Chapter: 721

Having smoothed out his clothes, Caden slung his jacket over his arm and stepped outside with Cliff.

Cliff, a retired soldier with a sharp instinct, caught a whiff of ointment on Caden. With concern in his voice, he asked, “Where are you injured?"

“I just bumped my foot; it's nothing major."

Cliff replied, "My mom made it clear that I should look after you. If anything happens to you, she will hold me responsible."

Caden smirked, teasingly remarking, "Your mother is the only person in Warrington who can truly keep you in line."

Cliff let out a long sigh. "She will not stop harping on about me getting married. I have finally relented. I might have to get engaged to someone this year."

“What kind of woman do you find appealing? You have turned down so many."

“It is not that I am not interested. I just do not feel a spark. Honestly, I cannot even pinpoint what my type is," Cliff confessed.

“Then why not pick someone your mother likes? It could at least ease the tension in the family."

“True.”

As they stepped into the hall, Caden spotted Alicia laughing and engaging with a group of young people as they made their way to the dining table.

For a brief moment, their eyes locked.

Alicia skillfully composed herself, managing to keep a polite smile on her face.

Caden remained composed, passing his jacket to a nearby attendant.

A prominent brown scar on his partially exposed arm caught Alicia's attention.

Alicia stood frozen, momentarily taken aback.

The scar flashed before her eyes for just an instant.

As Caden pulled back his hand, he rolled down his sleeve and continued chatting with Cliff as they walked away.

Alicia felt a heaviness settle in her chest.

It was a burn mark, unmistakably located right there. It was clearly a result of Shelia's acid.

He had assured her he was okay back then.

But considering he had used his arm to protect himself from the acid, how could he truly be fine?

"Ms. Bennett."

Alicia's reverie was broken by a voice.

She glanced up to see who was calling her.

“Mrs. Hopkins." She greeted with a smile.

Madison Hopkins, Gerry's mother, who held a fondness for her, replied warmly, "Most of the guests here are friends and relatives of our family, so you may not know many of them. I noticed you seem comfortable with Gerry and the others. Why not join their table?"

Alicia nodded in agreement. “Alright, Mrs. Hopkins."

Sitting among familiar faces would certainly feel more comfortable.

Alicia did not dwell on it for long.