Chapter 258:

“I don’t remember much,” Gerry admitted, hesitating. He sensed that revisiting the past was painful for Caden. He was reluctant to share those memories with Alicia.

Alice spoke frankly. “You know about Lina, right? She needs optimization. Her main flaw seems to be a lack of emotion. If I can understand how she used to love Caden, I think I can fix it.”

Cliff interjected, “Is Caden aware of this?”

Alice cleared her throat, taking a sip of water. “No, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention it to him.”

Gerry teased, “Are you planning a surprise?”

Alice replied, “Not exactly. He’s helped me a lot, so it’s only fair that I return the favor.”

Gerry thought it might be a public display of affection. Cliff, ever the pragmatist, was less enthusiastic. He simply advised Alicia, “Before Caden was seven, most of his happiest moments were in Averibon, his mother’s hometown. His fondest memories are tied to that place. If you really want to help him, you should visit and find out the truth for yourself.”

Alicia, having some free time, decided to plan a trip to Averibon, hoping it would last at least a week. To conceal her plans from Caden, she invented an excuse, telling him she had a business trip for a couple of weeks.

Caden remained silent on the phone. Alice touched the phone and asked, “Hello?” Hearing her voice, Caden imagined her tilting her head in confusion. The thought made him smile. Alicia knocked a few more times, but receiving no answer, repeated “hello” over and over. She sounded like a child learning to speak. Caden laughed at her persistence.

Alice snorted. “Can you hear me? Then why don’t you answer?”

Caden’s voice was hoarse. “I heard everything you said.”

“Then at least make a sound,” she growled.

Caden rubbed his temples, sighing. “I’m just exhausted, Alicia. I really want to see you.”

Alice felt a bitter taste in her mouth. She smiled despite herself, a question flitting through her mind: Did he miss her? However, she’d never expressed such feelings, so the words caught in her throat. Instead, she asked, “Have you been able to eat?”

“No. Your food is the only thing I want,” he replied.

Alicia’s cheeks flushed red. She’d always considered sweet words cheesy and insincere. Yet, hearing Caden say them, his sensual voice warmed her heart and captivated her. He sighed softly.