Chapter 283:

Seeing her stand her ground, Caden’s tone hardened. “I had already reserved that necklace. Today’s auction was a formality. Did you really think you could outbid me?”

Alice replied coldly, “Why didn’t you increase your offer? You could have gone to $300 million, even $1 billion. Why did you stop?”

Caden’s gaze fell to her lips. They were tender when he kissed them, but the words they now formed were infuriating. Alicia moved away, instructing the auction staff to reverse Caden’s payment to her account. She paid for the necklace herself; he then arranged for its retrieval.

Caden sat, coldly composed, radiating an air of superiority. A man who had been courting Alice watched, secretly pleased. Caden’s earlier actions had suggested a relationship between him and Alicia, but now it seemed he was merely another suitor. Gathering his courage, he approached Alice.

“Miss Bennett, may I help you put on your necklace?”

Caden’s sharp gaze followed. Alicia felt its weight on her neck; she knew a threat, a possessiveness, lurked behind it. But she would not tolerate such behavior. She was not a child, nor was she interested in childish games. Maintaining composure in the public space, she responded kindly but distantly.

“I’m not wearing it now. Please excuse me; I have something to attend to. Have a nice day.”

The man persisted. “Then let me escort you, Miss Bennett.”

“That won’t be necessary,” she calmly replied. “I’ll be looking at other jewels with a friend.”

He took the hint, signaling an employee to escort Alicia out.