Chapter: 588

Hank's lips curled into a sheepish smile.

“Ms. Bennett, Mr. Ward made a mistake earlier today and he has been trying to make things right. He set up this whole surprise for you on the cruise. But... he was worried you would not come if he asked directly, so he made me tell that little lie to get you here.”

Alicia was speechless.

Her cheeks were still streaked with a few lingering tears.

She found herself uncertain whether to brush them away or just leave them.

After a moment of hesitation, still caught in a daze, she quietly wiped them away.

Hank guided her toward the entrance of the cruise ship.

When they reached the door, he paused and gestured ahead. "This way, Ms. Bennett."

Alicia's expression was a tangle of conflicting feelings. With a silent nod of appreciation, she reached out and pushed the door open.

Behind her, Gerry hurried up onto the ship, catching up just in time.

Gerry yelled, "What happened to Caden? Did you manage to save him?"

Hank swiftly stepped in, blocking his path, his tone calm but firm.

“Mr. Hopkins, there is no need for either of us here right now. Let me escort you back."

Gerry froze, panic creeping into his expression as his mind jumped to the worst conclusion. His eyes widened in horror. “What are you trying to say?"

Hank opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Gerry grabbed him by the shoulders, shaking him roughly. “What does that mean? Has Caden passed away?"

Hank stammered, "No, he's not—"

But before he could finish, Gerry, fueled by sudden desperation, shoved Hank aside and bolted forward without waiting for more of an explanation.

Hank caught Gerry by the arm. "Mr. Hopkins! Please. Get a hold of yourself!"

Gerry slammed his fists against the door, yelling, "Caden! Open the door, damn it! This joke's gone too far!"

Desperate to keep things under control, Hank begged, “I swear to you, Mr. Ward is perfectly fine! Just stop knocking, please!"

Inwardly panicking, Hank knew if this fiasco ruined Caden's carefully laid plan, his dreams of a hefty bonus at the end of the year were as good as gone.

But Gerry, oblivious to his pleading, kept banging and kicking at the door like a man possessed.

Hank was almost ready to beg on his knees.

After what felt like an eternity, the door swung open, and Caden, visibly irritated, appeared.

His shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, his posture casual, and his face betrayed no emotion. The faint smear of lipstick on his lips, however, was impossible to miss.

Hank wasted no time letting go of Gerry and silently slipped away, hoping to avoid any more drama.

“Mr. Hopkins, you are on your own now," Hank thought as he retreated.

Seeing Caden alive and well, Gerry's frantic shouting came to an abrupt halt. Overcome with relief, tears of joy filled his eyes. "I knew it! Guys like you don't go down that easily!" he cried, half- laughing.

But just as he raised a fist to give Caden a playful punch, his gaze fell on the unmistakable lipstick mark, and his expression froze in confusion.

Gerry's body stiffened as his eyes caught the faint outline of Alicia's figure inside the room.