Chapter: 445

“You always miss the best parts," he teased.

Gerry was left dumbfounded.

He was curious to learn more, but with Caden remaining silent, no one else ventured to ask.

Gerry decided to step outside to investigate further. However, he quickly returned, visibly agitated.

"Cliff's here!" he whispered urgently. "Quick! Find me somewhere to hide!"

Caden acted quickly, guiding Gerry to hide under the table.

Just then, a man with a stern demeanor entered.

He resembled Gerry but appeared much more formidable.

Caden greeted him with a smile. “Mr. Hopkins."

Gerry's brother, Cliff Hopkins, approached with a stern look, demanding, "Mr. Ward, where's Gerry?"

Caden abruptly kicked the table.

In an instant, he exposed Gerry's hiding spot.

"Right there," he declared.

Gerry was left dumbfounded.

He had not anticipated Caden's betrayal. After pausing to gather his thoughts, he reluctantly emerged.

Yet, his emergence did not soften Cliff's approach.

Typically bold and fearless, Gerry found himself unusually intimidated by Cliff, recently returned from military service.

Gerry straightened up and retorted, "I was just having a drink. What's it to you?"

Cliff's voice, deep and authoritative, boomed. “Will you leave voluntarily, or must I force you out?"

Gerry attempted to maintain his dignity. "I'm nearly finished here. I know when it's time to leave."

Without hesitation, Cliff seized him by the ear and pulled him out.

"Hey! That hurts!" Gerry faltered, pleading as he was dragged. "Cliff, it hurts! Stop, Cliff!"

The secrecy surrounding her situation with Caden was no longer sustainable.

Alicia revealed everything to Monica.

Monica was taken aback.

"I've considered many scenarios, even suspected Gerry once, but never Caden. Is he treating you well?"

Alicia simply nodded in affirmation.

“He's an excellent collaborator."

"Just a business partner?" Monica pressed, recalling the recent expression of shyness and joy on Alicia's face, emotions she had never witnessed in her before. "Don't you have feelings for him?"

Alicia was unsure how to respond to Monica's question.