Chapter 377
Caden leaned in, his tone deceptively casual. โThen why not answer my question directly? Sheโs stunning, isnโt she?โ
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, โOf course. Sheโs very beautiful.โ
โGood to know you can see that,โ Caden said, his smile unwavering. โNow, go home, look in the mirror, and think about whether you truly deserve someone as beautiful as her.โ
โAnd who are you to her?โ Blake retorted.
Without hesitation, Caden responded, โI am the love of her life.โ
Blakeโs skepticism was evident. โShe said that to you?โ
Caden sneered, leaning closer with a smug air. โYou couldnโt handle the details, trust me. If youโre smart, youโll avoid provoking me.โ
Blake remained silent. Time had shown no mercy. As children, Blake had assumed Cadenโs 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 hadnโt planned on speaking, but Cadenโs smugness irritated him.
โMs. Bennett?โ Blake approached Alicia with a composed smile. โItโs still early. I was wondering if youโd allow me the pleasure of visiting your gallery tonight?โ
Caden let out a quiet, dismissive scoff. Stepping closer, he glanced at Madison and casually said, โMrs. Hopkins, isnโt it time for the fireworks?โ
The subtle threat in his words broke Aliciaโs train of thought, and her eyes instinctively met Cadenโs. Madison smiled warmly. โIโve already arranged everything.โ
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 Aliciaโs eyes.
While the crowd marveled, Caden kept his gaze fixed on her. Madison sighed appreciatively. โCaden, you are so considerate. These fireworks are a true luxuryโdifficult to arrange, regardless of cost. Youโve really gone out of your way.โ
Caden smiled. โIโm glad you like them.โ
Aliciaโs 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 couldnโt stay. Without a word, she quietly slipped away, leaving the display behind.