Chapter 282:

"Miss Bennett, I look forward to our possible cooperation," the man offered. Just as Alice was about to accept his hand, Caden's icy tone interrupted.

"If you're so interested in collaboration, perhaps you'd be interested in working with me?"

Both turned. Caden approached with determined strides, gently taking Alice's arm and pulling her away from the man. His presence immediately shifted the atmosphere; the man's demeanor became noticeably more reserved.

"Mr. Ward, have you finished your business?" Caden asked, a smile playing on his lips. "I seem to have arrived at an inopportune time. My apologies if I've interrupted your… flirtation."

Alicia stood behind Caden, teeth gritted. His words were sharp, cutting. He's a pain, she thought.

Sensing the intensity of Caden's presence, the man apologized. "I'm sorry, Mr. Ward. Miss Bennett is so captivating that I was compelled to offer her the gem to gain her favor."

"The gem is mine," Alice declared. "I will pay for it now."

Caden said slowly, "I've already paid for it."

Alice paused, bewildered. Caden, however, remained focused on the other man. "The necklace only cost three million dollars to produce. Has the bar for impressing women fallen that low?" His smile was disdainful. "Perhaps you'd prefer to use those two hundred million dollars to court someone… less expensive."

Alice was speechless. Caden's sharp tongue always caught her off guard. It was surprising he hadn't been killed by women yet.

The man, understanding Caden's clear dismissal, discreetly withdrew to avoid further confrontation.

Caden turned to Alice. "Looks like you have quite a few admirers," he said sarcastically. "Did he touch you before I arrived?"

Alice frowned. "Did you pay for it?"

"Yes," Caden replied. "I had the necklace delivered to my car. If you want it, come with me to pick it up."

"Why did you pay for something I bid on?" Alice demanded irritably. "What were you thinking?"