Chapter 299:
“Then what’s troubling you?” Regina probed, sensing his lingering frustration.
He extinguished his cigarette with a heavy sigh. “When I visited Alicia today, I saw she’s just as unwell as Yolanda.”
Regina noted his agitation. “And yet, you returned quite upset.”
Dorian massaged his temples. “Her words were sharp, slicing deep without a single curse. I couldn’t counter her arguments.” He appeared defeated.
Regina chuckled softly. “Seems you were bested by a junior.”
Dorian exhaled deeply. “She may be sick, but she’s stubborn. She won’t concede. I doubt she’ll back down, even if Caden intervenes.”
Regina playfully prodded, “What if she refuses to apologize? How will you make things right for Yolanda?” Dorian remained silent, deep in thought. The moment had cooled, and his anger subsided. He didn’t have an answer.
After Alicia left the pet hospital, Caden called her. “Return to the apartment,” he instructed, his tone sharp. “You have ten minutes.” Alicia bit her tongue, deciding silence was the wiser option. Regardless of the reason—Yolanda or unfinished business—she knew she had to return. Perhaps the prolonged chill of the day had worn her down; she was completely exhausted.
Upon entering the heated apartment, the weariness lingered. She wrapped her coat tightly around herself and fixed her gaze on Caden, seated on the sofa. “What’s this about?” she asked.
Caden, having just opened a medicine box, looked up. Her demeanor was cool and detached, reminiscent of a film spy, though her petite frame somewhat contradicted the persona.
“Slow down, go freshen up first,” he suggested casually.
Alicia’s brow furrowed, understanding the implications. The pain still lingered below, aggravated by the day’s exertions, despite the ointment. She had refused to acknowledge the discomfort the previous night.
In the shower, she pondered her earlier misguided thought: Should she seek medication to curb his urges? No. If Caden really pushed the issue, he would be more formidable than Joshua. She couldn’t drag Monica into this again.
Suddenly, the bathroom door opened. Alicia instinctively covered herself, casting a wary glance at Caden. Caden, his expression neutral, questioned, “Is it necessary to cover yourself?”
Alicia averted her gaze. “Leave. I’m not finished.”
However, Caden shut the door behind him and stayed inside. Despite her stern look, her gaze failed to intimidate him, and she couldn’t escape his direct stare. She reached for a towel, but Caden caught her hand.