Chapter 65
In the studio, Jerald's anger was palpable. Composing himself, he reviewed the Yates Group's financial records, discovering Joshua had secretly diverted a significant sum. Joshua immediately apologized, explaining the funds' destination. However, learning Caden was involved ignited Jerald's fury.
“Caden,” Jerald roared, “you’ve spent years with the Ward family! I could overlook your lack of contribution, but to plot against your own brother? How could you stoop so low?”
Caden, accustomed to Jerald's favoritism toward Joshua, remained unfazed. “So you brought me here for this nonsense?” he replied indifferently. “I’m not interested.” He started to leave, but Joshua blocked his path.
A tense confrontation ensued. “Dad’s right,” Joshua said, emboldened by Jerald’s presence. “We’re family, and what you did went too far.”
Caden smirked, his gaze cold. “I didn’t do anything. You handed over the money willingly.”
Joshua’s voice tightened. “You knew about my relationship with Lilliana and used it to manipulate me, didn’t you?”
“When you asked for help, your tone was quite different,” Caden retorted, his words laced with mockery. Joshua’s expression shifted as the deception dawned on him.
“Enough!” Jerald shouted, his patience exhausted. “Caden, return the money, and we’ll forget this ever happened!”
Caden’s smile remained cold. “Does that paltry sum satisfy you?” he asked mockingly. “Why don’t I simply hand over the entire Ward family?”
Seething at Caden's defiance, Jerald searched his desk for something to throw. Caden remained unmoved. Jerald, a man who had risen through marriage and wielded control through intimidation, lacked the true power to harm anyone. Even in his rage, he understood Caden’s status: the powerful Ward family's firstborn grandson, his pride and joy.
Caden's icy gaze mocked Jerald directly. Enraged, Jerald turned crimson and began hurling objects. Outside, thunder rumbled, a counterpoint to his angry shouts. “Bastard! You’re as much of a troublemaker as your mother!”
Alice, hearing the commotion, rushed toward the study. A loud crash echoed just as she reached the door. Without hesitation, she entered. Jerald was poised to throw another object at Caden. Alice screamed, “Jerald!”
But Jerald, blinded by rage, threw the object toward her. Alice instinctively raised her arms, bracing for impact. A gust of wind brushed past; she smelled a familiar scent. Opening her eyes, she saw Caden's shadowed face. His shirt was torn, revealing a bleeding wound on his shoulder. She froze, her initial impulse to help him overridden by Joshua's presence.
Caden's expression remained impassive, his aura chilling the room. Joshua also noticed the wound. Alice approached Jerald.
“Dad, stop!” she said, grabbing his arm. “Caden’s hurt.” Her eyes darted between Caden and Joshua.
Joshua's gaze was meaningful. Alice, though pale, masked her emotions. Caden, his chest rising and falling rapidly, turned and left without a word.
Once the door closed, Jerald breathed shakily, muttering, “Son of a bitch, daring to defy me, thinking he’s free now!”
Joshua calmed Jerald, seating him before turning to Alice. “Are you hurt?” he asked softly.
“I thought Jerald was going to hurt him, so I intervened,” she said, her voice trembling.
Joshua, recalling her past love for Caden, accepted her explanation. He hummed thoughtfully. “I didn’t expect Caden to take that blow for you. It confirms what I’ve been thinking.”
Alicia frowned, thinking of Caden's injury. Avoiding Joshua’s gaze, she murmured, “I’ll clean up the studio.”
“No need,” Joshua said, gently taking her hand. “Let Georgia handle it. Go help in the kitchen. I need to talk to Dad.”
Alice walked away, lost in thought. Jerald, catching his breath, grumbled, “You two are divorced, so why does everything between you still seem so unresolved?”