Chapter 554

“Of course not,” Caden answered. “I suggest you reach out to her directly.”

Corey, unable to continue the conversation, angrily hung up. Caden smirked with satisfaction as he ended the call.

Hank gave him a thumbs-up. “Mr. Ward, you really have a way with things.”

Caden responded modestly, “Not that impressive, just average.” Hank chuckled, finding Caden’s dry humor amusing. The subtle joke acknowledged Caden’s strategic thinking.

Lately, Caden and Alicia had been arguing frequently, each stubbornly refusing to yield. Hank didn’t know the details of their private life, but he noticed Caden looked perpetually sour each morning, a clear indication he hadn’t been sleeping in his own bed.

Considering Corey’s predicament and his need for Alicia’s expertise, Caden reasoned that if Corey sought her help, she would feel proud and her mood would improve. After all, the Q Robot was already in trouble; even a resurgence wouldn't matter much. He decided to use it as a stepping stone to appease Alicia.

Caden instructed Hank, “Get some gifts ready. I’ll be dining at Tav Mansion tonight.”

“I’ll check with Ms. Bennett to see if she’ll be joining us,” Hank replied.

“Okay,” Caden nodded.

“And I swear, I’ll keep your name out of it,” Hank added.

Caden gave him a sidelong glance. “Did I ever claim it was my idea? Pretty sure you were the one who brought it up.”

Emboldened, Hank replied, “Mr. Ward, you really don’t mean it? In that case, I’ll just—”

Before Hank could finish, Caden nudged him. Unfazed, Hank immediately dialed Alicia’s number.

As soon as Hank mentioned Tav Mansion, Alicia’s tone hardened. “I’m not going, Hank.”

Hank sighed, resorting to his usual tactic. “Come on, Ms. Bennett, if you don’t go, Mr. Ward’s going to dock my bonus, maybe even fire me! You know how much competition he faces these days. If I’m tossed from Blizzard Group, who’s going to hire me?”

Alicia chuckled. “I’ll hire you. Tell me what role you want.”

Hank blinked, momentarily surprised. He glanced nervously at Caden, then switched off the speakerphone. Lowering his voice, he said, “Ms. Bennett, that’s not what I meant.”

Alicia’s voice softened, reassuring him. “Relax, Hank. I’ve got your back. We’re all friends here, right? I’d never let you go unpaid—and I’ll even promise you double your current salary.”

Hank straightened, a hint of panic in his eyes. “Mr. Ward has invested a lot in me. I plan to stick with him for the long run.”

Alicia’s voice lightened. “Good, I’m glad that’s settled. Anything else?”

Hank hesitated. There was more he wanted to say, but he dared not speak it.