Chapter 233

In the bedroom, Alicia and Monica conversed earnestly. Both had nearly lost their lives, but Monica, ever carefree, shrugged. She assured Alicia she'd be herself again next month. Alicia smiled, relieved.

Joshua's crime had been confirmed, and the police were acting. "Neither the Green family nor the Yates family can protect him," Alicia stated.

Monica remained optimistic. "I guess we owe him thanks for his disgraceful behavior," she said, and they shared a knowing smile.

A doctor knocked, entering to change Monica's bandages. Monica paled slightly but composed herself. "Alicia, why don't you go out and eat something? The smell of the medicine isn't very pleasant," she suggested.

Alicia stayed. When the bandages were removed, the doctor revealed a serious wound on Monica's calf. The sight of the blood, Monica's pale face, and her barely audible moans brought tears to Alicia's eyes. She remained by Monica's side for hours, in silence.

"I'm fine, Alicia," Monica reassured her. "It's just a little flesh wound. It'll heal."

Alicia's gaze remained steady. "I'll make sure everything goes well for you," she softly replied.

Visiting the police station, Alicia encountered Caden speaking with a sergeant; a lawyer stood beside him. She recognized Jeffrey Benson immediately, respectfully handing documents to the sergeant. After their conversation, they exited, and Caden noticed Alicia.

Her demeanor commanded attention. "What brings you here?" he asked.

"I need the police's help locating something," she replied.

Jeffrey, sensing the dynamic between them, bid farewell and departed. Alicia watched him go, admiring his confident stride.

Caden casually remarked, "You like him. I can send you his contact information later."

Alicia, oblivious to the subtle jealousy in his voice, replied, "You hired him for a case."

Caden hesitated. "A case… yes, there's a case to solve."

Alicia, preoccupied with her own matters, didn't press. "I'll catch up with you later," he said, adding, "Wait for me outside."

Caden raised an eyebrow. "You're giving me orders."

Alicia entered the station without further comment. After attending to her business, she left and joined Caden in his car. Immediately, she asked, "Did you hire Jeffrey for Joshua's case?"

Caden nodded.

"How? I heard he hasn't taken any cases in years."

Caden smiled. "I asked for your help, and you agreed to collaborate."

Alicia paused, surprised by Caden's influence. She assumed he'd paid Jeffrey handsomely. "How much did you pay him?" she asked. "Someone like him must earn tens of millions."

"I pay him an annual salary of eighty million dollars after taxes."

Alicia was stunned. Her eyes widened. "He's your company's in-house counsel?" she asked incredulously.

Caden calmly replied, "Yes, he's been with Blizzard Group for two years."

Alicia remembered mocking Caden's inability to hire Jeffrey. She had been wrong.

She smiled awkwardly. "That's quite remarkable."

"This world is truly a playground for capitalists," Caden observed, then asked, "What did you need at the police station?"

"I'm looking for a dog," she replied, referring to the one that bit Monica.

Caden didn't inquire further. He drove her to the gallery. En route, he received a call from the Joy mansion. Yolanda was unwell and needed him.

"Is it serious?" Caden asked, frowning. "Did you call a doctor?"

He spoke openly, allowing Alicia to overhear. She wisely remained silent, observing the scenery.

"I understand. I'll be right back," Caden said, ending the call with a serious expression.

Alicia refrained from questioning him.

At the gallery, Alicia disembarked, and Caden departed. At the Joy mansion, Yolanda's room was filled with doctors. Yolanda coughed violently. Ciara explained, "We've already been to the hospital. Her weakness is a long-standing issue; it won't heal quickly. She needs time to recover. She caught a cold from working late and has a slight fever."

The situation wasn't critical, but given its work-related nature and Caden's involvement, Ciara felt compelled to call him.

Caden removed his coat and approached Yolanda. She coughed violently, bending over, eyes closed, spitting out blood.

Caden's lips tightened. "Take her to the hospital," he ordered.

Yolanda looked up, her eyes brightening. He wiped away the blood. "I'm fine... Caden."

The doctors prepared for transport. Yolanda sat up, studying him. His eyes were red; he smiled. "I'm fine. Just a cold. But Ciara was so worried she insisted you come." She added, with a hint of resentment, "I've bothered you. Mrs. Bennett… will blame me."