Chapter 717

“Caden,” Benedict called. Caden paused, without turning.

“Alicia will be your downfall,” Benedict said, his voice flat. “And you will be hers.”

At the hospital, Alicia’s dizziness subsided after taking her medication. She touched her abdomen, relieved to find no discomfort. Behind the curtain, Caden spoke with the doctor.

“Ms. Bennett was drugged, but it’s not severe. She’ll need a few days’ rest, but there are no injuries. She can be discharged this afternoon,” the doctor said calmly.

Caden remained stoic. “Are there any side effects?”

“No, though a large dose was administered. She won’t remember anything after passing out,” the doctor replied.

Alicia’s ears pricked up at the sound of Caden’s voice. She slowly sat up.

“And Blake?” Caden asked, his tone sharper. “What was he given?”

Alicia froze, listening intently. The doctor sighed heavily. “A potent aphrodisiac, with potentially dangerous consequences. If not relieved, it could be fatal.”

A tense silence followed.

“But he survived,” Caden stated coldly.

Alicia’s hands trembled as she stood, the urge to see Caden overcoming her hesitation. His detached voice drifted from beyond the curtain. “Let me know when she wakes up.”

Panic seized Alicia. She rushed out barefoot, ignoring the cold floor. Pulling back the curtain, she cried, “Caden!”

He stopped and turned, his eyes narrowing at the sight of her, thinly clad and unsteady. His expression tightened as he approached and lifted her into his arms.

“You’re not well yet. Why rush out?”

Alicia clung to him. The damage was done; anger wouldn't help. She only wanted to reassure him, to quell his doubts.

“Caden, let them do a checkup,” she whispered, setting aside her pride. “Let them prove it to you, please.”

Caden gently placed her back on the bed, his hand covering her face, shielding her from his expression.

“I trust you,” he said softly. “There’s no need for a checkup.”