Chapter 639

Once they were finished, he took a moment to steady himself before gently lifting her and carrying her to the bathroom. The light flickered on, and his reflection in the mirror startled him. A pale, weary man stared back—a stranger. He barely recognized himself.

Before heading back to Warrington, Caden stopped to see Gareth. He stood at the foot of the bed, determination hardening his voice. "This won't happen again, Gareth. From now on, you'll have bodyguards with you at all times," Caden said firmly. Gareth's eyes met his, unfocused and distant, before he slowly nodded. "I'll also bring your family here," Caden added. "They'll be safer with you."

At the mention of his family, Gareth's hands tightened into fists beneath the blanket. Corey still held them captive, each moment a silent reminder of his power. The memory of that morning twisted like a knife in his chest—the severed arm of his son, a grim warning. Desperation and fear had forced Gareth to comply with Corey's demands. Now, guilt gnawed at him as he met Caden's gaze. Words swelled in his chest, desperate to escape, but he swallowed them down and forced a strained, "Thank you."

Caden's eyes narrowed. He studied Gareth's face and asked, "Is there something you're not telling me?" Gareth's voice was raspy. "I appreciate your kindness, Caden." Caden's mind echoed with Dorian's words: If Gareth dies today, that's his destiny. But if he survives, then it's your destiny that's sealed. His heart thudded. He looked at Gareth with a deep, searching gaze. "Rest up. In two months, someone will come for you. You all need to be at my engagement party."

Gareth's eyes widened slightly in surprise. Caden turned and gestured to the slender figure standing by the door. "That's my fiancée, Alicia Bennett." A genuine smile spread across Gareth's face. In that brief moment, they seemed like old friends sharing a profound understanding. "I wish you all the happiness," Gareth whispered.

As Caden stepped out of the room, his phone buzzed. Gerry's voice came through, sharp and impatient. "When are you getting back?" Caden signaled for Alicia to get into the car, leaning casually against it as he replied, "Did you handle what I asked?" A chuckle came from the other end.