Chapter: 504

"Mr. Hopkins, can we leave now?"

Gerry, noting the end of their conversation, finished up with the trunk. "ALL set," he announced.

As Caden walked away, Alicia found herself watching his retreating form.

Their relationship had been fraught with intense moments but lacked a solid foundation.

It was over, decisively so.

Their shared history seemed erased, leaving nothing but a profound sense of loss.

Alicia only looked away once Caden had completely vanished from sight.

Turning back, she caught Gerry watching her, his expression concerned.

Taken aback, she listened as he spoke plainly.

"So, you have feelings for Caden too. I thought he was the one pursuing you."

With a bitter smile, Alicia responded, “We're talking about Caden Ward here. I'm sure countless women want to be with him."

"Why aren't you together then?" Gerry asked, puzzled. "Is there still resentment from that past competition?"

Alicia looked down, her feelings a mix of uncertainty and reflection, unsure how to answer.

Gerry observed Alicia's silence and speculated he was correct, prompting him to ask, “Joshua told you that Caden had bribed the judges in that competition, right?"

Alicia, taken aback by the abrupt reference, sensed something amiss.

"Mr. Hopkins, what exactly are you implying?"

Choosing to clarify, Gerry shared, “Actually, you were the rightful winner of that competition. Even Caden was taken by surprise when the ...."

Gerry exhaled deeply. "You two have always clashed from the start. If he admitted anything, it would feel like conceding to you, and Caden's too competitive for that. He's been that way since childhood. He'd never let himself seem lesser."

As someone deeply familiar with Caden's history, Gerry naturally empathized with him.

"Caden changed after his mother's accident. When I asked him why he didn't defend his reputation, he told me he was already so disliked, one more accusation didn't matter."

Alicia's lips tightened, a Lump forming in her throat.

"I know."

Aware of the hardships Caden had faced, she felt her resolve waver, contemplating reconciliation.

Yet, the thought left her feeling exposed and vulnerable.

“I never imagined things between you two would turn out this way,"

Gerry commented. “He's never really loved anyone before. But I believe he still has feelings for you," he added, seeing something more in Caden's actions.

Alicia quickly regained her composure. “Men can show interest in numerous women simultaneously," she retorted.

"That might be true for others, but not for Caden," Gerry asserted with conviction.

"Really? Then explain who he was meeting at the airport recently?"

Alicia challenged, skeptical of Caden's affections.