Chapter 561:
Benedict stared at her, speechless. Everyone seemed charmed by Alicia.
Meanwhile, in the living room, Alicia and Caden were alone. Caden sat back, legs crossed, lazily flipping through the gallery’s financial reports from the last six months. “Not bad,” he remarked casually. Alicia, relieved to be free from pretense, remained silent, ignoring his comment. Every cent earned was the fruit of her labor; she didn't need his approval. Caden glanced at her, noting the subtle defiance in her quietude. He decided to goad her further. “Blake owns ten percent of the shares, and I won’t shortchange him. In fact, I’ll give him a generous bonus for helping you.”
Alicia’s patience snapped. “What do you mean, ‘you’ll give’? This is my company. Who asked you to interfere?”
Caden’s expression remained impassive. “Why separate what’s yours from what’s mine? I have more than enough money; giving him some is… charitable.”
Alicia was furious, her fists clenched. Caden enjoyed her frustration. He added, “Ray likes it here, so I’ll let him stay and continue his studies. But Blake needs to be out of Warrington within three days.”
Alicia, barely able to articulate her anger, shrugged. “Fine, do whatever you want. Once Mr. Langstaff leaves, I’ll simply welcome Mr. Gilbert or Mr. Nelson. Who knows, maybe they’ll be even more handsome and agreeable.”
Caden sneered. “I know you too well. Your heart has room only for me. Even a parade of handsome suitors wouldn’t sway you.”
Alicia’s frustration flared, fueled by the accuracy of his assessment. “Is that so? Tonight, I’ll prove you wrong. Maybe I’ll find one of those handsome men myself.”
He raised an eyebrow, amused. “You really think you’ll find quality elsewhere? I could choose someone better for you.”
“Fine,” Alicia retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Go ahead, find someone. I’ll head out right now, and let’s see whose taste is superior!”
Though aware she was deliberately provoking him, Caden’s face darkened. Alicia gave him a light kick. “Well, go on. Show me some options; I’ll choose based on looks and… potential. Make sure they’re more impressive than you!”
In a swift move, Caden pulled her into his arms. She lost her balance, bumping her head against his chin with a hiss of pain. Seizing the opportunity, she pinched him sharply, dodging as he leaned in to kiss her.
Just then, Benedict entered, frowning at the scene. “Really? Have you both forgotten your manners?”
Alicia quickly pushed away from Caden, shooting him an annoyed look and stomping on his foot as she retreated. Caden seemed unbothered; he simply adjusted his clothes.
“Uncle, has Grandma gone upstairs?”
“Yes,” Benedict replied, clearly irritated, his gaze disapproving. “This is Joy Mansion, not your private quarters. There are people around. Are you really so bold?”
Alicia bristled but remained silent, unwilling to escalate the tension with Caden standing beside her. Unfazed, Caden smoothly replied, “Uncle, you were young once. Surely, you remember the desire to hold someone dear close.”
Benedict’s eyes narrowed. “That doesn’t excuse this behavior.”
“Then don’t watch,” Caden countered.
Benedict fell silent, taken aback. Alicia, eager to escape their bickering, turned towards the door. “I’m leaving.” She exited without another word.
Caden seemed about to stop her, but Benedict spoke first, looking at Alicia with disdain. “You’ve ignored every courtesy since your return. You haven’t even greeted me properly.”
Alicia hesitated, then quickened her pace, leaving the room. Caden’s expression turned cold. “Uncle, Alicia is my girlfriend. I can’t bring myself to speak harshly to her, and it’s certainly not your place. If I hear you scolding her again, don’t expect me to remain polite.”