Chapter 52

Hank continued rummaging through the bag. “Seven boxes? Are you planning to eat them like candy?” Caden’s expression darkened. Taking a deep breath, he pointed to the cupboard. “Put them there and close it.”

Hank’s concern was palpable. “Ciara was clear about not taking random medications. How long have you been taking these? How many? How are you feeling?”

Before Caden could answer, a thought struck Hank. “Wait, is that why you were watching those videos in the car? Did you lose control?”

Caden’s response was cold. “If I couldn’t control myself, you’d be the first to know.”

Hank fell silent, briefly imagining the scenario, then recomposed himself. He carefully stored the medication in the private locker.

Caden then messaged Alice: “Who taught you to say thank you like that?”

Alice replied: “Isn’t that necessary?”

This left Caden amused and frustrated. Shortly after, Alice asked, “Did I fall short? They’re pretty expensive: $180 each. You only bandaged my arm. Isn’t that enough?”

Caden scoffed. “Thanks for giving me over a thousand.”

“It was actually $900. There was a promotion: buy five, get two free,” Alice clarified.

Caden put the phone aside, deciding against a reply; answering would only increase his frustration.

Noticing Caden massaging his temples, Hank, believing he might have caused discomfort, apologized. “I’m sorry, Mr. Ward, I overstepped earlier.” He then opened the cupboard, taking out a box and a pill.

Caden frowned. “What are you doing?”

“You can take this if you want, but take it after meals to avoid stomach upset,” Hank replied.

Caden was speechless, wondering what kind of person he had employed. Nonchalantly, he took a sip of coffee and asked, “Is Jerald awake?”

“Yes, and he has to go back to the Yates mansion for dinner tonight,” Hank replied.

“Start the car,” Caden ordered.

Hank, puzzled, asked, “It’s still early to eat. Why return so early to confront that family and make yourself uncomfortable?”

“Dealing with you gives me a headache,” Caden replied, tossing the pill in the trash.

Hank had noticed Caden acting strangely since his return to the country. Once known for his emotional stability, he now seemed perpetually on edge. Determined to maintain peace, Hank spoke less and tried to keep Caden in a good mood.

It was rush hour; traffic was heavy. Caden casually reviewed some paperwork. Jerald had been ill for years, moving from hospital to hospital without a cure. His condition had deteriorated to the point the Yates family had given up hope, simply awaiting the inevitable. Upon his return, Caden had cared for Jerald and soon noticed abnormalities. Further tests revealed traces of a slow-acting poison in Jerald’s bloodstream—a substance gradually weakening his heart, administered in small, unnoticeable doses over time, beginning the previous year. It was a covert, silent murder.

Caden smiled with satisfaction. “This drug is illegal here and only obtainable through private transactions. Tell them to expedite the investigation. I need to know who’s responsible as soon as possible.”

Hank agreed. The traffic remained heavy. Hank turned off the engine. “Mr. Ward, I don’t understand. You despise your father so much. Why go through all this effort now? You could gather evidence and confront Joshua later.”

“I need Jerald alive, for now,” Caden stated calmly.

Hank was shocked. Understanding the depth of Caden’s secrets, he refrained from further inquiry.

Caden looked out the window at the pleasant weather, his expression remaining cold. The sun’s warmth did nothing to thaw his icy demeanor.

As the car inched forward, Caden was about to shift his attention when he saw a familiar figure emerging from a bookstore. It was Alice, in a pale green spaghetti-strap dress and sheer shawl, carrying two books and approaching them. The sunlight highlighted her striking features. Her modest yet captivating attire attracted admiring glances. Her beauty was undeniable. She wasn’t known for ostentation, nor did she shy from attention, but this outfit was unlike anything Caden had ever seen her wear. This sparked inappropriate thoughts, darkening his expression.

Hank noticed Alice and hesitated before suggesting, “Mr. Ward, should we offer Miss Bennett a ride?”

Caden looked away and firmly declined. “No.”

Hank gripped the steering wheel, watching Alice wait for a ride. Nearby, pedestrians surreptitiously photographed her, whispering amongst themselves. Surprised, Hank turned to Caden. “Mr. Ward, they seem to be secretly photographing Miss Bennett.”