Chapter 560:

Once seated, Alicia inquired about Ciara’s health.

“Much better,” Ciara replied. “Seeing you always lifts my spirits.”

Alicia smiled. “We’ll come by as often as we can.”

Benedict interjected, “As often as you can? I know Caden’s busy, but what keeps a gallery owner occupied all day?”

Alicia remained silent, suppressing her retort. Ciara shot Benedict a displeased look.

“Can’t you hold your tongue at the dinner table?”

Benedict fell silent. Alicia kept her head down, eating slowly, half hoping Caden would defend her. But she only heard the quiet clinking of his utensils.

After a few minutes, a chill settled over her heart. This was his approach? Even with Benedict’s criticism, he remained silent.

Ciara reached out, her hand gently covering Alicia’s. “Don’t take it to heart, Alicia.”

Alicia forced a smile. “I won’t, Ciara.”

Caden watched her from the corner of his eye. Alicia took a small bite of food, chewing slowly, appearing burdened. It angered and saddened him. With a quiet sigh, he placed a piece of steak on her plate.

“Are you that poor? Why the miserable act?”

Alicia had no desire to argue; she didn’t even want to speak. Normally, she would have left the steak untouched, but with Ciara present, she didn’t want to cause any noticeable tension. Ciara’s history of strokes made her vulnerable to stress. So, Alicia calmly ate, telling herself that if she could just endure the dinner, everything would be alright.

Perhaps sensing the tension, Ciara spoke less than usual, and an uneasy silence settled over the meal.

After dinner, Ciara pulled Benedict aside, her tone firm.

“She’s Caden’s girlfriend. Why are you treating her so coldly? If they break up because of you, I won’t stand for it.”

Benedict, who had been suppressing his frustration, finally unleashed it. “That’s exactly why I’m concerned! Caden’s my nephew, and he deserves better. She has no real skills, only an oversized temper. The last time we spoke, she berated me like she owned the place. She’s already so arrogant before they’re even married—imagine afterward! She’ll walk all over us.”

Ciara looked at him incredulously. “She yelled at you? That doesn’t sound like Alicia at all.”

Benedict scoffed. “You’re as easily fooled by her act as Caden is.”

Ciara dismissed his complaints with a wave of her hand. “I’m not going to believe your one-sided story. Whether Alicia’s right for him or not, Caden will decide for himself. I’ve seen how much he cares for her.” She looked him squarely in the eyes. “And let me make one thing perfectly clear—if you dare interfere with my grandson’s happiness, I will be the first to stop you.”