Chapter 648: Yet, the store had few customers; those present merely watched, offering no intervention. The male shopkeeper quickly pulled Yolanda into a fitting room. "Let me go!" Yolanda's desperate cries were punctuated by the sound of a forceful slap. Then came the man's angry voice: "You filthy bitch! How dare you hit me!" Yolanda was violently shoved, crashing against the wooden door. Her hair was yanked, forcing her head back as she screamed in agony.
Seconds later, the man was knocked away. Yolanda collapsed weakly, her eyes lifting to see Caden standing over her. His expression was cold as he twisted the man's arm, eliciting a cry of pain and desperate pleas for mercy. Tears streamed down Yolanda's face as she clutched her torn clothing and threw herself into Caden's arms. He pushed her away without hesitation. The man groaned on the floor, his broken hand rendering him immobile.
A tense silence fell as Caden's cold eyes met Yolanda's. "Call the police yourself," he said, his voice sharp and detached. He turned to leave, but Yolanda lunged forward, clinging to him with desperation. She wrapped her arms around his neck and legs around his waist, holding on as if he were her last hope. "Please, don't leave. Caden, I need you. Don't go. I'm begging you."
Caden's jaw clenched as he tried to pry her fingers loose. "Let go, Yolanda." But she held on tighter, having sworn that if he showed even a flicker of concern, she wouldn't let him go. The difference in their strength was stark, her injuries hindering her grip. As he grabbed her wrist to push her away, his hand brushed against an old wound. Blood welled up, staining her skin. Caden paused, his eyes darkening. Yolanda flinched but didn't loosen her grip. "You still care, don't you?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You can't stand to see me hurt. That's why you came. Please, Caden, don't go. I'm scared."
Ignoring her, Caden called Regina. His tone was cold and clipped: "I'm only handling this because I have a stake in this place. I won't allow a scandal here. Get over here. Now." He'd initially suspected this was another of her manipulative games, but with her, anything was possible; she might truly push herself to the brink. If she wanted chaos, she should create it elsewhere; he wasn't willing to be caught in her turmoil.
Regina's voice promised immediate arrival. Caden ended the call and stared down at Yolanda, giving her one last uncompromising warning: "Yolanda, let go."