Chapter 371

Gerry's face registered even greater skepticism. Caden remained silent for a moment, taking a bite of his food. Afterward, his confidence faltered. "I'm still learning," he admitted. Gerry stifled a smile. "There's no shame in that. Going after the one you love and being willing to learn is admirable."

Without Alicia nearby, Caden lost his appetite and put down his fork. "Are you planning to make a movie this year?"

Gerry, sounding less enthusiastic, replied, "I want to, but the rights to the novel I'm interested in aren't available. Everything else is ready; I just need the author's approval. Once I get that, I'll have Alicia write the theme song. It'll be a hit for sure."

Caden immediately responded, "Leave that to me. In return, I need you to do me a favor."

Gerry sat up, alert. "Anything you need, just let me know!"

The birthday party continued into the evening. Alicia stayed behind to enjoy the festivities with Madison. Though it had been a while since she played cards, Alicia still remembered the tricks Caden had taught her. She was skilled at subtly losing without making it obvious. At the table of four, two were elderly, so she let them win. In doing so, she also allowed the man across from her to…

He chuckled softly. Alicia glanced at him. He had a refined, clean-cut appearance and carried himself with distinction. He was unfamiliar to her; they had never met in business. His laugh was good-natured, and when he met Alicia's gaze, his eyes were kind.

"Is something the matter? Do you have a question for me, Ms. Bennett?" he asked politely.

Alicia felt as though he could see through her thoughts. She shook her head. "No, not at all."

The man smiled. "I wasn't laughing at you. It's just that this is quite a coincidence."

Alicia asked curiously, "What coincidence?"

"Your style of playing cards is quite similar to a method a friend taught me. Maybe we had the same mentor."

Alicia was speechless. Impossible. Could he have also been taught to cheat by Caden?

After the card game ended, the man handed her his business card. "Ms. Bennett, I've heard quite a bit about you."

Alicia paused when she read the name. The man was Blake Langstaff. She smiled. "The famed yet low-key artist, Mr. Langstaff?"

Blake replied humbly, "You're too kind, Ms. Bennett. I just dabble in painting to occupy my time."

Alicia felt a slight flush of embarrassment. It was quite a coincidence; she had prepared a painting as a gift for Madison that day. It was Blake's work. He must have recognized it, which explained why he seemed so familiar. She had purchased the painting at a high price and had never met Blake before. Seeing him now, she noted not only his artistic talent but also his striking good looks.