Chapter 609
Gerry was still scurrying around when Cliff reached the downstairs landing. "Mom, what are you doing?" he asked.
Madison paused for breath, pointing at Gerry. "This brat had the nerve to come back after the mess he made. I'm just giving him a warm-up for his father's inevitable punishment." Gerry, already having suffered a few blows, rushed to hide behind Cliff. "Bro! Save me!"
Cliff shielded him long enough to ask their mother, "What did he do?"
"What do you think?" Madison retorted, hands on her hips. "Haven't you seen the news?" Something clicked in Cliff's mind. He slowly rolled up his sleeves. "Go ahead and take a break, Mom. I'll take it from here."
Gerry stared at him, speechless. A few seconds later, the living room erupted into chaos again.
Alicia watched, a twitch at the corner of her lips. Knowing Gerry's pride, she decided to leave him to it, anticipating his resentment at her witnessing his punishment. She slipped into the garden under the pretense of a stroll.
Outside, the Hopkins' housekeeper was walking Cade, the border collie. The dog had grown strong and muscular, a testament to his regular exercise and generous meat-based diet. Suddenly, Cade stopped, sniffing intently at the flowerbed. His body shuddered, then he resumed sniffing with intense focus.
The housekeeper covered her mouth, laughing. Alicia approached, curious. "What's going on? What's got him so excited?"
"Miss Bennett," the housekeeper began, "has your dog ever mated?"
"No, Cade was neutered early."
"Ah, that makes sense. Dogs under a year old are the most easily aroused. A guest arrived today with her female dog. Cade probably caught a whiff of her scent."
Alicia, initially surprised, then embarrassed, managed an awkward smile and glanced at Cade, who wagged his tail enthusiastically. His energy reminded her of Caden in certain… heated moments. She sighed, looked away, and headed back inside. "Never mind the dog. It's more entertaining to watch Gerry get bullied."
She'd just entered the living room when Caden came down the stairs. "Got everything sorted out?" Alicia asked.
"Yes," he replied.