Chapter 295:

Alicia met Yolanda's gaze unflinchingly. "Leaving is inevitable," she replied smoothly. Yolanda, sensing a shift in Alicia's demeanor, suspected it was related to the Averibon incident. Amused, she asked, "So, when will you leave?"

Alicia's gaze dropped to Cade, her expression hardening. "Return the dog to me, and I'll leave today," she declared. Yolanda couldn't suppress her amusement. Approaching Alicia, still holding Cade, she teased, "You really adore your dog, don't you? Would you perish alongside him?"

Alicia grabbed Yolanda's wrist, twisting it forcefully. Yolanda cried out in pain, releasing her grip, allowing Alicia to secure Cade. Without hesitation, Alicia slapped Yolanda sharply across the face. Stunned by Alicia's aggression, Yolanda was incredulous. Was Alicia truly disregarding her image, here on Caden's territory?

Alicia freed Cade from the wire, tended to his wound, then shot Yolanda a chilling look. "If he dies, you'll be the first to go down with him."

Taken aback by Alicia's icy demeanor, Yolanda clenched her teeth and touched her cheek. "Consider this a warning, Alicia. If you keep interfering with me, you'll regret it."

Unmoved, Alicia retorted, "Is that so? Show me what you can do." Seeing her threats were ineffective, Yolanda mocked, "Do you even know why I came to Warrington?"

Alicia ignored her, preparing to leave with Cade. Yolanda pressed on, "Caden begged my father to allow me here, on the condition that he marries me." The words stopped Alicia, her heart sinking.

Yolanda smirked. "Caden may still have eyes for you, but he'll tire of you. Eventually, he will marry me. You'd be wise to cut your losses now. Find yourself a wealthy husband while you can, instead of wasting away as Caden's plaything. Otherwise, you'll end up with nothing."

Alicia rushed Cade to the veterinary hospital; he was treated just in time. Her quick actions saved his life. Gazing at Cade's severe wound, Alicia pressed her lips together tightly, grief and frustration welling within her. She comforted him until he was stable, then returned to Caden's apartment.

Later, she visited the security office to retrieve the day's surveillance footage. Yolanda had been careful; none of the cameras captured her face. Alicia took the footage to her company, asking a skilled technician to enhance the images. Once the footage was secured, she returned to her office, exhausted, and slumped into her chair.

As dusk settled, she gazed out the window, her reflection mirroring her drained and vacant expression. She realized her demanding standards might have compromised her happiness with Caden. Yet, she couldn't find peace, especially knowing his infidelities.