Chapter 488:

While the three collected themselves, Caden ushered Alicia to the table and pulled out a chair. "Mrs. Moss, this is Alicia," he introduced, "my girlfriend." The Moss family remained silent, unable to muster even a smile.

The affection between Caden and Alicia was evident, a pleasant sight under any other circumstances. But Yolanda's presence cast a pall over the scene; Caden's actions had deeply wounded her, and her parents' distress mirrored her own.

Regina was the first to speak. "Ms. Bennett," she greeted with a smile, "you're even more beautiful than the rumors suggest. You and Caden make a lovely couple."

The compliment shattered Yolanda's composure. She leapt to her feet, knocking her chair over. "What is the meaning of this, Caden?" she demanded.

Dorian started to intervene, but Regina restrained him. They decided to let Yolanda vent.

Caden raised an eyebrow, unperturbed. "What do you think?"

Yolanda's eyes flashed. Pointing at Alicia, she demanded, "Why did you bring this woman to our dinner?"

"We've been dating for a while," Caden replied smoothly. "I thought it was time for her to meet my friends. Is there a problem?"

Yolanda's chest heaved, her head spinning. She leaned against the table for support, a mixture of fury and heartbreak overwhelming her. "Did you even consider my feelings before bringing her here?"

Caden sneered. "As a matter of fact, I did. That's precisely why I brought her. To make you see the truth and convince you to give up on me once and for all."

He glanced at the Moss couple. "In Alicia's absence, everything you heard could be dismissed as hearsay. But she's here now, so our relationship should be clear. If not, let me make this plain—if Yolanda ever pesters me again or oversteps boundaries, I will treat her as an interloper. Do you have any objections, Mr. and Mrs. Moss?"

Humiliated, Dorian remained silent.

"We have none," Regina stated firmly. "I'll ensure Yolanda is disciplined properly when we get home."

Caden and Regina's words only fueled Yolanda's rage. "I'm an adult!" she roared. "I don't need you to keep me in line! And you, Caden!" She turned on him, her expression vicious. "If you were going to bring her, why did you go shopping with me? You led me on and betrayed my trust! Are you enjoying seeing me suffer?"

Caden looked at her dismissively. "You paid for your clothes, and I paid for mine. What's the big deal?"

Yolanda glanced at Alicia, suddenly remembering the dress Caden had admired at the mall—a dress he'd bought for Alicia. A bitter laugh escaped her as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"We've known each other since childhood," she choked, her voice trembling. "I followed in my father's footsteps, studied hard to be close to you... What did I ever do wrong?"