Chapter 425:


    Caden’s gaze softened as he looked at her.


    “Something’s wrong.


    You seem upset.


    Wasn’t the VR experience enjoyable?”


    Alicia considered his question before replying honestly, “It wasn’t great, to be honest.


    I’ve tried other products that were cheaper and worked better.


    Why did you choose that one?”


    “They’re skilled at marketing,” Caden exined.


    “Their initial advertising push was extensive, and Mr.


    Watts has a solid reputation in the industry.


    Partnering with them could help cut down on unnecessary costs.”


    Alicia shook her head, unconvinced.


    “But the product itself is subpar.


    If anything goes wrong, we’ll be the ones held ountable.”


    Caden remained indifferent.


    “Then we’ll consider a differentpany.”


    He raised an eyebrow.


    “Haven’t you already agreed to a deal?”


    He smirked slightly.


    “Mr.


    Watts proposed a partnership, but I haven’tmitted yet.”


    Alicia’s expression softened, realizing he hadn’t rushed to seal the deal.


    Caden nced at her thoughtfully.


    “Is that why you’re upset?”


    Caught off guard, Alicia hadn’t expected him to pick up on her mood.


    Not wanting to share everything on her mind, she replied casually, “Yeah… just a little disappointed.


    Want some coffee? It’s a new blend.


    Not bad, actually.”


    Caden took the cup from her and drank half in one go, unaware it was from the same spot she had sipped.


    Almost instantly, his expression soured as he examined thebel.


    “Wait… is this instant coffee? No wonder it tastes so terrible!”


    Alicia burst outughing, adjusting her dress as she nced around.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    “I’m going to check out some of the other products.


    Enjoy the coffee,” she said with a grin before slipping away.


    Caden quickly found a trash can and spat out what was left in his mouth, muttering to himself.


    Momentster, Vince Watts, the president of the Watts Group, approached Caden with his daughter Kasumi by his side.


    “Mr.


    Ward, there you are,” Vince greeted warmly, his demeanor humble but confident.


    “I’ve reserved a table at the city’s most popr restaurant.


    If you’re avable, I’d be honored to have you and Ms.


    Bet join us for dinner.”


    Caden nced at Alicia.


    “You should ask Ms.


    Bet.


    If she’s going, then I’ll join.”


    Alicia felt her heart tighten slightly.


    Across from her, Kasumi stiffened, clearly caught off guard by Caden’s deference to Alicia.


    A flicker of unease crossed her face as she recalled her earlierments.


    Had Alicia mentioned them to Caden? It didn’t seem so—otherwise, Caden wouldn’t still be here, speaking to them so calmly.


    Without missing a beat, Alicia responded, “Thank you for the invitation, Mr.


    Watts, but we actually already have ns for this evening.


    Perhaps another time.”


    Vince looked surprised.


    “But Mr.


    Ward mentioned earlier that he was avable this evening,” he said, slightly anxious.


    Kasumi clenched her jaw, her voice sharp with frustration.


    “Ms.


    Bet, if you’re dating Mr.


    Ward, you might want to think about the bigger picture here.


    This dinner is about business.”


    Vince quickly tugged Kasumi back, muttering for her to mind her words.


    Alicia kept her expressionposed, offering a faint smile.


    “In that case, we won’t be discussing business tonight.


    I’m sorry, Mr.


    Watts, but I’m not currently interested in investing in your product.


    Perhaps I’ll reconsider when your next releasees out.”


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