?<strong>Chapter 718:</strong>


    Alicia’s heart twisted in confusion. Did he really trust her? Then why did his voice sound so strained, so heavy with an unspoken burden? She didn’t resent him for his doubt.


    “Please, Caden. Just let me get the checkup.”


    But his response remained the same.


    “It’s unnecessary.” Her remaining strength ebbed away, and she let her eyes close, the weight of the moment pressing down on her.


    Caden’s trust didn’t bring her relief. Instead, it suffocated her, like an unseen force tightening around her chest.


    Caden didn’t leave right away. He stayed by Alicia’s side until she drifted off, watching her features soften as sleep took hold. Only then did he close his own eyes, but exhaustion gnawed at him relentlessly. He was drained. After days and nights of constant work, he had barely slept for half an hour over the past 48 hours. Even a man of steel would falter under such pressure. But sleep wouldn’te. Whether his eyes were open or shut, the scene at the hotel haunted him, reying in excruciating detail. Each thought sent a sharp pain through his chest.


    Once he was sure Alicia was asleep, Caden stepped out of the room and found Hank waiting in the hallway.


    Hank lowered his voice.


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    “All the reporters have been taken care of. We’ve confiscated all recordings and photos. The Moss family stepped in to help suppress the news. This morning’s incident won’t reach the public.”


    “The Moss family?” Caden questioned.


    “Yes, Mrs. Moss offered her assistance. However, it was Ynda who orchestrated the entire setup against Mr. Langstaff and Ms. Bet.”


    Caden’s face remained expressionless, soposed that it seemed as if the incident hadn’t happened at all. But Hank knew better. He could see the torment simmering beneath Caden’s stoic facade.


    “Mr. Ward, the proposal made too much noise,” Hank said carefully.


    “This isn’t the right time. It put Ms. Bet in danger and led to this.”


    It had made Alicia a target, setting off a chain of events that led to this tragedy. For once, Caden didn’t rebuke him. His eyes were stormy, unreadable, carrying a weight only he knew.


    After a long silence, Caden spoke, his voice measured.


    “Since the matter is under control, we won’t escte it further. For the next two days, station more bodyguards around Alicia. I don’t want to be disturbed.”


    Hank’s face twisted in confusion.


    “Are you saying we should just forget about what Ynda did, Mr. Ward?”


    Caden’s expression remained calm and unreadable.


    “No, Hank. I have my own way of handling it.”


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