?<strong>Chapter 998:</strong>


    Caden said, “I don’t have a screen protector.”


    Alicia quipped, “Oh, then I must have been seeing things.”


    Caden couldn’t help but be charmed by her cheeky humor.


    Except for Corey’s backside, Alicia had seen all the photos capturing his injuries. His wounds were serious and unlikely to heal quickly, which meant prolonged suffering. Caden was still unsatisfied.


    “Corey got off too easily,” he remarked.


    With a mischievous glint in her eye, Alicia said, “Why not bribe the nurse to switch his antiseptic with pepper water?”


    Caden was left speechless. He imagined the repercussions of any future errors he might make. He joked, “You must do charity work to bnce out your mischievous side.”


    Alicia’s grin was wide as she showed off her teeth.


    At that moment, Caden’s phone buzzed with a new message. Alicia looked down and saw an array of personal details.


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    “Why are you investigating Pierre?” she inquired, curiosity piqued.


    Caden’s yful demeanor vanished. He was delving into Pierre’s background because something didn’t sit right. The previous night, he had discovered that Gemma had a heart condition, though it seemed like mere coincidence then.


    At breakfast, Gemma appeared healthy, disying no symptoms of heart trouble. Caden tested his theory by offering her ck tea. She epted and drank it without hesitation, even though ck tea was contraindicated with heart medication. Furthermore, if Gemma truly had a heart issue, Corey would certainly be aware. Pierre must have had ulterior motives for revealing Gemma’s heart condition. He intentionally revealed her illness, but what was he hoping to gain?


    As Caden browsed his phone, he pieced together the information. Years earlier, Pierre had traveled to Terrnd with a woman. But following an incident, he returned alone and without any money.


    This new insight into Pierre’s past intrigued Caden, prompting him to order further investigations.


    Caden nonchntly said to Alicia, “You introduced Pierre to the Hampton family. I’m just following up on him.”


    “Why are you so focused on Corey all of a sudden?” Alicia questioned.


    Caden had intended to keep this from Alicia, but it was clear she felt something was off. After enduring past misunderstandings, he chose to open up. “Gemma has a heart condition.”


    Alicia’s pupils contracted. She was not shocked to learn of Gemma’s severe illness, having previously suspected it was linked to her blood. “Does she need a…?”


    “Heart transnt?”


    “Yes,” Caden affirmed, his grip on her arm tightening to reassure her. “But I won’t let Corey harm you.”


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