Chapter 483:

But no matter how much she focused, thoughts of Caden and Yolanda crept in, tormenting her.

What could he possibly be doing with Yolanda? The hours dragged on, each one more torturous than the last.

As the afternoon wore on, her shift was nearly over.

Blake, who had been watching her closely, noticed her alternating between quiet sadness and flashes of irritation.

He could tell her mind was on Caden.

“Want to grab dinner tonight? My treat,” Blake offered.

Alicia managed a faint smile but shook her head.

“Thanks, Blake, but I’m not hungry.

You go ahead.”

Blake raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t let a guy mess with your peace of mind.”

She forced a smile.

“I’m fine, really.”

Blake gave her a serious look, unconvinced.

“Your face tells a different story.

Looks like Caden’s been giving you a rough time.”

Alicia’s hand instinctively went to her face.

“Is it that obvious?”

Blake chuckled.

“When things are good with him, you’re practically glowing.

But today… it’s like the light’s gone out.”

Alicia didn’t respond, but his words lingered.

She hadn’t realized her emotions were so transparent.

Blake walked over and placed a glass of water in front of her.

“Take a break.

You’ve been pushing yourself too hard, whether it’s for yourself or him.”

He pulled a small bottle of eye drops from his pocket and handed them to her.

“Here.

These are great for tired eyes.

I bought two, so this one’s unopened.

You can have it.”Belonging to .

Blake looked at her with gentle concern.

“Your eyes are red.

Hasn’t Caden noticed?”

A pang of disappointment hit Alicia.

Just then, a familiar voice cut through the air from the doorway.

“I seem to have missed the red veins in Alicia’s eyes,” Caden remarked coolly.

“But with Mr.

Langstaff’s blatant attentiveness, I can see how hard he’s trying to drive a wedge between us.”

Both Alicia and Blake turned, startled.

Caden stood in the doorway, impeccably dressed, his gaze sharp and laced with faint mockery that sent a chill through the room.

Blake paused, his confidence growing.

“Alicia, go ahead with your work.

I’ll keep our honored guest company.” He spat the words with thick sarcasm, casting a glance at Caden.

Caden’s gaze shifted toward him.

Alicia avoided looking at either of them, instead casting her eyes down.

“Alright.

You two go ahead,” she replied softly, feigning interest in the documents she held.

Blake stepped forward, motioning for Caden to follow.

“Shall we, Mr.

Ward? Coffee or tea?”

Caden’s response was curt.

“Leave.”

Unfazed, Blake smirked.

“If you’ve got a problem with me, let’s settle it privately.

This is Alicia’s company, her office.

Who are you trying to scare off with that ‘leave’?”

Caden’s eyes narrowed.

“Why would I have an issue with you? What makes you think you’re even worth my attention?”

Blake chuckled, undeterred.

“Seems to me you’re nursing a grudge deeper than your fancy pool at home.” He threw an arm over Caden’s shoulder.

“Come on.”

Caden glared, his posture tense, but Blake leaned in, his voice a quiet warning.

“I’m the backbone of the gallery now.

If you lay a finger on me, Alicia will definitely hate you even more.”

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