Chapter 239

Alicia lay awake, staring at the ceiling. She knew she had work in the morning and tried to sleep, but her thoughts relentlessly circled one question: had Caden left because of Yolanda again? After tossing and turning for what felt like an eternity, she gave up. She put on a coat and went to Caden's apartment.

Cade, Caden's recently adopted dog, greeted her at the door. While Caden had made an effort to integrate Cade into his life, his care had been perfunctory, limited to the basics—three meals a day, but no affection or special treats. Alicia knelt, gently petting Cade and combing his fur, trimming it neatly. She tied a pink bow around his neck.

Cade seemed delighted. He jumped and wagged his tail furiously, finally settling contentedly in her arms. A soft smile touched Alicia's lips as she hugged him, the simple act unexpectedly warming her. She lay down on the couch with Cade curled beside her and fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

Meanwhile, Caden spent the night at the hospital. Yolanda's condition was critical; her health had been fragile since birth. Her weak immune system made even minor illnesses dangerous, a constant source of anxiety for her parents. Regina and Dorian had always meticulously cared for Yolanda, shielding her from every possible threat. Yet, since Dorian entrusted her care to Caden, she had suffered two alarming episodes of coughing up blood. By morning, her condition had stabilized.

Dorian emerged from the hospital room, his composure intact, but his face was grim. "Caden, you need to explain this to me."

Caden, deeply respectful of Dorian, replied calmly. "Yolanda's decline was unexpected. The responsibility is mine. When she's discharged, I will personally escort her back to Averibon. She won't have any further business responsibilities."

Dorian's gaze darkened, his expression thoughtful and conflicted. He admired Caden's sharp mind and strength, but he was also keenly aware of Yolanda's unspoken affection for him.

"Caden," Dorian began, his voice firm, "I need honesty. What exactly do you feel for Yolanda?"

Caden's tone remained calm. "She is a close friend and my partner."

Dorian's eyes narrowed. "No deeper relationship?"

"I'm sorry, Dorian," Caden said firmly, "but Yolanda and I are not suited."

The words struck Dorian harder than expected. His heart sank, yet he appreciated Caden's honesty; its forcefulness held a certain clarity. "I'll talk to Yolanda about returning," Dorian sighed. "You focus on your work. I apologize for my earlier harshness on the phone."

Caden nodded. "I understand."

Dorian relayed Caden's words to Yolanda. She listened silently, her face calm, but her heart shattered. Silent tears streamed down her cheeks.

Dorian, sensing her anguish, offered tissues. "Come now, enough crying. There are countless men. Why him?"

Yolanda recoiled. "Don't touch me!" Her bitterness surged. "I was born with this disease because of your genes! I've suffered for years, and now I can't even be with the man I love. What kind of parents are you?"

Dorian's face darkened. Only Yolanda dared speak to him like that. He had spoiled her, and now he had to endure it. "Caden isn't like other men. Once he decides, he rarely changes. Even with him, you wouldn't find happiness. You don't see that, Yolanda."

"So, who has he noticed?" Yolanda asked, her voice laced with pain. "He told you about Alicia."

"Alicia? Who is Alicia?"

Yolanda's voice deepened with emotion as she turned away. "She's the one Caden likes, even though he's never said it."

Dorian recalled the faint scent of perfume on Caden the previous night, dismissing it then as a trick of his mind. Now, it made sense.

"If his heart belongs to someone else, that's more reason to move on," Dorian said, his voice hardening. "Yolanda, you must let him go."

Yolanda's jaw clenched. "I can't. I won't. Dad, I can't live without Caden. I'll stay here, even if it kills me. And if you don't help me, I'll no longer consider you my father!"

Dorian felt a wave of intense anger. Afraid of acting rashly, he left the room. Regina approached with food. Seeing his stormy expression, she asked, "You argued with Yolanda?"

Dorian sighed, exhausted. "Yes," he mumbled, recounting the conversation.

Regina listened patiently. When he finished, she said simply, "If that's what she wants, let her. She'll face the consequences."

Dorian frowned. "This is Caden's fault. He has someone else, yet he couldn't keep his distance from Yolanda."

Regina looked at him sharply. "Since when have you lost your sense of justice? Caden sought your help and offered a partnership. You pushed for a marriage alliance, not him."

Dorian was speechless. After a pause, he said, filled with regret, "It's my fault Yolanda hasn't been healthy."

Regina hesitated. "Dorian, we're both healthy; there's no family history of illness. Yolanda's condition always worried me."

"What do you mean?" Dorian asked.

Regina paused, then shook her head. "Forget it. We need to focus on the problem."

Later, Caden and Ciara arrived to visit Yolanda. Yolanda's swollen, red eyes and listless demeanor spoke volumes. Dorian turned to Caden. "I have some free time; I'll stay in Warrington to help. Meanwhile, spend more time with Yolanda."

Caden frowned, but before he could respond, Yolanda said, her voice trembling, "Dad, please don't put Caden in a difficult position. If you stay, someone will make it hard for you."