Chapter 526
A moment later, Benedict came downstairs. “Why do you always push so hard? You could have led an easier life without that woman,” he chided his nephew.
Caden opened his eyes and glanced at Benedict, remembering Jasmine’s message. Instead of responding, Caden asked, “What did Alicia do wrong? Why did you berate her after returning from abroad?”
Benedict scowled. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you trying to blame this on me?”
Physically and mentally drained, Caden struggled to maintain his patience. Even with his family, his tone was curt. “If you have an issue, take it up with me. Picking on a woman doesn’t prove your strength.” Without waiting for a reply, he turned toward the master bedroom. “I’m checking on Grandma first. Tomorrow, I’ll bring Alicia back for dinner. Uncle Benedict, you can host us.”
Benedict’s frustration mounted as he placed his hands on his hips and paced. Caden’s stubbornness reminded him of his mother at that age. After confirming Ciara’s condition was improving, Caden retrieved his coat, ready to leave.
Unwilling to let him go, Benedict stopped him. “And the video of your mother—how’s that being handled?”
“Yolanda doesn’t have a backup. I had hackers take care of the rest,” Caden replied indifferently.
Benedict exhaled in relief but couldn’t resist scolding him. “If you hadn’t gone to Terriland, fooling around with Alicia, none of this would have happened, and your grandmother wouldn’t have fallen ill.”
Caden bristled at his uncle’s misplaced blame. “I was in Terriland on business,” he said tightly. “I was set to return today, but Alicia needed help with issues back home, so she came to find me. Is that ‘fooling around’ to you?” He paused. “And as for the video, I didn’t expect the Moss family to stoop so low. None of us saw it coming.”
Benedict was momentarily speechless. Caden continued, “And yes, the drone fireworks were my idea to impress Alicia. Are you planning to meddle in my personal life too? You must have a lot of free time.”
Benedict flushed with barely contained anger. Seeing Caden head for the door, he tried again. “Where are you going at this hour?”
“I have my own place, Uncle Benedict. No need to worry.” Caden’s tone was firm as he continued walking.
Feeling the conversation slipping away, Benedict called after him, “What about Yolanda? How are you handling her?”
“We’ll address it tomorrow,” Caden replied without faltering.
“It’s a simple answer. Why wait?” Benedict pressed, exasperation evident in his voice. “It’s just a woman. Surely you can go a night without seeing Alicia.”
Caden’s expression hardened. “I said tomorrow because Yolanda’s still dealing with the consequences.” Benedict blinked, realizing Caden hadn’t been lenient with Yolanda. His frustration flared. “You’re bold, Caden, taking on the Moss family like this.”
Caden gave him a long, steady look. “Uncle, I’m past the age for your lectures.” With that, he glanced briefly at Jasmine and left the villa. Benedict shouted, “Caden, get back here!” But Jasmine intervened, pulling Benedict back to his room.