Chapter 400:

Her words, laced with a hint of reproach and sadness, reached Caden.

He immediately carved out some time to call her.

“I’ve been away on business, but I’ll be back next Saturday and will spend a few days with you,” he assured her.

Noticing the weariness in his voice, Ciara recognized that Caden had been working tirelessly.

Though still relatively young, Caden had already secured a spot among the top five on the wealth list.

As a rising entrepreneur, he was lauded by those around him.

However, behind his glamorous exterior were countless days and nights of relentless labor.

A wave of sympathy washed over Ciara.

“Please, come back when you can.

There’s no need to push yourself too hard.”

“I promise I will return,” Caden declared firmly.

“No matter how many others try to win your affection, none can replace your grandson.”

Ciara chuckled softly at his words.

She had something on her mind to say, but Caden interrupted her with a question, “Has Alicia stopped by?”

“She’s visited twice.

She’s just as busy as you are these days,” Ciara replied.

“Yes, she was on a business trip not long ago.

I happened to run into her once.”

“Just that one time?” Ciara asked.

Caden fell silent, lost in thought.

Indeed, it had only been once.

On one hand, they were both consumed by their busy lives; on the other, he felt he had been too forward lately, and he didn’t think it was appropriate.

He wanted to intentionally give her space for a while.

He then asked, “When she visited, was she with Blake?”

This time, a man answered him.

“Mr.Belonging to .

Ward, I regret to inform you that I did not have the privilege of visiting with Ms.

Bennett.”

Caden found himself at a loss for words.

Ciara chuckled.

“By the way, I should mention you’re on speakerphone.

Blake can hear everything.”

Blake had an uncanny ability to win people over, effortlessly charming everyone he encountered, regardless of their age or gender.

Unfazed by the revelation of his intentions, Caden responded coolly, “You don’t have that privilege now, and you won’t in the future.

Maintain your self-awareness.”

Blake chuckled.

“Mr.

Ward, do you happen to know where Ms.

Bennett is on her business trip?”

“Why? Are you unable to manage on your own and looking to me for information? You’re not entitled to that,” Caden replied flatly.

Blake remained silent, not saying a word.

He sensed it was time to leave.

Once the call ended, Caden rubbed his temples in frustration.

Caden understood what Blake was trying to convey.

Blake was eager to boast about his new role as a restoration specialist at the gallery.

It had been a month since that transition.

However, Blake and Alicia continued to interact with nothing more than professional courtesy, suggesting that their work was their sole focus.

Despite Blake’s efforts, he had failed to capture Alicia’s attention in any meaningful way.

A few days later, Caden returned to Warrington.

When he visited Ciara, he learned that Blake had accompanied Alicia on a business trip just the day before.

A wave of displeasure washed over Caden.

“Isn’t it usually the assistant’s responsibility to accompany their boss on business trips?” he asked, his tone sharp.

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