Chapter 377
Caden leaned in, his tone deceptively casual. “Then why not answer my question directly? She’s stunning, isn’t she?”
Blake felt a surge of tension, sensing he was being cornered. An instinct told him Caden was wielding a metaphorical gun, poised to fire. Caden had a knack for veiled threats; his words cut like knives.
Taking a steadying breath, Blake replied, “Of course. She’s very beautiful.”
“Good to know you can see that,” Caden said, his smile unwavering. “Now, go home, look in the mirror, and think about whether you truly deserve someone as beautiful as her.”
“And who are you to her?” Blake retorted.
Without hesitation, Caden responded, “I am the love of her life.”
Blake’s skepticism was evident. “She said that to you?”
Caden sneered, leaning closer with a smug air. “You couldn’t handle the details, trust me. If you’re smart, you’ll avoid provoking me.”
Blake remained silent. Time had shown no mercy. As children, Blake had assumed Caden’s aloofness indicated superior intellect, a future genius. In truth, Caden had proven exceptional, though not in the ways Blake had expected.
Without prolonging the conversation, Blake turned and walked away. A short distance off, Alicia emerged, purse in hand, gathering the hem of her dress. Blake noticed her peripherally and stopped. He hadn’t planned on speaking, but Caden’s smugness irritated him.
“Ms. Bennett?” Blake approached Alicia with a composed smile. “It’s still early. I was wondering if you’d allow me the pleasure of visiting your gallery tonight?”
Caden let out a quiet, dismissive scoff. Stepping closer, he glanced at Madison and casually said, “Mrs. Hopkins, isn’t it time for the fireworks?”
The subtle threat in his words broke Alicia’s train of thought, and her eyes instinctively met Caden’s. Madison smiled warmly. “I’ve already arranged everything.”
As if on cue, a loud boom reverberated through the air, followed by a spectacular burst of color illuminating the night sky. The villa, perched on the hillside overlooking the city, offered a perfect vantage point. The fireworks bloomed against the vast sky, vibrant purple sparks reflecting in Alicia’s eyes.
While the crowd marveled, Caden kept his gaze fixed on her. Madison sighed appreciatively. “Caden, you are so considerate. These fireworks are a true luxury—difficult to arrange, regardless of cost. You’ve really gone out of your way.”
Caden smiled. “I’m glad you like them.”
Alicia’s heart skipped a beat. The way he looked at her made her feel the words were meant only for her. She quickly looked away, an uneasy feeling twisting in her chest, a sharp pang of bitterness settling deep within.
The fireworks continued, their colors and sounds filling the air. But Alicia couldn’t stay. Without a word, she quietly slipped away, leaving the display behind.