Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
“Mr. Ward, I see you’re here too,” he said, forcing a smile as he donned the familiar mask of the business world. “I never quite believed the rumors about you two being inseparable, but seeing it in person today, I must say, I’m impressed. The man who once claimed disinterest in women seems to have found himself utterly captivated.”
Caden responded with cool indifference, “I’m more surprised by you, Mr. Hampton. Since when did you develop an interest in paintings?”
Corey shot back with a clever reply, “Who could resist when Ms. Bennett has such exquisite taste? Each piece here is a masterpiece that resonates with my heart. It’s a rare occasion to find something you truly appreciate.”
Caden settled into his chair before turning to Alicia. “Did you give Mr. Hampton a discount?”
Alicia smiled knowingly. “Of course.”
She had anticipated the dinner would be a dull affair, fraught with tension, but Corey was genuinely there just to enjoy a meal.
Caden conversed with him effortlessly as if they were old friends reuniting after years apart.
As dinner drew to a close, Corey raised his glass for a toast.
Alicia smiled and picked up her own glass. “Sorry, Mr. Hampton, but I’m allergic to alcohol, so I’ll have to toast with water instead.”
Corey shrugged it off, downing his drink in one swift gulp. Alicia took a delicate sip of her water.
Corey caught sight of her movements and quickly lowered his gaze.
With the meal complete, the three of them rose from the table, leaving one by one while exchanging lighthearted chatter and laughter.
Once their figures faded from view, a swift figure slipped into the private room, deftly collecting the tableware and glass that Alicia had used.
Corey leaned back in the car, massaging his temples with his eyes shut tight.
His secretary, Kyler, slid into the passenger seat, handing Corey a small bag. “Mr. Hampton, I’ve managed to collect Alicia’s DNA samples.”
Corey opened his eyes, gently rubbing them as if trying to clear a fog from his mind. The emotions swirling within him were like a lake disturbed by a sudden gust of wind, rippling with tension.
Just then, a car pulled up outside and stopped.
Caden leaned against the window, a smirk playing on his lips. “Mr. Hampton, are you in no rush to leave?”
Corey’s face broke into a smile as he replied, “No rush. I’m just taking a moment to clear my head.”
He raised the hand clutching the sample and lit a cigarette with a flick of his lighter.
The parchment was still blank.
With a casual flick of his wrist, he waved it under Caden’s nose, daring him with a nonchalant air. He was terrified that Caden would discover the truth, yet equally afraid he wouldn’t.
The thrill of the moment made Corey chuckle.
He offered a cigarette, his grin widening. “Mr. Ward, care to join me?”
His gaze drifted past Caden’s face, landing on Alicia. Caden shook his head and replied, “I don’t smoke.”
Corey nodded and watched as Caden drove off. Leaning back, he observed Caden’s car disappear into the distance.
A lingering smile played on his lips.
Kyler held his breath and said, “You’re quite bold, Mr. Hampton.”
After all, Caden had keen eyes.
Even if he couldn’t identify the sample as Alicia’s, Corey’s blatant provocation was enough to stir suspicion.
Corey’s smile faded, his voice taking on a deliberate slowness. “No matter how sharp he is, he can’t predict the unknown. If he knew everything, he would already be ruling the world.”
Kyler asked, “Mr. Hampton, where will the paternity test be conducted?”
Corey glanced at the file folder, his expression unreadable. “We’ll do it in Devarlton. Keep it discreet.” Inwardly, he had already found the answer.
Alicia was allergic to alcohol, just like that person. Too many coincidences were piling up to be mere chance anymore.
However, for safety’s sake, it was best to confirm.
He had to be certain about Alicia’s identity.
Meanwhile, Alicia gazed out at the streetlights fading into the distance.
Out of the blue, she broke the silence, her voice steady.
“Corey has been investigating me.”
Caden wasn’t taken aback by that revelation.
During dinner, Corey cast furtive glances at Alicia more than once.
