Chapter 466:
He cocked his head, a smirk playing on his lips. Caden’s derisive smile was a clear answer. “When I asked your mother to teach me her dessert recipe,” he said, “did you think I was merely bored? I did it to show Alicia’s importance to me.”
Yolanda froze, her breath catching in her throat. She understood perfectly. This was precisely why she’d sought Corey’s help. After a moment, she composed herself, brushing away tears. “Corey’s grown stronger since you left,” she said, finding her voice. “Now you’re back, he won’t yield without a fight. And with his new product, Q, how much of the market can you afford to lose?” A challenge flickered in her eyes. “Are you simply going to let that happen?”
Caden’s lip curled into a smirk. His gaze remained unwavering. “I know your game, Yolanda. You’ll team up with Corey, trap me, then betray him for my assistance? Do you think I'm that naive?”
Yolanda’s voice was soft, but resolute. “Caden, together, we could create something far greater than Corey offers.”
Caden scoffed, his expression devoid of interest. “Save your schemes for Corey. I’m eager to see what you two think you can accomplish against me.” He turned and walked away without another glance.
Yolanda watched him go, her legs trembling, fighting the urge to follow. Her strength failed her, and she sank back into the shadows, tears silently streaming down her face.
After the press conference, Corey entered, the hallway light illuminating Yolanda’s frail form. She appeared thinner, her face pale, her eyes weary. Corey’s expression remained hard, unaffected by her appearance. “Get her out of here,” he commanded, his voice devoid of emotion.
Two staff members approached, but Yolanda recoiled sharply. “Don’t touch me!” she snapped, defiance flashing in her eyes. The staff hesitated, aware of her Moss family affiliation, reluctant to use force. Corey simply regarded her with cold disdain. If she weren't still useful, he wouldn't bother.
“No one respects a desperate woman, Yolanda. If you want Caden to notice you, learn from Alicia.”
His words struck a raw nerve. With sudden resolve, Yolanda sprang up, her hand lashing out at him. Corey dodged, though her fingers grazed his chin. His face darkened, his eyes narrowed. But Yolanda didn’t flinch, her eyes blazing with defiance.
“I’m not Alicia, and I never will be,” she declared, her voice unwavering. “I am Yolanda, and no matter how cold you perceive me, I will always be myself.”
Corey scoffed. “Caden has wealth and power. What can you possibly offer him? Men desire the unattainable, and it’s Alicia’s beauty he craves.” He grasped her chin, studying her face. Despite her thinness, her beauty was undeniable, strikingly different from Alicia’s. “Clean yourself up and follow my lead. I’ll help you win Caden.”
Yolanda’s jaw tightened. “Help me? So you can have Alicia for yourself? Don’t think I’m oblivious to your motives. You’re nothing but a sleazy, low-class man drawn to women like her.”
Corey released her, laughing with cold amusement.