Chapter 306:

His stare intensified. "Where's Alicia?"

Yolanda instinctively bit her lip and looked down. Without another word, Caden headed upstairs. Dorian returned with the medication, noticing Caden's abrupt departure and frowning. "What's happening?" Yolanda, looking unsteady, remained silent, musing over her actions. It had been a trivial cold wind, hardly worth fussing over; Caden wouldn't fuss, and Dorian and Regina were there.

However, when Caden flung open the balcony door, the sight was gut-wrenching. Alicia was visibly suffering from the cold, her face a ghastly purple, her soaked clothes stiff and cutting into her skin. He hurriedly brought her inside, removed her frozen clothes, and wrapped her in his coat. She was alert but immobile, her thoughts foggy as he cradled her. Bare-chested, he pressed her close, his body warmth combating the chill. Soon, the chill receded, but Alicia didn't stir much. Her gaze was downcast, her eyes reddened with distress.

Caden touched her fevered forehead, his tone tinged with irritation. "Where's your fiery defiance now? You let Yolanda trample over you like that?" Her eyelashes fluttered faintly. Weakly, she placed a hand on his chest, attempting to push him away, but failing. In a whisper, she said, "Who can I stand against... Caden, crossing the Moss family means losing my gallery. Can I really afford to stand strong?"

A mocking smile crept onto her lips. "So, is Yolanda satisfied now? What about you?" Her eyes closed gently, overwhelmed by weakness and the piercing cold that made her tremble uncontrollably.

Caden carried her downstairs. The three below were visibly shocked. As Alicia's strength ebbed, she collapsed into unconsciousness in his arms. Her appearance briefly flashed before Regina, who hadn't previously looked her up online. Now, faced with Alicia's distress, Regina felt an odd constriction in her chest, compelling her to follow without a second thought. "What happened?" Regina inquired softly.