Chapter 433

Yolanda had been on a hunger strike all day, and her frail body couldn't bear the strain. Dorian felt a deep ache, tears blurring his vision. "Why would she hurt herself like this over a relationship?" he whispered, his voice heavy with concern.

Regina's expression turned somber. "Dorian, I've been thinking about this," she admitted. "Yolanda… she's different now, yet it feels like she's always been hard to understand."

Dorian looked at her, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Regina hesitated, her shoulders slumping with a weary sigh. "I don't think I have it in me to love her anymore."

Dorian was taken aback. "You don't love Yolanda? She hasn't done anything terrible—she just acted rashly, and Alicia happened to catch a cold because of it."

Regina's face softened, but her resolve remained firm. "Dorian, Yolanda is our daughter. I don't hate her. But… I realize now I don't love her the way I thought I would." The words felt strange, even to her. During her pregnancy, she had deeply adored the baby in her belly. For those ten months, they were inseparable, and Regina had eagerly awaited the moment she could hold her. But over the years, something had shifted. Yolanda's distant and guarded gaze made Regina feel their bond was somehow hollow.

Taking a deep breath, Regina murmured, "Forget it. Let's not talk about it anymore." She picked up her bowl and walked away, leaving Dorian alone in the silence. Unbeknownst to them, Yolanda stood just behind the door, her fists slowly clenching.

By the time they finished, the sheets were ruined. Caden carried Alicia to the bathtub, then stripped the bed and tossed the sheets into the washer. Alicia soaked in the warm water, dozing off. When Caden didn't return after a while, she wrapped herself in a towel and left the bathroom.

Caden stood on the terrace, shirtless, his muscular chest and arms exposed. He was having a quick smoke. Despite the dim light, Alicia could discern his solemn expression. She had a good idea of what troubled him. She didn't want to interfere, but felt compelled to ease her own burden.

"Didn't you say you don't like to smoke?" Alicia called out.

Caden turned at the sound of her voice, stubbing out his cigarette before facing her. "I was just a bit stressed," he muttered.

"Stressed with work?" Alicia probed.

Caden was silent for a few seconds. "That's right. I need to go out tomorrow. I'll probably be back the day after."

Alicia thought of Yolanda. It sounded like he was heading to Devarlton. She knew Caden had no feelings for Yolanda; he was merely compromising out of respect for the Moss family. If she wasn't mistaken, his mood had soured after a phone call from Dorian during dinner. They must have had a disagreement.

"Go and deal with your business," Alicia said, avoiding further inquiry. "Take care of yourself."