Chapter 206

Caden's face remained impassive, but Gerry sensed his irritation. "No," Caden replied curtly.

Gerry, enjoying Caden's discomfort, continued his provocation. He detailed Alicia's recent difficulties, exaggerating them to paint a particularly bleak picture. "He's alienated many people," he mused, tapping his chin. "What a tragedy for someone so promising."

Caden remained stoic, his gaze fixed on the newspaper. "People die every day," he said flatly. "Why should we mourn them?"

"You don't have any sympathy for her?" Gerry pressed, watching Caden intently.

"I don't have time for this," Caden dismissed.

"What if something happened to her? Would you intervene?" Gerry asked, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"No," Caden replied instantly, his tone devoid of emotion.

"You didn't even hesitate," Gerry observed incredulously. "You once saved her when you were competitors. Now that you have feelings for her, aren't you going to act?"

Caden frowned. "Why do you think I care about her?" Since Alicia's departure, he hadn't given her a second thought. He'd returned to his rigorous routine, immersing himself in work, meticulously avoiding wasted time. He'd even managed visits to the Joy Mansion amidst his demanding schedule.

However, Gerry, ever the idle observer, commented, "You avoid the truth by burying yourself in work."

"You have too much time on your hands," Caden retorted.

Gerry laughed. "I've touched a nerve, haven't I? You're just angry because I'm right."

Caden folded the newspaper and stood. Gerry sneered, following him. "You fall in love with a woman for the first time, and look where it leads. I should feel sorry for her, but somehow, I find it funny. Even I, who've never been with anyone, am happier than you. What is it that Alicia doesn't like about you? Could it be your performance in bed? Or did she run off with someone else that day?"

Caden paused at the door, considering his next move. Gerry saw Ciara and Yolanda outside and fell silent. Ciara, arranging flowers with Yolanda, noticed them.

"Are you leaving already?" she asked.

Yolanda looked at Caden. Caden replied coldly, "Gerry's having an episode. We need to get him to the hospital for an injection."

Gerry, taken aback, remained silent, especially with Ciara present. It was late, so Ciara didn't prolong the conversation.

As they settled into the car, Caden asked casually, "Has Alicia told you about the gallery?"

Gerry was puzzled. "What gallery?"

Caden's expression darkened. "Never mind." Alicia didn't seem interested. "Fine. I won't insist," Caden decided.

Ciara then advised Yolanda, who was lingering, "You're not feeling well. Try to rest soon."

Yolanda hesitated, worried. She'd overheard Gerry's comments about Caden experiencing love for the first time. Could Caden be involved with someone? Yolanda had harbored feelings for Caden since childhood, but her fragile health had often hampered her. Now, seizing the opportunity of a marriage alliance, she'd ignored Dorian's advice and come to Warrington, hoping to strengthen her bond with Caden. Was it too late? If Caden was truly involved with someone, why hadn't anyone mentioned her? Yolanda voiced her concern to Ciara. "Is Caden still single?" she asked.

Ciara, observing Yolanda's anxious expression, replied with a gentle smile, "She keeps her personal life private, so I'm not sure."

Yolanda bit her lip. "But if he's already engaged, why would he accept my father's proposal?"

"Did she accept your father's proposal?" Ciara asked, surprised. "That's news to me."

Yolanda was shocked, turning pale. "I thought Caden brought me to Warrington for that reason."

"You should talk to Caden to clarify any misunderstandings," Ciara suggested before heading upstairs.

Once Ciara closed the door, she sighed to Jasmine, "I'm relieved I'm not young anymore. Living day in and day out with such a difficult daughter-in-law would wear me out if I were Caden's mother."

Jasmine, literal as ever, replied, "But isn't Mrs. Ward quite kind?"

Ciara scoffed. "That means little. She's dishonest. She fabricates events and blames Caden." It was clear why Caden had never developed feelings for her.

Jasmine was perplexed by Ciara's perspective, but noted, "It seems Miss Moss doesn't match her in beauty."

Ciara looked up sharply. "Have you seen her?"

Jasmine confirmed, "Yes, I met her once outside Mr. Ward's office. She's the heiress of the prestigious Bennett family, which collapsed three years ago."