Chapter 260

Alice smiled and countered, “Weren’t you the one who started it?”

Caden took a deep breath, gently pushing her away. “Get away from me,” he said firmly. Alice burst out laughing. With no other outlet for his frustration, Caden returned to his work.

That same night, Alice stood with her back to him, planning her trip to Averibon. Caden put an arm around her waist and closed his eyes. "I think I need to go away for a while too," he said.

Alice turned her head slightly. “Another business trip?” she asked.

“Just some personal business,” he replied.

“Okay,” she said.

Caden, noticing the rhythmic tapping from his phone, opened his eyes. A jewelry ad flashed on the screen; he inadvertently clicked on an online shopping app. A pink gemstone caught his eye. Women were often attracted to shiny objects, and he couldn't resist looking at it several times.

Caden asked, “Do you like it?” She nodded.

"But we already have more than enough jewelry at home, and I don't wear most of it," she said. "There's no need to buy it. It would just be a waste of money."

Caden chuckled. “The gemstones from this brand aren’t even authentic. When I visit Averibon in a few days, I’ll bring back a raw stone and have a designer create something unique.”

Alice turned to him. “Sounds expensive,” she said.

Caden gave a playful half-smile. “Miss Bennett, your profits from just one project run into tens of millions of dollars, and yet you still hesitate to buy a gemstone that catches your eye?”

“It’s not just about the money. Carrying something so large would be too ostentatious,” Alice said, chuckling. “It would seem as if I were showing off my wealth.”

Caden pulled her close. “Get some rest,” he said softly.

Caden's trip involved taking Yolanda to treatment. Hank began packing and asked, "Does Mrs. Bennett know?"

Caden wrapped his scarf around his neck. “I haven’t mentioned it,” he replied.

Hank said cautiously, “What if Mrs. Bennett finds out you’re alone with Miss Moss…?”

Caden frowned. “Do you really think I’m having an affair with Yolanda? Why would I have to be so careful?” He was on business; there was no reason to feel guilty. Besides, he didn’t need to explain every detail. Hank, having worked alongside Caden for years, understood.

He asked, “But you’ll be gone for a considerable time. Didn’t Mrs. Bennett ask you?”

Caden nodded. “She did.”