Chapter 561:
Benedict stared at her, speechless.
It seemed everyone had been charmed by Alicia.
Meanwhile, in the living room, Alicia and Caden were alone.
Caden sat back with his legs crossed,zily flipping through the gallery’s financial reports from thest six months.
“Not bad,” he remarked offhandedly.
Alicia, finally free from any need to put on a show, said nothing, ignoring hismentary.
Every cent earned was a result of her own hard work; she didn’t need his approval.
Caden nced at her, catching the subtle defiance in her silence.
Deciding to push her buttons further, he said, “ke owns ten percent of the shares, and I won’t shortchange him.
In fact, I’ll give him a nice bonus for helping you out.”
Alicia’s patience snapped.
“What do you mean, ‘you’ll give’? This is mypany.
Who asked you to interfere?”
Caden’s expression remained impassive.
“Why separate what’s yours from what’s mine? I have more than enough money; giving him some is like… charity.”
Alicia was livid, her fists clenched.
Caden relished the sight of her frustration.
He added, “Ray likes it here, so I’ll let him stay and continue studying.
But ke needs to be out of Warrington within three days.”
Alicia was so frustrated that she could barely find the words.
“Fine, do whatever you want,” she said, shrugging.
“Once Mr.
Langstaff leaves, I’ll just wee Mr.
Gilbert or Mr.
Nelson.
Who knows, maybe they’ll be even more handsome and kind.”
Caden sneered, “I know you too well.
Your heart has room only for me.
Even if a parade of handsome suitors lined up, you wouldn’t let any of themy a finger on you.”
Alicia’s frustration red, fueled by his urate assumption.
She shot back defiantly, “Is that so? Tonight, I’ll prove you wrong.
Maybe I’ll go find one of those handsome men myself.”
He raised an eyebrow, amused.
“You really think you’ll find quality out there? I could pick someone better for you.”
“Fine,” Alicia snorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Go ahead, find someone.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.
I’ll head over right now, and let’s see whose taste is better!”
Though he knew she was deliberately provoking him, Caden’s face darkened.
Alicia gave him a light kick.
“Well, go on.
Show me some options, I’ll choose by their looks and guess their… potential.
Make sure they’re more impressive than you!”
In one swift move, Caden pulled her into his arms.
She lost her bnce, bumping her head against his chin with a hiss of pain.
Taking advantage, she gave him a sharp pinch, dodging as he leaned in to kiss her.
Just then, Benedict walked in, frowning at the scene before him.
“Really? Have you both forgotten your manners?”
Alicia quickly pushed away from Caden, shooting him an annoyed look and stomping on his foot as she stepped back.
Caden didn’t seem to mind at all; he merely adjusted his clothes, unfazed.
“Uncle, has Grandma gone upstairs?”
“Yes,” Benedict replied, clearly irritated, his gaze disapproving as he looked at Alicia.
“This is Joy Mansion, not your private quarters.
There are people around.
Are you really that bold?”
Alicia bristled but kept quiet, unwilling to provoke further tension with Caden standing beside her.
Unbothered, Caden replied smoothly, “Uncle, you were young once.
Surely, you remember what it’s like to want to hold the one you care about close.”
Benedict’s eyes narrowed.
“That doesn’t excuse this behavior.”
“Then don’t watch,” Caden countered.
Benedict fell silent, taken aback.
Alicia, eager to escape their bickering, turned toward the door.
“I’m heading back.” She made to leave without another word.
Caden seemed about to stop her, but Benedict responded first, looking at Alicia with disdain.
“You’ve ignored every courtesy since you got back.
You haven’t even greeted me properly.”
Alicia hesitated but, instead of replying, quickened her steps, leaving the room.
Caden’s expression turned cold.
“Uncle, Alicia is my girlfriend.
I can’t bring myself to speak harshly to her, and it’s certainly not your ce.
If I hear you scolding her again, don’t expect me to stay polite.”
.
.
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