?<strong>Chapter 1011:</strong>


    The team stood in stunned silence, waiting for further instructions as Corey finished his cigarette in a fog of indecision.


    Corey stubbed it out, his movements slow and deliberate. Then he saw Alicia, no longer restrained, sitting quietly on the edge of the bed.


    Corey froze, his body stiff. “Do you know how to unlock the handcuffs?” Alicia flexed her wrists with an air of nonchnce. “I don’t.


    Her answer sent a shiver down Corey’s spine. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the room, his gaze scrutinizing each person present. They stood in a line, their posture respectful – but not to him. No, their deference had always belonged to someone else. Finally, Corey’s gaze shifted to Alicia. Both were sharp-witted, and a mere nce conveyed volumes.


    A bitterugh escaped Corey’s lips, his tall frame illuminated by the harsh, sterile light. Though he smiled, the destion in his eyes was unmistakable.


    For the first time, Corey had let his guard down, if only for a moment. But he quickly buried his disappointment under a veil of sarcasm and pped his hands mockingly. “Bravo. Truly an outstanding performance.”


    Alicia did not acknowledge thepliment. “1 thought you’d sense something was wrong the moment you entered the Ward Mansion. I didn’t expect it to take you this long.


    Explore fresh tales at g aln ov el s ;


    There was no malice in her tone, only cold understanding. “When Gemma was in trouble, you couldn’t keep your head. That’s why you didn’t see her.”


    Corey’sposure remained elusive. Deep down he knew the truth – he would not be leaving with his heart today. Even if he had not hesitated earlier, the result would have been the same. Caden had never been distracted by him and had known his intentions all along. The team in the OR? Reced. The anesthesia? Switched.


    Corey sighed. He should have seen thising. How could everything have gone so smoothly? Every detail, every moment – it had all been orchestrated by Caden and Alicia. They stood back, watched him unravel, let him make aplete fool of himself.


    Reality crashed down on Corey, shattering hisst hope. But despite the bitterness of defeat, an involuntary sigh of relief escaped him. He leaned back against the table behind him.


    “Where’s Caden?”


    As if on cue, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the hall.


    The door swung open, revealing Caden’smanding presence. He entered with an air of authority, each step deliberate. His lips curled into the faintest of smiles, his eyes glittering like cold, bottomless pools.


    Standing in front of Corey, Caden’s gaze lingered on the faint bite marks on Corey’s neck – a telltale sign left by a woman. It seemed that when Gemma was in distressst night, Corey hadn’t even finished his sex.


    Caden grinned, his toneced with mockery. “I’ve been wondering why you’ve been so recklesstely. Turns out it’s overindulgence. After thirty, you should ease up on the women – it’s bad for your kidneys and obviously clouds your judgment.


    .


    .


    .