Chapter 533:

Quickly adjusting, she said, “It’s nothing. Just let Caden focus.”

Hank added, hoping to avoid a misunderstanding, “He’s dealing with an issue concerning Corey.”

“I understand,” Alicia replied, gathering her things to leave.

Seeing her depart early, Blake asked, “Off on another date with Caden?”

Alicia smiled, embarrassed. “No, I have errands to run.”

“Do you need a ride?” Blake offered.

“No, thank you. I’ll drive myself,” she replied.

Blake checked the forecast. “It’s expected to rain around five. Drive carefully. And by the way, where are you headed? Client meeting?”

“Just picking up a cross necklace for Ciara.”

“Mount Aconca Church, right? It’s quite popular. I visited it recently and know the pastor. If we go together, we might finish before the rain hits.”

Curious, Alicia asked, “You went for a cross necklace yourself?”

Blake laughed. “Not for me. A client needed one.”

Alicia was surprised by the coincidence. Blake, already prepared, grabbed his keys. Seeing her hesitate, he added, “It’s more meaningful if a family member picks it up for Ciara, showing sincerity.”

“I didn’t know that,” Alicia replied thoughtfully.

Blake chuckled. “Neither did I until recently.”

“Then Caden should go. He’s her grandson,” she said lightly.

Blake replied, “If he were free, he’d definitely go with you.” Alicia fell silent. He seemed to know everything.

Once Alicia had the cross necklace, she carefully stored it, texting Caden that her errand was complete. Soon after, she received a call from Joy Mansion, a dinner invitation from Ciara herself, which she accepted.

“Alright, Ciara. I’ll wait for Caden to finish work, and we’ll come together.”

Blake focused on driving as the rain began to fall, obscuring the view. After hanging up, Alicia tried reaching Caden again, but he remained busy. She murmured with a frown, “He really is swamped.”

Blake offered, “Want to wait for him at his office or head straight to Joy Mansion?”

She didn’t want to disturb him. “Let’s just head back. I don’t want to take up more of your time.”

Blake’s expression softened. “I’m a shareholder in your gallery. Most of my time is yours; don’t worry about it.”

Alicia forced a small laugh. “Don’t say it like that,” she replied, finding his words unsettling.

After arriving at Joy Mansion, Alicia spent some time chatting warmly with Ciara. Ciara, feigning annoyance, said, “You haven’t come to see me in days! All I do is take medicine and lie around. I’m bored out of my mind.”

Alicia felt Benedict’s gaze upon her but quickly deflected with an excuse. “I’ve just been swamped. Even Caden doesn’t have time to come home for dinner tonight.”

Ciara stopped teasing and took Alicia’s hand, gently rubbing it. “You’ve lost some weight. Haven’t been eating well, have you?”