Chapter 191

The Moss family, though not extravagant, held considerable influence—a fact Caden well understood. The Ward family led the way, with the Mosses a close second. Moreover, older members of both families had enjoyed a long-standing friendship. Given Caden's initial request for their assistance, rejecting the Mosses' proposal would be deeply offensive.

Breaking the silence, Ciara asked, “You know Yolanda has harbored feelings for you since childhood, right?”

Caden replied indifferently, “No.”

“Well, now you do,” Ciara added.

“That’s hardly good news,” Caden retorted dryly.

Ciara agreed. She disliked Yolanda, finding her temperamental and demanding. While intelligent, Yolanda was delicate and overly indulged by her father, Dorian, who catered to her every whim. Ciara foresaw the outcome of Yolanda joining the Ward family: she would expect to be treated like royalty.

Ciara sighed. “In any case, I’d prefer a cheerful and optimistic granddaughter-in-law.”

Caden replied, “I view marriage as a business arrangement.”

This mildly irritated Ciara, but remembering her own years of illness, she suppressed her frustration. “Don't you have any feelings for the woman you’re currently seeing?”

Caden looked down, his expression unreadable. “If I had feelings for her, I would have introduced you to her.”

His failure to do so indicated, in Caden’s estimation, a lack of affection. Ciara's heart sank.

“Do what you think is best,” he said softly. “Yolanda likes you, and you need her support. Perhaps you'll develop feelings for her after marriage.”

Caden felt nothing. He regarded the plan with the same indifference he applied to his work.

“You're right. To ensure a great-grandchild quickly, we could have her undergo IVF,” Caden suggested, attempting to reassure Ciara.

Ciara shook her head. “Yolanda’s health isn't robust. We should discuss this later.” While she longed for a great-grandchild, she wouldn't jeopardize Yolanda's well-being.

After a moment, Ciara asked, “Does this mean you’ve accepted the Mosses' proposal?”

Caden didn't offer a direct answer. "I'll pick up Yolanda in a few days."

A pang of concern struck Ciara.

"You always set the bar too high for yourself," she sighed.

Caden chuckled lightly. “High standards? Or am I merely exploiting the situation?”

Ciara noted the lack of warmth in his smile. In his twenties, Caden was accustomed to making bold decisions to further his ambitions. Yet, she detected a flicker of hesitation.

Could he, in fact, harbor unrecognized feelings for his current companion?

Ciara decided to act, given her presence in Warrington. After dinner, Caden departed after a short visit.

As the maid cleared the table, she sighed, "Mr. Ward barely touched his food."

This distressed Ciara. “I won’t bring this up at the dinner table again,” she scolded herself.

Caden returned to his company, spending hours immersed in project details. Leaders often possessed an innate talent, and Dorian's abilities were exceptional; he was truly irreplaceable.

Caden closed his eyes briefly, lost in thought. Returning to the apartment, he found Alice asleep from exhaustion, though not deeply. Upon entering bed, she snuggled into his arms.

“Caden?” she murmured sleepily.

Caden whispered, "Yes."

In the dim light, Ciara noticed the shadows under his eyes. Lately, he’d been pushing himself relentlessly, treating his body like a machine.

“What do you need?” Caden asked softly. “Is something wrong?”

Alice's eyes remained closed.

"I need a lot," she murmured softly, leaving it vague.

Silence settled between them. Caden, disinclined to speak further, settled down to sleep. Alice's back pressed against his chest, their skin touching. He heard the soft rumble of her stomach.

He barely opened his eyes. After a moment, he asked, “Did you skip dinner?” His own hunger, a novel sensation, surprised him.

It was late, and he didn't want to disturb her, so he casually said, "Let's go to sleep."

Alice, however, remained awake. Her stomach rumbled again, louder this time.

She nudged him with her hip. “Then move over. Your stomach’s making a racket.”

Caden remained still, playfully sliding his hand under her pajamas.

“I can’t help it,” he joked. “Perhaps we could find another way to distract you if it bothers you so much.”

Alice shuddered at his energy. She tried to push him away, but he persisted. Her cheeks flushed.

“I’ll make you something to eat,” he said, removing his hand. “Then we can sleep. Okay?”

Her voice softened involuntarily. Caden’s throat worked visibly, his eyes darkening with desire.

"Now it's not just my stomach that's hungry," he said.

In a hoarse whisper, Caden muttered, “I’m hungry here, too.” His hand drifted lower.

Alice's cheeks burned as she fled to the kitchen, completely overwhelmed.