?<strong>Chapter 704:</strong>


    “Gareth showed signs of betrayal long before the incident. My father was the first to notice, and he made ns to act before it was toote.”


    Caden narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Ynda with suspicion.


    She took a steadying breath before continuing, “My father never meant for it to go this far. He resented you for hurting me, Caden. That’s why he manipted Gareth to push you into a corner. But you misunderstood his intentions — he was trying to protect you, to free you from a toxic influence.”


    Caden’s expression remained guarded.


    “If what you’re saying is true, I need proof.”


    Ynda hade prepared.


    “I anticipated that. There’s someone who kept meticulous records of Gareth’s early embezzlement and secret alliances. I can bring him to you now if you wish.”


    Caden held her gaze.


    Years of navigating deception in their ruthless industry had sharpened his instincts. Her words, though calcted, rang with a semnce of truth. He had suspected that Gareth’s betrayal was more than just cowardice. If it hadn’t been, why hadn’t Garethe to him for help when it all began to crumble?


    After a tense moment, Caden nodded.


    “Take me to him.”


    Relief washed over Ynda’s face, and a small, hopeful smile broke through.


    “Caden, you should have seen this sooner. In this world, strong alliances are everything. Sacrificing yourself only leaves you broken.”


    Caden stood, his presencemanding the room and radiating a quiet strength that made Ynda’s pulse quicken. She reached out, her hand hovering near his arm.


    “Caden—”


    He sidestepped her touch without a word, striding past her and into the hallway. Ynda’s heart sank momentarily, but the anticipation of their next move rekindled her resolve. She followed him, determined.


    Caden arrived at Dorian’s stronghold, where he was required to abide by their rules. A guard stepped forward, his tone respectful yet firm.


    “Mr. Ward, we’ll need you to surrender any devices. I hope you understand.”


    Caden’s only focus was resolving this as swiftly as possible so he could return to Alicia. Without resistance, heplied with the guards’ instructions.


    This was Warrington — Dorian couldn’t risk harming him here. Once he stepped into the dimly lit room, the heavy door shut behind him. Ynda emerged from the shadows and strode over to the bodyguard. The bodyguard, ready for this moment, handed Caden’s phone to her.


    Ynda took it, a subtle smile ying on her lips. She retreated to a quiet corner, her eyes intent as she examined the device. As a skilled tech researcher, bypassing a password was child’s y. Caden’s phone, simple and devoid of intricate security measures, was unlocked easily.


    She navigated to WhatsApp, her fingers moving with purpose. At the top was a pinned contact: Lucky.


    Lucky?


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