Chapter 386:

Alicia deeply admired Blake's talent, though her initial plan to deepen their collaboration now felt risky. She decided to postpone it, focusing first on resolving the issues with Caden. These thoughts preoccupied her as the car screeched to a halt, nearly throwing her off balance.

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

Alicia's wrist was slightly strained, but otherwise, she was fine. "What made you brake so suddenly?" she inquired.

"A child darted into the street," her assistant replied, frustration evident in her voice. "I think we may have hit him."

Without hesitation, Alicia unbuckled her seatbelt and exited the car. Her assistant had already pulled over safely to the side of the road, the hazard lights flashing. As soon as Alicia stepped out, she saw the boy. He was already on his feet.

"Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

Despite the chilly April air in Warrington, the boy wore only a t-shirt and shorts. His legs were scraped and bleeding, yet he stood expressionless. Alicia frowned and gently reached for his hand.

"Let me take you to the hospital," she offered.

The boy recoiled, suspicion in his eyes. His behavior struck her as unusual. She crouched down, speaking softly. "I didn't mean to scare you. I hit you with my car, and you're hurt. Please, let me take you to the hospital."

His lips were blue with cold; he shivered, a combination of cold and pain. He remained stubbornly unmoving. Alicia extended her hand toward his head, her voice softening further, almost as if speaking to Caden. "It's okay, don't be scared. I'm here to help."

His gaze wavered, and he didn't resist her touch. She coaxed him into the car.

"What's your name? Do you know how to reach your parents?" she asked.

He shook his head. After a pause, he whispered, "Ray."

Alicia blinked. "Ray… is that your name?" He nodded slightly, sitting stiffly, hands neatly on his knees.