Chapter 644:

"I really need to sleep now," he said earnestly, "or I might collapse."

He opened the door to find Gerry squatting, cradling Cade in his arms and reaching into the dog's mouth. Caden scowled.

"What are you doing?"

Gerry, still examining the dog's mouth, replied, "He swallowed my cufflink."

"I'm trying to retrieve it," Gerry explained, "I'm worried it might get lodged."

"It's already been swallowed," Caden countered.

"What? That was a personalized cufflink from my brother's military unit!"

Gerry started to lift the dog, but Caden stopped him. "It's useless. Come back tomorrow."

"Retrieve what?" Gerry asked.

"Your cufflink," Caden replied. "It'll pass through. You'll have to come back tomorrow and dig through his poop."

Gerry's expression soured. "Oh, I don't think that cufflink is as crucial anymore."

Caden was taken aback.

Gerry exhaled and decided to leave Cade alone. "What were you two discussing in there? Something about exhaustion and collapse?" Alicia moved forward, her lips quivering slightly.

Caden raised an eyebrow. "Private chats are for couples. Why the interest, being single and all?"

Gerry, feeling hurt, was caught off guard. "Wonderful, another personal attack." He had come to discuss something Caden had previously asked him to check. Seizing the opportunity while Alicia was absent, Gerry whispered, "When will you inspect it with me?"

Caden poured himself a glass of water. "No rush. Give me a couple of days to rest."

"You might not be in a rush, but I am."

Caden's expression hardened. "Why the rush? It's not like I'm marrying you."

Gerry took a sharp breath and stepped back. "I'm just curious about how someone like you would make a proposal."

Caden sipped his water, his expression cold.