His gaze lacked the warmth of genuine emotion or affection; he wasn’t the type to ogle women. Therefore, looking too many times raised suspicions.
Buying the painting in Alicia’s gallery had indeed been just a pretext. Deep down, it served another purpose.
Caden concealed his doubts and asked casually, “Was his investigation that obvious?”
“He mentioned my mother’s painting when we met today.”
Donna had only one posthumous work.
She had stored it in a bank vault, and later, Joshua had discreetly sold it.
Only a handful of people knew it had become a rare gem in Alicia’s collection.
Yet Corey had mentioned it as if it were nothing.
Wasn’t that a clear sign of prior investigation?
Alicia added, “I can’t shake this strange feeling. He seems to dislike us; his smile felt so insincere.”
Caden responded, “I snatched a business deal right out from under him. If he had any fondness for me, that would be the real issue.”
Alicia exclaimed, “Do you still have to fight tooth and nail for business?”
“I’m quite charming, you know. They would rather offend Corey than miss a chance to work with me,” Caden declared, confidence radiating from him, almost bordering on arrogance. “I can’t just turn down money.”
Alicia burst out laughing, her tension dissipating like morning mist under the sun.
After a moment, she asked, “Caden, do you think Corey likes me?”
Caden looked at her.
She was stunning, with almond-shaped eyes brimming with emotion.
Her lips, a vibrant shade of red, framed a dazzling smile, revealing nearly white teeth that were irresistibly alluring.
Her cheeks, smooth and fair, beckoned to him, making him want to keep her hidden away from the world’s prying eyes.
With a casual shrug, Caden replied, “With such ordinary looks, how can you even ask that?”
Instead of feeling insulted, Alicia laughed heartily. She knew all too well that this man couldn’t resist her charm.
Why would he pretend otherwise?
Alicia was simply curious. “In the real world, business competition can be ruthless, with unspoken rules lurking around every corner. If it ever came down to it, would you use me as a bargaining chip against Corey?”
Caden clicked his tongue in annoyance. “I warned you about watching those ridiculous movies. You didn’t listen, and now your imagination is running wild.”
Alicia pressed further, “Just answer me, please?”
“Would Corey be interested if I put up the offer?”
Alicia raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye as she teased, “So, you are saying you would be willing to part with me?”
Alicia smirked, her lips curving into a playful expression. “So, you are willing to part with me? I see how it is. After all this time, I thought you loved me. Turns out I’m just a pawn in your game.”
Caden couldn’t suppress a smile at Alicia’s playful sarcasm. “I have never met a woman as bold as you, asking so straightforwardly. Who would actually admit the truth?”
Alicia tilted her head and asked, “So, are you saying the opposite? That you couldn’t stand to lose me? If Corey tried to take me away, would you go to the ends of the earth to stop him?”
Caden shook his head, amusement dancing in his eyes. “You’ve really been watching too much television.”
Caden had planned to bring Alicia back to the apartment for some intimate time together, but a sudden call from Hank poured cold water on his desire.
An urgent matter at the company demanded his attention.
Frustrated, Caden began to dress, his annoyance clear. Not looking much happier, Alicia pulled her clothes back on, covering the marks of their earlier passion.
“Will you be back tonight?” she asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
“Not sure,” Caden replied, fastening his cufflinks. “If it gets too late, don’t wait up – just go to bed.”
She thought back to how he had teased her in the car earlier and smirked. “I won’t wait for you. If you don’t make it back, I’ll go out with Monica to have some fun. That nightclub sends me special offers every week.”
Caden finished buttoning his shirt and tossed her a card with a flick of his wrist. “My woman doesn’t settle for cheap deals. Order the most expensive male escorts at full price and let them treat you like the queen you are.”
Alicia was in a playful mood. She picked up the card and grinned at him. “Thank you, Mr. Ward. I’ll be sure to follow you well into the next life.”
Caden gave her a sidelong glance. Even though he knew she didn’t have the guts to mess with other men, the mere idea still annoyed him to no end.
Alicia left and did meet with Monica.