“Ms. Bennett, I look forward to our potential cooperation.”

Just as Alicia was about to shake his hand, Caden’s icy tone cut through.

“If you’re so keen on collaboration, perhaps you’d be interested in working with me?”

They both turned their heads.

Caden was approaching with purposeful strides.

He reached for Alicia’s arm, gently pulling her aside, placing her a bit away from the man.

With Caden’s presence, the mood shifted.

The man’s demeanor became markedly more reserved.

“Mr. Ward, have you finished your business?”

Caden smiled. “I seem to have arrived at an inconvenient moment. My apologies if I interrupted your flirtation.”

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Alicia stood behind Caden, clenching her teeth.

Caden’s words are sharp enough to slice through glass. He’s such a pain, she thought.

Feeling the intensity of Caden’s presence, the man apologized. “I’m sorry, Mr. Ward. Ms. Bennett is so captivating that I was compelled to offer her the gemstone to win her favor.”

Alicia said, “The gemstone is mine. I’m going to pay for it now.”

Caden said slowly, “I’ve already paid for it.”

Alicia paused.

She looked at him, puzzled.

Caden, however, was focused on the man opposite him.

“The necklace only cost 3 million dollars to produce. Has the standard for impressing women dropped this low?” Caden’s smile was scornful. “You might want to use that 200 million dollars to woo someone less expensive.”

Alicia was at a loss for words.

Caden’s sharp tongue always caught her off guard.

It was surprising he hadn’t been murdered by women yet.

The man, sophisticated enough to grasp Caden’s insinuation, chose to leave discreetly to avoid further confrontation.

Caden turned back to Alicia.

He said sarcastically, “You seem to have quite a few admirers. Did he touch you before I got here?”

Alicia frowned. “Did you pay for it?”

Caden answered, “Yes. I had the necklace taken to the car. If you want it, come with me to pick it up.”

Alicia asked irritably, “Why did you pay for something I bid on? What were you thinking?”