Chapter: 283

"I'm terrible at picking gifts, and I wasn't sure what you'd like. Mr. Ward chose the fruit basket and flowers," Hank stated, glancing around the room. He relaxed when he saw only a nurse in the single- occupancy ward. “It's getting late. I'll be on my way now. Rest well."

Alicia nodded. “Alright. Take care on your way back.”

Once Hank left, she eyed the luxurious fruit basket, feeling confused.

Since when had she gotten so close to Hank?

As soon as Hank left the hospital, he sent Caden a message. “Mr. Yates didn't spend the night at the hospital."

Alicia's injuries weren't too serious. After three days in the hospital, she was feeling nearly back to her usual self.

However, the doctor recommended that she should stay under observation for a little longer due to her head injury.

"Could I go home just for tonight?" Alicia asked. "I can come back early tomorrow for the IV."

The doctor gave her a questioning look. "Is there something urgent you need to handle?"

Alicia was hesitant to respond.

It wasn't exactly urgent, but if she ignored it, she'd feel uneasy.

"Yes," she answered, scratching her head nervously. Unfortunately, she brushed against her wound, causing her to wince in pain. "There's, um, a burst pipe at my house. No one's there to take care of it, and I need to get the property manager involved."

The doctor looked at her with concern. “Are you sure you should be dealing with that in your condition? Can't you ask someone else for help?"

Alicia raised an eyebrow. “Is my condition that serious?"

“Not exactly, but you need to avoid overexertion. Even if you go home, make sure you rest as much as possible."

"I'll make sure to be careful," Alicia assured the doctor.

Seeing her determination, the doctor eventually allowed her to leave.

"Be sure to come see me first thing tomorrow morning."

"Understood."

By the time Alicia left the hospital, it was already past eight in the evening.

The temperature had dropped noticeably. The chill of autumn surprised her as she stepped outside.

Three days had passed since Alicia last reached out to Caden. As she typed a message, a feeling of unease crept in. She asked him, “Are you done with work?"

This was usually Caden's busiest time of the day.

Over ten minutes went by before his reply came in. “What's up?"

Alicia responded, “Never mind. Just focus on your work."

Caden replied quickly, “What? Just say it."

Alicia could almost picture his impatient expression from his short reply.

With a small smile, she texted back, "You helped me out at the Gray family's place, and I did promise to cook you a meal. I'm free today. How about I make good on that promise?"

Right after sending it, she worried he might take it the wrong way, so she added, "So I won't keep owing you favors."

Caden read the message half an hour later.