Chapter: 753
Though she didn't want to put Ray in a difficult situation, she had prior commitments and couldn't attend. "I'm sorry, but I have other plans. I'll make sure to visit you another day."
Just after she hung up, Blake finally showed up.
He appeared utterly exhausted from what had clearly been a long day.
Alicia questioned, "Did something happen?"
Blake shared the truth with her.
He looked slightly disheveled as he ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "It's all my fault. He relies on me heavily, and I shouldn't have left him alone at school. I had planned to return home in a few days, but I had no idea he would act so boldly."
As she pieced together the fragmented information, Alicia had a sudden realization and asked eagerly, "Do you have a photo of your brother?"
Blake, momentarily slow to grasp the situation, understood that he needed to share information if he wanted her assistance.
He pulled out a photograph of himself alongside his brother.
Alicia glanced at the photo and instantly broke into a smile.
Blake stood completely at a loss, unable to comprehend the situation unfolding before him.
"Ms. Bennett, might I ask what brings such a smile to your face?" he questioned.
Alicia held the photograph with care, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. “It's amazing how everything lined up like this, Mr. Langstaff."
She unrushed her explanation, detailing the surprising encounter she had with Ray.
Blake's face changed swiftly, shifting from shock to a delighted grin, with traces of disbelief still lingering.
Alicia, sensing his immense joy, softly reassured him, "You don't need to worry, Ray is absolutely fine. He's safe and currently staying at Joy Mansion."
Relief hit Blake like a wave, leaving him in a peculiar emotional state where he wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry.
Filled with excitement, he grabbed her hand impulsively. “I can't thank you enough, Ms. Bennett."
Alicia, startled for a moment by his sudden gesture, froze.
She instinctively tried to pull her hand away but found herself pausing. "It was really just luck that I bumped into him," she said humbly. "You really don't have to thank me."
Blake's expression changed once more as he looked at her.
It dawned on him that she wasn't just beautiful, but she carried herself with such ease and success, exuding a quiet allure.
Having been helped with something so significant, Blake felt an unexpected warmth spreading through him, sparking feelings he hadn't anticipated.
After a brief pause, Blake realized he might have overstepped, prompting him to quickly release her hand.
"I'm sorry," he said, forcing an awkward smile.
"I was just so overcome with happiness that I lost control for a second," he explained honestly.
Alicia gently shook her head, letting him know it wasn't a problem at all.
With the major issue now behind him, Blake felt a wave of ease settle over him. As they ate together, their conversation effortlessly shifted to art and the trends of the future, the flow of words feeling natural.
He found himself laughing out loud several times during their chat.
His laughter caught the ear of Gerry, who was seated just a few meters away. When Gerry glanced over, his eyes widened in surprise, immediately recognizing Blake.