Chapter 400:

Her words, laced with reproach and sadness, reached Caden. He immediately scheduled a call. “I’ve been away on business, but I’ll be back next Saturday and will spend a few days with you,” he assured her. Noticing the weariness in his voice, Ciara recognized Caden's tireless work. Though relatively young, he was already among the top five wealthiest individuals. A rising entrepreneur, he was lauded by many, but behind the glamour lay countless hours of relentless labor. A wave of sympathy washed over Ciara. “Please, come back when you can. There’s no need to push yourself so hard.”

“I promise I will return,” Caden declared firmly. “No matter how many others try to win your affection, none can replace your grandson.” Ciara chuckled softly. She was about to speak, but Caden interrupted: “Has Alicia stopped by?”

“She’s visited twice. She’s just as busy as you are these days,” Ciara replied.

“Yes, she was on a business trip recently. I happened to run into her once.”

“Just that one time?” Ciara asked.

Caden fell silent. He’d only seen her once. He was consumed by work, and he felt he’d been too forward lately; he wanted to give her space. He then asked, “When she visited, was she with Blake?”

This time, a man answered. “Mr. Ward, I regret to inform you that I did not have the privilege of visiting with Ms. Bennett.”

Caden was speechless. Ciara chuckled. “By the way, you’re on speakerphone. Blake can hear everything.”

Blake, effortlessly charming, was unfazed. Caden responded coolly, “You don’t have that privilege now, and you won’t in the future. Maintain your self-awareness.”

Blake chuckled. “Mr. Ward, do you happen to know where Ms. Bennett is on her business trip?”

“Why? Are you unable to manage on your own and looking to me for information? You’re not entitled to that,” Caden replied flatly.

Blake remained silent. Caden sensed it was time to end the call. After hanging up, he rubbed his temples in frustration. He understood Blake’s subtle boasting about his new role as a restoration specialist at the gallery—a position he’d held for a month. However, Blake and Alicia’s interactions remained strictly professional. Despite his efforts, Blake hadn't captured Alicia's attention.

A few days later, Caden returned to Warrington. Visiting Ciara, he learned Blake had accompanied Alicia on a business trip the previous day. Displeasure washed over him. “Isn’t it usually the assistant’s responsibility to accompany their boss on business trips?” he asked sharply.