Chapter 498:

Yolanda’s heart pounded. Losing Corey as a partner was unthinkable. “You can’t touch Corey! My father won’t let you get away with this!”

Gerry chuckled, a sly grin spreading across his face. “Since when did your father become so close to Corey? Are they… involved?”

Yolanda’s fury erupted. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

“How is it nonsense? Why else would they be so close?” Unable to argue, Yolanda redirected her anger at Alicia. “Alicia, you’re just an art collector. Why are you stirring up trouble on Corey’s turf?”

Gerry frowned. “Keep it down, or I’ll gag you!”

Alicia suddenly asked, “Yolanda, did you design those mannequins?”

Corey’s gaze shifted to Yolanda. He subtly urged her to confess. After all, her father, Dorian, had her back; he’d clean up any mess. Corey preferred to remain uninvolved.

Yolanda deflected, her voice cool and dismissive. “Why does it matter to you?”

Alicia smiled gently. “Naturally, to hold the instigator accountable. Whoever conceived and crafted the mannequins—I’ll settle the score today.”

As she spoke, Gerry swung a baseball bat, smashing a priceless vase. Shards flew across the room. Yolanda felt her composure fraying, her demise unfolding in slow motion. Gasping, she shouted, “You dare threaten me? Mark my words, you’re all doomed!”

Alicia responded with calm resolve. “I won’t harm innocents. Whoever is responsible will be held accountable.”

Corey’s frown deepened. Yolanda was sharp and malicious, but Alicia had deliberately sent Gerry to unsettle her, knowing Yolanda’s sheltered nature would lead to a deflection.

Yolanda’s glance at Corey spoke volumes. His gaze was cold, his message clear: the mistake was hers, and she would face the consequences alone.

Just as Yolanda opened her mouth, Alicia turned back to Corey. “Mr. Hampton, who do you think is responsible?”

Corey’s reply was laced with irony. “Why ask when you already know, Ms. Bennett?”

“Caution is wise,” Alicia retorted sharply.

Corey sidestepped the question. “Have you considered the repercussions? Whether it’s Yolanda or me, your impulsiveness will only cause more trouble for Caden. You’re playing with fire.”

Alicia chuckled. “Corey, if Caden were handling this, do you think you’d be standing here?”

Corey was stunned. Caden was unaware of the mannequin affair, and Alicia’s swift action was a desperate attempt to keep it that way. She was undeniably brave; he’d never met a woman so fearless. While he envied Caden, he also respected Alicia. She wasn’t just a social climber. But this wasn’t the day to be Yolanda’s hero. She wasn’t worth it.