Chapter 386:

There was no denying Blake’s talent, and Alicia deeply admired his work.

She had initially planned to deepen their collaboration, but now that idea felt like a potential risk.

She decided to let it go.

She’d only think about collaborating with Blake once she had sorted out the chaos with Caden.

As these thoughts ran through her mind, the car suddenly screeched to a halt, nearly causing her to lose her balance.

Flustered, her assistant quickly asked, “I’m so sorry, Ms.

Bennett.

Are you alright?”

Alicia’s wrist was slightly strained, but she was otherwise fine.

She looked ahead and asked, “What made you hit the brakes like that?”

Her assistant, sounding frustrated, answered, “A kid darted out into the street out of nowhere.

I think we may have hit him.”

Without hesitation, Alicia unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out of the car to check.

Her assistant had already been driving close to the side of the road.

With the hazard lights on, pulling over didn’t disrupt the flow of traffic.

As soon as Alicia stepped out of the car, she saw the child who had been bumped.

He was already back on his feet.

With concern in her voice, she asked, “Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself anywhere?”

Even though the chilly April air in Warrington made it uncomfortable, the boy was dressed in nothing but a t-shirt and shorts.

His legs were scraped, with blood running down them, but he just stood there, expressionless, as if it didn’t bother him at all.

Alicia frowned and gently took his hand.

“Let me take you to the hospital, okay?”Belonging to .

But the boy pulled his hand away without hesitation, eyeing her with suspicion as he stepped back.

He didn’t seem like a typical child to her.

His odd behavior made her suspect there was something deeper going on.

She crouched down to his level and spoke softly.

“I didn’t mean to scare you.

I hit you with my car, and now you’re hurt.

Please, let me take you to the hospital so they can check you out, alright?”

His lips had started to turn blue from the cold.

He shivered slightly, both from the cold and from the pain of his injuries.

Still, he stood his ground, refusing to budge.

Alicia slowly extended her hand toward his head.

Her voice became even softer, almost like she was speaking to Caden.

“It’s okay, don’t be scared.

I’m here to apologize, not to hurt you.”

His gaze wavered, and this time, he didn’t resist her touch.

Eventually, she managed to coax him into the car.

Once they were settled, she asked, “What’s your name? Do you know how to reach your parents?”

He shook his head slowly.

Then, after a pause, he quietly said, “Ray.”

Alicia blinked in surprise.

“Ray… is that your name?” He gave a small nod.

He sat in the seat stiffly, his hands resting neatly on his knees.

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