Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Caden glanced at the necklace nonchalantly.
Determination gleamed in his dark eyes.
He understood that if he won today, Alicia would never accept the necklace from him.
Even if she did, she’d likely toss it straight into the trash. The thought excited him.
He smiled as the auctioneer announced, “100 million dollars, going once.”
Alicia stayed quiet.
The auctioneer couldn’t resist looking in her direction.
“100 million dollars, going twice. Any more bids?”
Alicia declared, “200 million dollars.”
The auctioneer was almost knocked off his feet by the shock.
Alicia’s bid of 200 million dollars left everyone stunned, and even Caden’s heart skipped a beat.
Her tone was so casual.
Yet, it immediately caused a commotion.
Caden slightly closed his eyes.
200 million dollars…
It was enough to take Alicia’s breath away.
She had really pulled out all the stops to challenge him, showing her resilience.
Alicia watched the stage silently, waiting for Caden to make his next move.
Meanwhile, she had to support Monica.
Monica fainted upon hearing the bid…
When the gavel finally struck, applause filled the room.
The gemstone was now Alicia’s.
Once Monica came to, Alicia went backstage to handle the payment.
On her way, she ran into one of the auction’s investors.
He was a polished and successful man.
She recognized him from online profiles as a young, notably eligible entrepreneur in his thirties.
The man, anticipating this moment, stopped Alicia.
“Ms. Bennett, this way, please.”
Alicia was taken aback.
“Are you here personally just to greet me?”
“For you, Ms. Bennett, of course.” His look was gentle.
“I hold you in great esteem, Ms. Bennett. Could we perhaps have a private word?”
Alicia paused, smiling.
“If it’s urgent, we can talk here. I need to finalize the payment first. Then I’ll treat you to dinner. Would that be suitable for you?”
She skillfully shifted the decision back to him, making it seem as though he was leading, while she kept control.
As a gentleman, he had no other option.
A private conversation would have to wait for another day.
But he changed the topic. “There’s no hurry for the payment. It’s only a piece of jewelry. If you like it, Ms. Bennett, I’d be happy to gift it to you.”
Not far away, Caden, who had already settled his bill, exited and watched them with a frosty stare.
He stood casually, one hand in his pocket, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, showcasing prominent veins.
His face was unreadable.
He silently observed the interaction.
Alicia, maintaining her smile, graciously declined the man’s offer.
His tone was warm and inviting. “I have no ulterior motives in offering you the jewelry, Ms. Bennett. I simply wish to be friends. I understand you spent 200 million dollars today perhaps to get back at Mr. Ward, which really wasn’t necessary or worthwhile.”
Alicia responded, “The gift is too generous, and I must decline it. Furthermore, our business interests don’t align, so I doubt we’ll have much chance to work together in the future.”
The man presented her with his business card.
“I’m currently looking to invest in fine art. Might I have an opportunity, Ms. Bennett?”
Alicia lowered her gaze.
She handled him as she would any client. “You flatter me. Unfortunately, I’m not in a position to offer you that opportunity.”
Seeing an opening, the man extended his hand courteously.
“Ms. Bennett, I look forward to our potential cooperation.”
Just as Alicia was about to shake his hand, Caden’s icy tone cut through.
“If you’re so keen on collaboration, perhaps you’d be interested in working with me?”
They both turned their heads.
Caden was approaching with purposeful strides.
He reached for Alicia’s arm, gently pulling her aside, placing her a bit away from the man.
With Caden’s presence, the mood shifted.
The man’s demeanor became markedly more reserved.
“Mr. Ward, have you finished your business?”
Caden smiled. “I seem to have arrived at an inconvenient moment. My apologies if I interrupted your flirtation.”
Alicia stood behind Caden, clenching her teeth.
Caden’s words are sharp enough to slice through glass. He’s such a pain, she thought.
Feeling the intensity of Caden’s presence, the man apologized. “I’m sorry, Mr. Ward. Ms. Bennett is so captivating that I was compelled to offer her the gemstone to win her favor.”
Alicia said, “The gemstone is mine. I’m going to pay for it now.”
Caden said slowly, “I’ve already paid for it.”
Alicia paused.
She looked at him, puzzled.
Caden, however, was focused on the man opposite him.
“The necklace only cost 3 million dollars to produce. Has the standard for impressing women dropped this low?” Caden’s smile was scornful. “You might want to use that 200 million dollars to woo someone less expensive.”
Alicia was at a loss for words.
Caden’s sharp tongue always caught her off guard.
It was surprising he hadn’t been murdered by women yet.
The man, sophisticated enough to grasp Caden’s insinuation, chose to leave discreetly to avoid further confrontation.
Caden turned back to Alicia.
He said sarcastically, “You seem to have quite a few admirers. Did he touch you before I got here?”
Alicia frowned. “Did you pay for it?”
Caden answered, “Yes. I had the necklace taken to the car. If you want it, come with me to pick it up.”
Alicia asked irritably, “Why did you pay for something I bid on? What were you thinking?”
Seeing her stand her ground, Caden’s tone became more severe. “I had already reserved that necklace. Today’s auction was merely a formality. Did you really think you could outbid me?”
Alicia said coldly, “Why didn’t you increase your bid? You could have gone to 300 million dollars or even 1 billion dollars. Why did you stop?”
Caden stared at her lips.
They were so tender when he kissed them, but the words they formed were equally exasperating.