Caden was unhappy.

What did this have to do with Alicia?

“Why would she?”

Yolanda said gently, “I’ve just learned about your relationship with Ms. Bennett. Now that you’re back because of me, I’m concerned she might get the wrong idea about us.”

Caden responded casually, “You’re overthinking it.”

Yolanda was quiet.

Was he explaining this to her?

Was he assuring her that there was nothing between him and Alicia?

It seemed his relationship with Alicia was in question. However, in the next moment, Caden added, “There’s nothing between you and me, so there won’t be any misunderstanding.”

Yolanda remained silent.

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Shortly after, the doctors returned and interrupted the silence.

Yolanda declined to go to the hospital.

She lay back down and said, “Going to the hospital won’t make a difference. I’ll just rest here. Caden, if there are any issues with the chip, you can consult me.”

Caden didn’t insist.

“Get some rest. Don’t worry about work right now.”

He left her bedroom.

As the door shut, Yolanda gripped the blanket tightly, feeling frustrated and reluctant.

Caden stepped out and found Ciara waiting for him.

“Is everything alright?”

“Yes,” Caden answered. “I’ve arranged for the best doctor to come.”

Ciara looked him over. “I’m aware of Yolanda’s condition. I’m asking about how you are.”

“I’m perfectly fine,” he replied.

“What about her?” Ciara continued to probe.

Caden hesitated. He almost fell into her trap.

He simply said, “Gossiping doesn’t really suit you.”

Ciara was slightly disappointed that he had caught on so quickly.

Why couldn’t he have been a bit slower to catch on?

“You spent a week with that girl at the bottom of the mountain, and you missed Thanksgiving dinner with me. It’s clear you have feelings for her. So, why not bring her home?” Ciara asked. “Are you concerned about Yolanda?”

Caden looked on indifferently. “How should I introduce her to you?”

“You’re in love, and everything just falls into place. What, do you think?”

“You’re making too much of it,” Caden replied. He hadn’t thought that far ahead. “When the time is right, I’ll introduce her to you.”

“It seems he never thought of introducing the girl to me—and never will,” Ciara thought.

She expressed her frustration. “I think you’re just having fun and avoiding responsibility. Aren’t you worried about the consequences someday? You occupy yourself with the Yates family’s affairs just to please that girl, don’t you? If you wanted to confront Joshua, you could have done it the day you got back. You’ve been dragging this out for months just to win her over and make her happy, right?”

Caden looked at her. “You’re quite well-informed.”

Ciara scoffed. “Are you planning to confront the Yates family head-on this time?”

Caden put on his coat and gloves. “Yes.”

Ciara walked him to the door. “Are you getting revenge for yourself or for her?”

Caden chuckled, his expression full of meaning. “Both.”

He turned and left.

Ciara watched him go, exhaling softly.

Under the influence of the Yates family, Joshua faced minimal consequences after his arrest.

Caden had not acted, and Alicia had not reported the incident, allowing Joshua to return to work at the company just a few days later and resume his duties as usual.

The plan to take the company public moved forward without interruption.

The company atmosphere remained one of harmony, ambition, and diligence.

Such pretending made Joshua let his guard down. He assumed Alicia had moved past the kidnapping incident.

However, at the press conference, during his moment of triumph and arrogance, Jeffery made a dramatic entrance.

In front of the gathered media, Jeffery exposed Joshua’s crimes and presented a legal notice.

Suddenly, the mood at the event shifted drastically. Those who had been praising Joshua now crowded around, buzzing with gossip and questions about the revelations.

The camera flashes made Joshua’s features appear almost unrecognizable.

He tried to salvage his deteriorating public image, directing security to restore order.

Then, with a grim expression, he told Jeffery, “I’ll speak with Caden after the press conference. Waiting a little longer won’t kill you!”

Jeffery remained calm and composed. “The next steps aren’t for you to decide, Mr. Yates. Mr. Ward would like to see you now. Please, this way.”

In frustration, Joshua grabbed Jeffery by the collar.

“Do you realize how much I’ve invested in today? Do you know how much I’ve given up? You’ve ruined everything!”

As Joshua raised his voice, the cameras closed in.

Jeffery kept his composure, not reacting. He simply said, “Mr. Yates, try to preserve some dignity.”

In today’s digital age, bystanders craved drama.

The events of the day were bound to go viral. If Joshua kept causing a scene, his offensive actions would stain the Yates family’s reputation for years.

Joshua valued his reputation above all else. He held back his anger, forcing himself to calm down.

Then, he left to meet with Caden.

In the car, he mentally braced himself for the confrontation.

He realized that his earlier hopes had been foolish. Caden wouldn’t simply let him off the hook. Furthermore, Caden was determined to completely dismantle his world, destroying it so thoroughly that a comeback would be impossible.

Joshua laughed bitterly through his anger.

He asked Jeffery, “What does Caden plan to do? Send me to jail?”

Jeffery responded, “That will depend on the court’s decision.”

Joshua scoffed: “With my family and the Green family behind me, it’s going to be quite a challenge for him to put me away.