Chapter 270:

He buried his face in the blanket, his voice thick with frustration. "Caden, I could offer you so much. I'm worth so much to you. Why am I still nothing compared to Alicia?"

Caden’s voice remained flat. “Courage and affection are not the same thing.”

“Love?” Yolanda raised her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "Are you really going to marry her? Could you even marry someone so full of jealousy?"

Caden’s expression hardened. "Yolanda, if I were to marry you, do you think you would be a suitable wife for me?"

Yolanda was stunned. Gathering her courage, she asked boldly, "What if I said yes?"

Caden scoffed. “You have the courage, but not the ability. Even if Alicia weren’t here, you would never become my wife.”

Yolanda was speechless, the weight of his words leaving her unable to respond. Caden left the room and didn't see her again for two days. She knew she shouldn't cause further trouble, focusing instead on her recovery. In a few days, she requested a return to Warrington.

Once the plane landed, Caden drove alone to Hank's car. He had remained distant from Alicia in the intervening days. The entire situation had left him mentally exhausted, and he closed his eyes, trying to clear his mind. He went straight to his apartment, anticipating only a shower and a long sleep. But upon entering, he found Alicia waiting.

Caden leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, silently observing her. She was unpacking a package, her attention completely absorbed, yet her presence filled the room. The contents of the package seemed inconsequential. Even in a simple knitted jumper, she possessed an effortless chicness, like a model showcasing high fashion. Her soft skin held a subtle pink glow, her long, glossy hair cascading down her shoulders, enhancing her quiet elegance. After days of tension and exhaustion, Caden found an unexpected calm in simply looking at her.

Silence hung between them, neither disturbing the peaceful atmosphere. Alicia, aware of his presence, didn't acknowledge him. She continued methodically organizing small items into a bag, as if he were invisible. Caden’s gaze darkened before he broke the stillness.

“What hotel are you moving to this time?”

Alicia finally looked at him, her expression surprisingly calm. Nothing seemed out of place, yet he sensed a subtle shift: a greater serenity than usual.

"What hotel?" she repeated smoothly.