Chapter 471:

Gerry, looking satisfied and relaxed, replied, “At home. I’ve blown all my money on actors, and my dad cut off my allowance. I’m basically living like a pauper.”

“Good to know,” Caden replied, adjusting the address.

As Gerry drank the sweet hawthorn tea, he remarked, “Alicia, don’t marry Caden. It would be far too advantageous for him.”

Caden raised an eyebrow. “I’ll give you one chance to say that again.”

Gerry grinned defiantly. “Alicia, marry me instead. I know better than he does how to treat someone right.”

Caden smirked, unfazed. “Alright then.” He put his phone away. “I bought you a gift. Make sure you’re there to sign for it first thing in the morning.”

Gerry quickly backtracked, chuckling nervously. “You two are a perfect match. I wouldn’t dream of interfering.”

Caden said nothing, merely calling Cliff to arrange for Gerry’s pickup. Gerry knew that Caden was selective with his gifts, but when he did give one, it was always something valuable. So, he woke up early the next morning, eager to see the surprise.

When the delivery man arrived with a large, heavy box, Gerry’s excitement grew. “What’s in there?” he asked eagerly, eyeing the hefty package. “It looks heavy!”

The delivery man nodded seriously. “Just be careful with it. Don’t shake it.”

Gerry’s curiosity peaked. “Must be something precious,” he murmured, already imagining the possibilities. With barely contained anticipation, he tore open the box—only to come face-to-face with a large, vibrant green toad staring back at him.

Gerry froze, blinking in disbelief. He rummaged through the box, expecting a hidden gift, but found nothing. Realizing he’d been pranked, he picked up his phone and called Caden, his tone demanding. “Why did you send me a toad?”

Caden’s voice, calm and almost amused, came through. “Tell me, who do you think Alicia should marry?”

Gerry muttered a curse under his breath. “It was just a joke. Why do you have to be so petty?” He had thought Alicia was so welcoming that he might drop by Caden’s place every day for meals—perhaps ruffle his feathers a little. After all, Caden had belittled him first, saying he wasn’t even as important as a dog. He hadn’t expected Caden to give him a toad, implying he shouldn't overreach.

Just as he finished his outburst, the little toad hopped out of the box and landed on his hand. Startled, Gerry yelped, swearing as he flung the toad off and cursed Caden. Caden calmly held his phone away from his ear, unbothered by the noise. “If you keep talking nonsense, I’ll make sure it ends up in your mouth.”

Gerry, now panting, stomped to keep the toad at bay. “Are you serious, Caden?”

Caden’s response was cool. “Since when have I not been?”

Gerry hesitated before asking, “So… are you actually planning to marry Alicia?”

A tense silence stretched between them. Finally, Caden replied, his tone low, “If not marrying her means losing her, then yes, she’ll marry me.”