Chapter 474

Alicia snatched a stack of papers from the table and hurled them at Caden's face. The papers fluttered through the air, momentarily obscuring the mischievous smile playing on his lips. Onlookers were astonished—a woman had dared to throw something at Caden. They were tempted to watch, yet fearful of being implicated. Only Corey remained, his gaze fixed, as if unwilling to miss a detail.

The door to an adjacent office opened, and Hank sauntered into the hallway. Noticing Corey's rapt attention, he followed his gaze to the conference room. Alicia's face was flushed with anger; she seemed poised to unleash a furious tirade on Caden. At least, that's how it appeared to most. Hank, however, knew better—this was their usual playful banter. He wasn't sure how they could afford such open flirtation with Corey present, but he needed to move Corey along.

He fetched water from the nearby pantry and approached Corey. "Mr. Hampton," he began. Corey turned as Hank, feigning distraction, "accidentally" spilled the water onto Corey's trousers. Corey froze, staring in shock.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Mr. Hampton!" Hank exclaimed, feigning surprise and panic. "I meant to offer you some water, but I fumbled." He reached out to dab at the wet spot. Corey recoiled, his expression darkening. "That won't be necessary. I'll handle it myself."

But how? His gray trousers were soaked, the stain dangerously close to an embarrassing area. Fury surged within him. His image was paramount, and this was unacceptable. He longed to leave immediately. But then, he glanced toward the conference room. Alicia stood, her wrist trapped in Caden's grip. She glared at him, then slapped him. A collective gasp echoed down the hall.

"What's going on?" Hank asked innocently, feigning confusion. "Why are those two fighting?"

Despite the apparent simplicity of the scene, Corey remained skeptical. "What is the relationship between Mr. Ward and Ms. Bennett?"

Hank continued his charade. "I'm not sure. I never pry into Mr. Ward's personal affairs." Knowing Corey's cunning and ruthlessness, Hank decided to add a little fuel to the fire. "But those two never got along, even as children. Later, Mr. Ward detested Ms. Bennett even more because of Mr. Joshua Ward. As for why they're together now… Perhaps for the thrill of it? It's how the rich live, isn't it?"

Corey scrutinized Hank, then turned and left without a word, disappearing into the elevator. Once he was gone, the conference room lights dimmed—the anti-peeping mode engaged.