Chapter: 172

Before he could decline, Gerry, ever eager for something new, chimed in on his behalf, “Sure. Let's have him take a look right now."

Randolph stood to go find his friend.

Caden, feeling out of sorts, was still downcast. After exchanging a few words, Randolph and Rachel left him to be on his own.

Alicia noticed the affection between Randolph and Rachel.

She wanted to approach Rachel, but the timing didn't feel right.

Maybe she'd find an opportunity later.

After watching them for a while, Caden's voice broke her thoughts.

With a mocking tone, he said, "So, Ms. Bennett, is Mr. Gray your type?"

Alicia turned towards him, at a loss for words.

Caden seemed to be in better shape, but his expression remained sharp.

“It's fine if you like older men," he added, “just be careful when they're married."

Alicia shot him a smile. "Has the cold gone to your head? Sometimes it's better not to speak."

Gerry joined in, teasing, "You've got no room to talk. Aren't you fond of married women?"

Caden shot back, "Sometimes it's better to stay quiet, you know."

Just then, the man who specialized in traditional medicine arrived.

"Mr. Ward," he greeted. The man, who looked to be in his fifties, smiled warmly, carrying himself with a gentle humility. “I heard you haven't been feeling well," he said.

Caden hadn't anticipated the man would actually come, but out of respect for his elder, he hid any displeasure.

In a calm voice, Caden responded, "My cold hasn't gotten better because I haven't taken any medicine. There's no need for a checkup."

Gerry quickly interrupted. "It's probably best if you check him anyway. It's more than a cold. He might even have a bit of facial paralysis. Since you're here, why not see if you can help?"

Caden remained silent, caught off guard by Gerry's insistence.

The doctor sat down and, with a kind smile, said, "Mr. Ward, let me take a closer look. You seem a bit unwell. Have you had trouble sleeping lately?"

His words hit the mark.

The weather had been gloomy with rain for days, and the shifting seasons, along with the dampness, had disturbed Caden's sleep for quite some time.

"Go ahead," Caden replied.

"I'll check your pulse first," the doctor said.

After feeling his pulse for a moment, the doctor's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression.

The atmosphere in the room became tense.

Gerry, craning his neck, asked, "What's the deal? Is he dying or something?"

Caden stared back deadpan, betraying no emotions.

Gerry took Caden's calm expression as confirmation of his suspicions.