Chapter 344:


    Alicia blinked in surprise.


    Really? Wait, did Ciara just call herself a troublemaker?


    Realizing her words might havee across as too bold, especially for someone her age, Ciara quickly cleared her throat and softened her tone.


    “What I meant is, I’m healthy and not easily startled.


    Say what’s on your mind, and let’s see if there’s anything I can do.”


    Alicia paused, carefully considering her next words.


    Noticing Alicia’s hesitation, Ciara leaned forward, her voice gentle but firm.


    “You don’t need to worry, dear.


    I’m not here to y matchmaker for Caden.


    Trust me, I wouldn’t push you into anything.”


    Alicia was about to speak but then paused.


    Sorry, Alicia.


    That’s not entirely true, Ciara thought to herself.


    Despite her calm demeanor and warm smile, her mind was elsewhere.


    She was, after all, a sweet old woman—hardly someone Alicia would suspect.


    With that in mind, Alicia finally feltfortable enough to ask.


    “Mrs.


    Ward, do you believe in God?”


    Ciara chuckled softly and shook her head.


    “I tend to spend more time at fundraisers than in church.”


    Alicia offered a polite nod, processing the answer.


    Ciara raised an eyebrow and smiled.


    “Do you visit churches often? If you’d like somepany, I’d be happy to join.”


    Alicia shook her head slowly.


    “No, I don’t.


    I just needed to ask.


    If you were deeply religious, I wouldn’t want to offend you with what I’m about to say.”


    Ciara smiled kindly.


    “You can speak freely, dear.”


    Leaning in closer to make sure Ciara could hear, Alicia whispered, “Shelia’s devout.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    When I had dinner at the Yates Mansion, she was worshipping some obscure deity.


    It was tucked in a niche in the side hall, and she mentioned it had been sent from Terrnd.


    She seemed to truly believe in it.”


    Ciara scoffed softly.


    “Shelia? She’s far from righteous.


    That’s just her way of trying to wash away the sins she’smitted over the years.”


    Ciara knew all too well the real story behind how Caden’s mother had died.


    The unresolved death of her daughter weighed heavily on Ciara’s heart, an ache she could not express.


    The fact that the person responsible still walked free only deepened her pain.


    Alicia, sensing her sorrow, felt a pang of sympathy.


    “Caden’s return to the country wasn’t for nothing, Mrs.


    Ward.


    He has found proof of what Jerald and Shelia have done.


    Their time is running out.”


    Ciara smiled softly, a mixture of sadness and hope in her eyes.


    “I have faith in Caden.


    He will bring justice for his mother, in his own way.


    If he’s waiting, it’s because he knows the right time to act.”


    Alicia nodded, understanding Caden’s approach.


    He wanted to see Jerald and Shelia held ountable by thew, ensuring they faced consequences without bing like them—tainted by crime.


    He was just like her.


    Alicia had turned her back on a promising career in showbiz because she refused to be like Lilliana.


    The thought of ending up like her disgusted Alicia.


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