Chapter: 728

“Leaving so soon? You have not even tasted the wine yet." Gerry feigned innocence, reaching for the glass and “accidentally” spilling red wine all over Alicia's dress.

Startled, Alicia quickly grabbed a napkin, dabbing at the stain as she tried to contain her frustration.

Unfortunately, the pristine white dress was now marred by the spill.

Gerry played the part perfectly. “Oh dear! My mistake! There is a room upstairs with some new dresses. Allow me to escort you to change."

Blake's brow furrowed in disapproval.

While he was not entirely certain of the nature of Gerry and Alicia's relationship, it was clear to him that Gerry had ulterior motives.

Without hesitation, Blake removed his jacket and stepped in front of Gerry, draping it over Alicia's shoulders.

“Here, use this to cover the stains," he said gently, his tone softening as he met her gaze.

Alicia was taken aback for a moment but accepted the gesture without hesitation. “Thank you."

Blake then signaled for a nearby maid.

"This lady's dress has been stained. Please escort her upstairs to change."

Gerry stood there, feeling sidelined and utterly speechless, his plans foiled.

Frustration bubbled within him.

He had let Caden down.

Alicia followed the maid upstairs, leaving Gerry, clutching an empty glass, to shoot a cool glance at Blake.

Blake met his gaze with a smile.

“Mr. Hopkins, if you have feelings for Ms. Bennett, I am sure there are plenty of ways for you to pursue her. After all, you are wealthy and come from a distinguished family. But this? Isn't this a bit too forward?"

Gerry's eye twitched at Blake's insinuation.

“Alicia and I are just good friends. That's all. You are reading too much into this." He dropped the facade, his tone hardening. "She is already taken, so do not get any ideas."

With that, he turned on his heel and walked away.

Caden had just wrapped up an urgent matter when Gerry approached him with a look of concern.

"I was about to finish the task you assigned me, but that Blake Langstaff guy swooped in and stole the spotlight," Gerry reported.

Instead of directing his frustration at Gerry, Caden furrowed his brow. “Blake Langstaff?"

The surname stirred something in his memory.

He was aware of who Blake was.

It seemed Caden had missed the main issue; instead, he fixated on Blake's identity. Gerry was confused, so he said, "You're not worried about Alicia falling for him. You're more concerned about who he is? Are you thinking of doing business with him or something?"

Caden looked around but couldn't spot Alicia. Blake was sitting by himself.

Caden then asked slowly, “If you were a woman, who would you choose? Blake or me?"

Gerry responded without hesitation, "Probably Blake. I've known you so long that it's become a bit dull. Maybe a change would be refreshing."

Caden was left speechless.