Chapter 714

The cacophony of shouted accusations and relentless camera clicks overwhelmed her senses, turning the scene into an unrelenting torment. Benedict, seething, turned to face the reporters, cursing under his breath and shoving them back in a futile attempt to clear the room.

Moments later, Caden arrived, his presence a force that dominated the chaos. Accompanied by a team of bodyguards, his sharp eyes scanned the room with cold precision. He stopped in the doorway, his gaze narrowing.

“Clear them out,” he commanded, his voice cold and unwavering.

The bodyguards sprang into action, swiftly subduing the protesting reporters. One by one, they were removed, leaving an eerie quiet in their wake.

Benedict stepped forward, frantically blocking Caden’s path. “You don’t need to see her,” he pleaded, pressing his hands against Caden’s chest.

Caden’s eyes locked onto Benedict’s, sharp and unyielding. “Where is Alicia?” he demanded, his voice carrying an edge of authority.

Benedict’s anger flared. “Why do you care? She doesn’t—” The truth was etched on his face, and Caden’s jaw tightened. Without a word, he pushed past Benedict and strode into the room.

“Caden!” Benedict roared. “Have some pride! She’s been with someone else, and you still—”

Caden’s expression hardened, his fury barely contained. He abruptly turned and shoved Benedict toward the bodyguards. “Detain him,” he ordered, his voice sharp and unyielding.

Benedict’s eyes widened in disbelief. “How dare you, Caden!”

Ignoring him, Caden entered the room. The bed was a tangled mess of sheets. Blake lay unconscious and unclothed, a pitiful figure amidst the disarray. Against the headboard sat Alicia, barely covered, her vulnerability palpable.

The sight struck Caden like shattered glass. He froze, his gaze locking onto Alicia. Slowly, she lifted her head, her hair falling away to reveal a face once radiant, now dulled and broken. Her eyes met his, holding his gaze for what felt like an eternity.

Finally, Alicia offered a bitter smile, her cracked lips trembling. “Caden… why don’t you come closer?” she whispered, her voice heavy with weariness and pain.

Caden approached slowly, deliberately, each step feeling like a lifetime. When he reached her, his eyes fell upon the marks on her neck, his fists clenching until his knuckles turned white. Yet he maintained his composure, swallowing the tempest of emotions threatening to overwhelm him.