Chapter 304:

Then, she smiled and released her grip. Yolanda lifted the showerhead high, soaking Alicia from head to toe. This was far from over. Next, Yolanda swung open the balcony door, forcing Alicia to stand in the biting winter wind, her heavy, wet clothes clinging to her. Snowflakes danced through the air.

Yolanda spoke softly, “Ms. Bennett, I won’t let you stay out in the cold for too long. You can head home in an hour.”

Meanwhile, Caden’s car pulled into the driveway. He entered the living room and scanned the area. Alicia was nowhere in sight. Dorian’s expression remained tense.

“Who are you searching for?”

Caden answered candidly, “Didn’t Alicia come by to apologize? Where is she?”

“She’s upstairs,” Regina replied. “She’ll be down shortly.”

Caden glanced up toward the staircase. “It’s rather quiet up there.”

Dorian scoffed, “Yolanda can barely manage to speak. How much noise could it possibly make?” Regina gave Dorian’s arm a reassuring pat, a silent command to stay calm. “Since Alicia came, it seems like things are smoothed over,” she said. “Yolanda seemed pretty happy earlier, so I doubt there’s any serious conflict between them.”

A heaviness settled in Caden’s chest. Something didn’t feel right. “How long has Alicia been here?” he asked.

“About half an hour,” Regina replied.

“Isn’t that a bit long for just an apology?” Caden questioned.

Dorian snapped back, “Caden, don’t start. What could possibly go wrong in thirty minutes?”

Caden smirked. “You’re awfully tense, Dorian. Is your blood pressure under control?”

Dorian was left speechless. Regina chuckled and began peeling an apple, handing out slices to each of them. “Christmas is coming up,” she said, giving Caden a reassuring pat. “Let’s end it on a peaceful note, shall we? We’re leaving the day after tomorrow. In the future, during the holidays, Caden, you can visit us in Devarlton. We won’t be coming here.”