Chapter 931:
Caden felt a flicker of comfort at Gerry’s words. At least someone was standing up for him. It seemed his usual kindness toward Gerry hadn’t been entirely in vain. Cliff, however, remained unfazed. He crossed his arms, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Am I wrong, though?”
Gerry sighed, lowering his voice. “Right or not, now’s not the time. What if your harsh words push Caden into a serious condition—something with his lungs or heart?”
Caden’s faint sense of gratitude evaporated instantly. He frowned. Was that supposed to make him feel better?
Gerry, oblivious to Caden’s reaction, turned his back and whispered even more quietly to Cliff, “Look, Alicia’s been gone for two years. Anyone with half a brain can tell her feelings for Caden have probably faded by now. Caden knows it too—that’s why he’s chasing after her so desperately. Men have a hard time letting go of their pride. We can see through it, but let’s not rub it in his face.”
Caden’s voice cut through the room, cold and sharp. “Do you think I’m deaf? I can hear every word you’re saying.”
Gerry jumped, startled, and quickly pulled Cliff a few steps away. He leaned in close to Cliff and muttered something even quieter.
Caden stared at them, speechless, his patience wearing thin.
Just then, the door opened with a knock.noveldrama
Gerry and Cliff finally toned down their conversation as the nurse entered the room.
The nurse looked visibly distressed, her eyes red and swollen from crying. “Mr. Ward, how could you be so reckless? After such a serious surgery, you left the hospital on your own. Do you have any idea how worried I was? I cried all night for the past two days when no one could find you!”
Her words hung in the air, raw with emotion. Gerry and Cliff turned to stare at her, their eyebrows raising in unison.
The nurse, bold and seemingly unaware of the awkward tension, didn’t notice anything wrong with what she’d just said.
Gerry shot a glance at Caden, a sly grin tugging at his lips. “Care to explain what’s going on here?”
Caden’s expression remained cold and unreadable as he turned to the nurse. “Do you need something?” he asked flatly.
The nurse hesitated, clutching the edge of her coat nervously. She had come under the guise of checking his bandages but now seemed uncertain. “I-I just wanted to see how you were doing,” she stammered, biting her lip to stop herself from crying. “And… I came to ask what you’d like for lunch. I could make something for you.”
Caden’s tone sharpened, laced with irritation. “If that’s all, then leave.”
The nurse froze, her eyes welling up with tears that quickly spilled over. Her distressed expression deepened as she stood there, unsure whether to speak or leave.
Gerry, ever the mediator, stepped in smoothly. Rising from his seat, he placed a gentle hand on the nurse’s shoulder and began to guide her out of the room. “Don’t take it personally,” he said in a soothing tone. “He’s just like that—temperamental. It’s nothing against you.” The nurse sniffled as they walked toward the door. “Mr. Hopkins, I’m really worried about him,” she said, her voice quivering.
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