Chapter 449:

He knew Alicia rarely made such suggestive comments; it was clear she was covering for someone. But who would drive her to such lengths? He suspected Blake—the friend who always relished stirring up drama. Leaning back against the headboard, Caden said dismissively, “I used to take him seriously, but it was a waste of energy. He wasn’t even worth the trouble.”

The next day, a kind neighbor delivered good news: he’d found the missing bird. Alicia’s face lit up, and she immediately pulled Caden along. At the man’s garden, the family greeted them with sympathetic expressions. “Unfortunately, we only recovered one,” the man explained. Alicia peered into the birdcage. The bird’s once-glossy feathers were now damp and ruffled. Caden accepted the cage, thanked them, and left with Alicia.

As they left the garden, Alicia worried, “What are we going to do? Will one bird be enough?”

Caden glanced at her, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Why so nervous? It’s just a bird.”

Alicia blinked, surprised by his nonchalance. She tried to relax, but her cautious nature persisted. Growing up, she’d learned to be wary. She could mask her anxiety around others, but with Caden, her timidity surfaced.

Caden seemed to understand, his gaze softening as he thought of her strict father. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of the other bird,” he said.

“Can you really find another?” she asked, her worry evident.

He shrugged. “It’s not worth the hassle. Plenty of other birds could substitute.”

“But isn’t this one rare?” Alicia pointed out. “There aren’t many like it in Warrington.”

Caden held up the cage, examining the bird. “What does it remind you of?” he asked, smirking.

Alicia studied it, unable to place it. Caden smirked. “Finding one just like it would take two minutes.”

She realized his plan and frowned. “Do you really think your grandmother won’t notice?”

Unfazed, Caden raised an eyebrow. “Definitely! They look nearly identical. At a quick glance, you can’t tell them apart.”

Alicia’s mouth twitched as she stifled a laugh. Caden’s cheekiness could be unexpectedly charming, and despite herself, she found his antics amusing.

Arriving at Joy Mansion, Caden confidently strode inside. “Grandma, look who’s back—your favorite!”

Ciara adjusted her glasses, eyeing him with mock disapproval. “Stop flattering yourself.” But as Caden showed her the birdcage, her expression softened instantly. “Oh, my precious little birds!” She frowned, noticing the cloth covering the cage. “Why is it covered?”