Chapter 522

He had focused all his attention on Corey, never expecting to be blindsided. Alicia paused before speaking. "That means Dorian was involved."

Caden's grip tightened on the steering wheel. "Are you scared?" Alicia asked.

"No," Caden replied coldly, "Just disappointed." Alicia felt the same, but worry gnawed at her. "Dorian is serious this time. We won't have an easy path ahead."

"It's my path that's difficult, not yours. Dorian will never touch your gallery." Caden started the car. "I'll report our findings to the police, then visit the Moss family."

He dropped Alicia off at Joy Mansion. "Let me know immediately if Grandma's condition changes." Alicia nodded, fighting the unease in her heart. "Drive safely." Caden hummed a casual response and sped away. Alicia sighed, watching him disappear.

Entering Joy Mansion, she found a stranger in the living room. He stood as she approached. Jasmine explained, "Miss Bennett, this is Mr. Ward's uncle. He's here to see Madam Ciara."

Benedict Ward, Caden's uncle, was in his fifties. His demeanor, strikingly similar to Caden's grandfather's, commanded attention and made Alicia uneasy. She sensed his dislike. Despite this, she smiled and greeted him politely.

"Hello, Mr. Ward."

Benedict assessed her. "Alicia Bennett, right?"

"That's right."

"My mother told me. You're Caden's girlfriend?" His tone was neutral. "Where is my nephew?"

"He went to the Moss residence," Alicia replied.

"What for?" His tone sharpened.

Alicia took a deep breath. "Ciara experienced a great shock, so Caden went to the Moss family to demand an explanation."

Benedict's expression darkened. "Why would he go to the Moss residence now? Matters between elders should be resolved by elders. What if his recklessness makes things worse?"

"Please don't worry, Mr. Ward. Caden knows what he's doing."

"Oh, I don't think he has any idea what he's doing!" Benedict snapped. "Otherwise, he wouldn't be involved with someone like you."

Alicia froze, staring at him. Her intuition was right—Caden's uncle, clearly influential within the Ward family, disliked her.

Benedict continued, "I won't detail the Moss-Ward family history. You must know it. After all this time, I thought you'd realize you're no match for Caden. He may be immature, but you should have known better. And now look! You've dragged him into this mess. For what? A little of his wealth and status?"

Alicia's temper flared, but she restrained herself, remembering his seniority. "Perhaps there's a misunderstanding, Mr. Ward. Why don't we wait for Caden and discuss this properly?"