Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
She answered, “No, and I don’t plan on dating in the next few years.”
Hearing this, Ciara thought that the dispute between Alicia and Caden must have been serious.
After all, Alicia wouldn’t even mention Caden’s name. Ciara wasn’t in a rush. She focused on the matter at hand.
“I’ll buy two paintings,” Ciara said.
Alicia, not wanting to feel indebted, suggested, “Ma’am, perhaps you could check out other galleries. You might find something that suits you better.”
Ciara waved her hand dismissively.
“Just wrap them up for me. I’m too lazy to look around elsewhere.” She then reassured Alicia, “Don’t worry. I have no hidden agenda. You don’t need to feel any pressure.”
Alicia’s cheeks turned a little red with embarrassment.
Ciara had someone take the paintings away and quickly paid Alicia.
Within half an hour, a large sum of money was deposited into Alicia’s account.
Holding the card, Alicia leaned against Monica.
“How about buying some jewelry, Monica?”
Monica made a confused sound.
Alicia, smiling, added, “There’s a jewelry auction coming up in a few days. Are you interested?”
Monica couldn’t stop staring at the display. Eventually, she pointed at a pink necklace. “Alicia, look at this!” That necklace was the exact one Caden had shown Alicia in a picture earlier. Alicia was at the auction specifically for it today. Alicia asked, “Do you like it?” Monica’s eyes lit up. “It looks like it was made for you. It’s gorgeous! You should buy it and keep it!” Alicia couldn’t help but smile. “If you like it, I’ll buy it for you.” Monica shook her head. “I’m always in the lab and hardly go out. If I owned it, it would just sit there collecting dust.” Monica couldn’t resist saying, “If only I were a man. I’d take over my dad’s business and spoil you, buying you beautiful things every day to keep you smiling.” Alicia shook her head. In the past, Caden enjoyed gifting her jewelry, and she cherished it, feeling joy each time. But now, whenever she liked something, she didn’t want Caden to buy it for her anymore. She wanted to buy it herself. In the auction hall, Alicia and Monica sat in the middle. The front seats were reserved for some high-profile individuals. Caden walked in fashionably late. He engaged in conversation with a few other company leaders as he entered. He radiated an impressive presence. Monica gasped and nudged Alicia’s arm. “Caden is here! Why didn’t you arrive together?” Alicia glanced at Caden. He caught her looking at the same moment, and their eyes met. The eyes locked, creating a tense moment for a few seconds. Alicia looked away and said indifferently, “You’re more important. I prefer coming with you.” Caden sat down as if nothing unusual had occurred. It was as if they were strangers. Monica sensed something amiss and whispered, “Did you two have a fight?” Alicia replied, “No.” The auction began, and the pink gemstone necklace captured everyone’s attention. The auctioneer opened the bidding at 5 million dollars. Caden, sitting back relaxed, raised his paddle. “10 million dollars.” Another bidder followed. “11 million dollars.” Caden remained calm. “30 million dollars.” The audience gasped. “Who bids like that?” he thought. It seemed like a display of using wealth to dominate. While the gemstone was undoubtedly beautiful and rare, the price soared too quickly, leading many to question its real value. After all, it was merely an ornament. It wasn’t an investment. With 30 million dollars-or even more-why not purchase something more practical? The room quieted down. The auctioneer asked, “Any other takers? If not, I’m closing it. 30 million dollars, going once.” At that moment, Alicia’s clear voice cut through. “35 million dollars.” The auctioneer announced, “Alright, 35 million dollars. Any others?” Caden, without rushing, said, “40 million dollars.” The crowd began to watch intently as the bidding war between the two unfolded. Recently, Caden had been quite daring, often spotted with Alicia. Though they hadn’t declared their relationship, they were frequently seen together, just the two of them. Naturally, they appeared to be a perfect pair, which inevitably led to rumors. The atmosphere in the room was charged with anticipation, gossip, and curiosity. Alicia sat upright and calmly declared, “41 million dollars.” Caden offered a smile. She desired the jewelry but hesitated to spend so much. Still, she held her position firmly, though it was partly a show of defiance. He deliberately said, “50 million dollars.” At that, Monica grew anxious. She clung to Alicia’s arm, her fear palpable. “We should stop. The gemstone isn’t even worth 5 million dollars. Bidding 50 million is a massive loss.” Alicia straightened her posture. She was determined not to be outdone by Caden. She gave Monica a reassuring pat. “51 million dollars,” she said, matching the bids. Caden then bid, “60 million dollars.” Someone couldn’t resist murmuring, “Did Ms. Bennett upset Mr. Ward?” “But Mr. Ward is smiling. Does he smile when he’s upset?” another whispered. “Could this be their way of flirting?” “Who flirts by competing with a woman? Shouldn’t he be spoiling her?” “You never can tell with Mr. Ward…” Alicia increased her bid by 1 million dollars each time. When the bid hit 100 million dollars, the room fell so silent that one could hear a pin drop. Everyone’s eyes were on Alicia, waiting for her next move. Alicia met everyone’s gaze. She weighed whether she or Caden would end up victorious. Given Caden’s wealth, his triumph seemed almost certain. It would be wiser for her to back down, preserving her remaining pride.