Chapter: 742

Blake was taken aback when she used the word "childish" to describe Caden.

"I only met Caden two, maybe three times when we were kids. He was about four or five back then, and he didn't seem childish at all."

Blake chuckled. “Funny how he's growing into it at twenty-five."

Alicia kept her head down, silent.

Blake's tone softened. "He's acting this way because he cares about you. Love makes people do irrational things."

Alicia spoke with a sense of weariness. “In a relationship, there has to be balance. One strong and one gentle, otherwise it can't last. But we're both too stubborn, and all we do is clash."

Blake questioned, "Who says a relationship has to last? What really matters is living in the moment. If you focus too much on the future, you'll just worry through the present.”

A quiet laugh slipped from Alicia.

“But even if I try to live in the moment, Caden always lets me down."

Blake didn't respond.

They were on their way to a celebrity art exhibition in the eastern district.

Midway through the drive, Blake's phone rang. His expression quickly grew serious.

Alicia glanced over. "Is Caden giving you problems?"

Blake shook his head. "No, it's a family issue. I need to head out immediately. I'm sorry-can your assistant come get you?"

Alicia waved him off. "Go ahead, don't worry about me. If you need anything, let me know."

The call had been from his family's maid.

She explained that Ray Langstaff had left behind a note and had gone off to Warrington by himself.

Ray was Blake's younger brother, and there was a nineteen-year age gap between them.

Five years earlier, their family had been struck by a sudden upheaval when both parents were imprisoned for their crimes. Ray, who was just three at the time, cried non-stop for three days and nights, which left a lasting impact on his health.

Ray had been diagnosed with autism.

For the past five years, Blake had taken on the role of both father and mother, never straying far from Ray's side. Yet in the few days he had been away, something had gone wrong.

Alicia lingered at the exhibition for quite a while before finally deciding to leave.

When her assistant came to pick her up, the former asked with curiosity, "Ms. Bennett, where did Mr. Langstaff go?"

Alicia responded, "He had to leave suddenly for something important."

As she thought about Caden, an uncomfortable heaviness lingered in her chest.

There was no denying Blake's talent, and Alicia deeply admired his work. She had initially planned to deepen their collaboration, but now that idea felt like a potential risk.

She decided to let it go.

She'd only think about collaborating with Blake once she had sorted out the chaos with Caden.

As these thoughts ran through her mind, the car suddenly screeched to a halt, nearly causing her to lose her balance.

Flustered, her assistant quickly asked, "I'm so sorry, Ms. Bennett. Are you alright?"