Chapter 59
The rain poured down, each drop hitting the ground with a sharp impact. A sudden clap of thunder made Georgia shriek, her hands instinctively flying to Shelia. The lingering smell of dog feces clung to Georgia, twisting Shelia's face in disgust. She pushed Georgia away.
Caden chuckled softly. “Why are you screaming, Georgia? Alicia’s the one in trouble. That thunder sounds like nature’s giving her a warning.”
Alicia glared at him. The rain intensified, and Shelia, exasperated, pushed Georgia aside and hurried inside to wash.
Another rumble of thunder echoed. Caden’s gaze darkened as he watched Alicia step into the pond, her hands moving frantically as if searching for something. The heavy rain obscured his view. He frowned, approaching her. “What are you looking for?”
Alicia lifted the hem of her skirt, feeling her way through the water. “I think I dropped my phone,” she muttered.
Caden looked skeptical. “Don’t just stand there. Help me find it,” Alicia urged.
Caden remained unconvinced. “Is this another one of your tricks? Like the one you played on the maid?”
Alicia snorted. “Believe what you want.”
He searched, moving to the side. Suddenly, he cried out, “Ah! I found it!” He squinted through the downpour; it was difficult to discern the object in his hand.
Alice wiped rain from her face, her hair plastered to her cheeks. “Give me a hand. Pull me up,” she said.
Seeing her soaked and dejected appearance, Caden reluctantly extended his hand. Just as Alicia reached for it, she switched hands, placing something in her palm. Caden froze. The slimy texture revealed its nature: a toad.
Her face contorted in disgust. With a sharp jerk, she tossed it aside, her body shaking. She burst out laughing.
Caden, known for his aversion to anything impure, was repulsed. The mere thought of touching the toad would haunt him for days. His expression darkened further, a storm brewing in his eyes.
Sensing she’d gone too far, Alicia stopped laughing and attempted to climb out of the pond. She lost her footing in the mud, falling back and hitting her knee on a sharp stone. Pain shot through her leg, blurring her vision as she gasped for air.
Caden’s expression softened slightly. Alicia struggled to regain her balance, her injured knee refusing to support her weight. Her hand trembled as she reached out. “Help me up.”
Caden replied, his tone cool and casual, “Miss Bennett, don’t you know? I can’t stand women who pretend to be innocent.” He paused, eyes narrowed. “Whatever you learned from your books won’t work on me.”
Alicia could only stare, speechless. Without another word, she turned and walked away.
As thunder rumbled, Alicia, torn between fury and pain, felt as if the sky itself would strike her. Seeing Caden actually leaving, panic seized her, and she stood, forgetting her pain in her haste to follow. The storm intensified, mirroring her inner turmoil.
Caden was ready to leave, but the downpour forced him to reconsider. Soaked to the bone, he needed to change. He hadn’t stayed at the Yates mansion in ages and owned nothing here.
Shelia, ever the helpful hostess, offered a set of her son Joshua’s clothes. “You and Joshua are about the same size. Why don’t you wear these?” she smiled.
Caden, shaking water from his sleeves, replied with icy indifference, “I’m not one to settle. Don’t bother.” His words were colder than the rain.
Shelia’s smile faltered, her embarrassment evident. Caden had never liked his stepmother, and Shelia despaired of his return, though she tried not to show it. But with the inheritance at stake, she knew she had to play the role of perfect wife and mother, even though she could barely tolerate Caden’s presence.
Shelia suppressed her anger and headed to the master bedroom. Jerald rested against the headboard, his strength slowly returning.
As Shelia changed, her back to him, tears fell silently.
Jerald frowned. “What’s wrong?”
Shelia shook her head. “It’s nothing. I’m used to it.”
“Used to what?” Jerald’s patience snapped. “Stop crying and tell me.”
Shelia turned, her clothes disheveled and tears streaming, looking pitiful. Jerald gestured for her to sit beside him. “Who’s been bothering you?”
Shelia bit her lip. “Jerald, don’t be mad at Caden. He lost his mother so young, and without her, he became bitter and angry. He resents me. It’s really all my fault…”
Jerald cut her off. “Did he hurt you?”
Shelia’s tears flowed harder. Her silence spoke volumes.
Jerald’s expression darkened. “Have you forgotten your place? This is the Yates family.”
Shelia patted his chest gently. “I’m fine. Please don’t be angry.”
As she spoke, Jerald began coughing, a metallic taste filling his mouth. Shelia ran to him. “See, you still get angry too quickly.” She went to get his medicine, opened the door, and saw Caden on the stairs.