Alicia turned her back on the chaos unfolding behind her. The sounds of Yolanda’s cries, Caden’s steady commands, and Regina’s calm but insistent voice filled the room. It was complete chaos.

Alicia wanted to walk away, but something rooted her in place, making it impossible to move. She told herself not to let anger take hold, not to make a scene. But how many conflicts had she and Caden faced because of Yolanda? When would it end?

“Alicia.”

She didn’t know how long she had been standing there when Caden’s voice cut through her thoughts.

She turned to see Regina’s bodyguards trying to escort Yolanda out. Yolanda, defiant and enraged, fought them off until Regina stepped forward and restrained her.

“Your wounds are exposed. We need to go to the hospital now,” Regina said sternly.

Yolanda’s eyes flashed with disdain. She shook off her mother’s grip.

“Don’t touch me!”

Regina’s voice sharpened. “Yolanda, know your place. Caden helped you out of obligation, nothing more. You’re not even his friend now, so what right do you have to make a scene?”

Yolanda’s patience snapped. “And what right do you have to lecture me?”

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Regina’s composure faltered for a moment. “I’m your mother, Yolanda.”

Yolanda’s expression twisted with bitterness. “You think you deserve that title? A real mother wouldn’t side with others to humiliate her own daughter!”

The tension crackled through the air.

Caden’s brow furrowed as he tossed the crumpled tissue aside. “I need to check on them,” he said, moving toward the commotion.

Alicia stayed quiet. She remained where she was, waiting.

As Caden neared, he observed Yolanda strike Regina hard in the chest with her elbow. Regina winced in pain, releasing her hold.

Yolanda, poised to throw more insults, noticed Caden approaching and quickly composed herself, exclaiming, “I didn’t mean to!”

Caden had a clear view of the incident. Yolanda had intentionally hit her mother, displaying unexpected viciousness.

Feeling panicked, Yolanda realized that her act of innocence had fallen apart. Understanding that she needed to back away, she decided that making a quick escape was her best option. She started to move away quietly.

Regina’s face paled as she softly released Caden. “Thank you, Caden. I’ll manage,” she whispered.

Caden frowned slightly. “Let’s go to the hospital to get you checked out.”

Regina shook her head. “Your girlfriend is waiting for you.”

By then, Alicia had approached. She had seen what had happened. Knowing the sensitivity of the area Regina had been hit, Alicia could tell she was in significant pain.