Chapter 985:
Before Sheila could reply, Corey cut in sharply, “You don’t need to come back starting tomorrow.”
Sheila was taken aback and faltered. “Mr. Hampton, I took leave because…”
“Do you realize Gemma has been unwell with a low fever these days?”
Unaware of Gemma’s condition, Sheila’s voice broke as she explained, “Mr. Hampton, my grandson was in a severe car accident. I’ve been trying to sell my house to pay for his medical bills, so I asked for a few days off. Please, I need this job. I’m begging you.”
Corey ended the call without another word.
Caden had been trying to learn more about Gemma’s health but ended up running into Gemma and Corey unexpectedly in Averibon. By chance, they had booked rooms at the same hotel.
Standing together in the elevator created an awkward silence. Fresh from the beach, Caden was clad in a floral shirt and beach shorts, a relaxed look that contrasted sharply with his usual formal persona as Mr. Ward. Yet, it lent him an intriguing allure. Noticing Caden’s casual attire, which exposed his chest muscles, Corey instinctively blocked Gemma’s view.noveldrama
Corey broke the ice. “It seems wherever I go, Mr. Ward is there too. Quite the coincidence.”
Buttoning his shirt, Caden, with Alicia by his side, shot Corey a look. “What, you think I’m secretly in love with you or something?”
Caden never allowed his status to deter him when confronting an opponent. That was why he could usually inflict serious injuries on his rivals.
Corey, typically assertive in his actions, hesitated only when it concerned maintaining his dignity. But Caden was indifferent to such concerns, leaving Corey to respond with a forced chuckle. Gemma, uninterested in their exchange, approached and took Alicia’s hand.
“Alicia, how long will you be staying here?” she asked.
“It depends,” Alicia answered, caressing Gemma’s cheek. “Why don’t you join us these days?”
Gemma beamed with happiness. “I was curious why Corey suddenly decided to come to Averibon. It seems he was following you.”
Corey fumbled for words.
Alicia’s lips twitched.
Caden scoffed. “Seems I was mistaken. It’s not me you secretly admire, Mr. Hampton. You’re after my wife.”
Corey was left speechless. With Gemma present, he restrained himself and didn’t retort.
As the elevator doors opened, Corey motioned for Pierre to escort Gemma to her room.
Caden watched as Gemma walked away, recalling that her demeanor was once as aloof as Corey’s. How had Gemma grown so close to Pierre in just a few months?
.
.
.