?<strong>Chapter 766:</strong>


    “Why must the kindest souls endure the hardest trials? Of all the Ward family’s children, ke and Caden stand apart for their virtues, yet fate seems keen on challenging them.”


    The mention of Caden stirred a deep sadness in Alicia. She felt helpless to aid him, and she refused to be destroyed by his reckless actions. She was determined to thrive.


    Should Dorian prevail, she might serve as Caden’s fallback.


    In a gentle voice, Alicia suggested, “Ciara, could you possibly talk some sense into Caden?”


    Ciara let out a weary sigh and gave Alicia’s hand aforting pat.


    “Alicia, after all these years, do you still not see who Caden is? His resolve has defined him since he was a boy. How could he ever concede to defeat?”


    That evening, as the snow dusted thendscape, Caden made an unexpected appearance during dinner. He entered wearing the scarf Alicia had given him, which he nonchntly took off andid aside.


    In Ciara’s presence, their strained rtionship was less apparent. Yet, both were clearly fatigued, their interactions strained and minimal.


    At the dinner table, Caden brought up the uing engagement party, insisting that everything should go ahead as scheduled. No interventions would be tolerated.


    Alicia kept her eyes downcast, silently continuing her…


    Alicia continued with her meal as the servant presented the final dish. She nced towards the staircase and smiled.


    “Look, Ray ising down.”


    All heads turned to see Ray at the top of the stairs, his tiny form looking lost and bewildered as he gazed down at them.


    Ciara invited him to join them for a meal.


    Ray paused briefly, then approached with his hands sped behind him. He was shivering slightly.


    Seeing this, Ciara mistook it for nervousness due to the crowd and opened her arms.


    “Come here, Ray.”


    However, Caden sensed that something was amiss, his eyes intently observing Ray.


    “Why are your hands hidden behind you?”


    Ray stepped back in surprise and retreated, leaning instinctively toward Alicia.


    Concerned he might stumble, Alicia caught his arm.


    “What’s the matter?” She felt his forehead as she typically would.


    “You’re looking quite pale. Do you feel sick?”


    Ray stared at her intently. After a brief struggle reflected in his gaze, a sudden hostility took over, and he made a swift move toward her.


    A small fruit knife gleamed in front of Alicia’s eyes.


    Realizing the threat, she stepped backward.


    Ray charged with unexpected vigor.


    Trapped by her chair, Alicia closed her eyes, bracing for the worst.


    However, the pain she anticipated didn’te.


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