?<strong>Chapter 712:</strong>


    He dialed her number, pressing the phone to his ear. It rang, but no one answered. Frustrated, he decided to call Joy Mansion. The line clicked, and Aylin’s cheerful and polite voice came through.


    “Good morning, Mr. Ward. You’re calling quite early. Is there something you need?”


    Caden’s voice was steady butced with urgency.


    “Did Alicia stay at Joy Mansionst night?”


    There was a pause before Aylin responded, “She dide by, sir, but I was just finishing my shift, so I’m not certain if she stayed overnight. One moment, please—I’ll check the guest room.”


    Aylin set the receiver down and nced up to see Benedict descending the staircase, a deep frown on his face.


    “Good morning, Mr. Ward,” she greeted.


    He halted, eyes narrowing.


    “Who’s on the phone?”


    Feel the thrill at g aln  ov el s .


    “It’s Mr. Caden Ward,” Aylin said.


    “He’s asking if Ms. Bet is here. Have you seen her?”


    Benedict’s expression tightened, the mention of Alicia’s name twisting his features as if it were a bitter taste.


    “Leave. I’ll handle this,” he said, waving her off.


    Sensing the tension, Aylin nodded and hurried away, eager to avoid whatever conflict was brewing. Just moments earlier, Benedict had received an anonymous call iming that Alicia had betrayed Caden. The caller even gave the name of a hotel. Benedict didn’t know whether it was true, but he knew he had to verify it himself. The timing was suspicious, and he had no idea why someone would send him such news. But one thing was clear — Caden couldn’t find out. Not now. Caden had been through too muchtely, and if Alicia had betrayed him, it would shatter himpletely.


    “Benedict, why aren’t you saying anything?” Caden’s sharp voice cut through Benedict’s thoughts.


    Benedict blinked, gripping the receiver tighter.


    “She’s here at Joy Mansion,” he lied, the weight of the words pressing down on him.


    “I’ll have her call you once she wakes up.”


    Caden wasn’t convinced.


    “Have her call me now. Tell Aylin to knock on her door.”


    Silence hung between them for a few heavy seconds, enough to deepen Caden’s suspicion.


    “She isn’t there, is she?” Caden’s voice was heavy, strained.


    “Benedict, this is too important. Don’t keep me in the dark.”


    The mix of worry and fear in Caden’s voice twisted at Benedict’s conscience. Even through exhaustion, Caden’s concern for Alicia was unwavering. What was it about her that inspired such loyalty? Benedict couldn’tprehend it.


    He closed his eyes for a brief moment.


    “Caden, I’m ending the call now. I’ll reach out to youter.”


    “Benedict, wait!” Caden shouted, but the only response was the dull tone of a disconnected line.


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