Chapter: 49

His attention then shifted to Gerry, seated off to the side, eyes closed, headphones on, completely absorbed in the music.

Caden raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Hey," he called out.

But Gerry didn't flinch-not even a twitch.

Caden turned to Gerry's assistant, deadpan.

"Is your boss high on something?"

As soon as Caden finished speaking, Gerry's eyes flickered open.

It took a couple of seconds for it to register that Caden was right beside him.

Eyes wide, Gerry pulled the headphones off and asked in confusion, “When did you get here?"

“Just now, actually."

Caden had arrived late, so Alicia was already done recording the song.

There was no way she'd perform it again just because he'd walked in.

Not that it mattered; Caden wasn't particularly interested in the music. He was there for the fun, nothing more.

But Gerry's reaction was something else. “It's exactly what I envisioned-actually, beyond what I expected. No wonder she's able to compete with you for the top spot; she's got real talent, Caden."

Caden studied him, intrigued.

Gerry, a man rarely impressed, especially when it came to other artists, seemed unusually enthusiastic.

“Is that so?" Caden's response was deliberately indifferent. “Guess I'm going to lose our bet."

“Better get that land ready for the transfer," Gerry quipped with a smug grin as he handed over the lyric sheet to Caden.

"Don't feel too bad about missing the recording session. Here, take a look at her lyrics instead. Maybe you can pick up a thing or two from her writing."

Caden took the piece of paper, scanning the page in silence. He let out a short breath, raising a brow.

"I thought your movie was about Transformers fighting zombies. Why are the lyrics so... heartfelt?"

What?

Gerry's mood shifted in an instant. His gleaming eyes narrowed, irritation creeping into his tone. “Zombies? Seriously? It's a heartwarming sci-fi film! Didn't I send you a copy? Didn't you watch it?"

"Oh, I don't watch cartoons," Caden replied nonchalantly.

“'Cartoon'?!" Gerry spat indignantly. “It's 3D animation! Not a cartoon! I spent a fortune on it!"

At that moment, the door creaked open, and Alicia stepped out.

Caden glanced up, his gaze Lingering.

The warm light from the recording booth spilled into the room, casting a soft glow on her face.

She looked like an angel.

Alicia discreetly massaged the ache in her waist, her voice calm but tired. "Mr. Hopkins, let's wrap up for today. If anything comes up, don't hesitate to reach out, ‘kay?"

At this, Gerry glanced at his watch.