Chapter 245:

Alicia's celebration party concluded at nine o'clock. Meticulous planning and the presence of several seasoned drinkers ensured a vibrant atmosphere, and the event ended on a high note. Alicia personally saw off each friend and client. Finally, Gerry lingered.

“Alicia, let me take you home,” he offered.

She hesitated, her thoughts turning to Caden. A wave of emptiness washed over her, leaving her uneasy. She needed to clear her mind, to walk and gather her thoughts.

“Thank you, Mr. Hopkins. I have some work to finish at the office,” she replied.

Gerry frowned, concern etched on his face. “Are you sure you’ll be safe alone?”

Before Alicia could respond, headlights pierced the darkness, blinding her. She shielded her eyes, recognizing the familiar license plate. Why was Caden arriving at this hour? The car screeched to a halt, narrowly avoiding Gerry's vehicle.

Irritated, Gerry shouted, “Are you blind?”

The engine died. Hank emerged. Gerry's tone softened. “Oh, it’s you.”

Hank greeted Gerry before turning to Alicia, urgency etched on his face. “Mrs. Bennett, we have a serious situation. You need to come with me.”

Alicia’s heart sank. “What… what do you mean?”

“Mr. Ward has fallen into the sea.”

Her pulse quickened. “What? How?”

“He was on a business cruise today and fell overboard. No one knows if he’s alive.” Hank’s anxiety was palpable, his words laced with fear.

Alicia paled. Without hesitation, she entered the vehicle.

“Have you notified the authorities? Are they searching?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Hank buckled his seatbelt, his expression grim. “The search is underway, but with the storm, the chances are slim. I came to find you, hoping you could say goodbye.”

A ringing filled Alicia’s ears. All day she’d berated Caden for his insensitivity, never anticipating this devastating news.

As the car sped away, Gerry followed. Alicia stared out the window, silent tears streaming down her cheeks. Hank, sensing her distress, fumbled for words.

“Mrs. Bennett, don’t worry. Mr. Ward is strong… he’ll pull through. He always does.”

Alicia nodded mechanically, her thoughts racing. The wintery coastline stretched before them, stark and empty. A large cruise ship loomed nearby.

As Alicia exited the car, the lack of a visible rescue operation unnerved her.

“Hank, didn’t you say the police were involved?” she asked, her voice tight.

Hank offered a sheepish smile. “Mrs. Bennett, Mr. Ward made a mistake earlier and he’s been trying to rectify it. He planned a surprise for you on the cruise. But… he was worried you wouldn’t come if he asked, so he made me tell a little white lie.”

Alicia was speechless, her cheeks stained with tears. She wiped them away, her emotions churning.

Hank pointed to the cruise ship entrance. “This way, Mrs. Bennett.”

Confused and frustrated, Alicia followed. Hank stopped at the door. “This way,” he repeated apologetically.

With a silent nod, Alicia opened the door. Gerry rushed onto the ship, reaching her just as she entered.

“What happened to Caden?” Gerry cried, breathless. “Did you save him?”

Hank stepped in, his tone calm but firm. “Mr. Hopkins, there’s no need for either of us to be here. Let me accompany you.”

Gerry froze, panic seizing him. His eyes widened. “What are you trying to say?”

Hank started to respond, but Gerry, grabbing him roughly, shouted, “What do you mean? Caden… is dead?”

Hank stammered, “No, he hasn’t…”

But Gerry, desperate, pushed him aside and rushed forward. Hank grabbed his arm. “Mr. Hopkins! Please!”

Gerry pounded on a door, shouting, “Caden! Open up! This joke’s gone too far!”

Hank pleaded, “I swear, Mr. Ward is fine! Please stop!” Internally, he panicked. If this ruined Caden’s plan, his year-end bonus was gone.

Finally, the door opened, revealing a visibly irritated Caden. His shirt was unbuttoned, his posture relaxed, his face impassive. A faint lipstick stain was visible on his lips.

Hank immediately released Gerry and slipped away. “Mr. Hopkins, you’re on your own,” he thought.

Seeing Caden safe, Gerry’s screams ceased. Relief flooded him; tears welled in his eyes.

“I knew it! Guys like you don’t go down easily!” he exclaimed, laughing.

But as he raised a fist to playfully punch Caden, his gaze fell on the lipstick mark. His expression froze. Gerry’s body stiffened as he saw Alicia's faint silhouette.

Disbelief flashed across his face. “You tricked me?”

Caden remained unfazed. “What exactly did I lie about?”

Gerry’s frustration boiled over. “You made Hank say you’d fallen into the sea, that you were dying!”

Without remorse, Caden replied, “I fell. I got back up. And after that, I kissed a woman. Is there anything wrong with that?”