Chapter 169:


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    The room fell into a brief silence. Caden pursed his lips before answering, “Did he really say that?”


    “When I was with Ciara, I heard him subtly ask about your love life. “He even mentioned waiting for Ynda to finish her studies before bringing up the subject with you.” As rtives of the bride, they wouldn''t be too deferential. It would only tarnish their image.


    Caden seemed to think about it for a moment before falling silently again.


    ke wasn''t opposed to the idea. "Ciara feels the same way. You and Ynda can discuss whether you want to have kids or not. If things don''t work out, you can go your separate ways. Just remember what''s most important."


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


    “Are you seeing someone?” ke asked, sensing Caden''s hesitation.


    Caden replied slowly, “No.”


    “Then it''s okay. It’s no sacrifice for you,” ke replied.


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


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


    At nine in the morning, Alice finally got out of bed. Caden was in the dining room talking on the phone, with breakfast already on the table. Aching and weak, Alice moved slowly, leaning on the table.


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


    Despite her caution, Alice''s pain made her shudder and, frustrated, she hit him.


    “Instead of pretending to be nice, why don''t you just castrate yourself?” he murmured, his voice rough and soft, without any hint of threat.


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


    Caden popped a donut into Alicia''s mouth. “Yes, my personal assistant,” she replied nonchntly.


    Alicia, donut in mouth, red at Caden. Caden, deep in thought, showed her the name on his phone. It was his grandmother.


    Alice froze.


    Ciara''s voice came over the phone again: "Isn''t Hank your personal assistant?"


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


    “I was under the impression you didn''t employ women on staff,” Ciara said, curious.


    Lies often needed more words to weave, and Caden nced at Alicia before replying dismissively, “She insisted so much that I had to give in.” Alicia was speechless.


    Ciara wasn''t convinced. "I''ve seen women harass you before. Without your interest, would she dare to go too far? And what did she mean by ''emascte'' you? Why would she say that?"


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


    Alice, outraged, tried to kick him, but her leg was too weak. She couldn''t even lift it. Instead, she identally kicked the chair leg with her little toe and almost fainted from the pain.


    Ciara sensed the oddity of their interaction. Confidently, 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 let the matter drop. After ending the call, she turned to the maid beside her. “If she''s just a secretary, why would Caden put up with her nagging? “He must be spoiling her.”


    The maid smiled and suggested, “Why don''t you ask Hank?”


    Ciara scoffed: “They’re too close. “Hank won’t spill the beans.”


    She said, determined: "Book me a ne ticket. I''m going to Warrington right now."


    The maid helped her 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 resolved.


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


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


    Caden was proud and stubborn. His only weak point was histe mother. His resolve often wavered when it came to anything rted to her.


    Ciara''s gaze turned dark.


    The maid sighed. “It''s hard to see Caden so determined. “It really saddens me.” Tears welled up in Ciara''s eyes as she spoke, deeply sympathizing with Caden''s situation.


    Before leaving, Caden put on his coat, and Alicia helped him choose a tie.


    Caden watched her agree, remembering Ciara''s earlier question.


    Ciara had asked him what his position would be if Ynda wanted to marry him. He had responded with indifference. To him, marriage was just another bargaining chip. As long as Ynda felt she wasn''t losing out, he didn''t care.


    But at that moment, as he stood in the little wardrobe and looked at Alice, an impulse came over him.


    "Alicia, would you consider getting married again?"


    Alice looked up, her eyes bright and soft, meeting her almost serene gaze.


    "No," she replied, her voice firm.


    Caden had expected this response. Alicia showed little interest in the subject and did not borate. Instead, she patted him gently on the thigh.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    With a worried expression, he asked, “It''s getting colder today. Are your pants thick enough? Maybe you should wear some long underwear.”


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