Chapter 504
She struggled to keep her voice steady as she answered, aware that he hadn't learned of recent developments. He called only to check on her.
"I'll be back the day after tomorrow," he said, his usual warmth evident. "I land around eight. Will you come to pick me up?"
A wave of sorrow washed over Alicia. "I'll be there," she murmured.
His tone shifted, sensing something amiss. "Have you been..."
Alicia drew a breath. "I just woke up... I had a nightmare. I dreamed that my dad... he hit me."
Caden's alertness increased; something was clearly wrong. It was unlike Alicia to sleep so late, and even less so to share her nightmares. She always kept her troubles private, revealing only her joys.
Caden softened his voice. "I should get back to work."
"But didn't you just finish?" Alicia asked, her tone tinged with a quiet plea, wanting him to remain on the line a little longer.
He heard the vulnerability in her voice and indulged her, engaging in light conversation. Gradually, Alicia's voice brightened. Satisfied, Caden finally ended the call, though his mind remained uneasy.
During his week abroad, he'd felt out of place, overwhelmed by the constant influx of information. After a long shower, he called Hank directly.
"Has something happened with Alicia?"
Hank, under strict instructions to remain silent, proceeded cautiously. "She's fine, Mr. Ward. She's been busy with the companies. You'll need to make it up to her when you're back."
"Tell me the truth, Hank."
Hank hesitated, then replied, "There's really nothing, Mr. Ward."
Unconvinced, Caden decided to let it go—for now. He would discover the truth upon his return. "Send some security here. I have unfinished business. I need people who can handle it."
Hank's voice sharpened. "Understood."
That night, Alicia felt restless and went downstairs for a quick bite. She didn't expect to find Corey's car blocking her path. He seemed to have been waiting for her.
Corey stepped out, his face pale but otherwise composed, unfazed by recent events. Alicia paused. The night breeze lifted her hair, framing her tear-streaked face. Her eyes, though weary, held a spark of defiance.
Corey offered a faint smile. "Were you crying because Caden was powerless, or because Dorian and I were merciless?"
Alicia's face remained impassive. "Do you realize how you appear right now? Like a scavenger proudly displaying its pilfered loot, basking in the spotlight. Quite ironic."
Corey remained unmoved by her words. In the business world, innocence was rare. He had acted despicably and shamelessly; it was the only way to effectively maneuver against Caden.
"So what?" Corey boldly declared. "What can you do about it now, Ms. Bennett?"
As he approached, Alicia stepped back. She recoiled from the stench of greed clinging to him, like someone who had just flayed a prized crocodile, eager to flaunt it without bothering to wash away the blood.