?<strong>Chapter 716:</strong>


    “Ensure every detail is handled. Leave nothing unresolved.”


    Outside, Benedict paced back and forth, still consumed by agitation.


    “You saw it with your own eyes, Caden. Are you just going to stand by? You’re a man—you know what those stains on ke’s clothes mean, don’t you?”


    Caden’s expression was as cold and unyielding as carved ice, his eyes dark and bloodshot, resembling storm clouds about to unleash their fury. He didn’t respond with words. Instead, he lunged forward, his fist colliding with Benedict’s nose in a sickening crack.


    The bone shattered, bending at an unnatural angle as blood poured over Benedict’s hands when he instinctively reached up to staunch the flow. Stunned, Benedict stumbled backward, his wide eyes reflecting shock and disbelief as he gaped at Caden.


    Caden’s voice was deadly calm, each word sharp and deliberate, like shards of ice.


    “How many times have I told you? Alicia is my woman. Whatever happens, it’s for me to deal with. You dared to strike her?”


    He stepped closer, grabbing Benedict by the cor and yanking him forward until their faces were mere inches apart. His grip was unrelenting, his toneced with a dangerous edge.


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    “Who the fuck do you think you are? How dare youy a hand on her?”


    Blood covered Benedict’s face, and he made no move to resist. It was as if he had resigned himself to his fate. Caden’s furious roar still echoed in his ears, and his vision blurred, making it difficult to see his nephew clearly. He didn’t begrudge Caden for the punch; he knew he’d been reckless when he struck Alicia. But confusion gnawed at him. How could the nephew he had always admired turn out this way? The thought left him bewildered.


    Caden, bound by family loyalty, decided that the punishment had been enough. He let go of Benedict and gestured to the bodyguards.


    “Take him to the hospital.”


    Benedict shook his head, voice rough and defiant.


    “No need.”


    Blood dripped steadily, soaking the front of his shirt, but he seemed unaware, his eyes locked on Caden’s cold, impassive profile.


    “Caden, I’ve never acted without reason. Your mother’s past hurt me more than you know. That’s why I kept crossing the line, interfering with your rtionship with Alicia.”


    Caden’s response was calm, almost detached.


    “My mother went astray because of Jerald. He was a monster, but Alicia is not.”


    Benedict’s voice wavered with pain.


    “Isn’t life more important than love? Why can’t you see which one truly matters?”


    Caden’s gaze didn’t waver.


    “Benedict, there are things I won’t repeat. Don’t push this to a point where we can’te back from it.”


    Benedict felt the weight of exhaustion seep into his bones, leaving him chilled to the core. Caden turned and began to walk away.


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