Chapter 298:

"Even someone as headstrong as you should treat Yolanda with courtesy, for our sake," Regina added. "She's very important to us."

"Let's be direct, Regina," Caden pressed, his impatience evident.

Her expression softened. "Alicia is resilient. Dorian's attempts to escalate this are futile. We are reasonable people. If Alicia apologizes to Yolanda, we can move past this."

Caden nodded, understanding the expectation to mediate. His approach could be stern or mild—the choice was his. They were soon returning to Devarlton. Whether the situation unfolded amicably or disastrously now rested on his actions.

Regina's guess was correct. Dorian's recent confrontation with Alicia had been brief but heated, ending with him storming off. His uproar upon reaching home woke Yolanda, who came to him in tears.

"Dad, please calm down," Yolanda pleaded. "I confronted her because I was curious about what Caden sees in her. Yes, I was harsh, and I upset her. I even mentioned that Caden and I planned to marry, which broke her heart. Let me apologize to Ms. Bennett. This mess is my fault."

Tears continued to fall as Yolanda sought comfort in Regina's embrace.

The core of the conflict hinged on Caden's decisions. His expression stoic, he turned to Yolanda and asked, "Is there another reason Alicia struck you?"

Eyes filled with tears, Yolanda weakly protested, "Caden, how could I possibly retaliate? Do you think I have the strength to fight back?" Her complexion was pale.

Despite Yolanda's emotional plea, Caden's demeanor remained unchanged. "Rest now. I will take care of everything," he said ambiguously, before leaving the room. Regina comforted Yolanda, urging her to rest.

Later, Regina found Dorian alone on the balcony, smoking. She handed him a coat, gently cautioning, "You're stressed enough; the cold isn't helping. Please, don't be so stubborn."

Dorian took her hand, offering a comforting pat. "Did I frighten you?" he asked softly, his concern evident. Dorian was typically even-tempered, except when it came to Yolanda. His protective instincts for her were boundless.

With a warm smile, Regina reassured him, "As her father, it's natural you're worried. My concern is that this might cause a rift between you and Caden."

Neither the Moss family nor Caden feared confrontation, but direct conflict was unnecessary and ultimately beneficial to no one. Now more composed, Dorian rationalized, "That's why I only requested an apology from Alicia and refrained from escalating the situation."