?<strong>Chapter 987:</strong>


    Reflecting on his behavior, Caden felt reminiscent of his unrestrained days, always ardent, always longing to be near her, imagining an eternity in their intimacy.


    As his intensity grew, so did Alicia’s apprehension. After spending the afternoon at the beach, she was weary, and Caden’s relentless pursuit of intimacy left her fearing she might copse.


    In a raspy voice, Alicia rebuked, “Caden… You broke your promise.”


    Feigning confusion, Caden asked, “What promise did I break?” Alicia turned to face him, her arms wrapping around his neck, tears brimming in her eyes. “You promised I could decide when we have sex.”


    Caden answered vaguely, “Yes, I promised to take good care of you. Isn’t that what I’m doing?”


    As tears rolled down her cheeks, Alicia whispered, “Stop it. I’m going to die. Please…”


    Caden’s heart softened at her tearful plea, but he was reluctant to give up just yet, urging her to address him as “honey.” Unable to utter the word, Alicia defiantly said, “Then just let me be.”


    Exhausted from their encounter, Alicia fell asleep as soon as shey down. Caden lifted her gently. “Don’t sleep yet. This room costs over three hundred thousand a night. Don’t you want to see your favorite fish?”


    Alicia muttered, “Go to hell…”


    Cadenughed, nning to join her in rest, when the phone beside them rang. He had ordered some personal items, and the front desk was calling to remind him to collect them.


    Still energetic, Caden headed downstairs and identally ran into Pierre. The impact knocked Pierre’s bag open, spilling several boxes of medication.


    Caden looked down as Pierre hurriedly collected them, greeting him, “Mr. Ward.”


    “Not feeling well?” Caden inquired with a slight frown.


    “No, it’s for Miss Hampton,” Pierre exined.


    Caden nodded in acknowledgment and went to collect his items before returning to his room.


    Alicia, struggling to sleep in unfamiliar settings, woke up as he re-entered, quickly seekingfort in his arms.


    Caden turned off the lights and softly stroked her hair.


    The medication Pierre had dropped was for acute cardiac issues, rare, potent, and with considerable side effects. Caden pieced together that Gemma likely suffered from a serious condition.


    From a severe heart condition. This revtion seemed toplete the puzzle, unveiling Corey’s desperate strategy. Corey’s aim to keep Gemma alive meant a grim exchange: Alicia’s heart for Gemma’s continued survival. A life for a life.


    Caden felt like making a phone call, yet wary of disturbing Alicia’s restful sleep. He nned to rise from bed, but as he shifted, Alicia tightened her grip around his waist, silently pleading for him to stay. Reluctantly, he remained motionless. Making the call next to her was not an option. It was a conversation Alicia must not overhear. Resolving to dy it, Caden postponed the call until the next day.


    .


    .


    .