Chapter 286:
“Since when did you start collecting paintings? Do you even like art?” Caden frowned, his questions mostly rhetorical. “You sought her out on purpose, didn’t you?”
Ciara lifted her chin petulantly. “So what if I did? I was merely supporting her business, as your grandmother. She’ll inherit our family’s wealth once you’re married anyway. What’s wrong with giving her a bit now?”
Caden examined the paintings, realizing their considerable value. They must have fetched hefty prices. No wonder Alicia had been so confident during the bidding; she hadn’t flinched at her $200 million bid for a single necklace. Someone had clearly lined her pockets, and generously.
Caden’s face darkened. “You just keep making things difficult for me,” he muttered before turning away.
Ciara watched him go, utterly bewildered. “You brat! Can’t you see I’m helping you win her back? Why are you blaming me? Are you having a quarter-life crisis?”
Caden ignored her, continuing down the hall.
Ciara huffed in frustration. Dismissing Caden’s outburst, she put on her reading glasses and opened the painting catalog. She waved Jasmine over. “Come here and help me choose.” Despite the tension, Ciara was in high spirits, as if their exchange hadn’t occurred. “I’ll buy a few more of the expensive ones and hang them all in that rascal’s bedroom!”
The next day, Caden received an unexpected call from Alicia. “Do you have time in the coming days?” she asked gently.
Caden glanced at his calendar; his schedule was full. “Yes,” he lied smoothly.
“Great. I’m going on a business trip, and I need someone to care for Cade. I’ve written down instructions; you just need to follow them.”
Caden’s jaw dropped. This was why she called? To ask him to dog-sit? The bite in his voice was unmistakable. “So you’re more concerned about a dog than me?”
Alicia asked, “Are you really comparing yourself to Cade? Cade is a pet; he’s dependent. Are you suggesting you’re like him?”
With unwavering confidence, Caden responded, “Yes.”
Alicia was dumbfounded. She knew Caden could be unreasonable, but this surpassed all expectations. He had genuinely compared himself to a dog.