Chapter 649: Yolanda buried her face in his shoulder, her voice trembling. "I can't, Caden."

Caden's expression hardened, revulsion twisting inside him as he felt her skin against his. Without hesitation, he gripped her wounded arm. A sharp cry escaped her lips. "Caden… please."

Meanwhile, Alicia had just arrived and was searching for Caden. The sound of Yolanda's voice stopped her in her tracks; a buzzing filled her head as dread seeped into her chest. Slowly, she moved toward the noise.

"Please, Caden, don't push me away," Yolanda pleaded, tears streaking down her face. "Forgive me. We've known each other our whole lives. Do those years mean nothing now? You promised to marry me once. You admired my talent and my support. What is Alicia compared to that? She's just another pretty face, and there will always be others. But how many can actually help you achieve your dreams?"

As her voice trailed off, Alicia stepped into view. The sight before her felt like a dagger: Yolanda clinging to Caden, his hand still gripping hers. Both turned to see her simultaneously. Caden's heart dropped, and he opened his mouth to explain, but Yolanda tightened her hold, defiance sparking in her eyes. Anger flared inside him, and with one swift move, he wrenched himself free, sending Yolanda crashing against the door with a dull thud.

Caden turned to Alicia, his expression unreadable. Alicia blinked, the sight snapping her back to the present. Instinctively, she took a step back. Caden's face darkened as he saw the distance growing between them.

"Alicia, what's that supposed to mean?"

Her eyes flicked over him, taking in the tear-streaked shirt, the blood, the unmistakable scent of Yolanda that clung to him. A wave of nausea washed over her, and she frowned. "Your shirt is a mess. Maybe you should clean up first."

She turned to leave, but he caught her wrist, holding it firmly. "It's not what it looks like," he said, urgency lacing his words. Alicia held her breath. "I know." She had seen him push Yolanda away.

Caden's expression was cold as he spoke. "Then don't act like I betrayed you. You know there's nothing between me and Yolanda."

From the floor, Yolanda's voice broke the tension. "Caden, won't you even look at me?"

Alicia's gaze flickered over to Yolanda, who was now coughing up blood. The scene was painfully familiar, saturated with irony. Alicia understood the complexity of Caden's position, so she stepped aside. "Handle it yourself. I'll be waiting outside."

As she moved away, she noticed a group of bodyguards rushing in—Yolanda's people, with Regina trailing behind at a brisk pace. Regina paused when she saw Alicia, then continued inside without a word.