Chapter 532:

When the designer saw Caden's eagerness for a ring, his thoughts immediately turned to Caden and Yolanda. Caden instructed, "Let's start with a sketch. I'll review it myself."

The designer chuckled lightly. "Rumor has it that Mr. Ward is a private person. I suppose that's just gossip. Have you set a wedding date?"

Caden shook his head. "Not yet." He wanted to keep the news private and offered no further details.

The designer's expression shifted. "Oh, I heard Miss Moss has faced some troubles recently and is in the hospital. Is she alright?"

Caden replied indifferently, "She's fine now." The designer felt a twinge of sympathy for Yolanda; he had designed the wedding rings for her parents, a project that launched his career. He considered visiting her in the hospital.

Caden left promptly after giving instructions, still overwhelmed with work for the rest of the day. As soon as he reached the office, Alicia called. "I want to go to the church later to pick up a cross necklace. Are you free to join me?" He remembered her mentioning Ciara's improving health and her desire for a small token of good fortune. Checking his schedule, he responded, "I can make it. What time?"

The church closed early, before six—his busiest time. "How about around three?" Alicia asked tentatively. Caden hesitated briefly before agreeing.

"If it's too much, we can do it another time," she offered, sensing his busy day. Since rain was forecast—an inauspicious sign—Alicia felt it was best to go today.

"It's fine," he assured her. "I'll pick you up at two fifty."

Alicia paused, slightly surprised. Ten minutes' notice. He was making a special effort. "Why are you so busy today? You sound rushed even now," she remarked.

"I did something special for you," he replied casually.

"What is it?" she asked, intrigued.

Hearing her warm, curious tone, Caden teased, "I bought you two new sets of lingerie."

Alicia fell silent. With the phone on speaker, Caden continued working as Alicia scolded him. Smiling, he said, "Seems you're running out of swear words; you used the same one three times."

Alicia retorted, "Caden, tonight you sleep in the doghouse! Don't even think about touching me!" She hung up angrily.

Caden chuckled. Just then, Hank entered. "Mr. Ward, some great news. Corey's side is running into trouble."

Caden's amusement vanished. "What happened?"

In the afternoon, Alicia waited until 3:30 but hadn't heard from Caden, so she called. Hank answered, "Ms. Bennett, Mr. Ward's very busy. If it's urgent, I can relay the message." Expecting his absence, Alicia was prepared, but still disappointed.