Chapter 487
Alicia’s cheeks flushed. “What? Of course not.” His gaze held hers, deep and unwavering. He reached for her hand, his fingers gently clasping her ring finger—a touch that seemed to reach her very heart. Feeling the warmth of his touch, Alicia pulled away, trying to steady herself. “Didn’t you say we were going to dinner? Let’s go.”
Downstairs, a gust of wind stung their eyes. It cooled Alicia’s flustered cheeks, carrying away her racing thoughts and leaving a lingering silence between them. Caden glanced at her, feeling a pull he couldn’t quite articulate. Proposing felt too naive, too raw—something he couldn’t yet bring himself to do.
In a private dining room, the Moss family sat together. Yolanda had recovered well in the last few days; her complexion was improved, and she’d taken extra care with her makeup and attire. “Do you like my hair?” she crooned at her father. “It took me three hours to style it.” Dorian looked at her indulgently. “It looks great, Yolanda. You always look beautiful.” Yolanda blushed. “Then Caden will probably like it too.”
Dorian’s smile faded. Caden had agreed to dinner, but everyone knew it was merely to appease Yolanda’s persistent badgering. Dorian knew his daughter was in for another disappointment. He remained silent to avoid upsetting her, but Regina took a different approach. “Has Caden agreed to date you?” she asked bluntly.
The tension between mother and daughter had been building. Yolanda’s mood soured. “Not verbally, but he helped me pick out this dress. That must mean something, right?”
“If he hasn’t said anything along those lines, then you shouldn’t get your hopes up,” Regina said matter-of-factly.
Yolanda frowned and snapped, “Can you please stop bursting my bubble?”
“I’ll do it again and again if it takes to bring you back to reality. Otherwise, your delusions will only grow, leading you to make worse decisions,” Regina replied, clearly displeased with her daughter’s involvement with Corey. “Corey had better stop with his schemes. It isn’t wise. If he tries to manipulate Caden again, your father and I will intervene.”
Yolanda exploded. She turned to her father and demanded, “Whose side are you on, mine or Mom’s?”
“Yolanda,” Dorian said sternly, “you are in the wrong this time.”
“If you won’t help me, then I’ll do everything myself. What’s wrong with pursuing my one true love?” Yolanda retorted.
“This will only make Caden dislike you more and push him further away,” Regina warned.
Yolanda, ever the brat, slammed her fist on the table. “Look, if you don’t want to be my mother anymore, just say so! I’ll gladly sever our relationship for good!”
Regina didn’t respond. The door opened, and Caden entered with Alicia. Yolanda, still seething, froze at the sight of them, a mix of shock and horror on her face. Caden had never mentioned bringing Alicia. Alicia carried a gift bag, and her elegant dress perfectly complemented Caden’s debonair appearance, especially as she nestled in his arms. “Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Moss,” Alicia greeted softly, a delicate blush on her cheeks. Regina’s eyes flickered as she stared at Alicia.