Chapter 241
Caden rubbed his chin, deep in thought. Alice's celebration party? He vaguely remembered her mentioning it—she'd promised a meeting once settled. However, her busy schedule had always prevented concrete plans. What had he said then? When everything was settled, he'd top her guest list. He'd even called himself her main supporter. Yet, here he was, completely in the dark, while Gerry apparently received an invitation.
Caden huffed in frustration. He told Gerry curtly, “You don’t need to pick me up. I’m busy.” Oblivious to the tension, Gerry lamented, “I’ve only just got this car, you know. It’s unique in Warrington. Cliff pulled a lot of strings to get it. Aren’t you even a little tempted to go for a drive?”
Caden pulled off his tie in exasperation. “Why don’t you just drive your flashy car to the moon?” Gerry was surprised. “Why are you so irritated?” Caden didn't bother explaining. He ended the call abruptly, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. Without hesitation, he dialed Alicia's number, eager for answers.
On the other end, a discord of sounds filled the background, but Alice's voice rang out, clear and cheerful. "How are you?" Hearing her casual tone, Caden frowned. “You seem pretty busy, don’t you?” “A little,” Alice replied casually. “Aren’t you busy too? I’m surprised you found time to call me.”
"Why would I be busy?" he replied, irritated. Noticing his sharp tone, Alice avoided escalation. "I don't know, but I have a lot on my plate right now." Caden detected something unusual in her voice—too considerate, too measured. She ventured, “Are you angry that I didn’t say goodbye this morning?”
Alice smiled brightly. “Why would I be upset? I wouldn’t bother saying goodbye either.” Caden was silent. He'd planned to explain his sudden departure, but it now seemed pointless. After a pause, he asked, “So, Miss Bennett, is there room for me at your celebration party?”
Alice hadn't anticipated the question. “I meant to mention it, but I didn’t want to interrupt you,” she replied softly. “Mr. Ward, if you are available, you are more than welcome. I will even pick you up myself.”
Caden let out a short, sharp snort. “Of course. I’ll be there.” As soon as he hung up, his expression darkened. Adjusting his tie, he told the driver, “Take me to the Yates mansion.”
Alicia held the phone tightly, staring at the screen. Although busy all day, her thoughts constantly returned to him. But what good did it do to think about Caden? He needed Yolanda's support. This was a business matter, a serious matter. Whether or not Caden was aware of Yolanda's feelings was irrelevant. That was between them. Alicia reminded herself to focus on her own business.
Caden arrived at the Yates mansion. Jerald wasn't surprised by Caden's unexpected visit. He knew Caden well: ruthless and patient. Since his return, Caden had been carefully plotting. Joshua's downfall was but one step in his plan. Jerald was fully aware he was Caden's next target. However, as Caden's father, he refused to show fear. Keeping his cool, Jerald walked slowly down the stairs, leaning on his cane.
Caden was lying on the couch, lighting a cigarette. Without thinking, he flicked the ash into the tea Sheila had brought him. Her expression darkened. He helped Jerald sit down. “What brings you here?” Jerald scoffed. “I can’t believe you actually set foot in this place, Caden.”
Caden raised his head, his gaze icy and calm. "I came to check on you because I was worried you might not be able to handle the shock. I brought you something that might help," he said calmly. Only then did Jerald notice the box on the table. He sneered disdainfully. “If you truly cared about my well-being, you wouldn’t have treated Joshua so harshly.”
Caden laughed softly. “Would you be willing to endure his suffering for him?” Jerald deflected with practiced ease. “Caden, you really are cold-hearted. Every family has its ups and downs. It’s perfectly normal for siblings to butt heads. Do you really need to hold this grudge?”
Caden’s expression remained impassive. “You’re right. It’s normal for brothers to fight. After all, Joshua isn’t dead. So why are you so anxious?” Jerald's expression faltered, a flash of worry appearing on his face. "You don't even have mercy on your own brother. In the end, it will be you who suffers. Every evil act brings its own consequences."
“I think so,” Caden said, a chilling smile on his lips and his gaze sharp. “You’re experiencing the consequences of your actions right now.” “I’m not as ruthless as you!” Jerald replied, his tone tinged with desperation.
Caden crushed his cigarette into the ashtray, leaning forward. His gaze locked on Jerald, unwavering. "Oh yeah? You've never betrayed your own family?" Before Jerald could defend himself, Caden continued, his voice low but sharp. “My mother died in childbirth. The baby—perfectly healthy—died in utero. Tell me, wasn’t that a consequence of your actions?”
Jerald stood frozen, stunned by the accusation. The icy smile on Caden's face sent a chill down his spine. “That was a case of medical negligence. Why is it my fault?” Jerald’s complexion drained of color. “I understand your resentment, but I didn’t kill anyone. I refuse to take the blame.”
Caden's response was slow and deliberate. "Your acknowledgement means nothing to me. I will act on my own will." A chill of sweat broke out on Jerald's forehead. He hadn't anticipated Caden would know about that past incident. “Caden, what are your intentions?” Jerald demanded, his voice shaking.
Caden smiled, the gleam in his eyes as cold as ice. “I had plans,” he said calmly, “but Joshua beat me to it. Remember how you got sick then?” He threw a medical report on the table. "Take a look. See for yourself what your precious son has done."