Chapter 317:

Ciara, witnessing the escalating tension and impasse, felt utterly frustrated. She scolded Caden, "All the effort I've invested in raising you seems wasted. Why are you arguing with her now? It's no surprise you're still unmarried!"

Caden replied coldly, "Let's go." He helped Ciara into the car but lingered at the hospital entrance, departing for Joy Mansion only after seeing Monica.

Ciara questioned him about the argument. Remembering Alicia's despair, Caden felt a pang of remorse. He admitted he might have been too forceful, acknowledging Alicia's sensitivity regarding Yolanda and his own provocation of the issue. Ciara continued her reprimand throughout the drive home.

Back at Joy Mansion, after drinking water to soothe her throat, she asked, "So, you're just going to let her leave like that?"

Caden's response was vague: "I'll speak with her once she's calmed down."

"You're going to wait?" Ciara objected sharply. "If you delay any longer, she might lose all hope. Don't you worry someone else might take her away from you?"

Caden remained calm. "It's not that bad. She's not going to get over me that easily."

Ciara had their private doctor prepare medication and asked Caden to take it to Alicia. Caden, having just finished a cigarette, responded indifferently, "She won't accept it if I bring it."

"Then what will you do to show her you care?" Ciara pressed.

Caden insisted, "Let things cool down. Rushing won't help."

Ciara's annoyance reached its peak. She blurted out, "You're not getting any younger, yet you're still a virgin!"

Caden was startled. "What?"

Ciara continued, "Do you realize how embarrassing that is?"

The corner of Caden's mouth twitched. "Me? A virgin?"

"Aren't you?" she asked.

Caden was speechless. Did he truly project an image of virginity? He'd lived with Alicia for so long. Had he appeared overly gentlemanly, even weak? Controlling his irritation, he stated clearly, "I'm not."

Ciara sneered, "Prove it."

He found himself once again speechless.