Chapter 251:

Caden had one goal, and nothing would deter him. Yolanda simply wasn't part of his plan. While Dorian loved his daughter deeply, he also wanted her to be with someone who loved her in return. Neither party was entirely at fault.

A tense silence hung in the room until Dorian, ever reasonable, spoke. "Mrs. Ward, we've known each other for years, and I hold you in the highest regard. But this is different. Caden made an offer, and he has no reason to retract it."

Ciara felt a dull ache in her temples. She was conflicted. While biased toward Caden, she knew he wasn't without blame. "You should speak to Caden directly," she suggested calmly but firmly.

Dorian took her advice, rising to leave. He reminded Jasmine to care for Ciara before checking on Yolanda. As he neared Yolanda's door, it opened, revealing Regina.

"Yolanda is resting," she whispered, shaking her head. "Don't disturb her. She's not feeling well."

Dorian's eyebrows furrowed. "I'll stop by Caden's company later. There's a personal matter to attend to."

Unbeknownst to them, Yolanda, having crept to the door, listened intently. Regina's voice followed. "Why? What's your plan?"

"I'm going to speak to him about Yolanda; he'd better have a good explanation."

"He doesn't want to marry her. What are you going to do, force his hand?" Regina sighed, her tone softening. "Just let it be and calm down."

Dorian growled. "Calm down? How can I calm down when Yolanda's health is worsening? She used us, Regina. She played us like pawns, and now she thinks she can discard us? Who does she think we are?"

Regina gently placed a hand on his chest. "Don't do this to yourself," she said. "Caden isn't cruel. He lets things unfold naturally. We shouldn't interfere."

Dorian's eyes hardened. "Yolanda is my only daughter. How can I not be by her side? What if I decide to fight for her happiness?"

Regina looked at him helplessly. Dorian possessed many strengths, but his devotion to Yolanda often clouded his judgment. He wouldn't rest until Caden and Yolanda were together, even if it meant war between their families. He believed, ultimately, Caden would yield.

Yolanda, her ear to the door, smiled. Despite resenting her parents, she knew her father's affection was a powerful weapon. With a satisfied smile, she went to bed, disdainfully tossing prescribed pills into the trash.

Meanwhile, Alicia arrived at Caden's office.