?<strong>Chapter 873:</strong>


    Alicia stayed out of the family drama. She had returned with Ciara to seek rity on something that puzzled her.


    “Ciara, did something happen to Caden the day I left, two years ago?”


    ke’s words were left unfinished, and Alicia had tried to investigate, but there was little information about Caden from that time. It was clear that he had deliberately hidden it.


    Ciara, taken aback by the question, responded hopefully, “Alicia, do you still hold a grudge against Caden?”


    Alicia offered a gentle smile. If she truly resented him, why would she delve into his past or reenter his life?


    Ciara sighed. “Back then…” She began reminiscing about the past when Caden was critically ill and dependent on medication.


    She had been distraught with worry. Yet, Caden had chosen secrecy for his reasons. With tears welling up, Ciara said, “Alicia, if Caden decides to share with you, that’s for the best. I shouldn’t meddle in your rtionship.”


    She added, guilt-ridden, “It’s my fault, really. I taught him how to seed but not how to love.”


    Alicia felt a pang of sadness and shook her head. After making sure Ciara was asleep, Alicia stepped outside and saw Luci loitering by the study door. He always stayed near Caden.


    Inside, Caden was likely overwhelmed with work, too busy to spare a moment.


    Alicia hesitated at the study door, contemting whether to enter, when Luci appeared, carrying snacks and coffee.


    Upon noticing Alicia, Luci hesitated but then quietly entered the study. Alicia raised an eyebrow. Clearly, Yvonne’s intentions extended beyond financial aid; she was also maneuvering to win Caden’s favor.


    Luci exited the room after only a minute, her eyes visibly red. Soon after, Caden appeared with a te of snacks, tossing pieces to Cade one by one.


    Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Alicia and nudged Cade gently with his foot.


    Upon seeing Alicia, Cade fixated his gaze on her, his tail wagging furiously.


    Alicia approached and affectionately ruffled Cade’s head. “You’re quite popr, aren’t you?”


    Caden, having known her so long, understood the subtext.


    “I didn’t ept it. That’s why all the snacks are for the dog,” he quipped, dropping another piece. Cade caught it eagerly, munching with delight.


    Caden shed a smile at Alicia. “Jealous?”


    Alicia’s face remained stoic. “I saw her go into your study. What do you think?”


    Caden’s smile waned.


    She really could keep herposure. If the roles were reversed, and he had seen someone cozying up to her, that person would be shown the door instantly.


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