Chapter 702

“At the rate you’re going, you could be a dad within a month,” Alicia teased.

Caden clicked his tongue, a mix of frustration and amusement evident. “Well, it won’t be for lack of trying.”

Alicia laughed, half-annoyed, playfully shoving him. “Enough with your cheeky humor. You don’t sound like any CEO I know.”

After a moment of shared laughter, a wave of sadness washed over her. Turning away, she didn’t want him to see her conflicted expression.

“Alicia, I’m heading out,” Caden said.

“Okay.”

The sounds of traffic and wind faded quickly into silence. Alicia turned, half-hoping to catch another glimpse of him, only to find Caden still there, a soft smile playing on his lips, his charm undeniable. His hand was in his pocket.

His tone was gentle but firm. “Why look away? Won’t you see me off?”

Alicia’s eyes warmed with affection. He knew her reluctance, yet playfully nudged her emotions.

Upon seeing Caden, Gareth’s strength collapsed; he dropped to his knees. Caden regarded him indifferently. Head bowed, Gareth was spent.

“Caden, there’s nothing I can say to alter the past. I don’t expect your forgiveness.”

Caden sat, elegantly crossing his long legs, a stern look on his face. As someone lit a cigarette for him, he placed it between his lips but didn’t inhale.

He questioned coldly, “So, why return? Just to sicken me?”

Gareth slumped forward, his face hidden in his hands, tears quietly streaming down. “Ever since I betrayed you, I’ve been haunted day and night. I shattered your trust and wasted your efforts. I might as well be dead.”

Caden’s eyes darkened, his emotions swirling beneath his intimidating gaze. The financial losses were bearable; he knew there would be chances to regain what was lost. Yet, the deepest sting came from Gareth’s betrayal—a man he had considered more than a friend. Dorian had chosen well, knowing exactly who would inflict the deepest wound.

Gareth pleaded, “Caden, please stop fighting. The other shareholders have turned against you. There’s no way forward.”

Caden scoffed. “I assumed you were here to make amends, yet you’re trying to sway me. Don’t you fear the nightmares that might come if you surpass me?”

Gareth, observing the scorn in Caden’s eyes, felt his heart break further. “Caden, you haven’t had a wife and children. You can’t grasp my suffering.”