Chapter 597

Benedict adjusted his expression and lowered his voice. "An engagement? That's a pretty big deal—why didn't you mention it sooner?"

Caden looked at him as if he were a fool. "Isn't a two-month notice enough?"

Benedict was momentarily speechless. "But have you really thought this through, Caden? I saw Dorian's reaction today—he's not going to make this easy on you two. Are you sure it's worth all that?"

Caden's brow furrowed slightly. Realizing he might have gone too far, Benedict backtracked, raising a hand. "Alright, I'll stay out of it. This is your business—do what you think is best."

Caden sighed. "After I propose, I'll inform the rest of the family."

The news unsettled Benedict. The next few chess games were a disaster. Caden finally stopped playing, glancing over to find Alicia asleep on the sofa. "You can head back now."

Alicia stirred awake. Benedict walked them to the door, pausing as his gaze lingered on Alicia's face. Alicia sensed he had something to say. With a gentle smile, she said, "Goodbye, Benedict."

Her warmth surprised him, and guilt surfaced. He was an older man, competing against someone much younger, and speaking so harshly. He sighed, releasing some tension. "Alright, drive safely."

In the car, Caden's phone buzzed. A transfer of seven hundred thousand from Benedict, with a message: "A gift for Alicia, with my sincerest apologies." A slight smile touched Caden's lips.

Leaning against him, Alicia noticed and arched a brow. "What made you so happy all of a sudden?"

Before he could respond, another message arrived from Hank: "Mr. Ward, Yolanda attempted suicide at home by slashing her wrists."

Alicia's smile vanished. A heavy silence fell. The words "attempted suicide" hung in the air, thick with tension. Caden's expression turned serious as he dialed Hank's number. "Is she dead?"