Chapter: 587

Eventually, Gerry pulled up. “Alicia, let me give you a ride home," he offered.

Home? Back to where? Back to the hotel? Alicia considered this.

Thoughts of Caden flooded her mind, leaving her with a sense of emptiness. She felt the urge to find a place to walk and gather her thoughts.

"You can go ahead, Mr. Hopkins. I have some work at the office," she replied.

Gerry's brow furrowed with concern. "Are you sure you will be safe alone?"

Just then, a pair of headlights pierced through the darkness, shining directly on Alicia's face.

She raised her hand to shield her eyes and squinted at the approaching car.

Recognition washed over her as she caught sight of the familiar license plate.

Why was Caden showing up at this hour?

The car barreled in, tires screeching as it barely avoided slamming into the rear of Gerry's vehicle.

Irritated and flustered, Gerry shouted, “Are you blind behind the wheel?"

After his outburst, the engine fell silent.

Hank stepped out of the car.

Recognizing him, Gerry's attitude softened. “Oh, it's you?"

Hank exchanged quick pleasantries with Gerry before pivoting to Alicia with urgency in his voice. "Ms. Bennett, we have a serious situation. You need to come with me. Mr. Ward has fallen into the sea."

Alicia's heart raced. "What? What do you mean?"

“He was conducting business on a cruise ship today, and he accidentally went overboard. No one knows if he is still alive!"

Hank's anxiety was palpable.

Alicia's complexion drained of color as she hastily climbed into the vehicle. "Have the authorities been notified? Are they conducting a search?"

Hank secured his seatbelt. "The search is underway, but given the stormy conditions, the chances of him making it are slim. I came to get you, hoping you could say goodbye.”

Alicia felt a ringing in her ears.

All day, she had chastised Caden for his callousness, never anticipating such heartbreaking news.

As the car raced down the road, Gerry trailed closely behind.

Alicia stared out the window, her hands gripping tightly as tears silently flowed down her cheeks before she even realized it.

Hank, noticing her distress.

Fumbled with his words, unsure how to console her. "Ms. Bennett, don't worry. Mr. Ward is strong... he will pull through. He always does."

Alicia nodded mechanically, lost in her own thoughts.

The winter shoreline stretched out in silence, its emptiness creating a haunting atmosphere.

A massive cruise ship stood anchored nearby, its imposing presence contrasting with the desolate scene.

Stepping out of the car, Alicia scanned the area. There was no sign of the rescue operation she had expected, leaving her both confused and tense. "Hank, did not you say the police were already involved?" she asked, her voice tight with concern.