Chapter 316

Ciara glanced back at Caden, who looked troubled but maintained a stern demeanor. His contradictory behavior baffled her; why was he so stubborn? She nudged him, her tone softening. "Get some effective medicine. Women care about their appearance and fear pain. Hurry and find something that will help her heal faster."

Caden swallowed hard, but before he could respond, Alicia spoke up. "No need, Mrs. Ward. The hospital's medicine seems effective enough."

Ciara reassured her with a warm smile. "It's okay. He hasn't treated you well, and you deserve better. He ought to do this for you."

Caden responded without emotion. "She made it clear she doesn't want it. Why insist?"

Ciara, seething with anger, grabbed her cane and struck Caden forcefully. The impact sounded dull and heavy, yet Caden remained motionless, seemingly unaffected.

After the doctor finished changing the bandages, he stood up and looked at them curiously. "Which one of you is related to the patient?"

Ciara gestured toward Caden. "He is."

Alicia quickly countered, "He is not."

The doctor looked confused. Hesitantly, he asked, "Who is it, then? I need to note down some details."

Alicia replied, "I will inform my family later and have them speak to you."

Caden's face grew even colder. The doctor, unable to cope with the mounting tension, quickly left the room.

Alicia then addressed their financial matters, transferring $10,000 to Caden. He looked at the transaction on his phone, his expression darkening. "What's this for?"

"It's to reimburse you for the hospital fees you covered for me," she explained. She planned to settle their financial dealings individually, knowing their complicated history would never be fully resolved. Her actions were less about true reconciliation and more about provoking him.

Caden's expression darkened further. He accepted the money but attempted to send some back. "This is more than necessary. We should be clear about what's owed, without any lingering debts." His attempt to return the funds failed, however. Alicia deleted his contact information before his eyes, then placed her phone down without raising her head. "Keep the change; it's for your troubles."

Caden was left dumbfounded.