Chapter 706

“I’ve considered several strategies, but they’re insufficient. Our best course of action is to swiftly allocate scarce resources and establish a new operational base in Warrington to mitigate our losses,” Benedict said, finally giving her his full attention. His gaze was intense.

“Did you discuss this with Caden?” Alicia shook her head.

“He’s been concealing the extent of the crisis, so I’ve been investigating independently.”

Benedict scoffed. “You really are adept at operating discreetly.”

Alicia’s lips tightened. “Benedict, this isn’t the time for internal conflict. It won’t help Caden.”

Benedict’s anger flared, and he slammed the document onto the desk. “Caden’s predicament is because of you! I warned him early on that you two were incompatible and he should cut his losses, but he wouldn’t listen. Now, with him facing ruin, are you satisfied?”

His words stung. It seemed her value depended entirely on Caden’s success. When he thrived, she was an asset; when he faltered, a liability.

With quiet determination, Alicia said, “Caden will not face bankruptcy. He will fight it, and so will I.”

“You? What could you possibly contribute?” Benedict scoffed, tossing her proposal aside. “The Ward family doesn’t need your scraps of land. Just go home!”

Alicia clutched the document. “The assets and savings I’ve contributed to Caden may be modest, but they represent my life’s work, a crucial safety net for him.”

Exhausted, Alicia said, “I’ll leave you to it. I need to speak with Caden.”

“Don’t bother him,” Benedict retorted sharply. “If you truly want to help, get to the heart of the problem.”

Alicia left the study without looking back, slamming the door. Benedict’s face flushed with anger. “The nerve to storm out on me!”

Alone in the hallway, Alicia felt torn. She examined her proposal. Despite her best efforts, utilizing every resource and connection, it seemed insufficient to salvage the sprawling Blizzard Group. What was her best course of action? Should she heed their advice and leave Caden to avoid exacerbating the conflict?

She wasn't sure how long she stood there, frozen, until numbness settled in her limbs. She slumped to the floor, tempted to call Caden but hesitant to interrupt him. Instead, she texted, “Have you finished yet?” His reply came ten minutes later: “Almost there.”

The message, perhaps intended to reassure her, filled her with warmth. Even if it was simply to comfort her, it meant the world.