Chapter 483:
But no matter how hard she focused, thoughts of Caden and Yolanda intruded, tormenting her. What could he possibly be doing with Yolanda? The hours crawled by, each more agonizing than the last. As the afternoon wore on, her shift neared its end.
Blake, who had been observing her closely, noticed her fluctuating between quiet sadness and sudden irritation. He sensed her mind was preoccupied with Caden.
“Want to grab dinner tonight? My treat,” Blake offered.
Alicia managed a weak smile but shook her head. “Thanks, Blake, but I’m not hungry. You go ahead.”
Blake raised an eyebrow. “Don’t let a guy mess with your peace of mind.”
She forced a smile. “I’m fine, really.”
Blake gave her a serious look, unconvinced. “Your face tells a different story. Looks like Caden’s been giving you a hard time.”
Alicia instinctively touched her face. “Is it that obvious?”
Blake chuckled. “When things are good with him, you’re practically radiant. But today… it’s like the light’s gone out.”
Alicia remained silent, but his words resonated. She hadn't realized her emotions were so transparent. Blake walked over and placed a glass of water before her. “Take a break. You’ve been pushing yourself too hard, for yourself or for him.” He produced a small bottle of eye drops from his pocket and offered them to her. “Here. These are great for tired eyes. I bought two, so this one’s unopened. You can have it.”
Blake looked at her with gentle concern. “Your eyes are red. Hasn’t Caden noticed?”
A pang of disappointment struck Alicia. Just then, a familiar voice cut through the air from the doorway.
“I seem to have missed the red veins in Alicia’s eyes,” Caden remarked coolly, “but with Mr. Langstaff’s blatant attentiveness, I can see how hard he’s trying to drive a wedge between us.”
Both Alicia and Blake turned, startled. Caden stood in the doorway, impeccably dressed, his gaze sharp and laced with a faint mockery that chilled the room.
Blake paused, his confidence growing. “Alicia, go ahead with your work. I’ll keep our honored guest company.” He spat the words with thick sarcasm, glancing at Caden.
Caden’s gaze shifted to him. Alicia avoided looking at either man, instead focusing on the documents she held. “Alright. You two go ahead,” she replied softly, feigning interest.
Blake stepped forward, gesturing for Caden to follow. “Shall we, Mr. Ward? Coffee or tea?”
Caden’s response was curt. “Leave.”
Unfazed, Blake smirked. “If you’ve got a problem with me, let’s settle it privately. This is Alicia’s company, her office. Who are you trying to intimidate?”
Caden’s eyes narrowed. “Why would I have an issue with you? What makes you think you’re even worth my attention?”
Blake chuckled, undeterred. “Seems to me you’re nursing a grudge deeper than your fancy pool at home.” He threw an arm around Caden’s shoulder. “Come on.”
Caden glared, his posture rigid, but Blake leaned in, his voice a quiet warning. “I’m the backbone of the gallery now. If you lay a finger on me, Alicia will definitely hate you even more.”