Chapter 453:


    She wasn’t entirely familiar with the tensions between Corey and Caden, but his question didn’t feel like mere curiosity.


    “Just dabbling,” she replied lightly.


    Corey gave her a thoughtful look.


    “The year Mr.


    Ward returned, heunched a new product line that sold out immediately.


    Word is that sess was partly your doing.


    If you can aplish that with ‘dabbling,’ imagine what you’d achieve if you were fullymitted.


    I’d have no room left.”This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Alicia managed a polite, slightly strained smile.


    “Mr.


    Hampton, you’re ttering me.


    You’re already leading the market here.


    I wouldn’t be taking any of your share.”


    Corey just smiled, saying nothing more.


    For over a month, he’d been observing the shifts in the industry.


    He knew Caden had intentions to expand domestically.


    Every market was a fierce battleground, and Caden was known for his unrelenting business approach.


    Once he established himself, he rarely left room forpetitors, securing resources in a way that stifled anyone who tried to enter the field.


    Corey felt he had two choices: either settle for whatever was left or be the one to dominate first.


    As he prepared to leave, Corey turned back to her.


    “Ms.


    Bet, I’m looking forward to seeing your work.


    Let’s have dinner sometime.”


    Alicia smiled, nodding.


    “I’ll make sure to host you properly.”


    After Corey left, she realized how tense she’d been throughout their conversation.


    That evening, as she leanedfortably against Caden, she asked, “Have you had any recent business conflicts with Corey?”


    Caught off guard by her mention of another man, Caden’s expression turned curious.


    “Why do you ask?”


    “Hemissioned a painting from me,” Alicia replied.


    “And he asked about my investments.


    It almost felt like he was… probing for information about you.”


    Caden’s gaze darkened slightly as he thought it over.


    “I’ll look into it.”


    Alicia thought back to her conversation with Corey.


    He’d been charming, but there was something elusive in his manner, making it hard to gauge his true intentions.


    “So, what kind of person is Corey?” she asked innocently.


    “Would you say he’s a good man?”


    Caden shrugged.


    “As long as he doesn’t try to undermine me, he’s a good enough man.”


    Sensing she wouldn’t get more out of him, Alicia yawned, feeling the weight of the day catching up with her.


    “Once the painting’s ready, I n to invite him over for dinner.


    Would you like to join us?”


    Caden paused his gentle touch on her back.


    “I don’t have time for unnecessary dinners.”


    Alicia gave a small pout.


    “Suit yourself.”


    Later, Caden discovered that his recent business moves had unintentionally unsettled Corey.


    His grand return had attracted several well-funded partners who’d cut ties with Corey to join his ventures.


    With his packed schedule, Caden hadn’t noticed the impact on Corey.


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