Chapter 457

Caden concealed his doubts and asked casually, "Was his investigation that obvious?"

"He mentioned my mother's painting when we met today," Donna replied. Her only posthumous work, stored in a bank vault, had been discreetly sold by Joshua. Only a few people knew it had become a rare gem in Alicia's collection. Yet Corey mentioned it casually. Wasn't that a clear sign of prior investigation?

Alicia added, "I can't shake this strange feeling. He seems to dislike us; his smile felt so insincere."

Caden responded, "I snatched a business deal right out from under him. If he had any fondness for me, that would be the real issue."

Alicia exclaimed, "Do you still have to fight tooth and nail for business?"

"I'm quite charming, you know. They'd rather offend Corey than miss a chance to work with me," Caden declared, his confidence bordering on arrogance. "I can't just turn down money."

Alicia burst out laughing, her tension dissipating. After a moment, she asked, "Caden, do you think Corey likes me?"

Caden looked at her. She was stunning, with almond-shaped eyes brimming with emotion, vibrant red lips framing a dazzling smile, and irresistibly alluring, almost pearly white teeth. Her smooth, fair cheeks beckoned to him, making him want to shield her from the world.

With a casual shrug, Caden replied, "With such ordinary looks, how can you even ask that?"

Instead of being insulted, Alicia laughed heartily. She knew he couldn't resist her charm. Why would he pretend otherwise? She was simply curious.

"In the real world, business competition can be ruthless," she said. "If it ever came down to it, would you use me as a bargaining chip against Corey?"

Caden clicked his tongue in annoyance. "I warned you about watching those ridiculous movies. You didn't listen, and now your imagination is running wild."

Alicia pressed further, "Just answer me, please?"

"Would Corey be interested if I put up the offer?" he countered.

Alicia raised a playful eyebrow. "So, you are saying you would be willing to part with me?" she teased, a smirk playing on her lips. "After all this time, I thought you loved me. Turns out I'm just a pawn in your game."

Caden couldn't suppress a smile at her playful sarcasm. "I have never met a woman as bold as you, asking so straightforwardly. Who would actually admit the truth?"

Alicia tilted her head. "So, are you saying the opposite? That you couldn't stand to lose me? If Corey tried to take me away, would you go to the ends of the earth to stop him?"