Chapter: 714

For reasons he couldn't quite explain, his usual anxiety was gone.

After a month of searching for her tirelessly, he'd realized that chasing her too fiercely would only push her further away.

Patience, he reminded himself. Just give it some time, and he would have his chance.

In just a few days, it would be Gerry's mother's birthday.

Alicia would be there.

And even if she tried to slip away unnoticed, Caden knew he'd find a way to draw her out.

Gerry had personally handed Alicia the invitation, leaving no room for her to decline.

After carefully choosing a fitting birthday gift, she got dressed and headed to the party.

She knew Caden would be there, but didn't go out of her way to avoid him.

So far, luck had been on her side. Since stepping out of the car, she hadn't caught a glimpse of him.

She did, hwoever, run into Ciara.

Truth be told, Ciara had timed her arrival to coincide with Alicia's.

As she approached, she tripped over her own feet, letting out a startled yelp as she lurched forward.

Alicia, reacting on instinct, caught her arm just in time.

"Oh, hey, Alicia!" Ciara exclaimed, her surprise as theatrical as ever. “I'm getting so old, I can barely see where I'm going. I didn't even notice you! What a coincidence."

Her act was painfully transparent, but Alicia knew better than to call her out on it.

Instead, she forced a polite smile and glanced down at Ciara's foot.

“Are you alright, Mrs. Ward? Did you twist your ankle?"

Ciara waved off her concern. "Oh, just a little twist, nothing serious."

Despite saying so, she limped dramatically, leaning heavily against Alicia for support.

“If you hadn't caught me, I might've broken a bone,” Ciara continued, her voice dripping with exaggeration. "At my age, a broken bone might as well be a death sentence. You've practically saved my life, Alicia Alicia stifled a sigh.

The dramatics were unnecessary, but she humored the elderly lady with a nod.

Ciara hurriedly continued, “As a thank you, you must come to my home for dinner!"

Alicia politely declined. "Oh, that won't be necessary, Mrs. Ward."

Ciara's face fell into a pout. "What, do you hate me because of that brat?"

“OF course not," Alicia quickly replied.

“Then don't refuse me, alright?"

Alicia was at a loss.

How could she possibly turn down such an offer, especially when Ciara was playing the role of the charming grandmother so well?

Helpless, she helped Ciara to the grand entrance-and just as fate would have it, there stood Caden.