Chapter 397:

Alicia hesitated, then replied, "I'll check my schedule to see if I have any free time tomorrow."

Blake smiled warmly. "No need to worry. Just let me know when you're available, and I can take Ray with me to treat you to a meal." His tone was polite but firm, leaving Alicia little room to refuse.

He continued, "During my last visit to the gallery, I noticed you were looking for a restoration expert."

Alicia's eyes widened. "Mr. Langstaff, could you clarify what you mean?"

Blake smiled confidently. "I have some knowledge in that area. If you haven't found a suitable candidate yet..." Sensing he might not be entirely convincing, he decided to elaborate. Alicia's astonishment was evident. Blake was being humble, but he was, in fact, a top-tier expert.

"Mr. Langstaff, from the moment I met you, I sensed your incredible talent. My intuition was correct," she said with genuine admiration. The Ward family possessed impressive genes; even Blake, a distant relative, displayed remarkable qualities.

Blake's smile widened at her lively expression. He eagerly anticipated what would follow. "I'll be looking forward to hearing some good news then, Ms. Bennett," he said excitedly.

He stood at the restaurant entrance, watching Alicia drive away, her taillights disappearing into the distance.

Despite promising not to interfere, Gerry was determined to protect Caden's happiness. Caden was a close friend, after all. From behind the glass door, Gerry watched intently, stealing quick glances.

Once Blake was out of sight, Gerry noticed him. Gerry quickly pretended to be engrossed in his phone. A message from Caden appeared: "Have you made it back yet?"

Gerry typed, "Nope, just finished eating."

Caden replied instantly: "You remember that novel you've been wanting? I've got my hands on it."

Gerry's excitement surged. "That fast? You're a lifesaver!"

Caden's response was curt: "Cut the sweet talk. Do you want it or not?"

"What do you think? Of course, I do!" Gerry typed eagerly.

"Well, you can have it, depending on how I feel about it," Caden teased.

Gerry paused. Knowing Caden well, he recognized the mischievous tone. His friend was clearly up to something.

Gerry snorted, then typed: "They didn't do anything out of the ordinary. After dinner, they each went their separate ways."

"Got it. Swing by tomorrow to pick up the contract," Caden replied.

Gerry laughed, frustrated by Caden's antics. He sent another message: "You're more twisted than I thought, Caden."