Chapter 363
“You two are horrible actors,” she thought, rolling her eyes inwardly. “I can’t even watch this mess.” She abandoned the dinner plan, seizing the opportunity to escape.
“I need to check on Mrs. Hopkins. If you’ll excuse me,” she said, setting down her gift and letting out a quiet sigh of relief. At least Caden hadn’t followed. But before she could relax, Gerry appeared, offering a drink and a small box of desserts.
“Here, try this. The new chef made them. There are only three pieces—one for my mom, one I ate, and the last is yours,” he said with a friendly smile.
Touched by the gesture, Alicia accepted the dessert. “Thank you, Gerry. That’s thoughtful.” She smiled, assuming his consideration was genuine. But Gerry had other plans. He leaned in, his tone playful. “So… did you really break things off with Caden?”
Her hand froze. She carefully placed the dessert back down. He clicked his tongue. “Come on, don’t let my nosiness spoil your treat. No need to answer if you don’t want to. It won’t affect our friendship.”
Alicia forced a smile, feeling the weight of the conversation. “Mr. Hopkins, you’re making it difficult to enjoy this.”
Gerry waved it off with a grin. “No worries, I won’t bring it up again.”
Reluctantly, she picked up the dessert and took a small bite. It was delicious. But Gerry persisted. He scratched his head, his curiosity unsettling. “So, is the breakup final? No chance of reconciliation?”
Alicia felt like groaning. She was speechless—again. Gerry flashed a playful grin. “I swear, this is the last time I’ll ask.”
Alicia sighed softly. “Mr. Hopkins, it’s your mother’s birthday. Shouldn’t you be helping entertain the guests? Your brother looks like he’s spinning in circles over there.”
Gerry chuckled, glancing at his brother. “That’s Mom’s plan. He’s older and still single, so she’s on a mission. She wants him to meet eligible young women while he’s playing host.”
Alicia raised an eyebrow, puzzled. “Does she have to? Cliff’s perfect.”
Gerry shook his head, amused. “He has ridiculously high standards. Who knows what kind of woman would attract him?”
Alicia nodded, her mind elsewhere. A server passed, pushing a dessert cart laden with trays of sweets identical to the one she’d just eaten. Her lips parted in disbelief as she looked from the cart to Gerry, who appeared equally speechless. The corner of her mouth twitched with amusement and exasperation.
“Excuse me; I’m going to the restroom.”
As she left, Gerry darted toward Caden. “She’s like a vault. I couldn’t get anything out of her.”
Caden watched Alicia disappear down the long, dimly lit corridor. Nearby, a large screen displayed the latest entertainment highlights.