The living room fell into a brief silence. Caden pressed his lips together before responding, “Did he really say that?”

“When I was with Ciara, I overheard him subtly asking about your love life. He even mentioned waiting for Yolanda to finish her studies before bringing it up with you.” As relatives of the bride, they wouldn’t be overly deferential. That would only tarnish their image.

Caden seemed to ponder this for a moment before falling silent again.

Blake wasn’t opposed to the idea. “Ciara feels the same way. You and Yolanda can discuss whether you want children or not. If things don’t align, you can go your separate ways. Just remember what’s most important.”

It was Caden who had initially sought an agreement with the Moss family. Being in a weaker bargaining position, he was forced to make some concessions.

“Are you seeing anyone?” Blake asked, sensing Caden’s hesitation.

Caden answered slowly, “No.”

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“Then it’s fine. It’s no sacrifice for you,” Blake replied.

Caden hesitated for a moment before saying, “That’s true.” His tone was nonchalant. “Get some rest. I’m off to bed.”

After ending the call, Caden slowly closed his eyes, tapping the armrest of the sofa, his brows furrowing in thought. Why had things taken such a sudden turn?

At nine in the morning, Alicia finally rose from bed. Caden was in the dining room on the phone, with breakfast that had been delivered to the table. Feeling sore and weak, Alicia moved slowly, using the table for support.

Caden held his phone in one hand and draped his other arm around her.

Despite his caution, Alicia’s soreness made her flinch, and in frustration, she struck him.

“Instead of pretending to be nice, why don’t you just castrate yourself?” she muttered, her voice raspy and gentle, carrying no hint of menace.

On the other end of the line, Ciara paused her chatter, clearly bewildered. “Brat, is there a woman there with you?”

Caden popped a doughnut into Alicia’s mouth. “Yes, my personal assistant,” he replied casually.

Alicia, doughnut in her mouth, shot Caden a glare. Caden, deep in thought, showed her the name on his phone. It was his grandmother.

Alicia froze.

Ciara’s voice came through the phone again, “Isn’t Hank your personal assistant?”

“He’s my executive assistant,” Caden corrected her.

“I was under the impression you didn’t employ women on your personal staff,” Ciara remarked, her curiosity piqued.

Lies often took more words to weave, and Caden glanced at Alicia before answering offhandedly, “She insisted so much, I had to give in.” Alicia was at a loss for words.

Ciara wasn’t convinced. “I’ve seen women hassle you before. Without your interest, would she even dare to overstep? And what did she mean by ‘castrating you’? Why would she say that?”

Caden rubbed the bridge of his nose, trying to hide his growing frustration. “She’s a bit of a lunatic. I’m letting her go today.”

Alicia, incensed, tried to kick him, but her leg was too weak. She couldn’t even raise it. Instead, she accidentally kicked the leg of the chair with her little toe and nearly fainted from the pain.

Ciara could sense the oddity in their interaction. With confidence, she said, “You have a girlfriend.”

Caden remained calm. “If that were true, you’d be the first to know.”

Ciara trusted her instincts and wasn’t ready to drop the matter. After ending the call, she turned to the maid standing next to her. “If she’s just a secretary, why would Caden put up with being scolded? He must be indulging her.”

The maid smiled and suggested, “Why not ask Hank?”

Ciara scoffed, “They’re too close. Hank won’t spill the truth.”

Determined, she said, “Book me a plane ticket. I’m going to Warrington now.”

The maid assisted her in standing up. “If Caden is really seeing someone, do you think he should marry her?”

“Definitely, if he’s fond of her,” Ciara replied, her tone resolute.

“What about the Moss family, then?” the maid inquired, reminding her. “They sent a representative yesterday. It won’t be easy to dismiss them.”

Ciara frowned. “I don’t like Yolanda. She’s not right for Caden. I don’t want this marriage, but from what Blake mentioned, Caden needs the Moss family’s support.”

Caden was both proud and headstrong. His only soft spot was for his late mother. His resolve often wavered when it came to anything related to her.

Ciara’s gaze grew somber.

The maid sighed. “It’s tough seeing Caden so determined. It truly saddens me.” Tears welled up in Ciara’s eyes as she spoke, deeply sympathizing with Caden’s situation.

Before heading out, Caden donned his coat, and Alicia helped him choose a tie.

Caden observed her compliance, remembering Ciara’s earlier question.

Ciara had asked what his stance would be if Yolanda was eager to marry him. He had responded nonchalantly. To him, marriage was just another tool in negotiations. As long as Yolanda felt she wasn’t losing out, he didn’t care.

Yet, in that moment, standing in the small cloakroom and looking down at Alicia, an impulse struck him.

“Alicia, would you consider remarrying?”

Alicia looked up, her eyes bright and soft, meeting his gaze with an almost serene look.

“No,” she responded, her voice firm.

Caden had expected this answer. Alicia showed little interest in the subject and didn’t elaborate further. Instead, she gently patted his thigh.

With a concerned expression, she inquired, “It’s gotten colder today. Are your pants thick enough? Maybe you should wear some long johns.”