Chapter 502:
Dorian’s voice was cold. “I admire Caden’s skill; our friendship spans two decades. But I’ve made it clear: Yolanda is my only daughter, and I treasure her above all else. He keeps hurting her.”
Alicia retorted, “Yolanda brought this on herself.”
“Right or wrong, Yolanda will get what she wants. You may think Caden’s support empowers you, Alicia, but be prepared for the consequences,” Dorian stated firmly.
Alicia stared at him. A strange, painful tightness constricted her throat. “It’s sad when a father reaches this point.”
Dorian’s eyes flashed with mockery. “And what about your father, Miss Bennett? What kind of father did you have?”
Alicia’s heart twisted. The pain was unbearable. Dorian had always known her background, once pitying her as an orphan. Now, he wielded that knowledge like a weapon. “You grew up without a father’s care, but Yolanda has mine. I’ll protect her always and give her whatever she desires.”
Alicia’s fists clenched. “People can survive without love. Fatherly devotion isn’t irreplaceable,” she countered.
Dorian’s dismissive expression and mocking gaze sent a shiver down her spine. Alicia fled, moving like a small animal sensing danger. Dorian held back further remarks, sensing he’d struck a nerve. Watching her retreat, he saw a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes, but his expression hardened quickly as he got into his car.
Once Yolanda was stable, Dorian decided to confront Caden by supporting Corey. His wife, Regina, immediately tried to stop him, but his usual gentleness was gone. “Go home, Regina. This is my business.”
She clung to him. “You’ll regret this, Dorian.”
“This is Caden’s choice,” he replied. “They did nothing wrong. Our daughter is to blame!”
Dorian met his wife’s red-rimmed eyes, surprised to see the same disappointment and disdain Alicia had shown. It startled him; it was uncanny. His heart clenched as he thought of Yolanda, weak and vulnerable. A fierce protectiveness surged within him. “I don’t want Yolanda to suffer anymore.”
Regina shook her head sadly. “What happened to you?”
Dorian’s tone was unwavering. “I haven’t changed. You risked your life to give me Yolanda, and I vowed to protect you both.”
“Yolanda has changed, Dorian. She’s not worth it. Don’t make this worse,” Regina said softly.
But Dorian remained immovable. “Caden isn’t worth it. If our daughter wants something, who am I to deny her?”
Seeing his resolve, Regina felt a wave of disappointment. Her expression turned icy as she released his hand. “Fine, go ahead. But let’s see what good you’ll get from using force.”
Later, back at her apartment, Alicia drifted into a restless sleep. In her dreams, her long-gone parents appeared. Her father seemed even harsher than she remembered, his gaze cold and filled with disdain. But once, he had loved her dearly.