Chapter 520:

Jasmine didn't hide her concern when she saw the worry etched on his face. "It was a sudden stroke," she explained, sensing his unease. "It happened this morning. She was taken to the hospital and woke up an hour ago. She didn't want to stay, so we brought her home. The doctor says she'll recover with time, so try not to worry too much."

Only then did Caden open the bedroom door. Memories of the day he lost his mother flooded back—the harrowing scene in the delivery room, his own frantic arrival. He couldn't bear a repeat of that tragedy.

Inside, Ciara lay on the large bed, her breathing shallow but steady. Caden didn't disturb her, only glancing at her vital signs before quietly leaving the room. Alicia, waiting outside, looked at him with concerned eyes.

"How is she?" she asked softly.

"She's okay," he replied. "The stroke was triggered by high blood pressure. Thankfully, it wasn't severe. She just needs time and rest."

Alicia sighed, her relief tempered by the lingering tension in the air. Under Caden's unwavering gaze, Jasmine reluctantly handed him the video. Caden barely glanced at the screen before Alicia took over, quickly setting up the laptop to trace the video's IP address.

"Who sent this?" Caden asked Jasmine.

"It was anonymous," she replied. "When Ciara had her stroke, we all rushed to the hospital. I didn't think to ask anyone to keep an eye on things."

A few keystrokes later, Alicia announced, "This IP address traces back to Corey's company."

Without hesitation, Caden headed for the stairs. Jasmine called after him urgently, "Mr. Ward, wait! There's something else you need to know. Your mother's brother has just returned from overseas. He's been looking for you."

But Caden didn't look back. Alicia quickened her pace, determined to prevent any impulsive actions. Surprisingly, Caden, though moving swiftly and forcefully, remained outwardly calm and reserved.

"Corey told me about the incident with the mannequins," he said. "He claims to know who did it."

Alicia's eyes flickered; she'd suspected as much. She glanced at Caden, sensing his likely reluctance to believe it, his need to verify the truth himself.

"The IP address is from Corey's company," Alicia pointed out. "Do you think it could be him?"

"I've been abroad for so long, and he hasn't made a move," Caden said steadily. "I know he was waiting for my return to negotiate. So why this sudden stunt?" His expression hardened as his cold, domineering demeanor returned. "He's trying to take the fall for someone else, letting the true culprit escape."

As they walked under the streetlights, a heavier weight settled on Alicia's chest. If it were only Corey, she was confident Caden could handle it. But what if Dorian was involved?