrayed a deeper intensity. Alice’s pulse quickened as she accepted the gift.

“Not at all, Mr. Ward. I’m glad you could come.”

As she picked up the box, Caden’s fingers brushed hers. She froze. The subtle yet deliberate touch sent a shiver through her. Alice quickly pulled away, walking back with the gift. Caden noticed her blush and couldn’t suppress a smile.

Alice, dazzling in her champagne-colored dress, radiated confidence. Before long, she was again immersed in the festivities. Caden, holding his wine, occasionally glanced at her.

Gerry approached with a mischievous smile. “Did you see that bouquet of roses? Alice made it clear she’s not looking for anything serious, yet this guy dared to try. He must have a very high opinion of himself.”

Caden’s expression remained impassive. “So?”

Gerry raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you sense any competition?”

Caden’s gaze shifted to the well-dressed man, who was still casting glances at Alice. “Someone like him doesn’t stand a chance with Alice,” he said confidently.

Gerry scoffed. “Don’t be so cocky. People change. What if Alice tires of you one day?”

Caden’s response was cold. “You’re quite the comedian.”

Would Alice ever tire of him? He would ensure that never happened.

A waiter approached. Caden set down his glass, spoke briefly with the waiter, gave him some money, and the waiter left. Caden’s phone rang. He answered, listened intently, nodded, pocketed the phone, and left. Moments later, his car disappeared into the night.

When Alice finished her duties, she searched for Caden, but he was gone. Gerry approached.

“Caden had urgent business at the office. He couldn’t stay. You don’t need to wait for dinner.”

Alice nodded.

Since opening his gallery, Caden had cultivated a calm exterior, making it difficult to discern his true emotions.

Gerry raised an eyebrow. “You’re not mad at him?” Caden had arrived late and left early, a potentially rude gesture.

Alice shook her head calmly. “I’m going back to work. Please have fun, Mr. Hopkins.”

Gerry stood stunned. Did they call this love?

As Alice left, she noticed the roses were gone. She found a visibly uneasy waiter. Before Alice could speak, he blurted, “Miss Bennett, I swear I didn’t throw away the flowers!”

Alice blinked in surprise. Realizing his slip, the waiter fell silent. Alice didn’t reproach him. “Who told you to do that?”

The waiter hesitated, then admitted, “Mr. Ward. He said a guest was allergic to pollen and asked me to get rid of them.”

Alice paused, a slight, incredulous smile playing on her lips. “Allergic, shit,” she thought. “Caden really is a mean man.”