Chapter 357:


    Gerry leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees, and pulled out his phone.


    “What is Alicia into these days? Cooking can be exhausting.


    I should offer her something as a gesture of gratitude.”


    Caden found himself momentarily speechless.


    It felt as though he had been struck by Gerry’s words, as if he were using him of neglecting Alicia.


    “Sure, ask her what she enjoys,” Caden replied, his voice steady.


    If Gerry got an answer, Caden resolved to send her a gift first.


    Gerry dialed Alicia’s number, but she didn’t pick up.


    “What’s going on? She didn’t answer,” he remarked.


    Caden replied, “She’s been a bit downtely.


    You might need to call a few more times and say something kind.”


    “What’s troubling her?” Gerry asked.


    “She usually has such a good temper.


    What kind of jerk could make her so upset that she won’t even pick up her phone?”


    Caden found himself at a loss for words.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    For the first time, Caden found himself being scolded without being able to respond.


    His jaw tightened, but he lowered his gaze, pretending to focus on the documents in front of him.


    “It’s nothing,” he muttered, the faintest hint of irritation in his voice.


    “Sometimes people just need space when they’re upset.


    No need for exnations—just do as I say.”


    Gerryplied and tried calling again, but there was still no answer.


    “Wouldn’t it be rude to keep calling her? She’s serious this time, I can feel it,” Gerry grumbled under his breath, not wanting to get involved—especially not at dinner time.


    A flicker of impatience crossed Caden’s face, though he didn’t look up.


    “Call her again,” he ordered.


    “And if she still doesn’t pick up, go to her office and bring her back.”


    Gerry was speechless, brows arched in disbelief.


    There was something unusual about Caden today, something that didn’t sit right with him.


    He moved closer to the desk, scrutinizing Caden.


    “Caden, are you feeling alright? You seem… off.”


    Caden remained expressionless, his eyes glued to the papers.


    “What makes you say that?”


    Gerry pointed to the stack of documents.


    “Because you’ve signed Alicia’s name instead of yours.”


    Caden’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing as he inspected the paperwork.


    Sure enough, Alicia’s name was scribbled across every page.


    A silent realization washed over him, and with a weary sigh, he flipped through a few other documents.


    Alicia.


    Alicia.


    Alicia.


    Every single one bore her name.


    Gerry’s grin widened.


    “If this isn’t beingpletely smitten, then I don’t know what is.


    I was starting to wonder why you refused to look at me while we were talking.


    Thought maybe I was looking too handsome today, but now I see—you’re distracted.”


    Caden stayed quiet, irritation ring in his chest as he snapped the pen shut with a sharp click.


    “Just make the call, Gerry.”


    Caden was more concerned about whether he’d be able to see Alicia tonight.


    But Gerry was already one step ahead, grabbing Caden’s phone.


    “I’ve tried several times with mine, and she’s ignoring me.


    She’ll definitely answer if you call.” Before Caden could stop him, Gerry walked to the side, phone in hand.


    Caden couldn’t stop him, though a small part of him hoped Gerry was right about this.


    .


    .


    .