Chapter 385

Caden ordered Hank to pull the car over. The call hadn't ended, but the tension was suffocating. Knowing Caden, there was no chance of him backing down. With a dark tone, he muttered, "Do whatever you want," before disconnecting.

Alicia lowered her phone, her face stormy. Blake frowned. "Do you two always fight like this?"

Alicia turned away, pressing her hand to her forehead. "No, not usually. He didn't used to be this childish."

Blake was surprised by her description of Caden. "I've only met Caden two, maybe three times, when we were..." He chuckled. "Funny how he's growing into it at twenty-five."

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

Alicia sighed wearily. "In a relationship, there needs to be balance—one strong and one gentle. Otherwise, it can't last. But we're both too stubborn, and we just clash."

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

A quiet laugh escaped Alicia. "But even if I try to live in the moment, Caden always lets me down."

Blake didn't reply. They were en route to a celebrity art exhibition in the eastern district. Midway through the drive, Blake's phone rang. His expression turned serious. Alicia glanced over.

"Is Caden giving you problems?"

Blake shook his head. "No, it's a family issue. I need to leave immediately. I'm sorry—can your assistant pick you up?"

Alicia waved him off. "Go ahead, don't worry. Let me know if you need anything."

The call was from his family's maid. Ray Langstaff had left a note and gone to Warrington alone. Ray was Blake's younger brother, nineteen years his junior. Five years prior, their parents had been imprisoned, leaving Ray, then three, traumatized. He had cried for three days and nights, resulting in a diagnosis of autism. For five years, Blake had been both father and mother, rarely leaving Ray's side. Yet, something had gone wrong during his brief absence.

Alicia lingered at the exhibition before leaving. Her assistant, upon picking her up, curiously asked, "Ms. Bennett, where did Mr. Langstaff go?"

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

As she thought about Caden, a heavy feeling settled in her chest.