Chapter 540:

Alicia’s voice turned icy. “Mr. Langstaff gave me his jacket because I was drenched. Had I not accepted it, I would have been exposed. Is that what you wanted?”

His expression darkened. “So, did he see anything?”

Alicia, intent on provoking him but cautious of overstepping, swallowed her words. “No. Mr. Langstaff is a gentleman, unlike you, who seems to enjoy invading personal space.”

The repeated mention of “Mr. Langstaff” grated on Caden’s nerves. “That’s enough. His shares—pull them out. Cut all ties with him, effective immediately.”

Alicia’s eyes flashed with frustration. “What are you thinking, Caden? You were gone in Terriland for nine days, and Corey deliberately targeted you. Blake and I had to manage everything together. He’s been working tirelessly, running the gallery and handling everything else. And now, over a jacket, you want to cut him off? How could you be so unreasonable?”

Caden’s expression remained unyielding. He didn’t care about Blake’s struggles or contributions. “I’m not being unfair,” he said, each word deliberate. “If you can’t do it, I will.”

Alicia gripped his shirt, her anger flaring. “He’s part of my team, Caden. What gives you the right to decide? Even you should know there’s a limit to this childish jealousy.”

His eyes darkened, his voice icy. “I’ll show you exactly what gives me that right.”

Without another word, he pulled away and strode toward the living room, reaching for his phone. Just as he was about to make a call, his uncle’s number appeared on the screen. He answered coolly, “Is it you, Benedict?”

“I heard you came back. But why did you leave again?” Benedict’s voice held a calculated edge.

Caden clenched his jaw. “Personal matters. If there’s nothing urgent, I’m hanging up.”

Benedict chuckled, sensing the tension. “You sound ready to murder someone. Did you have a fight with Alicia? Over Blake, perhaps?”

Caden was about to hang up but hesitated. “What exactly do you mean by that, Benedict?”

“I’m right, aren’t I?” Benedict’s sneer was almost audible. “Did you find Blake and Alicia together, doing more than just ‘working’?”

Benedict hadn’t uncovered any concrete evidence; however, his bias against Alicia clouded his judgment.

Caden’s voice was frosty. “What did you see?”

“Nothing. But you should know that Blake likes her.” He let out a harsh laugh. “Let’s not kid ourselves; it’s mutual. Even I can see that. Do you really think your girlfriend is oblivious? She enjoys the attention she gets from men. Is this the kind of woman you want by your side?”

Caden’s lips tightened. After a brief pause, he replied coldly, “You don’t need to worry about my affairs. Just take care of Grandma.”

Once he hung up, Alicia approached. She didn’t ask about Caden’s conversation; instead, she headed straight for the bedroom. “You’re sleeping in the guest room tonight,” she said without glancing back.

Caden quickly caught up to her, grabbing her arm. “Did you do what I asked earlier?”