Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
The name sounded familiar, but he couldn’t immediately recall who she was.
Caden directed his gaze towards Hank.
Hank understood what he wanted and went to investigate further with the picture of the painting.
The buyer, aware of Caden’s motives, chose not to challenge him. “Mr. Ward, I didn’t know the painting was obtained illicitly. Had I known, I wouldn’t have collaborated with Mr. Yates.”
Caden responded nonchalantly, “You have plenty of business opportunities. Missing this one won’t hurt. I’ll cover the penalty for you.”
As they left, Hank discovered something significant. His expression revealed his mixed feelings. “Ms. Eland, Ms. Bennett’s mother, gained renown both as a philanthropist and as an acclaimed artist overseas. Following her premature death, few remembered her, and this painting is the sole remaining one attributed to her.”
Caden’s gaze intensified.
“How did her painting end up with Joshua?”
Hank appeared uncertain. “Mr. Ward, please allow me some time to investigate further.”
Caden turned his gaze toward the window.
He vividly remembered Donna.
The first time he noticed her was at school, as Alicia gracefully held Donna’s hand while they headed home.
Having just lost his own mother, the scene struck him painfully.
However, there was no denying Donna’s love for Alicia. The painting had likely been given to Alicia, and now, with Joshua in a bind, he had set his eyes on it. Investigating the details would take time. After delegating the task to Hank, Caden waited patiently.
Soon, Hank drove with careful attention.
“Arrange for someone to buy the painting anonymously,” Caden instructed.
Hank was taken aback. “Isn’t that essentially just handing Mr. Yates money?”
“Let him take it. It’s only 200 million dollars,” Caden responded indifferently.
“Then why did we bother coming to the art dealer? Wasn’t it unnecessary?” Hank inquired.
Caden gave him a chilling look.
Hank was confused. Had he misunderstood something? He didn’t think so.
Their original purpose for coming here tonight was to interfere with the transaction, ensuring Joshua didn’t profit. So, why were they now proceeding with transferring the funds?
Hank paused, then suddenly grasped the situation.
“I get it, Mr. Ward. You’re purchasing the painting for Ms. Bennett.”
Caden remained stoic. “I’m aware of Mia’s esteemed reputation. Her artworks are highly valuable, making this a sound investment.”
Hank blurted out, “Mr. Ward, are we experiencing financial difficulties?”
“Oh,” replied Caden sharply. “You’re asking if we’re running low on funds, correct? Well, if we are, perhaps I should reconsider your compensation.”
Hank was left speechless.
Caden was clearly being a pain again.
Hank no longer dared to challenge his luck.
The thought of losing his salary worried him deeply.
Caden rested against the window with his eyes closed.
As the car neared his apartment building, it hit a pothole. The sudden jolt prompted him to open his eyes. At that moment, he saw a familiar figure by the second-floor library window.
He focused on the figure.
“Stop the car here,” he commanded.
Hank pulled over and said, “Mr. Ward, it’s raining. Should I take you to the garage?”
Caden continued to observe the figure quietly.
Initially, he felt a slight recognition, but as he kept looking, he confirmed the figure was indeed Alicia.
Hank looked where Caden was looking.
From this distance, the figure was slightly unclear, but he could tell it was a woman.
When she shifted slightly, revealing part of her face, Hank recognized her instantly. “Ms. Bennett!” he exclaimed.
Caden then opened the car door. “Drive back,” he ordered.
Caden remained composed and reserved, showing no outward sign of excitement.
It was as though he were preparing for a tedious business meeting rather than going to meet a woman. In a way, he approached it like a project.
And this project was worth billions.
Hank tried to suppress a laugh but couldn’t resist teasing him. “Mr. Ward, there’s no rush. Ms. Bennett isn’t going anywhere. Take an umbrella so you don’t get soaked.” He offered the umbrella with a grin.
Caden, however, responded with a kick.
Meanwhile, Alicia felt a surge of energy, as if a second wind had hit her.
The more she studied, the more enthusiastic she became.
Initially, Caden’s message had distracted her. But before long, she found herself completely immersed in her studies, absorbing a wealth of new information.
She was so focused that she didn’t notice someone had approached her.
Caden stood beside her for a while. When she still didn’t acknowledge him, he pulled up a chair and sat down.
She had her headphones on, completely absorbed in translating a short passage.
It wasn’t until she reached for another book that she realized Caden was sitting beside her.
Startled, she briefly wondered if she was imagining things.
“When did you get here?” she asked.
Caden stared at her intently.
He had expected her to be upset, but instead, she appeared dazed, with a soft and relaxed expression. She reminded him of a kitten just waking up.
She was effortlessly charming, and her beauty was undeniable.
Caden spoke calmly. “I just got here.”
He hadn’t checked the time, but he knew it hadn’t been long. Alicia removed her headphones, and Caden casually took them from her, putting them on.
“What are you listening to?” he asked.
A clear foreign accent played through the headphones. Alicia preferred using audio explanations to learn more efficiently.
Having spent time abroad, the language felt natural to him, so he simply handed the headphones back to her. “Didn’t you just become a music teacher? Why are you now working to become a translator?”
Alicia gathered her books. “I’ve wasted the last couple of years, so I’m trying to catch up. Teaching music is just temporary. I picked it because it’s stable, but I want to expand my opportunities.”
Caden nodded and gave a rare compliment. “That’s a smart decision.”
He respected people’s choices, especially those who aimed higher.
Alicia got up with her books in hand. “I thought you weren’t coming back tonight.”
“I said I wasn’t coming back yesterday. Now it’s already past midnight, so technically, it’s a new day.”
Alicia didn’t know how to respond.
He always had a way with words.
Caden squinted as he watched her walk away. “Aren’t you happy to see me?”
Without turning back, Alicia headed for the bookshelf. “I see you every day. It’s not a matter of whether I’m happy to see you or not.”
Her tone sounded like she was still holding a grudge, but she remained composed.
Caden followed her as she started picking out books. Most were textbooks, and she grabbed whatever seemed useful. Before long, her arms were full.
The books were heavy, and the weight strained her slim arms. Without a word, Caden took them from her, surprised by how much they weighed. “You’re pretty strong.”
“I’ve been doing some training lately,” Alicia responded. Caden was aware of her self-defense training, but he hadn’t given it much thought.
“With your build, no matter how much you train, it won’t make much of a difference. Just think of it as a way to stay in shape,” he said, subtly mocking her slim frame.
Alicia rolled her eyes and tossed a book toward him.
Seizing the moment while he caught it, she aimed an elbow at him.
Caden shifted slightly, dodging her move effortlessly.
Seemingly unfazed, Caden remarked, “So young and already so restless. Haven’t you heard? Harsh advice is like good medicine.”