?<strong>Chapter 743:</strong>


    Without a word, Alicia pped him hard. The sharp sound reverberated through the room. A faint red mark blossomed on his cheek, but Caden didn’t flinch. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, but embarrassment never crossed his face.


    Instead, he took her hand and gently rubbed it.


    “Feel better now?”


    “Get out,” Alicia said, her voice icy.


    Caden stayed put.


    “If you’re still upset, go on. Take it out on me. Use the other hand when one gets tired.”


    Alicia’s re deepened.


    “You’re willing to go this far for a child? You have plenty of women who would dly give you children. Why waste your feelings on me?”


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    Caden’s expression remained unchanged, unfazed by her words.


    “Why just shout when you can hit and shout at the same time? It’s more effective.”


    A tightness coiled in her chest.


    Caden had a way of deflecting conflict, steering it into unexpected territory. He was relentless, weaving through emotions with practiced ease. But there was no doubt — his love for her ran deep, and he knew she felt the same, even if she refused to admit it.


    But before she could say another word, he gently lifted her onto the sofa, cing his thick coat over her knees. He knelt down, resting his head in herp, the gesture so tender it made her breath catch.


    “You know I can’t live without you,” he said softly, his eyes searching hers.


    “Who else would I want to have a child with?” His voice dropped, vulnerability breaking through.


    “It’s not just about a child, Alicia. You’re the only one who makes me feel alive. If you don’t want this baby, there won’t be any heir for the Ward family.”


    Alicia scoffed, her voiceced with bitterness.


    “Didn’t you and Ynda have your fun in Terrnd?”


    Caden’s jaw tightened.


    “We didn’t. I needed her cooperation, so I let her into my room. I wasn’t thinking straight, and she took advantage of that to leave a mark on my neck.”


    Alicia’s gaze remained cold and unyielding.


    He sighed, reluctantly admitting, “Yes, I was petty. I wanted you to see things from my perspective and feel what I was going through. But apart from that mark, I didn’t let her touch me. The door was open the whole time.”


    “I can show you the surveince footage if it helps.” He had been clouded by frustration then but had known enough to leave himself an escape route. He had kept the evidence ready, knowing Alicia’s anger would be fierce.


    Alicia’s retort was sharp.


    “You and Ynda make a fine pair. If the chemistry isn’t there yet, you can build it over time. And if you still can’t feel anything, well, modern fertility treatments work wonders. Soon enough, Ynda could give you a child every year, filling the Ward house with heirs.”


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