Chapter 305

Caden nodded. "Understood, Regina."

Regina asked, "Is Lina fully optimized?"

"Almost," Caden replied.

Regina sighed softly. She felt sympathy for him, but couldn't help adding, "Nothing can replace family. Only true happiness comes from learning to let go."

Caden lowered his head in silence. Just then, the upstairs door creaked open, and Yolanda emerged, looking unusually cheerful. The living room was eerily quiet; she didn't initially notice Caden. As she descended the stairs, she finally saw him. Dorian had already risen to his feet.

"I told you to rest," Dorian said. "What are you doing down here?"

Yolanda froze. She had assumed Caden and Alicia were estranged, yet here he was. What would happen when he saw Alicia's condition? At that moment, Caden looked up, meeting her gaze. She couldn't hide the unease that flickered across her face. Yolanda feared Caden; his attention to detail was sharp, eagle-like. Yet, he chose not to probe further, standing silently, one hand casually in his pocket.

Dorian inspected Yolanda's bruised cheek. "Feeling any better? Is it still painful?"

She offered a weak smile. "It's okay now, Dad. Just came down for some water."

Regina interjected, "There's water in your room. Why come all the way down here? You'll be out of breath again."

"I forgot to take my evening medications," Yolanda explained. "I thought I'd do that while I'm here."

Dorian went to get her medication. Caden approached Yolanda.

"Why did you come down by yourself?"

Only then did Yolanda look up, maintaining a composed expression. "I was just finishing a conversation with Ms. Bennett. She'll join us shortly."

Caden's response was direct. "She wouldn't spend time in your room. It's not to her taste."

Yolanda's lips quivered. "What are you implying, Caden? Can't I have a friendship with Ms. Bennett?"

Caden's suspicion deepened.