NovelEnglishChapter 814: Corey hadn't done a great job keeping Alicia out of the public eye for two years. Now that she was the CEO of Hampton Group, her role required occasional public appearances. Despite Corey's efforts to shield her, sharp- eyed paparazzi and private investigators were always a step ahead.
Even so, Alicia took careful measures every tshe went out, ensuring no camera fully captured her face. In these two years, the most any detective had managed was a single, partial profile shot of her at an exhibition. Corey knew that Caden's feelings for her lingered, though they remained unfulfilled. A few close-up videos would surely stir his heart.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtCorey waited at the dining table for over an hour before Caden finally arrived, fashionably late. Caden's tall, imposing figure entered as the waitstaff opened the double doors. His striking features and commanding presence made the luxurious setting fade into the background.
In two years, he had becmore refined. His wealth and success had given him a mature, composed allure. Corey, keen to avoid confrontation, ignored Caden's tardiness and instructed his secretary to pour him a drink. He paused the screen and placed his phone on the table, with Alicia's image visible in Caden's peripheral view. Caden's face remained indifferent, as though he hadn't noticed it. Studying Caden's reaction, Corey asked, “Two years, and I still don't see any women around you, Mr. Ward?" Caden replied smoothly, "Unlike you, Mr. Hampton, I keep busy and don't always have someone lovely by my side." Corey let out a dry chuckle.
"Someone lovely?" That was bait.
Feigning innocence, Corey said, "Who, me? Now and then, sure, but they're nothing special and quickly lose their charm." Corey's secretary approached and poured the drinks, but his hand shook, spilling a few drops on Corey's phone, which accidentally triggered the video to play.
On the screen, Alicia asked in a gentle voice, "Why are you taking my picture?" "Because you're beautiful, Alicia. Smile for us." Alicia then gave a polite smile. The light accentuated her tender skin, and even that faint smile held a captivating charm.
The clip lasted only a few seconds, but for Caden, it stretched on, drawing him in. It had been so long since he'd seen her face so clearly; each expression tugged at his heart, disrupting the walls he'd built over the past two years.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe wanted to replay the scene again, yet resented how easily she could shatter the emotional walls he had worked so hard to build.
Corey slowly slipped his phone back into his pocket, pretending to wipe away the spilled wine.
"You can't even pour a drink properly. What if you'd insulted Mr. Ward?" he scolded his secretary.
The secretary apologized and left.
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