Chapter 397:


    Alicia hesitated for a moment, not offering an immediate response.


    She replied, “I’ll check my schedule to see if I have any free time tomorrow.”


    ke reassured her with a warm smile, “No need to worry.


    Just let me know when you’re avable, and I can take Ray with me to treat you to a meal.” His tone was polite yet firm, leaving Alicia with little room to decline his invitation.


    ke continued, “During myst visit to the gallery, I noticed that you were looking for a restoration expert.”


    Alicia’s eyes widened in surprise at his words.


    “Mr.


    Langstaff, could you please rify what you mean by that?”


    ke smiled confidently.


    “I have some knowledge in that area.


    If you haven’t found a suitable candidate yet…”


    Sensing that he might not be convincing enough, ke decided to offer more insight into his expertise.


    Alicia’s astonishment was apparent on her face.


    ke was being humble, but in reality, he was a top-tier expert in his field.


    “Mr.


    Langstaff, from the very first moment I met you, I sensed that you were incredibly talented.


    My intuition has proven to be correct,” she said with genuine admiration.


    The Ward family certainly possessed impressive genes.


    Even ke, a distant rtive, disyed remarkable qualities.


    Seeing the liveliness in her expression made ke unable to hide his smile.


    He found himself eagerly anticipating what woulde next.


    “I’ll be looking forward to hearing some good news then, Ms.


    Bet,” he said, his voice filled with excitement.


    ke stood at the entrance of the restaurant, his gaze fixed on Alicia as she drove off alone, her taillights gradually fading into the distance.


    Despite Gerry’s promise not to interfere, he was resolute in his decision to protect Caden’s happiness.


    Caden was his close friend, after all.


    From behind the ss door, Gerry snuck a few quick nces, his attention unwavering.


    Once ke could no longer see Alicia’s car, he turned back, only to notice Gerry standing there.


    Gerry quickly looked down, pretending to be busy with his phone, tapping on the screen.


    At that moment, a message from Caden appeared: “Have you made it back yet?”


    Gerry quickly typed, “Nope, just finished eating.”


    Caden’s reply came almost instantly: “You remember that novel you’ve been wanting? I’ve got my hands on it.”


    Gerry’s excitement spiked.


    “That fast? You’re a lifesaver!”


    Caden’s response was sharp: “Cut the sweet talk.


    Do you want it or not?”


    “What do you think? Of course, I do!” Gerry typed eagerly.


    “Well, you can have it, depending on how I feel about it,” Caden teased.


    Gerry paused, at a loss for words.


    Given their close rtionship, he knew Caden all too well.


    His unexpected mischief was clearly part of some scheme to get something out of him.


    Gerry snorted in disbelief, then typed: “They didn’t do anything out of the ordinary.


    After dinner, they each went their separate ways.”This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    “Got it.


    Swing by tomorrow to pick up the contract,” Caden replied.


    Gerry, frustrated with Caden’s attitude, let out augh.


    After a moment, he sent another message: “You’re more twisted than I thought, Caden.”


    .


    .


    .